Length
It is unlikely that you will need more than 3 or 4 pages to effectively sell your skills, education and experience. Any longer and the employer may lose interest! Keep the résumé to the point, sharp and succinct.

Content
Use bullet points rather than lengthy paragraphs. Use action-orientated words and phrases.

Presentation
The résumé is a professional document and should therefore reflect this. It should be professionally printed and easily readable. Unless you are applying for a ‘creative/arty’ position, there is no need to spend a fortune on colours, fancy binders etc. It is the content that the employer is looking at.

Cover Letter
Tailor the cover letter to suit the role you are applying for, highlighting why they need to consider your application. Once again, short (1 page would usually suffice), precise and to the point.

 

Résumé Front Page
Personal Details:

  • Name
  • Nationality
  • Address
  • Phone Details
  • Email Address

Education:

  • Name of High School and Qualifications gained, date
  • Name of University and Qualifications gained, date
  • Currently studying details (with anticipated completion date)
  • Professional Qualifications: If relevant add these here
  • Language skills
  • Information Technology Skills
  • Leisure interests (may strike a note of familiarity with the interviewer)

Subsequent Pages
Career History (most recent position first):

  • Date started to date finished
  • Company name, Location
  • Company Description:
  • Size of company
  • Is it national/international
  • Privately/publicly owned
  • What the company does…
  • Your title, reporting to…

Responsibilities:

  • List 6-10 of your main responsibilities

Achievements:

  • List 2-3 of your main achievements for each role

Reason for Leaving:

  • This helps to determine why you have changed roles