Win your next role with our ultimate resume

Hello, ambitious professionals, this is Ming, I lead our team of specialist tech recruiters right here in Melbourne. I'm excited to share some valuable insights on resume optimisation. Your resume is your ticket to that dream job, and I want to help you make it shine. So, let's dive into some essential tips and tricks.

Resume vs. covering letter

Let's start with the age-old debate of resume versus covering letter. Recently, I had an interesting situation with a client. I provided an addendum, but they didn't bother to read it. My opinion? Unless a separate document is explicitly required, incorporate all your relevant experience into your resume. Streamline the process for both you and the hiring manager.

Crafting an executive summary or profile

Next up, consider including an executive summary or profile at the beginning of your resume. This section should be concise, free of fluff, and tailored to your target audience. Think of it as your elevator pitch – a brief introduction that highlights who you are as a professional. Make it impactful!

For example

Senior digital, delivery and transformation Program Director with a proven track record in helping organisations adopt Agile, DevOps, Design Thinking and faster paced, flexible contemporary ways of working. Over 15 years of successful transformation and projects leading cross functional teams of up to 100. Circa 100m p.a. Have delivered an uplift in digital volume and business & customer outcomes with a significant product performance uplift of up to 300%.

Showcasing measurable achievements

One of the most critical aspects of your resume is showcasing measurable achievements. Don't just list your job responsibilities; focus on the impact you made. Address these three key questions:

What was the issue or problem you encountered?
What specific actions did you take to address it?
What were the outcomes or results of your efforts?

This approach adds depth and relevance to your experience, making you a more attractive candidate.

For example

The organisation sold part of their business and the project was to separate IT systems and migrate them to the new acquirer. As project manager, I was responsible for planning and executing the project over a 6 month time frame. I built a trusted relationship with business and technology stakeholders whilst working closely with the various technical SMEs in both organisations to ensure milestones were met and risks and issues identified and resolved quickly. Whilst the project overran by 3 weeks the cutover to the new owner was successful.

Consider the length of your resume

Now, let's talk about the ideal length of your resume. Generally, you should aim to keep it between three to five pages long. Remember, hiring managers have limited time, so be concise. Also, keep in mind that anything beyond the last five years of experience can be condensed. Include only relevant details such as job titles, company names, dates, and any specific achievements or skills that are pertinent to the job you're applying for.

I hope these tips help you optimise your resume and stand out in the competitive job market. Your resume is your first impression, so make it count!

Watch our Hot Tips & Insights video series discussing these points, in our video library.

If you have any questions or need further assistance, don't hesitate to reach out to me here. Thank you for tuning in and best of luck in your job search!