Crafting a resume that grabs the attention of prospective employers is crucial if you want to stand out above your competition. Think of your resume as your personal marketing material - it should succinctly highlight your skills, experience, and qualifications. The reader should easily understand your achievements in each role.

As a former recruiter with 18 years of experience, I prefer the term Curriculum Vitae, but 'CV' and 'resume' are often used interchangeably by employers and candidates. 

Keep it concise: No one has time to read a novel, so aim for a shorter, punchy CV—two pages is ideal if you can fit it in. Exclude any former roles that don't support the job you're applying for or mention them briefly. Overly long resumes are rarely read; many job adverts specify a page limit for both the resume and cover letter, generally not exceeding six pages.

Prioritise information: A common mistake is starting with dates, which makes the resume look like a timeline. Instead, lead with the job title, followed by the organisation's name, and then the dates served. This highlights your roles and achievements first.

Structure your resume effectively: Using a simple font no smaller than 10, follow these guidelines for a well-structured resume:

1. Contact information: Place your name, phone, email, and location (suburb only) at the top. Include your LinkedIn profile if you have one.
2. Professional summary: Offer an overview of your career aspirations as an introduction to you.
3. Skills summary: Present your capabilities and skillset concisely. Choose those relevant to the role you’re applying for.
4. Work history: List your work history chronologically, covering no more than the last 10 years unless necessary. Include specific achievements for each role, which can reduce the need for extensive explanations in your cover letter.
5. Qualifications: List your most relevant qualifications at the top. You may exclude irrelevant ones.
6. Referees: Simply state "Referees provided upon request." Notify your referees in advance of contact from a prospective employer, and list their names, positions, and contact details only when asked.

Tailor your resume: Your resume should not be a generic document. It must demonstrate that you meet most, or all the criteria required for the job you’re applying for. Customise your resume to better showcase your skills and experience relevant to the specific job. Avoid using valuable space to describe irrelevant roles.

Use keywords: In today's digital age, consider using relevant keywords that companies might use in applicant tracking systems to screen candidates.

Seek assistance: Many resources are available to help with resume composition, including AI-powered tools that promise instant results. While AI can organise information and ensure spelling and grammar accuracy, it cannot align your skills and experience with the job requirements. Always review AI-generated content.

Keep it updated: Ensure your resume is current. An outdated resume reflects poorly on your attention to detail.

Your resume is a vital tool in your job search arsenal, and taking the time to craft it meticulously can make a significant difference in your career trajectory. By keeping it concise, prioritising relevant information, structuring it effectively, and tailoring it to each job application, you can present yourself as a highly qualified and attentive candidate. Incorporating industry-specific keywords and regularly updating your resume ensures it remains current and aligned with job market expectations. Remember, a well-crafted resume is not just a summary of your past; it’s a showcase of your potential. With these guidelines, you are well on your way to creating a compelling resume that stands out to employers and opens doors to new opportunities.