Resume writing tips to secure your dream job

There’s no denying that a sparkling resume can be a one-way ticket to your dream job. When it comes to a competitive industry like taxation, your resume is used by hiring managers as a way to separate the most promising candidates from the rest.

Creating a resume that shines the best light on your skills, qualifications and achievements can help you nail your first job in finance, accounting or tax. Here are three foolproof tips for writing a winning CV.

What is your potential employer looking for?

When applying for a job, it’s often necessary to customise your resume for each individual position and company. Employers are looking for different things, so take the time to carefully read their job advertisement and identify the specific skills they’re looking for.

It also pays to check the company website in order to get a feel for the personality and brand of the organisation. Try to match your resume to your employer. So for example, if they ask for specific skills, make sure you explain how you meet them in your skills section.

List your academic achievements prominently

Although experience is one component of your job application, new graduates will find that academic achievements are more likely to catch a prospective employer’s eye.

Start your resume with an ‘Education’ section and include brief details of your grades, along with the units in which you excelled. It’s also vital to include any other qualifications in a way that’s digestible and easy to understand. Highlighting your credentials will make your application stand out and is the best opportunity for you to be put ahead of the pack.

Relate work experience to skills

Whether or not you’ve amassed a lengthy work history, it’s important to identify the achievements that closely match your career goals. If you’ve completed an internship that’s relevant to an industry you wish to enter, ensure you list those details.

Other work experience is also valuable, as it shows your employment history and opens up potential references. You might like to list these roles under subheadings like ‘Customer service experience’. Emphasise skills you’ve demonstrated that are important in your chosen profession such as good communication skills, leadership and an ability to work unsupervised. You might even like to introduce these in a separate section, e.g. ‘Demonstrated skills’.

Tell your best story

As tempting as it is to list every task you carried out during an internship or work experience, it’s infinitely more effective to highlight how you improved processes and paved the way for positive change. For instance, if you implemented a new system or contributed to your employer’s success, don’t be afraid to spell this out. Make sure you include any extracurricular activities, coursework and achievements that illustrate these skills to prove you’re the right person for the job.

Keep it simple

It’s also important to be concise wherever possible and steer clear of buzzwords or convoluted prose. Use simple, clear and professional language to communicate your skills and experience. Once you’ve written your resume, review and refine it.

Before you submit your application, ask a trusted friend or relative to proofread your resume. They should check for any grammatical or spelling errors and help identify any parts that require tweaking.

Writing a winning resume takes time and often requires you to think outside the box. If it’s time to revisit your resume, put aside a few hours to work on it. With a well-written resume you’ll be in the best possible position to connect with your employer and land your dream job.

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