How to Write A Stellar Resume

In today’s competitive job market, a well-crafted resume is essential to capture the attention of hiring managers and secure interviews. With the rise of AI-driven recruitment tools and evolving employer expectations, it’s crucial to ensure your resume is tailored, concise, and impactful. Here are expert-backed tips to help you create a standout resume in 2025.

1. Maintain a Professional Tone

Your resume should reflect professionalism in both language and presentation. Avoid casual language, slang, or text abbreviations. Use clear, formal language and ensure correct grammar and punctuation throughout. This demonstrates your attention to detail and respect for the application process.

2. Prioritise Relevance and Clarity

Focus on including information that is directly relevant to the position you’re applying for. Highlight your most recent and pertinent experiences, skills, and achievements. Use bullet points for easy readability and keep your formatting clean and consistent. Employers appreciate resumes that are straightforward and easy to navigate.

3. Tailor Your Resume for Each Application

Customise your resume to align with the specific requirements of each job. Incorporate keywords and phrases from the job description to demonstrate your suitability. This not only shows that you’ve done your research but also helps your resume pass through ATS filters. For guidance on tailoring your resume, refer to our Resume Tips.

4. Highlight Achievements with Quantifiable Results

Instead of merely listing job duties, emphasise your accomplishments using measurable outcomes. For example:

• Increased sales by 20% over six months through targeted marketing strategies.

• Led a team of 10 to successfully complete a project two weeks ahead of schedule.

Quantifying your achievements provides concrete evidence of your capabilities and impact.

5. Optimise for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS)

Many Australian employers use ATS to screen resumes. To ensure your resume is ATS-friendly.

• Use standard fonts like Arial or Calibri.

• Avoid graphics, tables, and unusual formatting.

• Include relevant keywords from the job description.

For more on ATS optimisation, visit Resume Format Guide (2025 Examples).

6. Include a Professional Summary

Begin your resume with a concise professional summary that encapsulates your experience, skills, and career objectives. This section should be tailored to each role and provide a snapshot of what you bring to the position.

7. Keep Personal Information Appropriate

In Australia, it’s standard to include your name, phone number, email address, and LinkedIn profile. Avoid including sensitive personal details such as date of birth, marital status, or a photograph, as these are not required and can lead to unconscious bias.

8. Proofread Thoroughly

Errors in your resume can create a negative impression. After drafting, review your resume multiple times and consider having a trusted colleague or mentor provide feedback. Utilise tools like Grammarly to catch grammatical mistakes.

9. Consider Including a Cover Letter

A well-written cover letter complements your resume by providing context to your experiences and expressing your enthusiasm for the role. It allows you to elaborate on specific achievements and explain how your skills align with the company’s needs. For tips on crafting an effective cover letter, see our guide on How to Write a Killer Cover Letter.