6Getting a job

COMPONENTS OF A WINNING RESUMÉ

A representation exhibits the 5 components of a winning resume. 1. Maximum two pages. 2. Simple and easy-to-read design. 3. Tailored for the specific job you are applying for. 4. Lists accomplishments and includes your ‘it’ factor. 5. Includes quantitative details.

1. MAX TWO PAGES

A recruiter spends on average seven to ten seconds looking at your resumé. Keep it between one and two pages max. If you have a lot of experience, prioritise the experience that is most relevant to the job you are applying for. You do not need to include your first part-time job at the local store when you were 15.

2. SIMPLE AND EASY-TO-READ DESIGN

Your resumé should be simple and organised so the recruiter can quickly skim over it and see that you have the appropriate skills and experience for the job. On the next page is an example of a simple resumé design that you can use. You can reorder any of these elements depending on what you want to highlight, your experience level, age and priorities.

The appropriate design for your resumé will depend on the industry and company you are applying for. If you are applying for a role in a creative industry or a start-up, you may choose to have a more aesthetically pleasing style for your resumé. On the other hand, a more traditional, black-and-white resumé may be better suited to corporate positions.

Many companies nowadays also use applicant tracking system (ATS) software to filter through applications in the early stages of the recruitment process. The software compares the text in your application and resumé against the job description to check if it meets certain ...

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