How to Use Keywords Properly on Resumes

Using keywords in a resume is a critical step to getting attention. When you are applying for a job, one of the first things that will happen with your resume is that it will be run through a computerized system that scans the application and your resume for keywords. These are specific words that the employer is looking for all candidates to have. In short, it is critical to use specific words on your resume if you want these computer systems to stop on your resume. If they do not, it could mean that your ability to get an interview is limited.

What Keywords Matter?

On resumes, keywords are a key component of the information you include. Yet, you may have no idea what types of words the employer has listed. Keep the following in mind when selecting keywords in a resume.

#1 - Include information about the education you have. Education keywords include the names of the schools you went to, the specific degree you received, and the specific types of courses you took. Look for industry specific education keywords that help you to stand out.

#2 - Include keywords about job skills you have. Job skills keywords include terms commonly used to describe the tasks you know how to do. This may include your ability to work on specific types of programs or job skills keywords could be words that describe the types of tasks you are capable of doing.

#3 - Include information about your accomplishments. Accomplishment keywords include awards you've received, sales records you broke, or words defining the industry-specific achievements you have made.

#4 - Choose power keywords as well. Power keywords are those that are action verbs. You did not just get an award, you earned an award. You did not just work for the company, you gained experience from the company. Look for ways to include power keywords in your resume.

#5 - Other terms that may fit into your job resume should be those that show the type of person you are. Are you honest, reliable, and dependable? Do you have drive, passion, and the right attitude?

When using keywords in a resume, be specific. Be sure that your actual resume reads well but that it includes any specific keywords that your employer may be looking for in a job applicant. When you do this, you reduce the risk of ending up not a candidate for a job opening.

Todd Bavol is the President and CEO of Integrity Staffing Solutions. Integrity Staffing Solutions is a national staffing firm assisting individuals and corporations in making the right employment fit. To view job openings in Warehouse, Professional and Administrative positions, visit the Integrity Staffing Solutions web site at http://www.integritystaffing.com/.

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Resume Services - Helpful in Creating Great Resumes

A resume or curriculum vitae play a vital role in the life of people who are searching for jobs. It is also important that you should have a well-written resume which grabs the attention of the employer, so that the employer can call you to fix an interview. It enables the employer to perform an initial evaluation on the qualifications and skills of the candidate. Because of the great competition in various fields to get a job, you have to ensure that your qualifications meet the requirements of the employer. If you would like to highlight your strengths as a candidate, then it is better to take the help of resume services.

Resume writing services offer well-written resumes to individuals who are in search of jobs by highlighting their skills, experience and qualifications for the job. There are several services that offer resumes at higher prices, but you can also find companies that offer them at affordable prices. If you are looking for a particular job, then you have to highlight the skills and qualifications for that job. If you are attending an interview, then it is important to present curriculum vitae without any errors before the employer. A professional writing service can help you to create one that is impressive.

With the help of a professional service, you can obtain your dream job. You should find the best service from the several resume writing services available, so that you can fax or send a copy of the previous resume to the writing service. The service will create one which is more attractive by enhancing the previous one. Most of the professional services are proficient enough to highlight the finest qualities of the candidates and create one to provide a great impression to the employer on the candidature of the applicant. Hence, it is worth to pay a fee to create your curriculum vitae with the help of a professional service.

Resume writing services usually appoint a professional resume writer who can write different types of resumes depending up on the skills of the candidates. Usually, the writer from the service will call you and discuss with you to know more about your qualifications, skills, experience, and your expectations associated with the job before writing a resume. After understanding your talents as a candidate, the writer will start writing your resume. If there are any doubts about your skills, qualifications or experience, then the writer would like to clear the doubts about your job skills and qualifications by discussing with you before sending the completed resume to you. Some of the services even offer cover letter and thank-you letter along with the resume as a package deal.

The writer from the writing service does have enough information about the job market and the selection criteria of various employers. Hence, the writer will write your curriculum vitae accordingly and it definitely stands out from the resumes of other candidates with similar talents. It provides a great impression on the employer that you are the right candidate for the job post. Resume services with a professional approach can write curriculum vitae that provide you with the results you are expecting.

Resume services can help the people to present them in a better way before the employers. Professional resume writing services can provide you with a presentable resume.

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Powerful Resumes

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Online Resumes

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Resumes for Youth - It Isn't Only Adults Who Suffer From Unemployment Issues

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Employment Applications and Resumes

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Entry-Level Resumes: Neophytes' Keys to the Corporate World

Fresh graduates, who are about to seek employment, often believe that they do not have the edge to win the tough competition among more experienced and senior jobseekers. They think that they lack the skill and personal knowledge about the events in the corporate world, thus leading to their lack of self-confidence.

New grads, however, should not be problematic about it and instead think positively. It's better if they look for ways to outshine competitors.

One of the best ways to do this is to present an exceptional application paper. Yes, they can still get their desired jobs and enjoy a career by just crafting entry-level resumes.

To contradict what these young individuals think and feel, they should know that during this point in time, a lot of companies are looking for applicants who have just finished their tertiary schooling. Yes, this is true. While many believe that they have no place in many companies, the truth is, it is just a misconception.

Get Ready, Be Equipped

Entering the doors to a different world where one is not used to is comparable to the feeling of going to a battlefield where one is obliged to bring a weapon. With regard to job application, aspirants' weapons are their powerful resumes that aim to obtain their hiring managers' approval.

An application summary reflects the job candidate's personality. Additionally, it represents him at the time of the screening when hopefuls are called and invited for an interview. For this reason, it is important that the summary is as interesting as it can be so as to catch the attention of the hiring manager. Outstanding entry-level resumes can really make the difference and can actually help them get there.

How to Make One

Application is not all about professional experiences; rather, it is about showing someone's qualifications. And one of the best ways to establish them is by citing the core competencies or skills of the applicant.

Besides helping define one's abilities, an application squeezed with one's fundamental proficiencies helps connect applicants to appropriate jobs. Above all, these proficiencies are so much powerful for they can influence and convince a recruiter that the candidate is a talented individual.

If you've just graduated from a college or a university and been looking for a job, then, it is the right time to craft your own weapon. You can do this all by yourself. Follow these tips and pieces of advice:

Header Section.Start by introducing yourself. Indicate your name at the top portion of the paper. Make this part attractive. You may use MS Word tools and other features. But see to it that you do not decorate it excessively. Beneath your name, write your complete mailing address, contact numbers (telephone number, mobile phone number, and e-mail address).

Career Objective.As a new grad, it is expected that you write your career goal, something that says about your future plans with the company you wish to become a part of.

Know-hows.Cite all your skills. It is better if you expound on each of your competencies.

Education. Entry-level resumes are expected to highlight this portion of the application because this contains details about your academic achievements and extracurricular activities that may help you qualify for the vacant post.

Other Sections.To further establish your qualifications, cite some pieces of information pertaining to your community involvements, worthwhile activities, and affiliations.

Following these tips will surely help you combat the challenges of entering the corporate world.

Melinda Edwards works as a career consultant and has been invited in many forums and events on human resource management. She is also a time management expert who effectively performs her roles both as a career woman and a mother.

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Help, I Don't Know What to Write on Resumes and Cover Letters!

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Powerful Resumes

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Learn to Use Template Resumes to Help You Get That Job

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Being More Than Average: How to Write Effective Resumes

Seldom do we talk about being a great writer of application papers that only get thrown in the trash bins 95% of the time. The art of resume writing is often taken for granted by many job seekers, and we often forget how tough the competition is.

In just a single job posting, a range of 100 to 1000 applications are being sent to hiring offices. Cut-throat competition, it is. And not only that, you will only have less than a minute to capture good impression from your employer for they only read your copy for an average of 10 seconds. Yet, seldom does anybody realize the great importance of good resumes.

Question: Is it possible to appear to be the best candidate in a rough race with that very narrow time restriction? - Yes actually. With the proper knowledge and some bloody revision, you can write an effective resume. Just follow these five pointers and you're on your way into acing the trash bin elimination:

1. Simplify your format

Like it or not, the most annoying mistake you could ever make in your application paper is to embellish it with fancy fonts or borders. So make sure that the copy only contains readable and common typeface. Everything should be in black and white, spare the coloring to your scrapbook. And most of all, avoid grammatical and spelling mistakes - they are the shortest distance between the employers' hands and the garbage can.

2. Never waste the space

Again, a resume is not a scrapbook. Don't overdo it. Put off details that may sound great in your diary, but are not related with the work you're applying for. Also, don't turn your objective into a wish list. Use the space to your advantage by describing yourself and your achievements and the position you're willing to take. Put the concerns of the hirer before everything because the application papers are made to impress, not to express. Limit you paper into two, only if possible.

3. Embrace precision

And remember, nobody has ever impressed an employer with phrases like 'team player' and 'detail-oriented'. Get over it. The worst thing about seeking jobs is thinking that you can excel by being average. Keep in mind how many prospective employees are out there. Think of a way you can outstand them. Be accurate in endorsing yourself. Be specific. That's how you show them that you're a unique candidate with a great edge over others.

4. Give proofs

This is where you boast. But you have to boast honestly. Aside from the traditional educational background, let them know that you are really into the field by adding extras like relevant seminars you attended, awards you won, and organizations you're affiliated to. Letting them know the expanse of your background makes them see the expanse of your knowledge.

5. Emphasize

Whatever you think is the most important part that will impress the hiring manager with your application, put it on focus. Since time is very limited when it comes to scanning it (right, scan), make sure that the best part will get read. For example, if you have a strong educational background, why not layout your copy in a way that the reader will see it right away? However, avoid overdoing it. Emphasize your edge while maintaining a subtle, decent format. Writing effective resumes is also an art of hiding your vanity.

Nelson Mullins is a former corporate hiring and recruitment expert who regularly writes articles on resumes, resume writing, personality development, and career in general. He is a father of three who also enjoys photography and biking. Nelson believes that while the employment world continues to be a rat race for applicants, it is important to always be equipped with new ideas on sustaining career growth and opportunities.

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Employment Applications and Resumes

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Online Resumes

While many people may dream to work for big corporations and businesses, most people will be content at having a job which pays well and is secure. There are many smaller and medium sized businesses which can give you the security and prospects you need, however you must know where to find them. When job hunting, the first place job seekers resort to is usually major job hunting websites, without realizing that they haven't even dipped their toes into the pool of opportunities that await them.

Expand your chances at finding a job by going to websites that are geared towards local and prospering businesses. have a large databank of local and national businesses which are growing on a daily basis and need help to carry the load of their businesses. Simply upload your resume free of charge. Your private and personal information will be kept secure and only qualified representatives will have access to your resume.

Now that you've found a great place like to upload your resume, here are some simple tips to maximize your visibility and intrigue potential employers:

• Keep it Classy
Keep your resume elegant and simple. Unless you're going for a position in the arts, you do not need excessive fonts, typesets, and bizarre sizes to grasp attention. If anything this will only reduce your prospects of actually having your resume read.

• Keep it to the point
Do not attempt to write a literary classic. Your resume is designed to give information quickly and obviously. A hiring manager bombarded with hundreds of resumes will not have the time or attention span to read through paragraphs, so keep key words that they are looking for blatant and in the open.

• Do provide contact information
The number of people who forget to provide adequate and up to date contact information is very surprising. Ensure your contact information is easy to access. If possible, provide your cell phone as the main source of contact, and if you're providing a home number, be sure to let others answering the phone know that you may be receiving phone calls regarding your resume.

• Do include your LinkedIn and Social Networking Information (if applicable)
Create profiles on social networks which are safe for employers, and include that information in your resume, particularly if your field of employment requires to you to be strong in human resources and public relations. Showing a positive online presence is important in gaining the trust of future employers.

While you're busy updating your Linked In profile, be sure to clean up your personal Facebook and Twitter profiles as well. Be sure that you do not have compromising information or pictures posted on your sites, and that others take down pictures which may cost you your job. In this economy, it is not worth losing a job to a couple of random pictures.

Submitting your resume to online databanks is a smart and easy way to increase your exposure to the hidden job market and employers who need people with skills like yours!

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Resumes and Heatmaps

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Resumes for Youth - It Isn't Only Adults Who Suffer From Unemployment Issues

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Resumes and Heatmaps

Time and again a new research surfaces talking about how much time recruiters spend looking at a resume. When we started our resume writing service 2 years ago, the time was pegged at somewhere between 37-40 seconds; 2 months ago a new report put this time spent at a paltry six seconds. Yes, 6 seconds only. The report compared a professionally designed resume with an amateur resume.

If you have a look at the resume images (the link is mentioned below), you will notice how easier it is to locate sections in the professionally designed resume. Also, the cumulative heat score of a professional resume is much more than the amateur one.

The actual resume report from the Ladders, says that of the 6 seconds that recruiters or employers view a resume, 80% of the time is spent on viewing the following data points

NameCurrent title and companyCurrent position start and end datesPrevious title and companyPrevious position start and end datesEducation

If the resume looks interesting, it is the keywords that are scanned in the remaining time - keywords relevant to the profile/position which is being filled. Then, a decision to call the candidate for an interview is taken.

In addition the study also found that on a scale of 1-7, recruiters gave professionally re-written resumes an average rating of 6.2 for "usability." The eye-tracking technology found that unorganized resumes took a mental load on the recruiter while Professional resumes had less data, were evenly formatted and were described as "clearer."

What does this mean?

One thing definitely, that as candidates, you have very little time to impress employers. The resume, therefore, has to

be exactly to-the-pointcontain relevant and important keywordsstress on accomplishmentsbe visually appealing and structured so that information can be sought easily

As I said above, of the two resumes shown, the one on the left has long paragraphs and pretty heavy text with no demarcation of sections. The one on the right though has text in bullet points, good use of the empty space, clearly visible sections with noticeable dates, designations, a border and a good headline. Needless to say, it has a high heat score and would be a hit among employers.

Formatting matters

Though six seconds sound less, they probably aren't. Initial screening would take too much time if recruiters start reading every resume they get, which run to about hundreds for a single position, especially if you are in a country like India! When recruiters target candidates with specific requirements, it is not a difficult job to reject or select a particular resume just by looking at it. All that is needed is a focus on the 6 points mentioned above and some specific keywords. Of course, the resume has to be structured properly so that all these data points are found! After all, employers will never want to get lost in a maze of words.

Now apart from the usual keywords in your resume, there are two things which can make it stand out from the rest

structure or a visible formaton-the-job accomplishments

Structure or Format

Format does not mean bold facing or highlighting. A format means regularity, throughout. When your resume is formatted, it follows the same style, same representation and similar location of information throughout the pages, so it becomes easier for the reader to locate information.

On-the-Job Accomplishments

Accomplishments are job responsibilities but less wordy and more impactful. Accomplishments should always be mentioned in the resume at an appropriate location. Recruiters may skip reading your job responsibilities, but will always read your achievements on the job.

Conclusion

Writing a good and noticeable resume is not easy, but it is not difficult either. If you put in some hours for a few days, you can easily churn out a resume which will attract interview calls from all employers. The key is to focus on what profile you wish to apply for and which skills you need to highlight. And of course, a good format.

Resume Images Link:

http://www.businessinsider.com/eye-tracking-heatmaps-2012-5#in-the-six-seconds-they-spend-on-a-resume-recruiters-focus-on-name-current-title-and-company-current-position-start-and-end-dates-previous-title-and-company-previous-position-start-and-end-dates-and-education-16

Visit http://www.getsetresumes.com/blog for more insightful articles on careers, interviews, employment trends and of course resumes and cover letters.

Rajat (Founder, http://www.getsetresumes.com/ )

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Resumes for an Ageing Job Market

People aged 50 years and over in Australia are the fastest growing demographic. The Australian Bureau of Statistics indicates that between 2011 and 2020 the number of persons aged over 50 years will increase by 22%. By 2050 this number will have increased by 80% in comparison with just 35% for people aged 18 to 49. This trend in the demographic presents significant challenges for the job market as the population ages and moves with it the available skills and knowledge. Many industries currently face a skill shortage as opposed to labour shortage.

Possessing the right skills does not guarantee individual employment. Many of the jobseekers that fit within this demographic have held positions for long periods of time, being constantly engaged through word-of-mouth opportunities and may never have written a resume. In a report commissioned by the National Centre for Ageing Project, mature job seekers faced two major challenges. This included negative stereotypes towards mature workers and the perception that a mature worker is more likely to retire or quit. There are a number of strategies that mature aged jobseekers can present in a resume that will maximise opportunities for success and clearly place themselves as candidates for employment.

Skills Based Resume: Any job seeker at any age should put forward their skills that match the position or career they are targeting. This is more important for mature aged workers where extensive experience and skill will make them more competitive. Incorporating a transferable or skills summary at the beginning of a resume that highlights key areas of experience and capability is the first thing an employer reads. This will create a lasting impression for a potential employer and reinforce the potential benefits of employing an individual with extensive experience and capability.

Personal Indicators: Many mature aged jobseekers have been employed within a period where a job was for life. Ironically this level of commitment is not matched with a volatile financial and business market. Many mature aged jobseekers are currently seeking employment as a direct result of redundancies from long-term positions. However, this level of commitment and proven reliability can be an advantage for potential employers. Jobseekers can highlight a proven reliability and commitment over a long period of time. Maintaining this employment also indicates that an employee possesses both the professional and technical qualities important to an employer.

Selected Professional Development: Long and complicated lists of competencies achieved or professional development undertaken over 30 years of employment can significantly increase the size of a resume. Consider the important professional development undertaken relevant to the position applied for and include a selected list. This list may change depending on the position applied for and should be adjusted on a regular basis.

Focus on the last five years: An employer is most interested in the last five years of employment. Mature aged jobseekers often have a career history spanning more than 30 years. In this situation it is important to clearly explain the most recent positions in more detail. However, career progression can be demonstrated by including lists of positions undertaken from initial employment often in skilled or trade related positions through to current supervisory or management roles.

Case Study: A recent client was seeking to prepare a resume after being made redundant with more than 30 years experience with the one employer. In this situation the job seeker had an extensive employment history and long list of professional development. Employment was being sought within the retail trade area as a supervisor. This was a significant shift from the original career pathway within a Government owned entity. In this situation it was important to:

Reduce the number of courses presentedHighlight recent employment that matched the position applied forCarefully select duties and responsibilities that indicated technical capability yet reflected transferable skillsPrepare a skills summary at the beginning of the resume matched to career directionDevelop a cover letter that drew out the benefits of this career for a new employer

This process created a strong link between the existing career and transferable skills to a new employer. Through this process potential employers develop an understanding of the potential skills and capability available through the job seeker.

With an aging population and a growing skill shortage the importance of mature aged workers within industry is essential. The development of a skills base is the focus of an employer along with an important component to building a new generation of skilled workers. Creating and maintaining a professional and focused resume places a job seeker in a position to become a valuable member of this process.

John Matthews from The Writing Wizards has more than 10 years experience in providing direct assistance, coaching and preparation of professional material for jobseekers. This includes a comprehensive approach to preparing professional resumes, Government applications and interview coaching. With a background in Government and a successful record in achieving results for clients, John Matthews continues to demonstrate an intimate knowledge of the job market and processes.

You can download a full list of tips and get other useful information from The Writing Wizards page http://www.writingwizards.com.au/

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Help, I Don't Know What to Write on Resumes and Cover Letters!

Certainly, most of job seekers fret over deciding what they should put on their resumes and what should they not. Especially if you've just come out of school with your diploma, immersing yourself in the vast job market is like ocean diving for the first time- you never know what to expect after you jumped off the safe boat.

The bad news here is you're no David Blaine to guess what employers and hiring managers would like to see in your resumes and cover letters.

If job hunting for you is going like one heck of a guessing game, maybe it's your time to start doing some research. Understand what lies on the other side; see how employers tick before you venture out. Seek some professional advice online if you do not know anybody from the hiring industry.

And when research still doesn't work for you, maybe it's time to consider getting some online help from a professional resume writer. But still, this is not an easy decision. Choosing somebody to write the copy for you is like choosing somebody to paint your face. You must find someone you can trust to paint you, or putting it exact, to portray who you are. Here are some tips to make sure that you landed on a trusty company who really can write the resumes and cover letters that will take you to your furthest potential career as candidate:

1. Never settle for free writing services

There is no such thing as a free lunch. If you like to try free online services, you have the prerogative to do so, but be sure to check and edit until it can stand out. Free makers often operate using generic words and phrases, and these often don't work to employers who have already read thousands of applications. Some HRs probably even knew which come from free online application makers and which are faithfully customized.

2. Look for Sample Products

Good companies show off their products because they have a firm belief that it has a superior quality. Looking at samples gives you a preview of their works. It lets you know if the company is worth your time and money.

3. Visit product reviews

There are sites that actually review a wide array of online products, and yes, even written application documents. Google some credible reviewers and see who's the best in the industry. Chances are, the top three are always occupied by the same companies.

4. Consider the price and turnover time

This is actually the last to consider because after you landed the job, you're sure to earn your investments back. However, if your application needs to be customized for many companies and involves responding to ads and tossing your copy to their HR departments as quick as you can, you should never overlook the time. Promptness is a virtue that will give you edge from the tough competitors.

Writing resumes and cover letters are difficult, and that is true. But with some determination, research and help, you'll sure to go to be a top candidate for the career you want.

Nelson Mullins is a former corporate hiring and recruitment expert who regularly writes articles on resumes, resume writing, personality development, and career in general. He is a father of three who also enjoys photography and biking. Nelson believes that while the employment world continues to be a rat race for applicants, it is important to always be equipped with new ideas on sustaining career growth and opportunities.

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Action Verbs Are Your Resume's Worker Bees

Restore. Transform. Spearhead. Clarify. Differentiate. Allocate. Effect. Leverage.

Other than the fact that they are all verbs, what do these words have in common? Take your time, there's no rush.

Give yourself a prize if you determined that those are POWER verbs. Those, and many others like them, distinctly show their user getting something major done. As opposed to passive verbs, such as Gave, Received, Helped, Claimed; those verbs, while necessary to our language, reflect on something being done to the user. Passive verbs, as their name implies, are relatively powerless when it comes to a resume.

Why is this important? When you have approximately 7 to 15 seconds for a recruiter or hiring manager to scan your resume, you want to give every word power, and nowhere is this more important than in your choice of verbs.

Consider: If I tell you that I received an Employee of the Month Award, you might offer your congratulations, a pat on the back, or a handshake.

However, if I tell you that I earned an Employee of the Month Award, your reaction could be very different. You might ask me what I did to earn that award, or what it's like working for Spacelee Sprockets, or even ask me if I know of any openings in the company.

Amazing, isn't it, the power of a single word?

The verbs that begin this article are active verbs, which is what gives them their power. Active verbs show you DOING something, as opposed to passive verbs, which show something being done to you.

In a resume, you always want to include active verbs. And wherever possible, you want to open the sentence with one of those action verbs. So our example would say: "Earned Employee of the Month Award... " Then you add in the month and year, and the reason why you won the award, to back up your claim.

In the resume you place before the hiring manager, you want to demonstrate that you are someone who gets things done. You want every accomplishment on the resume to reflect this. I have said many times before, and it bears repeating, your resume is not simply a dry list of your job duties. It isn't about your past. No, a resume is about your future. A resume speaks to the hiring manager and describes you as a candidate worthy of interviewing, and your previous accomplishments are evidence to the fact that you have already attacked similar problems to what the hiring manager needs, and you have solved them. Go ahead, show yourself in action!

Jack Mulcahy has written hundreds of resumes for people from all walks of life. Each resume he writes shows the unique selling proposition so necessary to market the job seeker. To learn more about Jack and how he can work to help your resume gain interviews, visit his website at http://www.resumesbyjack.com/.

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Defence Resumes For Civilian Positions

The transition from Defence to civilian life can be difficult on a number of fronts. Defence personnel often undertake extensive training courses not all of which are relevant to the civilian sector. However a number of private employers and major sectors including mining companies value Defence personnel. Many people leaving Defence struggle to understand what civilian organisations are seeking and how to present experience and qualifications. What are the common resume issues Defence personnel struggle with when transitioning to the civilian sector?

Language and Terminology: A significant amount of the terminology from the Defence sector is different to the civilian world. Language and terminology can differ between Defence and civilian resumes. Avoid acronyms and terminology specific to Defence which may be difficult to understand. Terminology such as subordinates and operations should be substituted with personnel and projects. Confusion is also created through the use of position titles. Many people do not understand the structure of Defence forces and titles such as section commander should be renamed to supervisor or team leader. This includes the use of words such as officer. Within Defence a Training Officer is a position of authority while in the civilian sector this indicates an individual who delivers training courses.

Courses: It is important to review training courses and identify what is relevant to the civilian sector. Trade qualifications are easily recognised and transferred. However at a basic level even a Private within Defence undertakes training relevant to the civilian sector. This may include teamwork, leadership, equipment use, vehicle operation and safety courses. In addition to this Defence personnel often participate in annual training courses relevant to equity and diversity, occupational health and safety and other areas. These courses and training are useful to the civilian sector while also demonstrating a willingness to continually improve and a capability to complete professional development. It is important to check the ability of agencies that can translate Defence training into civilian certificates.

Experience: Defence personnel are exposed to a range of experiences and operational activities. From a basic level through to leadership positions this experience is valuable. It is important for Defence personnel to recognise relevant tasks and clearly outline this in a resume. A private in Defence will have gained valuable experience in activities such as planning operations, undertaking risk assessments, operating plant and equipment, undertaking general maintenance and performing under pressure. While a section commander or team leader clearly demonstrates project management skills through the supervision of staff, organisation of resources, planning of operations, implementation of safety practices and monitoring progress. Specialist areas such as trade qualifications, combat engineers, medical staff, drivers, hospitality staff and other positions have direct relevance to the civilian sector. When presenting experience it is important to recognise irrelevant or unnecessary information. Civilian agencies are rarely interested in weapons qualifications or related experience and are unlikely to be interested in postings especially where the work duties remain the same.

Awards and Recognition: An often overlooked area is awards, medals and recognition. Medals or certificates recognising participation in deployments, operations or disaster responses can also be presented. The presentation of awards or recognition highlights excellence in performance and achievement.

In general Defence personnel are attractive to civilian employers. The capability to follow direction, work as part of a small and close-knit team and continually participate in training is attractive to sectors such as mining companies. It is important to research organisations or employers to determine exactly what is required and the information that should be presented in your resume. Providing clear, concise and relevant information will assist in making a successful transition.

John Matthews from The Writing Wizards has assisted more than 10,000 clients seeking employment for over 10 years. This has been through preparing professional resumes, Government applications and interview coaching across all industries.

Maximise your chances of success and engage a professional. Visit our website and find a full range of services, information, tips and free downloads: The Writing Wizards page http://www.writingwizards.com.au/

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