Getting Started

Resume Dos and Don’ts

Your Resume’s Purpose

Your Resume is your personal marketing document with one goal: to get you an interview for your ideal job. It should clearly reflect your skills, qualifications, achievements, and experience. Think strategically: what are your strengths, and how can they match what employers need?

✅ Do

Take your time: craft and refine your resume carefully.
Plan and format well: your resume is a marketing tool — you are the product.
Make a strong first impression: grab attention within 20–30 seconds.
Use clean formatting: headings, bullet points, and white space matter.
Check for spelling and grammar: use more than just spellcheck.
Include a brief, compelling summary at the top.
Be truthful: don’t exaggerate or embellish.
Tailor your resume to each job: mirror keywords and language from the job advert.
Keep it concise: ideally 2 pages, never more than 4.
Use action verbs and positive language.
Focus on results: highlight achievements, not just duties.
List work history in reverse chronological order with relevant details.
Show ongoing learning: include CPD and certifications.
Address your application to a named person if possible.
Check your resume thoroughly – multiple times and with fresh eyes.
Keep your resume updated regularly.

❌ Don’t

Don’t title it “Curriculum Vitae” — it’s obvious.
Avoid coloured or low-quality paper: use clean, white or cream A4.
Do not photocopy: print original versions.
Only include a photo if requested.
Never fold your resume; send it in an A4 envelope.
Don’t include salary info unless asked.
Don’t explain reasons for leaving previous jobs.
Avoid writing a full biography — keep to relevant, professional content.
Never rely on your resume alone; always send a strong covering letter too.

Covering Letters

A well-crafted covering letter can significantly boost your chance of landing an interview. Even the best resume won’t be read if it’s buried behind a weak letter.

Tips for Covering Letters

Keep it brief – aim for one page.
It’s crucial to customise your covering letter. Recruiters may sift through hundreds of applications, so ensure yours stands out, demonstrating you possess the skills and abilities needed for the role.
Your covering letter is your chance to introduce yourself and explain why you are the right fit for the position.
If the job advertisement provides a phone number, consider calling to gather more information. This will help you tailor your letter and reference the conversation.

Your letter should ideally consist of three paragraphs:

First Paragraph: State your purpose for applying, mentioning the specific job title, where you found it advertised, and the date. For speculative letters, explain how you discovered the company, such as through a news article or its website.
Second Paragraph: Sell yourself by linking your strengths and skills to the job requirements. For instance, if they seek someone with strong research skills, provide an example of relevant experience you have.
Third Paragraph: Request an interview or meeting. You might mention your intention to follow up with a call next week or express your eagerness to discuss how you can add value to the company.

As with your CV, honesty is paramount; lying will only lead to complications during the interview process.

Your covering letter should reflect your true self; if you are not flamboyant, don’t write in an exaggerated style. Write authentically, as trying to present a false persona may lead you to the wrong job fit.

If the advertisement requests your current salary, provide a range, such as $50,000 – $65,000. This shows flexibility for both parties.

Address your letter to a specific person and sign off with “Yours sincerely.” If using a generic greeting like “Dear Sir or Madam,” use “Yours faithfully.”

Present your letter in a typed format on white A4 paper. If that’s not an option, ensure your handwriting is neat.

Application Forms

Application forms standardise responses and make comparisons easier for recruiters. Follow instructions closely and don’t just attach your CV.

Hints and Tips

Don’t write “see CV” in place of filling out answers.
Read all instructions and review the form before writing.
Practice on a copy first to avoid mistakes.
Avoid leaving blanks — use “N/A” if necessary.
Use black ink for handwritten forms.
Provide honest, concise, and relevant answers.
Keep a copy of your completed form for reference.
Include your CV and a cover letter unless told not to.
Use open sections (like “Other Information”) to emphasise achievements.

Interview Preparation

Before the Interview

An interview is a chance for both parties to learn more about each other. If you lack interview experience, it’s normal to feel pre-interview nerves. Remember: nerves can be beneficial as they indicate your interest in the position. Preparing will help you tailor your questions, boost your confidence, and demonstrate your enthusiasm and planning skills. Use specific examples or anecdotes to support your positive qualities, as they tend to resonate more with interviewers.

Consider where your strongest skills lie, and recall instances where you successfully applied them. Demonstrating a willingness to learn new skills is crucial, so think about when you’ve embraced new methods.

Problem-solving abilities are often scrutinised in interviews, so prepare anecdotes about challenges you’ve faced and overcome.

Discussing interests or pastimes can reveal your motivations, values, and intelligence. Reflect on any hobbies that may relate to your career aspirations and feel free to share them, if appropriate.

Research the organisation thoroughly before your interview. Demonstrating knowledge about the company shows your enthusiasm and confidence. Utilise questions to convey your research.

Contact the company for literature, such as annual reports or brochures.
Read relevant trade journals and leverage your network to gather insights.
Navigate through the organisation’s website thoroughly.

What to Ask at the End

What are the team’s current projects?
How does this role contribute to the company’s goals?
What’s the training and development plan?
How do you see this role evolving?
Why is the role vacant?
What do you enjoy about working here?

First Impressions and Presentation

What to Wear

First impressions are crucial. The interview is a rare occasion where a smart dress code remains essential. Ensure you are well-groomed and comfortable. Check your hair, clothing, and shoes. If you wear fragrance, keep it subtle. The key is to avoid distancing yourself from the interviewer with your appearance; this is not the time for bold fashion statements.

Your Manner

The person interviewing you will be looking for qualities that demonstrate your ability to do a good job, while making a positive contribution to their organisation. They also want to find out if you hold similar values to them.

Listen carefully to the information you are given and the questions you are asked
Do not argue, criticise former employers or colleagues or talk about domestic/personal matters
Do not be either overly modest or boastful; think carefully about your responses and try to remain calm and collected while responding
Most importantly, be yourself!
Remember, the interviewer needs to see the real you to decide whether or not you will fit into the organisation.

Body Language

What constitutes good body language? Studies suggest that up to 55% of a recruiter’s decision is influenced by body language.

Wait to be invited to sit down.
Maintain eye contact; if this becomes challenging, look at the top of the interviewer’s ear instead – they won’t notice!
Use forward movements and nod to indicate you are listening.
Choose a comfortable leg position and refrain from fidgeting.
If you gesture with your hands, keep them below elbow level.

What interviewers look for

Did you know that less than 10% of Australian managers are trained in interview techniques? You may encounter a less experienced interviewer. Remember, they are human too and may feel just as nervous as you do.

Interviewers have two primary goals:

To identify the best candidate.
To fill the vacancy quickly.

They also consider:

Will you fit in? – Questions about cultural fit are crucial. Be prepared to discuss your personality, working style, teamwork, strengths, weaknesses, and possibly your views on current events
Can you do the job? – This is typically straightforward. They were intrigued by your CV and will likely ask about your career choices and pose situational questions, such as, “What would you do if…?” More organised interviewers may require tests, presentations, or team activities, as applicable. Avoid merely repeating your CV; bring it to life with examples.
Will you do the job? – Conveying motivation can be more challenging. Expect questions about your knowledge of the organisation, how the job aligns with your long-term career goals, and what attracted you to this role.