Writing a winning resume

When applying for a job, your resume is often the first point of contact with potential employers. It's important to make a good first impression, so ensure your resume is well-written, error-free, and highlights your relevant skills and experience.

Your resume should

  • Be kept organised and visually appealing.
  • Use the same font type and formatting throughout.
  • Avoid spelling or grammar errors.
  • Be written in a positive style.
  • Tell a prospective employer everything that might interest them.

Resume Templates and Guidelines

  • When creating a resume, it's important to include your first name and surname.
  • Make sure to use a professional email address, as many resumes are disregarded due to inappropriate email accounts.
  • Including your suburb, state, and post code is sufficient, there's no need to add your full address.
  • Remember to include a contact number, but also check your voicemail message to ensure it's professional.
  • Include the institution name and completion year
  • Be sure to list in chronological order – start with your most recent
  • You don’t need to include your primary school.
  • When applying for a job, it's crucial to highlight your core skills and experiences.
  • Include the tasks you perform; you don’t need to list each one.
  • Aussie Locums can provide you with a skills competency list for some professions where you can list each scan you perform. Please ask our team if we have one for your profession.
  • List the machines you have experience using, and any applications, such as reporting systems and specialisms.
  • If you have extensive paediatric experience – here is where you highlight that information.
  • When writing, it's better to use bullet points instead of lengthy paragraphs. Also, try to use words and phrases that suggest action.
  • It's best to limit your resume to 3-4 pages to keep the employer's interest. Keep it brief and to the point.
  • List your job title, the company name, duration of the appointment
  • List where you have worked in chronological order
  • List your duties and key responsibilities.
  • Highlight your achievements – you can showcase tangible examples here.
  • If you have been with the same company and have been promoted or completed your training with them, list this in chronological order, most recent first. This can show how you have grown with an organisation.

As a new graduate, it is appropriate to include work experience outside of your field of study. This demonstrates your strong work ethic and adaptability.

  • It is acceptable to state ‘References are available up on request’.
  • However, you should have two references either included, or ready to supply.
  • Ensure your references know that you will be adding them.
  • Advise references that they will be contacted, once you know that will happen.

You may choose to include the following:

  •  Continued Professional Development
    List any relevant training courses such as first aide / CPR, etc. Always list the most recent first.
  • Volunteer work
    List any relevant volunteer work listed, if nothing else, it speaks to your character.
  • Hobbies
    It can help to resonate with the role you are applying for but completely optional.

 

You know you have nailed your resume if you can tick off all the above.

Complete the form below to download our free resume template

Cover Letters

Including a cover letter is optional. However, it can be used to demonstrate your value to the organisation and set you apart from other applicants.

Some clients prefer to receive this information in your cover letter. Therefore, when writing your cover letter, it is important to carefully read the job advertisement and emphasise your soft skills, such as communication and resilience.

Additionally, express your genuine interest in the role and use relevant keywords to improve your chances of being selected by automatic applicant tracking systems used by HR departments. You can also name-drop, particularly if someone in the department recommends you to apply.

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