Resume writing jobseeker tips

Learn how to create a resume that highlights your skills, experience and strengths to employers.

Resume Do's & Don'ts Writing Tips Building Your Resume Resume Templates

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What's a resume?

A resume is a summary of your skills, experience, qualifications and achievements. It's often the first impression an employer will have of you, so it's important to keep it clear, professional and up to date.

Resume do's - what to include

✅ Full name

✅ Phone and email address

✅ Work history and experience

✅ Education and training

✅ Skills and abilities

✅ Referees

Resume don'ts - what to avoid

❌ Personal info (date of birth, marital status, home address)

❌ Outdated or incomplete qualifications

❌ Reasons for leaving previous jobs

❌ An unprofessional email address

❌ Exaggerated or misleading information

❌ Jargon, slang or negative language

How to write a resume that works for you

Here are some qualities of a good resume:

A simple format that is easy to read and not too long
Tailored to the job you’re applying for
Highlights your strengths, skills and achievements
Uses clear headings and an easy-to-read format
Free from spelling, grammar and punctuation errors
Includes up-to-date contact details
Saved in an appropriate format, such as Word or PDF

💡Not much work experience?

Include volunteer work, school projects, work experience placements, training, sport, community involvement or other achievements that demonstrate your skills and strengths.

An educational infographic displays a side-by-side comparison between effective achievement-focused resume bullet points and basic duty-focused bullet points over a teal background.

Building a resume using your strengths and achievements

Don't talk yourself out of applying for a job because you don't meet every requirement.

Many employers value transferable skills, a positive attitude and a willingness to learn.

Think about your experiences and how they demonstrate strengths, skills and qualities that could be valuable in the workplace.

Here are some examples of how you can reframe your experiences and strengths:

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“I'm only young!”

Instead say:

I'm keen to work, willing to learn and looking for an entry-level position.

“I've never had a proper job.”

Instead say:

I did babysitting for friends and family to earn pocket money while I was still at school.

“I don’t have any skills.”

Instead say:

I've played a lot of sport and have great teamwork skills.

“I didn’t do well at some of the theory-based subjects at school.”

Instead say:

I'm a “hands on” learner who loves practical jobs.

“I don’t have qualifications.”

Instead say:

I'm great with computers and I'd like to do a traineeship in IT.

“I don’t know what I have to offer.”

Instead say:

I'm a reliable young person with a positive attitude and I'm available to start work immediately.

“I just finished school and don’t have any experience.”

Instead say:

I did woodwork at school and I know how to use power tools safely.

I did a work experience placement at school and really enjoyed it.

Not sure where to start?

Use your resume to showcase your strengths and achievements, while displaying a positive attitude, and a willingness to learn the stuff you don't know.

Check out these resume templates to get started!

Download Resume Templates