Resume writing

School students looking for part time work, or leavers transitioning into full time work, need to have a resume to be successful in their job hunt.

A resume is a marketing document that sells a product, in this case, the school student and so it is important that it includes skills, attributes and strengths as well as previous experience that will appeal to a future employer.

Tips for a great resume

"A resume should definitely have your full name, address, email and contact number, usually a mobile so that you can be traced fast, and an email address."

Include an 'Education' section and note your school, year of study and all the subjects/courses you are studying.

The inclusion of an Employability Skills section is highly recommended The inclusion of an Employability Skills section is highly recommended. In this section you refer to the 8 employability skills and note examples that demonstrate your skills - this is where you need to reflect on the things you have done at school or in your community or through your involvement in sport or a club and remember occasions and times where you applied the employability skills.

“Students tend to think 'I haven't done anything' when really they have learnt and acquired important skills and experiences through attending school, volunteer work, sporting clubs or hobbies they enjoy"

"Employers are interested in the personal qualities of a student "Employers are interested in the personal qualities of a student. Counting cash at the footie club shows you're trustworthy and honest and demonstrates experience in retail." “Employers look at attendance at school as a strong indicator of your reliability, good attendance at school shows that you will turn up on time, all the time”

List any work experience including paid jobs like McDonalds, Subway, Big W and unpaid jobs like babysitting and lawn mowing. You also need to include any community work, volunteer work or club involvement.

Include a Hobbies and Interests section with details of your extra curricular (outside school) activities and hobbies; photography, dance, acting, in a band… these are all evidence of being able to work as part of a team, shows your creativity, dedication and reliability.

Referees should be the last thing on the resume Referees should be the last thing on the resume. You will need two Referees. Ensure you approach your referees to ensure they are agreeable about being contacted by employers. – one from school and one from outside of school, either from your current or past employer or someone who knows about your character, background and upbringing. These are called a character reference Include their name, title, and contact details.

Make sure the resume is no longer than two pages, does not contain a stupid email address that might put off an employer and most importantly there are no spelling mistakes. list any important exams or subjects you have taken and awards you may have received. list any important exams or subjects you have taken and awards you may have received.

Now you should have a very clear idea of what a resume is, why they are so important and what one looks like. You are now ready to build your own resume!