What to include in Your Resume

1. Your full name
2. A current address
3. A current contact number
4. Your date of birth (optional)
5. Marital status (optional)
6. Education:     Name of the school/s you  attended;  Include your most recent year of attendance; List the subjects undertaken with the results for each, beginning with your best results and so on; Include any awards, prizes or other distinctions you have received
7. List any other Qualifications such as TAFE courses you have completed or certificates you have received
8. Employment History - include both paid and unpaid positions
9. Interests - include hobbies, memberships, clubs or organisations
10. Give names and contact numbers of people willing to give a reference about you - make sure you ask them before including their names on your resume.

Writing a Job Application Letter

Many jobs that are advertised will require you to write a letter of application.  The application will determine if you are going to be interviewed for the job.  Here are some tips for writing a job application letter:

• Call the place of business you are applying to and ask for the job requirements or job description
• Write a draft letter first to ensure you have included all the necessary information
• Take note of what you are asked to include; eg birth certificate, references etc (never include originals)
• Check for spelling and grammatical errors.  Have someone else proof read it for you
• Make sure all information given is relevant to the job - don't waffle about personal issues
• Answer all of the requirements listed for the job
• Keep sentences short and to the point
• Be positive but don't overstate or understate your abilitiies; eg instead of fairly experienced, use expereienced
• Don't mention negative aspects of yourself or your work history
• Check closing dates and always apply early.  Don't miss the closing date
• Keep a record of everything you send
• Address the letter correctly