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The strength of a good resume rests on it's selection and presentation of basic content. The
most important thing to remember is to always be truthful in your resume. A resume listing fake
qualifications, work experience or achievements is not only fraudulent, but when discovered
will without a doubt signal the premature end to any career aspirations you may hold. So stick
to the facts.
To get started, draw up a list of your information under headings such as education, experience,
honours, skills and activities.
Education includes Matric and studies you have completed after school. This includes special
seminars, courses and diplomas, as well as technikon and university qualifications. List these
qualifications with the month and year obtained (or expected); names and locations of schools;
majors and average. A brief summary of important courses you've taken might also be helpful.
Work experience includes full-time paid jobs, academic research projects, internships, part-time
jobs, or volunteer work. List the period you worked, position, name and location of employer or
place, and responsibilities you had. Even if you are new to a field, there are certain to be
skills you have honed in previous experience which are applicable.
Things such as proficiency in an aspect of computing, languages, communication, leadership, or
sport count as skills. Honours include any academic awards such as scholarships or academic
colours, professional awards of recognition, or community awards.
Under the "activities" heading, list academic, professional, or community organisations in
which you hold office, are currently a member, or are active in. Listing extra-curricular
activities or hobbies seems to have fallen from favour.
After you have all this information down, check it for accuracy and ensure you have complete
information (names, addresses, dates). Now you're ready to decide on which format would be most
appropriate for your resume, and take a look at our tips on CV Do's and
Don'ts.
Functional |
Chronological |
Curriculum Vitae |
Combination Resume |
Electronic
Sources: JobSmart, What Color Is your Parachute? and Career Magazine.
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