How to Write a Resume

You want to apply for a job but you're not sure if your resume is up to scratch? Here's what the industry experts believe is the right way to compile a resume that will get your foot firmly in the job hunting door.

Think presentation

No one wants to trawl through a document that's cluttered and hard to read, so keep the layout simple and readable. Choose a font style like 11 point Times New Roman or Arial and stick to this throughout the resume. The same applies to dot points and headings-only one style should be used from start to finish (avoid italics, script and underlining).

Use good quality business paper and print on one side only. If emailing, save and send it as a PDF attachment (so the format doesn't change). Don't forget to attach your name when saving your document so it is easily identifiable when sent electronically.

For those just starting out in the workforce, a two-page resume is considered appropriate, but for those with a longer career history, three to five pages are advised.

Start with...

Your contact details always go first-usually centered at the top of the page. Include name, address, personal phone number, mobile phone number, pager, email and/or website address (make sure your email address sounds professional). In case the pages of your resume get separated when printed out, ensure your name and phone/email is on every page.

Be consistent

There are no hard and fast rules for how to organise information in a resume, but experts agree that it is important to maintain a consistency of format.

One common option is to write your resume as a chronology of experience, featuring your current experience first and working backwards. For each job role you would list the job title, employer, dates, work responsibilities and achievements. (If a company you have worked for isn't well known, include a sentence to explain who they are and what they do).

Another common option is to focus your resume more on your skill sets, listing each key strength (e.g., leadership skills, task orientated, customer focused) and giving examples of how these skills have been developed in previous job roles.

Remember when you are detailing your experience or skills, the more specific the better. Instead of simply stating that you have 'great people skills' or that you have previously worked as a 'group fitness instructor', think about how you can add supporting detail.

Example 1: 'Great people skills'

Worked for over a year as a customer service rep, during which time awarded twice with 'rep of the month'.

Example 2: 'Group fitness instructor'

Teaching group fitness classes for three years gave me the ability to coach groups, effectively organise my time and inspire others to achieve their goals.

List all work experience that relates as closely as possible to the position you're applying for, but don't go overboard with detail. It is important to keep your resume as concise as practical, which means eliminating any unnecessary words and irrelevant information (e.g., birth date, marital status and hobbies are no longer considered necessary).

Use action words

Begin each sentence with an action, keeping it in the past tense. For example, 'provided beauty therapy services to up to 20 clients a day' sounds better than 'I was a beauty therapist' because you are describing the value you provided the employer.

Try and use as many impact verbs as possible-e.g., facilitate, instruct, organise, sustain, initiate, supervise-to describe your skills.

Include a career overview

A 'career overview' is a snappy way for your resume to make an immediate impact. It is typically positioned at the top (under contact details) and it provides a quick snapshot of what you have to offer in no more than a few sentences (written as one paragraph).

Example: A qualified personal trainer, with five years experience in the fitness industry, I have worked with a number of leading fitness clubs. I have a proven ability for helping people achieve their goals and a passion for enhancing my fitness knowledge. I've recently completed my Master Trainers Certificate and am now seeking to become a PT franchisee.

What else?

Education is usually outlined after work experience unless you are a new graduate and have a limited amount of work history. List your most recent education first, and unless you are straight out of school, leave your secondary school history out. Don't forget to include all fitness certifications, advanced specialisations and in-house courses.

You could also include an 'other' subheading that lists any information you think your employer might be interested in such as massage qualifications, first aid, ex. Scuba Instructor, ex. body builder, charity work etc.

If you have any professional memberships relevant to your career, include these under a separate subheading.

References

These go at the end or even on a separate sheet of paper. Choose references in a related health and fitness field or former managers and supervisors. Avoid listing family members!

Check & re-check

Now that your resume is written (phew!) it's time to run a spelling and grammar check. Ask a friend to proofread; fresh eyes will often pick up spelling errors, slang words or awkward phrases that you have missed.

Create a cover letter

Your resume should always be sent out with a cover letter, which you can write up as a template and adjust each time you apply for a new position. Your cover letter pulls out some of the highlights of your experience that might be of particular interest to the prospective employer.