Writing a winning resume can be extremely daunting. It takes research, time, effort and repetitive practice before you even begin to master the formatting, structure and overall content.
Think about how your resume reads.
Are all the elements 100 percent necessary?
Is every sentence written with the sole focus of proving your worth?
Creating the perfect resume can be time consuming and tough for many people, but here at Alpha Resumes, we pride ourselves on guiding you to reach your untapped potential, and land your dream role.
Here are our top resume writing tips, and guidance on each element.

CONTACT DETAILS
Are your contact details up to date?
While very simple, this section is extremely important. Why?
If your contact details are not up to date, or you email address is [email protected], you’re practically sealing your fate with an outcome smothered in failure.
Perception is everything, and any professional resume writer will tell you the same thing.
In short: Ensure your contact details are professional and accurate.

OPENING PROFILE
Recruiters and employers want to measure your worth in a succinct snapshot.
Let’s be real for a second. You don’t really believe you’re going to sell them on page four of your resume because that’s where all your best content is?
Resume content should be consumed quickly and easily, and you must tailor your resume with the reader in mind.
Sell yourself on the very first page, and then elaborate on important points later.
Your opening statement should read like a short narrative, be sharp, precise and to the point.
Be mindful of certain language your potential employers want to hear. The inclusion of a small handful of buzzwords is a great way to capture attention, and affirm your knowledge and experience within any industry.
In short: Summarise your talent in a short and precise narrative.

EXPERIENCE
A winning resume is nothing without a detailed table of your overall experience. But everyone knows to include their work experience and history, right?
Create a table of your overall experience, and divide your sections into role, responsibilities and achievements.
IMPORTANT: Make sure this section does not read like a position description. You’re not educating recruiters on what the position is, you are educating them on your experience, and why you are the best candidate for the role.
Also, be sure to only include relevant experience. You probably don’t want to include any work you may have done at your parent’s shop, the family restaurant, or that paper round you did on your push bike as a teenager.
In short: Include relevant experience and ensure it reads in a way that sells your skills.

KEY SKILLS
Employers want to see that you possess or are capable of learning important skill sets that are vital to finding success in your next role.
Aside from the standard customer service, money handling and communication skills you will have picked up from any retail role, think about the more intricate skills you might have learned.
Did you learn to multitask in stressful situations?
Have you learnt how to handle difficult customers and reach a viable solution for the business and customer?
Think about the sorts of things that are unique to you, and that can only have been learnt in the roles you have worked in.
Remember: A winning resume is always relevant. Don’t write about inventory management if you’re going for a role as a receptionist.
In short: Include unique and relevant skill sets which highlight your worth as an employee.

QUALIFICATIONS
This is the section to list any relevant courses, certificates or attainments.
Be mindful that you only want to include recent or relevant items in this section. If you completed a short course ten years ago, you may want to omit the date, or not mention it at all.
This is why continued upskilling goes a long way.
Most employers only care about what you’ve done in the last few years. By continually taking courses, learning from past experiences and improving your skill set, you’re proving your dedication and commitment to absolutely nailing your next role.
In short: Only mention relevant and/ or recent qualifications. Plus, have the certificates to back them up.
EXTRA ELEMENTS
While the above five elements are pivotal in the success of writing your winning resume, you can choose to include either of these as well.
But make sure that if you choose to do so, they are there for a reason.

REFEREES
Rather than listing all your referees on your resume, it can be a good idea to mention that referees can be supplied upon request, but if a job description specifically requests referees, you should always include them. This is particularly important for many government positions.
Be sure to ask permission first, and inform your referees of the possible questions or topics they might be asked.
The more prepared and aware they are, the better recommendation they can provide.

PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES
Some people like to include these, but they are not always vital.
Any professionally written resume will be able to sell you without mentioning attributes willy nilly . You do not need them. If including personal attributes or interests keep them to the end of your CV and ensure they are truthful, or they can easily read as a fabrication of the truth in an attempt to improve your odds.
WRITING A WINNING RESUME: FINAL THOUGHTS
Writing a winning resume can be tough, but if your structure is right, and your focus lies largely on achievements and value, you’re on your way to finding success.
If you want more in depth advice on any of these elements, and on ways in which you can highlight your achievements and value, get in touch with us for a free phone discussion or resume review.
Meeting with a professional might just be the best thing you can do to land your dream job.
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