It all starts with the CV

Whether you’re a candidate or an employer, the resume is critical.

As a candidate it presents you and your skills - for the employer it provides key information to use in making a decision.

So don’t let the CV date you

If you're a job-seeker of the baby-boom generation, you may be feeling a little left out by the job market. You may not be ready to retire, but the young recruiters you send resumes to don't seem to respond to your skills and experience. If you are experiencing symptoms of age discrimination, you should know that your resume could be the culprit, categorising you as out-of-date and over-the-hill.

Your resume can put you in the over-the-hill category in several ways. Your resume is due for an update if it contains outdated:

  1. resume trends
  2. technology skills
  3. industry or occupational terminology

If you are looking to find a new job or perhaps someone who is quite happy with their current role and just looking for some advice on how to get ahead in your current role, suggested simple steps on how to write a resume about yourself.

It is imperative that the information that you list on your resume is concise, easy to read, and follows a reverse chronological order ie. listing your most recent job history and education first. In particular, employers will be looking for the key information about your:

  • Contact details
  • Employment history
  • Career strengths
  • Education and training
  • Referees

Don't despair if your resume is out-of-date. Diamond Recruitment can consult with you to assist in updating your CV simply contact us.

However, you can perform an extreme resume makeover by using the tips below.

Make sure your resume:

  1. reflects today's trends in resume format and style
  2. is up-to-date on your industry's technology
  3. is using current terminology

Some of the old resume rules just don't apply any more. For example:

  1. Old Rule: Limit your resume to one page. 

    New Approach: This is a really old idea that limits your ability to show all of your skills and expertise. 
     
  2. Old Rule: End your resume with References Available Upon Request. 

    New Approach:     You don't need to say that; it's assumed. 
     
  3. Old Rule: You should show every job you have ever held and give each equal importance. 

    New Approach: The main portion of your employment history should only go back as far as it related to your current employment objectives. Think of your resume as a marketing piece that highlights the best parts rather than as a tell-all. For some years, experts have recommended that your resume should go back no more than 10 years. Because of background checks, however, it's best to include your full employment history, placing older experience in a section title "Previous Professional Experience," in which dates of employment are optional. 
     
  4. Old Rule: One resume should handle everything. 
    New Approach: Not anymore! In addition to tailoring your resume to various fields or industries, you'll also need to tailor the way that you save it.

A final note for Job-Seekers

Your new resume will be a better reflection of your hard-earned skills, talents, and expertise. Let your experience work for you rather than against you. Using these tips to update your resume can make a noticeable difference in interest from employers.