Writing a good resume

How to write a resume

If you’re looking for a new job or simply looking for a change then make sure to treat your resume, or CV, as your own personal calling card.

It announces you to a prospective employer and should outline your work experience, key skills and competencies, and your value to the organisation. It should also address the essential criteria listed in any position description and be accompanied by a tailored cover letter - this is extremely important.

How long should a resume or CV be?

Do you want the Hiring Manger to read your resume? Then a brief and concise resume showing why you should seriously be considered for the role is a must.

Standard length for resumes is 2-3 pages. Give due consideration to the layout – it must be easy to read.

Do I need to change my resume every time I apply for a job?

Your resume should answer the position requirements specified in the job ad and/or position description. Both usually outline the reason for the hire, the nature of the opportunity and the key skills required.

A tailored resume will have much more impact than a generic one. If you value the opportunity then you will make the time to tailor how you present your skills, experience and motivations that make you a suitable candidate.

What if I don't have much experience?

If you believe that your experience level might fall short of what is required, instead demonstrate the value of your experience by listing your responsibilities and achievements, the relevance of your training and qualifications, your specific experience (e.g. volunteering or project achievements), as well as your personal traits and strengths.   

Always balance this with the need to be concise and well presented.

How do I organise my resume's information? What do I include on my resume?

The structure of your resume will vary depending on your work experience, education and training background. Remember that you should use the Hiring Manager’s initial view of your resume as the opportunity to sell your key points so getting your career objective, education and the start of your employment history onto the first page (their line of sight) is a good start.

Here's a brief rundown on the essential things to include on your resume:


  • Cover letter

    The cover letter is your chance to promote the person you are, to introduce yourself and differentiate yourself from other candidates. Your cover letter must convey your motivation for developing a career within community care or disability support, and convince the potential employer that you have the right integrity, attitude and character to be a success in this role.

  • Personal details

    The obvious applies here - full name and contact details including address, telephone number(s) and email address.

  • Career objective / Personal statement (optional)

    A career objective shows commitment to follow a particular path and that you have given consideration as to how and to where you would like to see your career develop. Training or further education options could be mentioned in support of your desire to advance in your chosen field. Write this with the position description in mind.

  • Education and training

    Remember to list your educational qualifications, further training etc. in chronological order commencing with the most recent studies undertaken. A brief accompanying summary (2 lines) can explain the value and relevance of courses undertaken. If you have undertaken many courses over an extended period then list the courses that are relevant to the role. This allows the relevant courses to stand out and sell you as a candidate.

  • Employment history

    List your work history chronologically, including the name of the employer, your job title, the dates you worked there, and your responsibilities, tasks and achievements. Make sure you include everything that's relevant to the job. Be concise and to the point. What you write should reflect on what the position description is asking for helping you to tick the boxes with the recruiter.

  • Skills and abilities

    Keep this relevant to the role for which you are applying. For the disability and community care sector, having a First Aid Certificate (current), driver’s licence (plus car with full comprehensive insurance) and general office skills are a good start. Experience in teamwork, reporting skills and clear communication abilities will be looked on favourably.

  • Interests (optional)

    Your interests and hobbies can complete a well-rounded picture of yourself and show extra-curricular activities that might provide value at a later date.  For example you may have volunteering commitments or participate in team based scenarios, whether sporting or social.

  • Referees

    List people who can vouch for your workplace ethic and your contribution. List their name, position title, organisation and contact details. Make sure they know that they will be contacted to provide references and alert them to the particular role you have applied for. Alternately, some people prefer to 'provide referees upon request' when an offer might be potentially made.

What makes a bad resume?

  • Acronyms, abbreviations and jargon

  • Exaggerated experience or false claims

  • Irrelevant information

  • Confusion between job responsibilities and achievements

  • Unexplained gaps in employment history

  • Outdated information

For advice on how to write a good resume, contact our Careers Centre

Resume checklist

Remember that a resume reflects your own particular style and lists what you would like to prioritise when presenting your personality, skills and experience to a Hiring Manager.  The format below and the samples that follow reflect the most commonly used approach in presenting yourself in the jobs market.

After you've written your resume, and before sending it, go through this checklist:

  • Proofread your resume
  • Run a grammar and spell check!
  • Make a note of the roles that you have applied for and follow up directly with the organisation to confirm receipt and detail your availability for an interview

The team at carecareers.com.au is always available on 1300 637 637 or you can email us at info@carecareers.com.au for additional advice and encouragement in your job search.

Glossary - Writing a good resume

  • Cover letter

    This is a brief introduction to the rest of your written application and should include your address, the date and the title of the role for which you are applying.…

  • Resume

    It is a document that contains a summary of relevant job experience and education. A resume is typically the first item that a potential employer encounters regarding the job seeker and is used to screen applicants, often followed by an interview, when seeking employment.…