Your resume is one of the most important tools in your job search. A well-written resume can open doors to opportunities where you can showcase your interviewing skills, industry knowledge, and practical abilities. With a great resume, you’ll improve your chances of making a strong first impression to potential employers.

If you already have a resume, personalising it can really help you stand out. In this article, we’ll explain what a resume is and why it matters. You’ll discover what to include in your resume, learn how to build it and find tips on personalising it for different jobs.

If you haven’t got a resume yet, check out our guide on how to write your first job resume.

What to include in a resume

If you already have a basic resume and some work experience, you can take it to the next level by tailoring it for industry-specific jobs or other opportunities like apprenticeships, internships, or university placements. A standout resume not only demonstrates your skills and experiences but also highlights your achievements in a way that grabs the attention of potential employers.

Here’s what you should include in your resume:

• Contact details: Your name, phone number, email address, and LinkedIn profile (if you’ve got one). Make sure this information is up-to-date and work appropriate.
• Objective/personal summary: A brief statement about your career goals and what you hope to achieve in the role you’re applying for. Tailor this to each job to show why you’re a great fit.
• Relevant hard and soft skills: Highlight both hard skills (e.g., technical skills like computer programming, graphic design) and soft skills (e.g., communication, teamwork) that are relevant to the job you're applying for. Instead of just writing something like “team player” in this section, include a sentence or two that demonstrates these skills. For example, you could say ‘Recognised as a team player through taking on additional responsibilities, including assisting with the training of new staff.’
• Education: Include relevant educational background information, such as the school/s you attended, degrees or certificates you’ve earned or are working towards and relevant coursework or academic achievements. You could also include job-specific qualifications and certificates such as a Working with Children Check (WWCC), First Aid qualification, Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) or forklift licence. This can show potential employers that you’re ready to start and have the necessary certifications and skills for the job.
• Professional experience: List your work history in chronological order (starting with most recent experience), focusing on your key responsibilities and accomplishments. For each role, include specific examples of how you contributed to projects or went above and beyond your standard duties.
• Additional sections:  Include any certifications, volunteer work, or other relevant activities, such as academic, sporting, or community-focused awards. These sections highlight your dedication to your field and showcase any additional skills you bring to the table.
• References: Include references or a note that they’re available upon request.