Tell us About Yourself – The deal with resumes

Like talking about yourself? Then putting together your resume will be no problem because it's all about YOU – well, the stuff an employer wants to know anyway.

When you are older and forging a career, your resume will probably develop into a long and impressive story of success, but for now you can keep it brief, including just a few pieces of information. It will give potential employers some background on you before a job interview.

• Personal details – name, address, phone number, date of birth, interests
• Education – your school, year and grades. You may like to include photocopies of certificates, report cards etc.
• Achievements – Any outstanding achievements, e.g. academic, sporting or community awards
• Work experience – where you have worked, if anywhere, paid and unpaid
• Referees – People who know you (not your family) and are willing to tell a prospective employer that you're a decent guy/girl, e.g. parents of friends, coaches, former employers.

If you are applying by mail, writing a short letter is recommended to introduce yourself and your resume. Keep it brief so the employer can form a clear, quick picture of your skills and strengths.

Your resume should be neat and well presented, preferably produced and printed on a computer and stapled. It's best to keep it simple and business-like – no fancy fonts or graphics required. Plus, don't forget to get your parents or one of your teachers to check for spelling mistakes before you send it off!

Download Rachel's Letter and Resume (20KB pdf)
Download our ready-made "Fill in the Gaps" Resume (36KB Word)