Attract Future Employers with the Perfect Resume

Ever wanted that job but just never known how to go about getting it? What are employers looking for? How do I get across that I’m the best person for the job? Well look no further. This comprehensive overview will give you all the information you need to create the perfect resume and get that perfect job!

Page 1: Cover Page

First impressions last so the cover page is probably the most important page of the whole resume. If employers receive hundreds of applications for the job that you are vying for, then an attractive, eye-catching cover page will ensure that yours doesn’t get thrown onto the “no interview” pile. A photo of yourself looking extremely handsome and well dressed is important along with the words “Resume for (name)”. The layout of your cover page is also important as not only do you need to catch your future employer’s eye, but also ensure your page is not cluttered or too “busy” looking. To add a finishing touch to your cover page, add a quote somewhere from your university or college lecturer’s transcript report or from a reference from previous employment. Keep your page simple, yet catchy.

Page 2: Personal Details

The personal details page speaks for itself really.

Name:

Home Address:

Phone Number:

E-Mail Address:

Date of Birth:

Marital Status:

Ethnic Origin:

Health:

When setting this page up, use another photo of yourself, a more formal one would be beneficial, and place it alongside your information on the right hand side. Format it to fit in with the size of your information. A nice touch is to put a little introduction at the top of the page in another language, if you happen to speak one, which will show your future employer your cultural diversity and awareness and add another element to your skills and potential.

TēnāKoutouKatoa

No (city) ahau

Ko (last name) te Whanau

Ko (first name) tōku ingoa

Tēnā Koutou

Tēnā Koutou

Katoa

Page 3: Personal Statement

This is the part everyone tends to find difficult and loathe at times; telling your future employer how wonderful you are. Yet this is the part that your future employer wants to hear because they need to know how confident you are in your own abilities before hiring you. Words you should think about using in your statement are:

keen, enthusiastic, outgoing, experienced, love to succeed, work effectively, co-operative, flexible, accommodating, assume a leadership role, maturity, comfortable, at ease, enjoy new challenges, responsible, honest, open-minded, sense of humor, keen to learn and excel.

Page 4: Professional Details

Use the sub-headings, qualifications, other qualifications, work experience, and areas of responsibilities. Under qualifications list all of the qualifications you have gained since leaving high school including college and university degrees. Under other qualifications list anything attained during previous employment. They may have been staff based professional development certificates etc. Under work experience list all of the previous employment that you have been involved in, even jobs that may not seem relevant to the position you are applying for. Employers like to see that you are flexible and well rounded. Include the dates you were employed there and use one word to describe the type of work e.g. laborer, shop assistant. Under areas of responsibility list all of the extra responsibilities entrusted to you by your bosses at your previous jobs. Be sure to set your text up using bullet points and in chronological order from the most recent.

Page 5: References

Usually the job you are applying will give you a page to fill out for your references but it is always good to list these in your resume also in light of something going wrong with the application form. Three people are usually the norm when employers are asking for a character reference but some may ask for four.

Name:

Title: Family Friend

UNC Lecturer, Wilmington Campus

Address:

Phone:

E-Mail Address:

Make sure that you include all certificates, transcripts, and references attained since entering university or college. References from other employers are very powerful motivators for the person reviewing your application.

Finally try to add a personal touch to you resume by slotting in photos of yourself in action at previous places of employment. A full page washed out picture on one page is an idea and borders on all pages is recommended. Use color if you can for that “stand out from the rest” look and remember, avoid busyness and clutter. Assuming you are setting your resume up electronically and not by hand, combining all of these elements will also show your future employer that you are computer literate.

So there you have it. Take what you need from this and follow the path to success. Good luck.