Resume do’s and don’ts

Don’t forget to include up-to-date contact information

An obvious, yet frequently overlooked section on a resume is the contact information. Update contact information on your resume when you move or change your email address or phone number. Employers are not going to waste time trying to track you down, so make sure you always include a current phone number and email address, same goes for your references.

Don’t Include irrelevant or damaging information

Some information simply doesn’t belong on a resume, but there is still some confusion about how much applicants should let an employer know. Personal family information like marital status or number of children, and jobs that occurred more than 20 years or that lasted only a few months should be left out.

Don’t make vague statements

Give facts context by backing them up with real examples. For instance, don’t just say, “I have excellent problem-solving skills”. Instead, give examples such as “My excellent problem-solving skills were developed by … and proved invaluable when…”

Do tailor your resume for each job application

The more precisely you address each of the criteria for the particular job, demonstrating how you fit and satisfy the criteria, the greater your chances of making the shortlist. Employers want real life examples of how you demonstrate your skills.

Do proofread and spell check

Each time you make an amendment to your resume, check over it in full. Keep it simple and use one font throughout and dot points where you can.