How to write a winning resume

Getting a foot in the job market can be difficult for new migrants in Australia. The first step towards getting a job is to have the right resume that aptly summarises your skills and experiences and answers the crucial initial questions for a potential employer.

Application tips from SBS Settlement Guide to help you get that job! Source: Pixabay

Having the right summary of your skills, abilities and accomplishments is an essential part of a job search.

Here are some tips to get you started:

Keep it short and to the point

Sometimes less is more. When writing your resume, put the most relevant information first and always tailor it to the specific job you are applying for. Even after you've secured a job, it’s advisable to keep your resume up-to-date.

Source: Pixabay

List your achievements

It’s important to highlight and explain your accomplishments in your previous roles. It helps reflect your personal qualities instead of just standardised descriptions of your past jobs.

Use positive language

Never use negative references in your resume or refer to your previous employer in a negative manner. For example, "My manager was the most unfair person, so I had to leave".

Source: Pixabay

Tailor your resume for the specific position

The one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t work when it comes to resume writing. You can always use keywords and phrases from the job advertisement which helps to get the attention of the employer.

Prepare a relevant cover letter

Source: Pixabay

A strong cover letter is an opportunity to demonstrate your attention to detail. Where applicable, try to find out the name and position of the person you should be addressing. Once you’ve completed your cover letter and application, always check for grammatical and typographical errors. It’s good to have a second pair of eyes, so ask a friend to go through it again before you hit the send button.

Free Resources to help you

Government:

The Australian Government's

Jobactive website

provides information and videos on how to get help with your resume and finding a job.

Source: JobActive

Community:

You can also visit your Community Migrant Resource Centre
in your state or territory, where they run

Employment Ready Workshops

assisting new arrivals to understand the requirements of the Australian workplace. These free workshops teach you interview skills, resume writing, strategies on how to effectively apply for a job.