STEP 2
RESUMES
LET’S GET REAL ABOUT RESUMES
Gone are the days of thinking that generic cliches on a basic Word doc will get results. If you want a job, your resume needs to stand out. Here’s how to nail it.
TAILOR, TAILOR, TAILOR
Like most people, you probably already have a generic resume template. And that’s a great start. But don’t just send it out on autopilot without tailoring it each time.
To start, research the company’s culture, values and vibe. Then, review the job description like your life depends on it (because your working life certainly does).
This will help you identify the skills they want. And if those exact skills just so happen to be some of your biggest strengths? So be it!
KEEP IT RELEVANT
Sure, 5 years’ experience as a dog walker is cool – but it’s not going to impress a marketing firm. Much.
My advice? Only include what’s going to matter to them. Freelance or volunteer work. University electives or internships. Participation in marketing clubs (wink, wink, nudge, nudge).
Anything that demonstrates even the slightest aptitude for marketing – whack it on your resume.
And keep it snappy. Aim for a one-page resume – unless the company requests otherwise.
SPOTLIGHT YOUR STRENGTHS
No professional experience? No problem. Think about the skills you’ve picked up in school or side gigs – I bet you’ve got more than you think.
Here’s a good start:
- Presentation skills: Know how to present with charisma… and killer slides?
- Digital know-how: Canva master? HTML legend? WordPress whiz?
- Research: Crushed a uni project with deep analysis?
- Leadership: Led a successful group project?
- Problem-solving: Found smart solutions in tough projects?
- People skills: Managed tricky customers or led a team?
SHOW YOU’RE HUMAN
Your resume isn’t just a list – let it show your personality.
Use ‘I’ and ‘you’ to connect. And sprinkle in qualities like ‘outgoing’ or ‘creative’ to give a sense of who you are.
You want your prospective employer to want to meet you. So give them a reason!
SHINE A LIGHT ON YOUR COMMUNITY WORK
Employers love people who care about more than just themselves. It’s a fact.
That’s why it’s so important to include your volunteering experience in your resume! It’ll highlight those teamwork, planning and adaptability skills you picked up along the way.
And if you’re a member of any professional groups like the Australian Marketing Institute (or the world-famous MMSS), throw that in too – it shows you’re committed.
CHOOSE YOUR REFERENCES WISELY
I know, Auntie Pat loves you. But no one in the corporate world cares.
Your referees need to be people who’ve seen you in action at work or university – and who have given you permission to drop their name (duh).
List your referees with their full name, job title and company, with contact details available upon request.
REMEMBER THE FINISHING TOUCHES
As they say, the devil’s in the details. And whoever ‘they’ are, they’re right.
So, before you hit send, make sure you’ve:
- Proofread it like a hawk. Typos look sloppy (and are embarrassing).
- Made it as readable as possible, with plenty of white space, clear fonts and neat alignment. (I beg you, skip the Comic Sans.)
YOUR ULTIMATE RESUME CHECKLIST
- Contact details and social links (phone number, email, LinkedIn)
- A short and sweet ‘About me’ paragraph
- Relevant qualifications, affiliations and achievements
- Education (outstanding marks, GPA, majors, minors)
- Strengths and skills (hard and soft)
- Relevant work experience (including volunteer work), important duties and referees