A functional or skills based résumé focuses on
skills rather than a sequential career history.
Although the standard categories may be
used, the information is set out differently. For
example, work experience can be organised
under job or work headings (e.g. project
It is essential that you briefly address the
administration or hospitality) rather than by
key skills listed in the advertisement and
dates. This avoids repetition of job duties.
demonstrate that you have gained those
As part of the screening process, résumés
skills through your various work, study
are often scanned on behalf of an employer.
and voluntary experiences.
When key words from the selection criteria are
Résumé
addressed in the cover letter, the application is
more likely to proceed.
A résumé should be written individually
for each application and should be
Selection criteria
no longer than three pages. It should
Employers use selection criteria to quickly and
provide a summary of the skills you have
effectively short list candidates. Each applicant
gained through your education, relevant
is rated on how closely he or she meets the
work experience (including full- or part-
criteria. Although criteria will vary from job to
time, casual or voluntary), professional
job, there are key employability skills, such as
development and leisure activities. Include
communication and team-work skills, which
the names and contact details of two or three
apply across most graduate positions.
referees. Use an easy-to-read font, ensure
The statement addressing the selection criteria
margins are reasonably wide and information
should be presented in a separate document
is well-presented (using bullet-points and
but attached to your résumé. You should
clear headings). You must demonstrate that
address all of the items in the selection criteria
you have the experience to match the key
and provide individual responses for each
skills required.
criterion. The key is to demonstrate what skills
Résumé styles
you have and where you gained them. Don’t
Résumés are written using a variety of styles
exaggerate your claims, as you may have to
with the most common being chronological
discuss them further in an interview.
or functional. A combination of both styles It’s all in the detail...
is also effective. Select a style that best
It is essential that you have your résumé
highlights your skills.
checked for grammar and spelling. Seek the
A chronological résumé presents the key
assistance of your university careers service.
information under a series of headings
Staff can help you refine your application,
commencing with contact details, education
ensuring you don’t repeat information,
and skills. Dates are prominent, with the
exaggerate your qualities or undersell your skills.
most recent always listed first. It is important
If you are sending a hard copy, print a good
to highlight relevant industry experience.
quality copy and post it in an A4 envelope.
Some applicants follow up their application
with a phone call to demonstrate their
enthusiasm.
A r t i c l e b y Yv o n n e G i l t i n a n , C a r e e r s E d u ca t o r,
D e p a r t m e n t o f S t u d e n t C a r e e r D e v e l o p m e n t
Po r t f o l i o o f Le a r n i n g f o r Wo r k a n d C o m m u n i t y
V i c t o r i a U n i v e r s i t y

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