Winning Resumes in 7 Steps

Looking for a new job can be both exciting and demoralizing.

You might already be employed and looking for a change - a step up the ladder, or in a new field to match your graduate status. Perhaps you have moved to a new area, or are a mom returning to the workforce, maybe you have been unemployed for some time or are under-employed.

Others are down-scaling, looking towards retirement, or wanting a less-stressful existence.

Whatever the reason for a new job search, there is a reality that some find quite confronting: whatever the position for which you are applying, there are likely 10s, 100s even 1000s also interested, qualified, and applying.

The resume you send to your prospective employer needs to be a quality document, accompanied by a cover letter. It doesn't matter if you are applying to stack shelves at a supermarket, be a personal assistant, or a part-time teacher, the expectation of the employer is the same.

Employer's want to be shown respect and by sending less than a well-prepared communication is disrespecting them, their company and the position they want to fill.

So what are the key elements of a good resume? Here are the basics:

1. Create a professional email address, with your name included, no nicknames and nothing offensive, e.g. hunkydan or partygirl @ ....... Are not only unprofessional, but can also create a preconceived idea of the type of person they expect you to be.

2. If you are using an online service to post your resume, be careful about how much personal information you include. An email address and cell phone number are adequate, with any address or home phone details in a cover letter sent separately. This is very important, as too much detail can result in identity theft.

3. Begin your resume with a summary of your skills, before proceeding on to the positions you have held.

4. Always begin with your most recent job, even if it was a bridge job, or a volunteer work.

5. Even when describing a current job, use past tense when describing your duties, responsibilities and accomplishments.

6. As mentioned above, tailor your resume to the job for which you are applying, highlighting your relevant experience.

7. Check, recheck and then get someone else to check your spelling and grammar.

If getting these steps right is proving difficult, don't hesitate to consult a professional, like Jimmy Sweeney and his "Amazing Resume Creator" which is available online, and ticks all the boxes for creating a professional and attention-getting resume.