Although Australia’s unemployment rate at March 2013 of 5.6 per cent compared us well below the OECD average of 8.0 per cent, youth unemployment globally and in Australia remains stubbornly higher than the general population at around 20 per cent unemployed. While no one single factor can be attributed, younger people and those with less experience are clearly being affected by broader economic difficulties leading to a reduction in hiring “green” talent. They are much more susceptible to the troughs of supply and demand in the labour market in sectors such as retail and hospitality which traditionally employ younger people. Moreover, lack of experience or understanding of the interview process and what makes an impressive resume can often create substantial barriers to getting a foot in the door for a graduate entry level position or to gain casual or full time work in high demand roles not requiring qualifications.
- Look clean and simple – correct spelling and grammar, qualifications and job history (paid and unpaid/volunteer) listed in reverse chronological order, no complicated fonts, no fancy borders and no more than two colours.
- Be concise – less is more and in almost all cases, 3-5 pages is enough. Very importantly, make sure you list suitable contact details, usually a mobile (with voicemail if possible) and an appropriate/sensible email address – surprisingly, many people forget these!
- Clearly state your career goal on the first page demonstrating an understanding of your experience and why you are prepared to “go the extra mile”.
- Highlight achievements that you are proud of, ideally with figures to indicate the results that you accomplished. Most resumes are a list of duties and responsibilities. Everyone has examples of work that they are proud of in their roles that they can discuss in an interview as a predictor of future success.
- List your (a) grades and results from secondary school, TAFE, colleague or university (if they are good, (b) memberships of school or sports clubs to show your social and team skills and (c) any computer skills and programs that you are familiar with.
- Be on time and be prepared – know where you need to go, leave plenty of time, and research the company and the position before the interview. It’s worth doing a ‘dry run’ if you are unfamiliar with the area and location.
- Present with a smile and confidence – don’t take a casual approach and don’t use swear words; even if the interviewer does!
- Dress suitably for the interview – this doesn’t always mean a suit, but it always means to dress neatly, cleanly and appropriately (generally more on the conservative side).
- Focus on the positive wherever possible and lessons learnt – don’t criticise your previous employer(s) (even if invited!). Always thank your interviewer for their time.
- Try to have 3 questions to ask at the end of the interview. Well researched and considered questions will help create a positive lasting memory and can be a great source of differentiation from competing candidates.