YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED
I’M GOING TO UPDATE MY RESUME ON MONDAY. WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU LOOK AT WHEN YOU PICK ONE UP?
DARREN BUCHANAN MANAGING DIRECTOR, HAYS QUEENSLAND
We look for skills and experience relevant to the role in question. If it’s been a while since you last updated your CV, some of your previous work experience may not be as suitable to the types of roles you now want. So when updating your CV, remove excess information about early roles and focus instead on recent and relevant experience. We also look for proof to support the skills you mention. A good way to achieve this is to include action verbs throughout your CV. For example, if you say that you ‘”motivated” a team, this will encourage you to give details, including your results.
SINEAD HOURIGAN BRISBANE DIRECTOR, ROBERT WALTERS
Firstly, attention to detail. A lack of attention to detail around spelling, grammar and punctuation can undermine all the effort you have put into creating a perfect CV. It is also important to clarify the difference between your role responsibilities and your achievements throughout your career. I would also counsel anyone reviewing their resume on brevity. Irrespective of how long or rich in content your career history has been, people are always short of time and if you can’t explain yourself within about four pages, you will run the risk of losing your audience.
JULIE FORD SENIOR EXECUTIVE CONSULTANT, McARTHUR
CVs or resumes come in many formats – there are the good and the very bad, but there are no clear rules as to any format being more right or wrong than the other. I like to see clear contact information first and foremost. I want to be able to pick up the phone or find a contact method without trawling through the document to find it on the last page, or worse – not at all! The second thing I look for is a clear overview or statement which provides some insight into who you are and what you are offering.
DR NERIDA HILLBERG DIRECTOR OF PSYCHOLOGY, FERRIS MANAGEMENT CONSULTANTS
The first thing I look for in a CV is a cover letter, irrespective of whether it was asked for. The letter should offer evidence you’ve done your homework on the company. Conduct a market analysis on the role and the sector, and look at the potential value-add you could bring to the business. Regarding the CV – first, ensure it demonstrates your skills, experience, proficiency, achievements, qualifications and experience. Second, ensure an errorfree CV that is well-presented, concise and cogent. Compel the reader to invite you for an interview.