{"id":1330,"date":"2019-05-23T02:29:58","date_gmt":"2019-05-23T02:29:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/hudson-main-site.ap.applyflow.com\/uncategorized\/how-to-write-a-resume\/"},"modified":"2026-04-15T12:09:28","modified_gmt":"2026-04-15T02:09:28","slug":"how-to-write-a-resume","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/au.hudson.com\/resumes-cover-letters\/how-to-write-a-resume\/","title":{"rendered":"How to write a resume"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>With hundreds of resumes coming their way, recruiters and hiring managers have limited time to read each resume in detail. In a matter of seconds, your resume either makes it on the shortlist, or not.<\/p>\n<p>As with any written content, there is an art and science behind writing a resume. Let\u2019s examine what typically goes on a resume.<\/p>\n<p>By following this basic structure when you write your resume, you\u2019ll give yourself the best chance of success when applying for any job.<\/p>\n<h3>Here\u2019s what\u2019s inside a resume<\/h3>\n<ol>\n<li><a href=\"#contactdetails\" data-sf-ec-immutable=\"\">Contact details<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#careerprofile\" data-sf-ec-immutable=\"\">Career profile<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#workhistory\" data-sf-ec-immutable=\"\">Work history<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#educationtraining\" data-sf-ec-immutable=\"\">Education &amp; training<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#hobbiesinterests\" data-sf-ec-immutable=\"\">Hobbies &amp; interests<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#References\" data-sf-ec-immutable=\"\">References<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<ol class=\"numbered-h3\">\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ol class=\"numbered-h3\">\n<li>Contact Details\n<ul class=\"teal\" style=\"margin-top: 10px;\">\n<li>Use the name you are known by professionally.<\/li>\n<li>Keep it consistent. Don\u2019t use Michael on your resume, Mike on LinkedIn, Mikey on Twitter and Mick in your email address.<\/li>\n<li>Add professional credentials relevant to the role \u2013 M.D., CPA, Ph.D.<\/li>\n<li>Use a professional-sounding personal email address<\/li>\n<li>pizzalover@gmail.com won\u2019t get you taken seriously (except as a pizza delivery driver).<\/li>\n<li>Use your personal phone and email details, not your current work one.<\/li>\n<li>Choose a phone number and email address where you answer, control voicemail messages and open the emails.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div style=\"background-color: #009c9e; width: 100%; padding: 30px; color: #ffffff; text-align: left; margin-top: 20px;\">\n<h4 style=\"color: #ffffff;\"><b>Added extras<\/b><\/h4>\n<p style=\"color: #fff;\">For media, creative and IT roles, a professional online presence and portfolio can boost your image.<\/p>\n<p style=\"color: #fff;\">Don\u2019t include personal social media accounts like Facebook \u2013 and if they\u2019re public, make sure that your future employers won\u2019t be shocked by what they see.<\/p>\n<p style=\"color: #fff; margin: 0px;\">Make sure your\u00a0<a style=\"color: #fff;\" href=\"https:\/\/au.hudson.com\/insights\/career-advice\/job-search\/linkedin-profile-tips\/\">LinkedIn profile is up-to-date and visible<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ol class=\"numbered-h3\">\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ol class=\"numbered-h3\">\n<li>Career profile. Your career profile is a short paragraph that positions you as the right \u201cfit\u201dfor the role. This is usually one of the last items to write and should answer the following:\n<ul class=\"teal\">\n<li>How do you want people to see you in the future?<\/li>\n<li>What specialist knowledge do you have?<\/li>\n<li>What are your strengths?<\/li>\n<li>How have you added value in your previous roles?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>It serves to position you going forward and should show \u2018what makes you different\u2019 and hook the interest of the reader.<\/p>\n<p>Don\u2019t forget to include keywords in your career profile which potential recruiters or employees will immediately identify when looking through your resume.<\/p>\n<p>Many recruitment companies also use databases which skill code resumes. When recruiters search their databases, these key words become critical to ensure that they find you or that you appear high on the search list.<\/p>\n<div style=\"background-color: #009c9e; width: 100%; padding: 30px; color: #ffffff; text-align: left;\">\n<h4 style=\"color: #fff;\"><b>Example: Sample Career Profile<\/b><\/h4>\n<p style=\"color: #fff; margin: 0px;\">\u201cAn adaptable and proven compliance and safety specialist with extensive experience across energy and mining sectors. Subject matter expert, consulting both nationally and across Asia for Shell, BP2 and Total. Provided audit regulatory affairs and health, safety and environment global benchmarking. Thrives on mentoring and training junior team members to successfully undertake management roles.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ol class=\"numbered-h3\">\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ol class=\"numbered-h3\">\n<li>Work history. Cut the clutter. Go for clear, concise &amp; current.<br \/>\n<h4 style=\"margin-bottom: 15px;\">Things to include<\/h4>\n<ul class=\"teal\">\n<li>Give more space to details about current or recent jobs and achievements.<\/li>\n<li>If you have had many roles in the early stages of your career, include relevant ones together in a brief paragraph or listed under \u2018Other roles\u2019.<\/li>\n<li>Get to the point<\/li>\n<li>Use bullet points<\/li>\n<li>List achievements in 3 bullet points per job \/ maximum 2 lines per bullet point<\/li>\n<li>Be backed by evidence: use facts, figures, $ and % in achievements<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4 style=\"margin-top: 20px; margin-bottom: 15px;\">Things to avoid:<\/h4>\n<ul class=\"teal\">\n<li>While you may have been the best babysitter on the block in high school, delete clutter not related to the role.<\/li>\n<li>Are you an older worker? Don\u2019t list your entire work history. Consider a\u00a0<a title=\"Functional resume template\" href=\"https:\/\/au.hudson.com\/resumes-cover-letters\/functional-resume-template\/\">skills based format<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li>Include when or how long you worked at each job \u2013 years and months.<\/li>\n<li>Make sure the dates on your resume match those on your LinkedIn and other online profiles.<\/li>\n<li>Briefly explain any obvious gaps in your resume: \u2018Overseas travel\u2019, \u2018Had a child\u2019, \u2018Returned to university\u2019.<\/li>\n<li>Don\u2019t combine multiple roles at one company into one entry \u2013 highlight your different job titles. It shows you were valued, promoted and able to transition between roles.<\/li>\n<li>Avoid excessive detail and long blocks of text<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div style=\"height: 30px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;\"><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ol class=\"numbered-h3\">\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ol class=\"numbered-h3\">\n<li>Education &amp; Training\n<ul class=\"teal\" style=\"margin-top: 10px;\">\n<li>Include relevant university &amp; vocational education or training (VET) qualifications and awards.<\/li>\n<li>If you are a recent graduate with no previous work history, move your education qualifications &amp; achievements higher up on your resume.<\/li>\n<li>List volunteer work, internships and student teaching under \u2018Other Work Experience\u2019.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div style=\"height: 30px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;\"><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ol class=\"numbered-h3\">\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ol class=\"numbered-h3\">\n<li>Hobbies &amp; Interests\n<ul class=\"teal\" style=\"margin-top: 10px;\">\n<li>List up to 4, separated by a comma.<\/li>\n<li>Interests show your personality and how you\u2019d fit in with other workers and the organisation.<\/li>\n<li>Keep it relevant \u2013 e.g. social media if applying for a marketing and communications role.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div style=\"background-color: #009c9e; width: 100%; padding: 30px; color: #ffffff; text-align: left;\">\n<h4 style=\"color: #fff;\"><b>How your hobbies can sell your skills<\/b><\/h4>\n<p style=\"color: #fff; margin: 0px;\">Including relevant hobbies on a resume isn\u2019t just a conversation starter for interviews; many organisations look at a candidate\u2019s interests outside of work as a guide to how well their personality and skills might \u2018fit\u2019 with the organisation\u2019s culture and needs.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ol class=\"numbered-h3\">\n<li>References. It\u2019s generally advisable, especially if space is an issue, to indicate that references are available upon request or leave this section out altogether.\n<ul class=\"teal\">\n<li>Always ask for permission before listing someone as a referee.<\/li>\n<li>Choose former managers, or people in positions of responsibility in your former workplaces or industry.<\/li>\n<li>If you are a graduate with no work history, ask a former lecturer.<\/li>\n<li><i>Do<\/i>\u00a0use\u00a0<i>testimonials from previous employers.<\/i><\/li>\n<li>Add as hyperlinks to the employer testimonial section of your LinkedIn profile or personal website.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div>\n<h3>Optional Extras<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<p>These aren\u2019t necessary, but can give an employer a better idea of who you are and what you offer. Create a heading and include them \u2013 if they\u2019re relevant to the role or organisation.<\/p>\n<p><i>Bonjour. Konichiwa. Salut.\u00a0<\/i><br \/>\nBilingual? Multi-lingual? List your language skills.<\/p>\n<p><i>At your service? Volunteer &amp; community work\u00a0<\/i><br \/>\nCommunity service with clubs, sport or youth groups shows commitment, leadership, interpersonal and organisational skills.<\/p>\n<p><i>Other work experience\u00a0<\/i><br \/>\nUse side projects, freelance or pro bono work to highlight initiative and additional skills.<\/p>\n<p><i>Professional memberships\u00a0<\/i><br \/>\nShow you are actively involved in your industry.<\/p>\n<p><i>Publications\u00a0<\/i><br \/>\nBeing published in your field shows your industry knowledge and profile, as well as research, analytical, writing and thought-leadership skills.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Remember in order to attract an outstanding job you need an outstanding marketing tool that communicates your value Potential employers are NOT interested in your biography, they are interested in your value!<\/p>\n<div style=\"background-color: #009c9e; width: 100%; padding: 30px; color: #ffffff; text-align: left;\">\n<h4 style=\"color: #ffffff;\"><b>13 things to check on your resume<\/b><\/h4>\n<p style=\"padding: 0px; margin: 0px;\">Does it grab attention quickly?<br \/>\nDoes it demonstrate your experience?<br \/>\nDoes it illustrate the value you can bring to an employer?<br \/>\nIs it easy to read?<br \/>\nDoes it represent your professional \u2018brand\u2019?<br \/>\nHave you selected<br \/>\nthe right structure?<br \/>\nDo you have all critical sections?<br \/>\nDoes your language shout \u201cachievements\u201d?<br \/>\nHave you tailored the content to the role you are applying to?<br \/>\nDo you have a strong career profile?<br \/>\nHave you taken the critical information from your resume to begin setting up your LinkedIn profile?<\/p>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>With hundreds of resumes coming their way, recruiters and hiring managers have limited time to read each resume in detail. In a matter of seconds, your resume either makes it on the shortlist, or not. As with any written content, there is an art and science behind writing a resume. Let\u2019s examine what typically goes&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":3823,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_seopress_robots_primary_cat":"none","footnotes":""},"categories":[36],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1330","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-resumes-cover-letters"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/au.hudson.com\/af-api\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1330","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/au.hudson.com\/af-api\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/au.hudson.com\/af-api\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/au.hudson.com\/af-api\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/au.hudson.com\/af-api\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1330"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/au.hudson.com\/af-api\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1330\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":6044,"href":"https:\/\/au.hudson.com\/af-api\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1330\/revisions\/6044"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/au.hudson.com\/af-api\/wp\/v2\/media\/3823"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/au.hudson.com\/af-api\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1330"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/au.hudson.com\/af-api\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1330"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/au.hudson.com\/af-api\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1330"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}