Applying for your First Job
At this stage, your resumé needs to show your potential – that you are somebody worth investing in. Employers may respond to your resumé by sending you an application form. Approach this as you have your resumé, focusing on your achievements and skills.
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Be creative in your approach to your resumé, but follow the basic rules.
Ordering information
When looking for your first job, the best format for your resumé is the functional one. You need to list full details of your education – these will be your main achievements to date. Think hard about your other accomplishments – you will need to identify them from your academic, working, and personal life. They will then need to be described in a way that will make them appealing to an employer. If you know your career objective, include this first. Also include details of any work experience. If you have other skills, such as IT, round these up in a section entitled “Business Skills.”
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Remember, employers look for enthusiasm and motivation.
Do’s and don’ts
Do identify key achievements that are relevant to your application.
Do include details of education courses and examination results.
Do include a relevant career objective.
Don’t include unnecessary details about temporary jobs.
Don’t be unrealistic in your aims.
Don’t waste space – it is perfectly acceptable for your resumé to fit on to one page.
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If you are exploring more than one career path, create more than one resumé.
Stressing potential
A first resumé needs to list all academic achievements but, unless they are exceptional, your resumé will not stand out. To make your document distinctive, you need to concentrate on your skills and experience beyond your education.
