Published On: 11 January 2018

No matter what job you are applying for, one thing that is almost always guaranteed is that you will need to supply a resume accompanied by a cover letter.

Writing a resume can often be a daunting task as it could be the make or break of you getting the job you’re applying for. In saying this once you have nailed the process, you will have your own unique template document which you can continue to come back to and change as your career progresses.

‘So how do I write a great resume?’ you might be asking yourself. Well the following outline along with a little help from your WAIS Personal Excellence advisor could be just what you need.

1. Personal Details

This section should include your full name and address along with your telephone number and email should the employer need to contact you.

2. Career Objective/Personal Profile

Your career objective or personal profile should be brief statement about any experience you have relevant to the job your applying for whilst you can also communicate your future career goals.

3. Key Skills/Experience

In this section of your resume you should include five to ten key skills, relevant to the job you’re applying for, in bullet format referring to previous experience where it is appropriate.

When writing your skills the WAIS Personal Excellence advisors suggest that you use a number of positive/action words such as competent, successful, participated, developed or achieved. The use of these words will help to leave a good impression on the employer.

You might not have had a large amount of experience in the past, however many athletes possess attributes which are favourable when applying for jobs in many different fields as a result of their involvement in sport. Some examples of these skills may be;

  • Clear and precise verbal and written communication skills.

  • Ability to work well in a team environment.

  • Excellent time management skills.

 

4. Education

Education includes both school and tertiary studies, written in reverse chronological order (ie. whatever you completed first is written last). Here is an example of how you may structure the Education section of your resume;

 

Tertiary

2015-Ongoing      University of Western Australia

                                Bachelor of Commerce – Majoring in Marketing

Secondary

2010-2014            John XXIII College

                                ATAR – 85

 

5. Significant Achievements and Awards

Written in bullet point format in reverse chronological order, this section can include any significant achievements and awards you have received whether that be an academic achievement awards or the appointment to a position of responsibility at your school or university.

As you list your achievements be sure to begin each with an action verb such as awarded, established or organized.

6. Other Courses and Training

Once again, listed in chronological order, the other courses and training section of your resume should include anything addition you have completed which may demonstrate your experience. This could include a First Aid Course or a Barista Course if you’re applying for a job in a café.

7. Employment History

Similarly to the previous section, your employment history should also be written in reverse chronological order. When listing you employment history you should include the dates that you held the job, the name of the employer, your role and any skills and responsibilities that you held. This information is provided for every job position you list. Here is an example of how you may structure the Employment History section of your resume;

 

August 2016 – Present                   Woolworths Floreat Forum                                   Part-Time

Check Out Attendant –

  • Effective verbal communications with customers.

  • Efficiency – able to work quickly and effectively to complete tasks.

  • Initiative – identifying any issues which may have arisen and addressing them immediately.

  • Teamwork – able to work effectively with others in order to complete tasks and solve problems.

 

January 2015 – April 2016             Miss Maud’s Westfield Innaloo                             Casual

Waitress –

  • Effective verbal and written communication.

  • Excellent customer services skills.

  • Problem Solving – ability to think on feet and resolve issues in a timely fashion.

  • Initiative – ability to move on and complete tasks without been told, where appropriate.

  • Teamwork – ability to work well with others in both a leadership and support role.

 

If you have completed volunteer work in addition to paid employment you can also include this in this section or alternatively you can create another section titled Volunteer Experience.

***Based on the role you are applying for it may be more appropriate to place the Employment History section of your resume before the Education section. If you are unsure or need clarification, your WAIS Personal Excellence advisors are more than happy to lend a helping hand.

 

8. Computer Skills

If you are applying for a job which will require you to use a computer on a regular basis, such as a reception position, it might be useful to include a section where you outline your computer skills. This will enhance your application and outline your ability to use software which may be relevant to the job position. For example you may be proficient in the use of Microsoft Word and Microsoft Power Point, whilst you can also effectively use the Internet and Email servers.

9. Licenses Held

Once again if you are applying for a job which may require you to have a specific license you may consider including a Licenses Held section. Examples of licenses a job may require are a Working with Children Check or a current ‘C’ Class Driver’s License.

10. Interests

It is always a good idea to include an Interests section in your resume as this provides employers with an insight into you as a person and what you enjoy doing away from the work environment. Interests can include anything form sports teams your involve din to creative interests such as singing, reading or cooking.

11. Referees

The final section of your resume is your referees. This should include two or three people who may be contacted by your employer as you progress through the hiring process. Referees can include university lecturers, current and previous employers or a long term sports coach. Whoever you choose just make sure you have asked them before you list them.

When listing your referees make sure you include their full name, their job title, who the referee’s employer is and their phone number.

WAIS athletes, if you need any further help when it comes to applying for a job or writing your resume make sure you book a time to speak to your Personal Excellence advisors who are always willing to help.