COURSE OVERVIEW:

A resume is a formal document that a job applicant creates to itemise his or her work experience, achievements, education, skills etc. for a position. A resume is usually accompanied by a customised cover letter in which the applicant expresses an interest in a specific job or company and draws attention to the most relevant specifics on the resume.

The resume is most often used as a tool to secure the first job interview. Upon applying for a job, you will usually have to submit your resume to a hiring manager, HR manager or recruiter. Based on their impression of your resume, he or she will decide whether to call you in for an interview.

CV stands for Curriculum Vitae, which is Latin for ‘Course of life’. Technically, a resume is generally a shorter account of professional and educational history; whereas a CV is longer than a resume and more in depth, covering professional accomplishments, awards and recognitions.

However, in the Australian market, the words ‘resume’ and ‘CV’ are used interchangeably, and you can assume they mean the same thing.

A cover letter is all about making a great first impression, and giving your job application the best chance of making progress. Think of your cover letter as a pitch – a way to introduce yourself professionally and show the value you could bring to the role you’re applying for. Your resume is there to document your skills, experience and achievements, but your cover letter sums these things up in a way that matches the job and offers a sense of who you are.

It’s also your chance to show why you’re interested in the particular role, and that you’ve done your research about the company or organisation. A well-written cover letter will encourage a potential employer to read through to your resume and get in touch to find out more or set up an interview.

This course is designed to help you craft a successful resume and cover letter that will quickly impress an employer or recruiter and win your dream job.

The first part of this course starts by discussing what a resume is, its purpose and the keywords to include in your resume. Also, discusses the role and value of a well-crafted resume and cover letter. Then discusses the importance of using social media to support your job-hunting efforts and how to develop a resume that works online. Then examines the reverse chronological order resume and its benefits, and provides an example of a winning resume. In addition, explains how to tailor your resume to target a specific job or company. Then examines the main parts of a resume. Then explains how to make your resume reflect who you are. Finally, discusses how to put all the parts together.

The second part discusses how to craft a successful cover letter including a compelling introduction, body and conclusion. It starts by introducing the cover letter and its purpose. Then examines the essential parts, elements and layout, and provides an example of a cover letter to fit your needs. Then provides some practical hints and tips to help you design a powerful letter, including how to avoid the hazards of cover letter writing, that will give you that winning edge over your competition.

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

By the end of this course, you will be able to understand:

• The importance of a resume and cover letter
• What is the difference between a resume and CV?
• The value of a top-notch resume and cover letter
• The things that make employers look twice at your resume
• The simple things you can do to create a positive first impression in your resume
• The information you should include in the resume
• Why your resume is a valuable real estate?
• How to gather the information you need about your work history?
• How to use and display keywords in your resume?
• The resume formats that will fit you and the job
• How to create a reverse chronological order resume?
• How to create a resume to target a specific job or company?
• How to compile a curriculum vitae (CV)?
• The CV headings
• How to create the CV contents?
• The common section headings used in resumes
• How to cook up a winning resume?
• The essential ingredients you need to include to attract the instant interest of an employer
• How to confirm your contact details?
• How to record your work experience?
• How to outline your responsibilities?
• How to extol your achievements?
• How to show off your schooling, education and training?
• How to record your professional development and training courses?
• How to record and present relevant referees?
• How to sell your skills and experience up-front?
• What to include in your career summary?
• How to share your career objective?
• How to include a list of your key skills?
• How to include memberships in professional or industry-based associations?
• How to include hobbies and interests?
• How to list boards, committees and taskforces?
• How to showcase your awards?
• The role of social media as an important support act for your resume
• How to create a resume that gets noticed online?
• The factors to consider when sending your resume as an email attachment
• How to write a winning cover letter?
• The many purposes of your cover letter
• The anatomy of a cover letter
• What to include in the introduction section of the cover letter?
• What to include in the body section of the cover letter?
• What to include in the conclusion section of the cover letter?
• How to identify the right cover letter type for your needs?
• The email cover letter etiquette

COURSE DURATION:

The typical duration of this course is approximately 2-3 hours to complete. Your enrolment is Valid for 12 Months. Start anytime and study at your own pace.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS:

You must have access to a computer or any mobile device with Adobe Acrobat Reader (free PDF Viewer) installed, to complete this course.

COURSE DELIVERY:

Purchase and download course content.

ASSESSMENT:

A simple 10-question true or false quiz with Unlimited Submission Attempts.

CERTIFICATION:

Upon course completion, you will receive a customised digital “Certificate of Completion”.