Building your Resume/Writing a Resume

Getting Started
The main aim of your resume should be to win an interview at the company of your choice. It should present you as the best candidate for the job, highlighting your achievements and strengths and put you right ahead of the pack.

In general, making your resume clear and direct will ensure the employer spends the time reading the contents rather than discarding it after a few lines. Unusual layouts or fonts are not generally well received so go with the conservative approach. Keep it concise and easy to read.

What's next!
There are essential items of information that every employer wants to see. Your resume should contain the following:

Personal Information
Full name and address with telephone numbers and e-mail address.

Education
Include all your academic achievements.

Qualifications
Include all your professional and training certifications. For Information Technology specialists it is advisable to list all technical skills directly following the education or qualifications sections on page one of your resume. Employers want to see these immediately before they read how you put your technical knowledge into practice.

Career
Include all work experiences starting with your most recent position. Include company name, position title, start/completion dates and responsibilities. Give examples of your achievements and don't be modest.

Languages
Include your own native language and any others you are confident in. Be careful not to exaggerate as you may be tested at interview.

Other
It is important to include your hobbies, interests or memberships of clubs or societies. Employers do look for this.

Important Points

• Be clear and concise and do not repeat yourself. Use direct language to emphasise your strengths.
• Check for spelling mistakes and grammatical errors.
• Have a friend read through your finished resume and give critical advice.
• Use good quality stationery and, of course, type it.

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Your Resume
Name	Full Name - First Name and Surname
Address	Your contact address
Tel No	Telephone/mobile number
E-Mail	E-Mail address
Education	University Name/Town/City/Country, Start-Completion Dates, Degree-Subject
Qualifications	CPA, Membership of professional organisations
Certificates	Training courses and dates
Technical Skills	List all your systems/hardware/software experience
Languages	List your languages and include your competency level. Example: Native, Fluent, Intermediate.
Work Experience Begin with your most recent or current position first
Dates From - To	Company Name Job Title Responsibilities List in bullet form all your duties. Include achievements, staff management, project and financial responsibilities.
Dates From - To	Company Name Job Title Responsibilities
Continue until you have listed all your work experience References available upon request