How to write a resume

• First and last names
• Current address (and postal address if different)
• Home and mobile phone numbers (recorded messages should be business-like)
• Email address (avoid using unprofessional email addresses)
• Citizenship or residency status (only if requested by the employer)

Don't include personal information such as your date of birth.

• Course dates (eg 2009 - current)
• Full course name
• Educational institute
• Subjects that are relevant to the job (use no more than 3)
• Achievements and awards

You should list skills specific to the job, include any technical, generic or transferable skills (eg team work, problem solving). Write these as a dot point summary and provide an example of each.

This section is optional and should be a short, targeted statement that is specific to the job.

• Period of work
• Job title
• Business name
• Key responsibilities (in a dot point list)
• Achievements

It is usual to list your jobs starting with the most recent. However, if you have course-related jobs you can include these first. Include jobs from the past five to six years that demonstrate the skills the employer is looking for.

• Period of work
• Title
• Association name
• Key responsibilities
• Achievements

Include participation in community work, clubs, sport associations or youth groups. This shows initiative, leadership and interpersonal skills.

• Period of training
• Title
• Training provider, organisation or association name

• Awards and prizes
• Scholarships

• Period of membership
• Level (eg student member)
• Association name

Write a dot point summary of your personal interests such as community, sporting or cultural activities.

List two or three people who have seen what you are able to do in an employment or academic environment. Always get permission from referees before including their details on your resume. For each referee, include:

• Name
• Job title
• Organisation
• Phone number
• Email address

Otherwise, write 'referees are available on request' and have their details ready to provide to an employer when asked.