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6 Golden Rules for Resumes

Despite being documentation specialists many of our candidates find it difficult to write successfully about themselves.

Following our 6 golden rules for resumes will help kick-start your resume.

1. Your resume is a document. Treat it like one.
2. Target your audience
3. Describe your writing experience
4. Pay attention to layout
5. Optimise your resume
6. Proofread, proofread, proofread

 

1. Your resume is a document. Treat it like one.

Your resume is an example of your work as a documentation specialist. Apply the same rules, design principles and proofreading skills you would use on any other document.

 

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2. Target your audience

Decide on the type of roles you would like to pursue and then think about who would be hiring you to fill these roles.

• What is their background, documentation knowledge and subject matter expertise?
• Who else's resume will they be reviewing?
• What does yours need to say to show you're a cut above everyone else?

Be prepared to adjust your resume for specific positions. If you have multiple targeted resumes we're happy to have them all. Our database allows us to search multiple versions of your resume and the more information we have about you the more likely it is that we can find you a role.

 

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3. Describe your writing experience

You need to detail your documentation projects. Any other experience is only relevant if it complements your writing expertise and would be useful in the role you are seeking.

• Describe the purpose of the documents you've produced.
• Tell us the client who employed you.
• Identify the audience you targeted.
• Outline the process of putting the document together.
• Explain the results the documentation achieved for the business.
• Specify the tools you used.

 

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4. Pay attention to layout

Make your resume easy to read and visually appealing. Do use white space. Don't use highly unusual fonts that aren't likely to be on other peoples computers. We also need your resume in MS Word format.

Resume length About 3 pages is ideal. We need enough information to understand your skill set. But remember to leave something to talk about at the interview!

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5. Optimise your resume

Our database works a bit like Google. To optimise your chances of us finding your resume when we do a search you need to include keywords. Be sure to include:

• Your previous job titles.
• Qualifications and courses.
• Any tools you have used and technologies you know.
• Industry terms and skills that you've seen in job advertisements.

 

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6. Proofread, proofread, proofread

Once again, your resume is an example of your work as a documentation specialist. Make sure it reflects the standard of work you usually produce and proofread your resume before you send it. It's often a good idea to get a friend or colleague to review it for you.

You can send your resume in Microsoft Word format to resume@techwriter.com.au.

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