Stepping it up

Stepping it up How to take your résumé

from average to outstanding

In your final years of high school you hear a lot about your future study and career options. While there are many different paths to choose from, they will all have one thing in common.

Whether you dream of full-time work, a volunteer position, an internship or a study scholarship, you’ll need a résumé that helps you stand out from the crowd.

The good news is, when it comes to lifting your résumé game, just a little extra effort will go a long way toward giving you a polished and professional application.

First things first,

cover letter.

A cover letter is designed to give the reader an idea of who you are, what skills you have and why you would be suitable for the job. It provides an introduction to your more detailed résumé and is a great opportunity to catch the reader’s attention and stand out from the crowd.

Your cover letter should follow formal letter structure and include your contact details, a brief summary of your work experience and skills.

It’s a great idea to start by putting all of these basic elements onto the page first and then adding to and refining your cover letter from there.

To whom it may concern,

I'm really interested in becoming a teacher aide. I've

been baby sitting for just over a year now and I think I

have gained the skills needed to support a teacher in the

classroom.

I finished year 12 last year and have experience working at McDonalds

Thanks,Kathy :)0412 345 678

What NOT to do.

To whom it may concern,

I'm really interested in becoming a teacher aide. I've

been baby sitting for just over a year now and I think I

have gained the skills needed to support a teacher in the

classroom.

I finished year 12 last year and have experience working at McDonalds

Thanks,Kathy :)0412 345 678

While this example covers all the basics, it definitely needs more work before it can be submitted to a potential employer. Putting a little extra effort into your wording and layout can really help you stand out from the very first page.

The average job ad attracts over 118 applicants, so you’ll need to step up your game if you want to stand out from the crowd and be noticed.

Remember, a cover letter is your opportunity to make a great first impression, so try to think outside the box. Check out this example.

Dear Mr Black,

I wish to apply for the position of teacher aide as advertised in the Adelaide Advertiser on 2 September 2016.

Last year, I completed Year 12 at Valley View Secondary School. I achieved positive results in English, mathematics, home economics, biology and geography. I am particularly keen to obtain a position as a teacher aide as I am interested in working with children and have held several voluntary and paid positions as a baby sitter for children up to ten years old. I relate well to children and can sing and play the guitar. I also have a portfolio of my art work.

Since leaving school, I have been employed part-time as a checkout operator. In this role, I have demonstrated that I am responsible and reliable and a good team member. Customers have often complimented me on my attention to their needs and my willingness to go beyond the call of duty.

Thank you for considering my application. I have enclosed a copy of my résumé. I look forward to meeting you and providing further information in an interview. I can be contacted at anytime on my mobile phone number, which is 0412 345 678.

Yours sincerely, Kathy Porter

Kathy Porter – 0412 345 678 kathy.porter@hotmail.com

Professional example.

Dear Mr Black,

I wish to apply for the position of teacher aide as advertised in the Adelaide Advertiser on 2 September 2016.

Last year, I completed Year 12 at Valley View Secondary School. I achieved positive results in English, mathematics, home economics, biology and geography. I am particularly keen to obtain a position as a teacher aide as I am interested in working with children and have held several voluntary and paid positions as a baby sitter for children up to ten years old. I relate well to children and can sing and play the guitar. I also have a portfolio of my art work.

Since leaving school, I have been employed part-time as a checkout operator. In this role, I have demonstrated that I am responsible and reliable and a good team member. Customers have often complimented me on my attention to their needs and my willingness to go beyond the call of duty.

Thank you for considering my application. I have enclosed a copy of my résumé. I look forward to meeting you and providing further information in an interview. I can be contacted at anytime on my mobile phone number, which is 0412 345 678.

Yours sincerely, Kathy Porter

Kathy Porter – 0412 345 678 kathy.porter@hotmail.com

Kathy Porter – 0412 345 678 kathy.porter@hotmail.com

Personally addressing the letter makes it

more professional and less generic

Dear Mr Black,

I wish to apply for the position of teacher aide as advertised in the Adelaide Advertiser on 2 September 2016.

Last year, I completed Year 12 at Valley View Secondary School. I achieved positive results in English, mathematics, home economics, biology and geography. I am particularly keen to obtain a position as a teacher aide as I am interested in working with children and have held several voluntary and paid positions as a baby sitter for children up to ten years old. I relate well to children and can sing and play the guitar. I also have a portfolio of my art work.

Since leaving school, I have been employed part-time as a checkout operator. In this role, I have demonstrated that I am responsible and reliable and a good team member. Customers have often complimented me on my attention to their needs and my willingness to go beyond the call of duty.

Thank you for considering my application. I have enclosed a copy of my résumé. I look forward to meeting you and providing further information in an interview. I can be contacted at anytime on my mobile phone number, which is 0412 345 678.

Yours sincerely, Kathy Porter

Dear Mr Black,

I wish to apply for the position of teacher aide as advertised in the Adelaide Advertiser on 2 September 2016.

Last year, I completed Year 12 at Valley View Secondary School. I achieved positive results in English, mathematics, home economics, biology and geography. I am particularly keen to obtain a position as a teacher aide as I am interested in working with children and have held several voluntary and paid positions as a baby sitter for children up to ten years old. I relate well to children and can sing and play the guitar. I also have a portfolio of my art work.

Since leaving school, I have been employed part-time as a checkout operator. In this role, I have demonstrated that I am responsible and reliable and a good team member. Customers have often complimented me on my attention to their needs and my willingness to go beyond the call of duty.

Thank you for considering my application. I have enclosed a copy of my résumé. I look forward to meeting you and providing further information in an interview. I can be contacted at anytime on my mobile phone number, which is 0412 345 678.

Yours sincerely, Kathy Porter

A custom template makes this application

both eye-catching and professional

Kathy Porter – 0412 345 678 kathy.porter@hotmail.com

Dear Mr Black,

I wish to apply for the position of teacher aide as advertised in the Adelaide Advertiser on 2 September 2016.

Last year, I completed Year 12 at Valley View Secondary School. I achieved positive results in English, mathematics, home economics, biology and geography. I am particularly keen to obtain a position as a teacher aide as I am interested in working with children and have held several voluntary and paid positions as a baby sitter for children up to ten years old. I relate well to children and can sing and play the guitar. I also have a portfolio of my art work.

Since leaving school, I have been employed part-time as a checkout operator. In this role, I have demonstrated that I am responsible and reliable and a good team member. Customers have often complimented me on my attention to their needs and my willingness to go beyond the call of duty.

Thank you for considering my application. I have enclosed a copy of my résumé. I look forward to meeting you and providing further information in an interview. I can be contacted at anytime on my mobile phone number, which is 0412 345 678.

Yours sincerely, Kathy Porter

Use key phrases from the job

description to pitch yourself for

the role you’re applying for

Dear Mr Black,

I wish to apply for the position of teacher aide as advertised in the Adelaide Advertiser on 2 September 2016.

Last year, I completed Year 12 at Valley View Secondary School. I achieved positive results in English, mathematics, home economics, biology and geography. I am particularly keen to obtain a position as a teacher aide as I am interested in working with children and have held several voluntary and paid positions as a baby sitter for children up to ten years old. I relate well to children and can sing and play the guitar. I also have a portfolio of my art work.

Since leaving school, I have been employed part-time as a checkout operator. In this role, I have demonstrated that I am responsible and reliable and a good team member. Customers have often complimented me on my attention to their needs and my willingness to go beyond the call of duty.

Thank you for considering my application. I have enclosed a copy of my résumé. I look forward to meeting you and providing further information in an interview. I can be contacted at anytime on my mobile phone number, which is 0412 345 678.

Yours sincerely, Kathy Porter

Give a ‘call to action’. Request an interview or an opportunity to discuss your

suitability for the position

Now that’s covered, let’s look at your

résumé.

Now that you’ve caught your reader’s attention, it’s time to back up your cover letter with an impressive résumé. This is your chance to give more detail about your skills, experience and achievements. Here are some things to include:

• personal details (name and contact information)

• work / volunteer experience and related skills

• education (including recent awards or high achievements)

• referees

Just like writing a cover letter, résumés can take time, so get the essentials on paper first and work from there.

Details:

Name Kathy Porter

contact number 0421564534

email sk8rgurl69@Hotmail.com

D.O.B: 15/08/1999

Employment:

McDonalds (2 months) - cash register - cooking fries

Baby Sitting (1 year) - watching kids

Education:

Valley View Secondary School - Completed year 12

Referees:

Jane Porter 3543543 Jane.porter@hotmail.com

What NOT to do.

Details:

Name Kathy Porter

contact number 0421564534

email sk8rgurl69@Hotmail.com

D.O.B: 15/08/1999

Employment:

McDonalds (2 months) - cash register - cooking fries

Baby Sitting (1 year) - watching kids

Education:

Valley View Secondary School - Completed year 12

Referees:

Jane Porter 3543543 Jane.porter@hotmail.com

While this résumé has all of the basic information, it doesn’t showcase or explain Kathy’s relevant skills and experience. It still needs quite a lot of work before it can be sent to a potential employer.

Putting a little extra effort into your wording and layout can really take your résumé to the next level and help the reader to understand why you’re a great fit for the role.

On average, recruiters spend only 6 to 8 seconds* looking at a résumé. Yep, just seconds! This is why the layout and presentation of your résumé is so important. Formatting your information so that it’s interesting and easy to read will make a huge difference. It’s also important to take the time to expand on your skills and experience.

*http://www.businessinsider.com.au/what-recruiters-look-at-on-your-résumé-2014-11

‘But I don’t have many skills or very much experience…’

If you’re worried that your résumé is looking a little empty, think beyond work experience to other skills and knowledge you may have. Some great things to include on your résumé are:

• volunteer experience• academic achievements or recent school awards• leadership experience and teamwork skills from a

club, activity or sporting group you’re a part of• community participation

ResumeKathy Porter

Phone0412 345 678

CONTACTkathy.porter@gmail.com

ADDRESS123 Main Street, Toowoomba Q 4350

Baby Sitting – Self managedMarch 2015 – March 2016 (1 year)

- Maintaining a clean and safe environment- Tutoring and homework support.

McDonalds - Cashier/customer serviceJanuary 2015 – March 2015 (2 months)

- Food preparation and feeding- Provided a high level of customer service- Maintained a tidy and hygienic workplace.

Captain – Ipswich NetballMarch 2011 – March 2016 (5 years)

- Assisting to train and mentor team members- Proactively supporting and encouraging team- Organising and collecting equipment and leading team training sessions.

Education- Queensland Certificate of Education 2011-2015- Societies: Art, Drama Club, WSS Orchestra.

Work Skills- Great interpersonal and communication skills- Proficient in MS Office Suite- Supportive and proactive team leader.

Referees- Mr John Tucker (Manager, McDonalds) 0412 345 678 john.tucker@gmail.com

- Mrs Jane Stevens (Coach, Ipswich Netball) 0412 345 678 jane.stevens@gmail.com

SKILLS

Baby Sitting

Cashier

Netball

Leading Teams

Customer Service

MS Office Suite

Team Training

01 January 2016

Putting in a little extra effort when explaining your skills and experience will go a long way to lifting

your résumé game and helping you to land the role.

Here’s a stronger example.

ResumeKathy Porter

Phone0412 345 678

CONTACTkathy.porter@gmail.com

ADDRESS123 Main Street, Toowoomba Q 4350

Baby Sitting – Self managedMarch 2015 – March 2016 (1 year)

- Maintaining a clean and safe environment- Tutoring and homework support.

McDonalds - Cashier/customer serviceJanuary 2015 – March 2015 (2 months)

- Food preparation and feeding- Provided a high level of customer service- Maintained a tidy and hygienic workplace.

Captain – Ipswich NetballMarch 2011 – March 2016 (5 years)

- Assisting to train and mentor team members- Proactively supporting and encouraging team- Organising and collecting equipment and leading team training sessions.

Education- Queensland Certificate of Education 2011-2015- Societies: Art, Drama Club, WSS Orchestra.

Work Skills- Great interpersonal and communication skills- Proficient in MS Office Suite- Supportive and proactive team leader.

Referees- Mr John Tucker (Manager, McDonalds) 0412 345 678 john.tucker@gmail.com

- Mrs Jane Stevens (Coach, Ipswich Netball) 0412 345 678 jane.stevens@gmail.com

SKILLS

Baby Sitting

Cashier

Netball

Leading Teams

Customer Service

MS Office Suite

Team Training

01 January 2016

ResumeKathy Porter

Phone0412 345 678

CONTACTkathy.porter@gmail.com

ADDRESS123 Main Street, Toowoomba Q 4350

Baby Sitting – Self managedMarch 2015 – March 2016 (1 year)

- Maintaining a clean and safe environment- Tutoring and homework support.

McDonalds - Cashier/customer serviceJanuary 2015 – March 2015 (2 months)

- Food preparation and feeding- Provided a high level of customer service- Maintained a tidy and hygienic workplace.

Captain – Ipswich NetballMarch 2011 – March 2016 (5 years)

- Assisting to train and mentor team members- Proactively supporting and encouraging team- Organising and collecting equipment and leading team training sessions.

Education- Queensland Certificate of Education 2011-2015- Societies: Art, Drama Club, WSS Orchestra.

Work Skills- Great interpersonal and communication skills- Proficient in MS Office Suite- Supportive and proactive team leader.

Referees- Mr John Tucker (Manager, McDonalds) 0412 345 678 john.tucker@gmail.com

- Mrs Jane Stevens (Coach, Ipswich Netball) 0412 345 678 jane.stevens@gmail.com

SKILLS

Baby Sitting

Cashier

Netball

Leading Teams

Customer Service

MS Office Suite

Team Training

01 January 2016

While your résumé needs to be professional, a quick Google search will give you access to some great custom templates that can help you to organise your information clearly while still showing your personality. Keeping your résumé clear, concise and easy to read will help you to stand out from the crowd.

Last but not least, don’t forget to proofread! Even if your entire résumé is looking like a master piece, one little spelling mistake can be all it takes to change your potential employer’s perception of you. A little extra effort with editing can really take your résumé up a level!

Whether you’re hoping to be an intern, apprentice, volunteer or a scholarship recipient, you’ll need a great résumé to stand out from the crowd.

Putting in a little extra effort will go a long way to helping you present a polished and professional application!

If you’re not quite sure where you’d like your résumé to take you, then talk to the team at Student Services for free advice on career planning and study pathways.

For more awesome advice on upping your résumé game, check out USQ’s Social Hub!

CRICOS: QLD00244B NSW02225M TEQSA: PRV12081 15.1.E 06.2016 Graphics & Photos © Shutterstock

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