How to Create an AWESOME Resume

In today's fiercely competitive job market, a standout resume is one way to capture the attention and secure opportunities with future employers. To help you craft a resume that truly shines, remember to make it AWESOME!

Note: While there are always exceptions based on country, industry, and role, this high-level approach will guide you toward creating an impactful resume.

Also, in this article, "CV" and "resume" are used interchangeably.

A – Audience Awareness

Understand that your resume is not for you; it’s for someone who doesn’t know you. Tailor content to meet the needs and expectations of potential employers. Avoid jargon and acronyms that might be unclear to those outside your industry. Use simple, clear language and provide context where necessary to ensure your resume is easily understood.

Hot tip: Have someone you know, but not in your company or role, read your CV. See if they can relay what you do and what you’ve done.?

W – Winning Achievements

Highlight your achievements rather than just listing your duties. Employers want to see the impact you’ve made in your previous roles. Focus on specific accomplishments, such as successful projects, innovative solutions, or recognition you've received. This demonstrates your value and potential contributions to a new employer.

E – Effective Layout

Your resume’s layout is crucial for readability. Use white space effectively to avoid cramming too much information onto one page. A clean, well-organised layout helps recruiters navigate your resume quickly. The choice is yours, whether column or block format; ensure the most important information is at the top and make use of headers, bullet points, and sections to guide the reader’s eye.

Recruiters often scan many resumes and spend only a few seconds on each. To capture their attention, place the most important information at the top of your resume.

Hot tip– Check for Consistency: Ensure that your CV maintains consistent formatting throughout. This includes font styles, bullet points, headings, and spacing. Consistency helps your CV look professional and organised, making it easier for recruiters to read. There are lots of free tools in the market including templates from Google, Microsoft and Canva.

S – Specificity

Be specific in your descriptions. Vague statements don’t convey much about your capabilities. Instead, use vivid action verbs and provide detailed information about your roles, responsibilities, and successes. For instance, instead of saying “responsible for managing projects,” say “managed 10+ projects with a 95% on-time delivery rate.” This paints a picture for those reading your CV.

O – Outstanding Metrics

Quantify your achievements with metrics whenever possible. Numbers give context to your accomplishments and make them more impactful. For example, “increased sales by 30%” or “reduced processing time by 20 hours per month.” Metrics provide concrete evidence of your skills and successes.

M – Masterful Storytelling

Craft your resume as a cohesive story that illustrates your career journey. Use engaging narratives to connect your experiences and achievements. Masterful storytelling helps create a compelling and cohesive picture of your professional path, making your resume more engaging.

Hot Tip: Organise your CV in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent job at the top. This format highlights your current skills and most recent experiences first, making it easier for recruiters to see your latest achievements and career progression.

E – Error-Free Excellence

Finally, ensure that typos or mistakes don’t diminish the brilliance of your resume. Enlist a friend, family member, or colleague to review your CV. A fresh set of eyes can spot errors or awkward phrasing that you might overlook. They can also provide feedback on the overall clarity and effectiveness of your content.

Hot Tip: Are spelling & grammar not your thing? Leverage Technology! –use free tools like Grammarly to catch errors and improve your CV’s clarity. Grammarly offers suggestions for spelling, grammar, and style, making it an invaluable resource.

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

1. Overloading Your Resume – Avoid cramming too much information onto one page. Use white space to improve readability. More than 2 pages IS acceptable depending on your experience. My preference is to cap my experience to 10-years. You can include additional experience on your LinkedIn profile.
2. Being Vague – Specificity is key. Provide clear, detailed descriptions of your experiences and achievements. Don't neglect your metrics – Quantify your successes to make a stronger impact.
3. Maximise the Cover Letter – Use your cover letter to explain your experience and highlight your transferable skills, especially if you’re transitioning careers. Use it to make a memorable impact. You can also make a memorable impression with your “About You” section. This is your chance to summarise who you are, what you bring to the table, and why you’re an exceptional candidate. Craft a compelling narrative that captures your unique skills and career journey.
4. Review and Revise: After making initial corrections, take a break before revising your CV again. A short break can help you return with a clearer mind and catch any remaining errors. Revising in stages helps ensure a thorough review.
5. Verify Contact Information: Double-check that all your contact information is correct and up-to-date. This includes your email address, phone number, and LinkedIn profile. Any errors here can hinder your ability to be reached for interviews or follow-ups. (You have no idea how common this is!)

Wrapping It Up: "The Not Needed Unless Requested" & the "Don't Forget This" List

1. Photos: Keep It Professional

In Australia, you don’t need to include a photo on your CV—save that snapshot for your LinkedIn profile. Your resume should focus on your skills and experience, not your appearance.

2. Contact Details: Don’t Leave Them Out

Make sure your contact details are included in the footer of every page after the first. It’s a small detail that’s often overlooked, but it’s crucial. If printed, and the pages of your resume get separated, you want to make sure the recruiter can still reach you. Include your full name, email, phone number, and LinkedIn link. Your home address? That’s something you can provide later, once you’ve been hired.

3. References: Save the Space

Don’t waste valuable resume real estate with reference information. For one, you should confirm with your references that they’re willing to provide a positive endorsement. It’s both polite and practical. If employers need references, they’ll ask for them at the right time. Use that space to showcase your accomplishments instead!

4. ATS Optimisation: There’s no such thing!

There’s no magic formula for optimising your resume, but you can make sure your PDF looks professional. Double-check that the formatting hasn’t shifted and that everything appears as you intended. A well-formatted PDF is a safer bet to ensure your resume looks great on any device.?

5. Additional Tips:

• Tailor Your Resume: Customise your resume for each job application to highlight the most relevant skills and experiences.
• Use Keywords: When applicable, include industry-specific keywords and phrases from the job description to ensure your resume resonates your audience.

With these tips in mind, you’ll create an AWESOME resume that not only stands out but also effectively communicates your value to potential employers.

Good luck, and here’s to landing that dream job!

What would you add? Did I miss anything? Have any questions?

Tell me in the comments below!

Stay tuned for Part 2: "ACING Your Interview" where we’ll unlock the secrets to making a great impression.

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