Resumes in Australia are not the same documents they were 10, 15 or 20 years ago. Dates of birth, marital status and interests that used to take “pride of place” on page one, followed closely by education and a general listing of soft skills, is a formula for a less cynical time.

20 years ago, the terms “text me” or “DM me” or would have been met with a blank stare in an environment where mobile telephones were just starting to be used by a lucky few. Today, resumes in Australia are rightly acknowledged as a selling tool; the critical first step in reinforcing personal brands and getting noticed to achieve the competitive edge.

CV or Resume?

Australian resumes are typically referred to as CVs (Curriculum Vitae). While strictly speaking a resume and a CV are two distinct documents (the curriculum vitae being traditionally a tool used by the medical, scientific and academic communities), the term CV has been embraced as an industry standard regardless of the type of document it is.

Resumes are as diverse in style, format and approach as the jobseekers they represent, however there are a few areas that must be observed when composing an employment document for the Australian job market.

Australian Spelling

Words often considered misspelled are American English adaptations. Words such as Centre=Center, Organise=Organize, Cheque=Check, Realise=Realize, Colour=Color, Specialise=Specialize, Recognise= Recognize, Licence = License, Defence = Defense, are considered as errors. Before you start to compose your resume, change the language used in Microsoft Word to review spelling by clicking on the Tools menu and selecting Australian English. If that is not available on your system, try English UK. If unsure, an outstanding internet reference for clarifying these spelling anomalies can be found at Australian Macquarie Dictionary.

Formatting

Paper size in Australia conforms to European standards. Australian resumes use A4 size paper (217mm x 297mm). Using US Letter paper (8 x 11 inches) will mean that tabs will be misaligned with dates encroaching past the margins and text only filling two-thirds of the page. Clearly this will not be aesthetically pleasing to look at by the search companies in Australia!

Number of Pages

One-page resumes, the traditional preference for many years in the United States, are somewhat of a mystery to Australian job search consultants who prefer more content. Generally, Australian search consultants consider the one-page resume lacking in detail and volume and prefer two-to-four pages, depending of course, on the experience level of the job seeker. Resumes extending to five or more pages are perceived as the upper limit by most decision makers.

Make your Case

It is important for the candidate to provide a compelling case for his or her services and ensure that all information on the resume points to the job target. For example, if a job candidate wants to pursue a career in the IT sector, then providing lengthy descriptions of unrelated work tasks detracts the reader from the direction of the resume. If a job seeker has two different career interests, then having two resumes is preferable to creating a one-size-fits-none assortment of non-matching skills for the employer to select which he or she likes best.

General or Generic Resumes

Australian decision-makers are likely to discard a resume that presents the job candidate as a Jack-or Jill-of-all-Trades. In other words, job seekers must quickly establish where they are heading, what they are applying for, and must support their case through a resume that showcases and supports their achievements.

Duties, Responsibilities or Achievements?

Australian resumes are achievement-based mirroring the long working hours, intense competition, and the expectation that employees will strive hard to make a difference and improve the workplace during their tenure. Solid thought should be give to initiatives, special ideas, or inroads the job seeker made during his or her employment, regardless of the level of employee. Everyone from Receptionists to Chief Executive Officers are expected to make their mark.

Full Disclosure? No Way!

A hallmark of the Australian resume in mid eighties and early nineties was to “let it all hang out.” Content would detail why the employee chose (or was chosen to) leave that company by including “Reasons for Leaving” such as “to seek new challenges” to the completely inappropriate “ideas differed from management, prompting my decision to leave.” Despite some individuals still believing that the resume should fully disclose minute detail, this method of full disclosure has almost disappeared from Australian resumes.

First Person/Third Person

To circumvent the constant references to “I, me, my, our” Australian résumés omit the first-person references. In place of “I spearheaded a new procedure that increased productivity by 45%” the preferred way is to say “Spearheaded a new procedure….” The trend in the early ‘90s to refer to the job candidate in the third-person, i.e. “John spearheaded a procedure…” is no longer used on Australian resumes, although it remains in use for executive biographies.

Education

Education impresses many employers. Degrees should be listed along with the university attended and any on-the-job training that supports the job seeker’s goals should also be completed. Note, dates on degrees are not mandatory and in fact, can serve to age candidates, so consider removing the graduation year after the age of 30. Training does not need to include the company or dates completed.

Personal Details

Legislation prohibits employers quizzing job candidates on their marital status, dates of birth and religion, and although many in Australia still volunteer this information, together with hobbies and interests, revealing what most consider as irrelevant to a candidate’s capacity to perform his or her job well, tends to be a thing of the past.

References

Although many people still place names and contact details of references (called referees in Australia) on resumes, this trend has been in decline for more than a decade. Privacy is important and many people are unwilling to have contact details placed in databases online. Today, the need to protect references from any unwanted contact until a firm job offer is presented, is paramount.

Government applications are an exception to the rule where job candidates are frequently required to disclose full reference details and sometimes, request references provide a written report responding to a series of job-specific and performance-based questions.

Advice is to check the job description or advertisement. If references are required prior to interview the applicant information will state this.

Summary

Employers are continually seeking new ways to uncover the talents of the people they hire, and new ways to reveal their strengths. As their tactics evolve, so should those of the Australian job seeker, who needs to stay ahead of the game.

Many  jobseekers take worrying to a whole new level until they become obsessive about the impression they will make at interview. They fear they are not dressed appropriately, that sweaty palms will be a deal breaker when they shake hands, or that they will be found to be inadequate in some way. They talk themselves into a lather of “what ifs”. What if I stutter when I’m talking? What if I say something dumb? What if I cannot answer the interviewer’s questions?

Wanting to do your best and showcase your skills is natural. Excessive and unnecessary concern about things that may never happen is not.

I’m not going to add myself to the chorus of friends and family who think that all you need is to apply positive self-talk.

Instead I’m going to equip you with some action steps. Actions that once you’ve followed them, you will be able to breathe a big sigh of relief knowing that you have done everything possible to address the areas causing you the most concern.

• Eliminate perfumes and aftershave: Fear will make you sweat and get overheated and if you are wearing too much scent, you will be give off the odour of a walking bordello. This in turn will make you self-conscious that you may be offending your interviewer. You can eliminate all of that unnecessary angst and just put on some nice clean clothes and deodorant.
• Wear clothes that make you feel good. For women, if you try on a dress that you feel is a little snug around the hips, or that rides up as you walk from static electricity, it will be all you will think about all day and it will make you self-conscious. Men, if you choose a shirt or suit on the tight side then you will be constantly uncomfortable. Spare yourself the distraction of adjusting your clothes by choosing your wardrobe for the day carefully and considering the right accessories and apparel.
• Sweaty palms. Unless you have a medical condition that needs treatment you are probably just fine. But if sweaty palms is a problem for you, place a cotton face towel in your briefcase or handbag. While you’re waiting to be called you can give your hands a quick wipe while pretending to look for something. Often the use of alcohol-based hand cleaners will help too and some people even use unscented antiperspirants made especially for hands and feet. If you can conquer the fear, that’s half the battle.
• Appearing Stupid: Preparation is the key here. You will not sound stupid by being at a loss for something to say, as long as you have prepared for the discussion. Of course there is no way you can rehearse parrot-fashion answers to what people may ask you, but you can have an intimate knowledge of what is in your resume, and you can think long and hard about your experience and how your contributions have made made money, saved money, boosted productivity or just made it a better place to be. If you are prepared, if you know what you’re offering and can refer to your resume as a prompter, the chances of looking like a fish with no sound coming out is greatly reduced.
• Stuttering Most of us stutter from time-to-time and it is frequently made worse by stress. The best you can do is take a big breath, grin and start again.

Interviewers are not there to tear you down; they’re not there to find fault and embarrass you. They want you to be a good fit for the job so they can move on too! Above all they want to know you and what you are offering. Allowing yourself to get sidetracked by your fears is nothing but a distraction for both sides.

So follow these action steps and then relax and get ready. I think they’re calling your name now!

Good luck!

Recruiters appear to be at the top of most jobseekers’ hit lists. Most people I have come across are certainly soured by the recruiter/jobseeker relationship, united in their criticisms that search consultants are the impenetrable brick wall to job search success; the self-serving, commission-focused obstructionist front line preventing a love match between the candidate and the employer.

Recruiters are human, so naturally there will be people who try to take the line of least resistance, be burned out or dismissive of your emotions. For those few who give the industry a bad name, there are many who fly the flag of excellence. Those people can be your greatest advocate as “Holder of the Secrets”.

Did you know that the search consultant can run interference for you on salary, benefits and perks? Search Consultants know what the employer wants, are savvy to the lengths the employer is willing to pay, understand the classifications and pay scales the firm follows, and evaluates the potential for negotiations. After advising you, the recruiter is able to test that flexibility without your involvement, leaving you squeaky clean, talented and willing to start work when everything has been ironed out. Recruiters are used to negotiations; it is part of the business and is expected by the employer. No emotions involved, no bad feelings. Allow them to apply their knowledge to your benefit.

As “Holder of the Secrets” the search consultant has been fully briefed on the required experience and industry background the employer demands. Consequently, if the recruiter suggests to you that your resume should include more information about your time at BHP in 1986 because the employer wants the candidate to have mining and exploration experience, then do it! Regardless of how silly it sounds or how it goes against everything you know about resumes, just do it! As “Holder of the Secrets” the recruiter is leaving crucial signposts to help you on your journey. It is up to you to heed this advice and recognise these pointers as “secrets” other candidates may not have or be privy to.

Search consultants have a stake in your successful placement and it is not limited to one commission payment. Experienced recruiters are astute enough to recognise that such relationships are a two-way street; after he helps you, you may choose him to help you hire your team. A kind of “you pat my back, I’ll pat yours” arrangement.

So the next time you deal with a recruiter, given him or her a chance to rise to your expectations before you dismiss them as that sturdy brick wall. You may find that your courtesy, flexibility and willingness to listen will do more for your candidacy and positioning for roles now and in the future, than herding them all under the heading of “necessary evil”.

Your heart skips a beat as you disconnect the call. A combination of nausea and elation hit you as you turn to your partner wide-eyed, incredulous.

“I got the interview” you say quietly as if by saying it louder you’ll somehow make it untrue.

As you grasp the reality, you grin and laugh. “I got the interview!” you repeat while performing a tiny jig at the kitchen bench.

Your partner laughs delightedly with you as she joins you in dance; two silly reactions enveloped in joy. “Yay!” she cries happily. “Your dream job! That’s incredible!”.

As you both lapse into thoughtful silence, she looks at you. “So, she says, “What next?”

What next?

The words seem to echo around you. You’ve never considered that scenario. Heck, you’ve been looking for a job forever! It’s all been about getting to this point—the resume so carefully developed, the cover letter, the networking, the blogging. But now, indeed, “What next”?

Like everything that means something in your life, you should have a plan.

Your references. This is good place to start as it may take a while to catch past colleagues and managers and find time for a coffee and a chat. Your references need to know what type of job you’re going for and you need to jog their memories on instances in the past that qualify you for this role now.

While you’re discussing these details, you need to ask. Is there something that he or she may say or recall that could hurt your candidacy? Now is the time to get this out in the open. If an individual has this power, you need to reassess… do you still want him or her to be a reference?

A few years ago, a client told me how a reference with a propensity for letting her mouth run before her brain was actively engaged, sabotaged his candidacy. To a question about confidentiality, the reference had replied: “John did really well until that incident where he was suspected of leaking information to the press. Of course, I never knew exactly whether he did it or not, but management sure thought he did!”

Suffice to say, if your reference doesn’t quite get what she’s being asked to do, it is time to find a substitute!

Google. Have you searched for your name on the Internet? If you see your last Facebook status or a Twitter comment sent at 3am when you were a tad tipsy, delete these items now. If you can find them, the new employer or recruiting firm will find them too. Look for off-colour remarks or photographs on Flickr or MySpace that you would not like your next employer to see and remove them.

Do you have a Linkedin profile? These score quite prominently on Google. If you want to push some ill-advised “digital dirt” that you cannot remove further back on the Google results, create a Linkedin profile. Essentially, you want to counteract any questionable material with a consistent, professional brand that instils confident and oozes professionalism. Recruiters or employers may have already checked the Internet, but just in case they haven’t, take steps to fix the situation. Whoozy is a good way to keep track of your online profile.

Next: Research the company. What do you actually know about your dream job? Do you know about the company culture, what they do, where their head office is, what they do make or sell, their history, their people? What do you know about their leaders? Who is their Chief Executive Officer? Are they a listed company? What do you know about their share price? If you cannot answer any of these questions, it is time to educate yourself. Interviewers are incredibly impressed when candidates take the time to research and show knowledge of the company. Google is your friend for doing this as well as Linkedin.

Have you been given the job description for your dream job? If you’re in a leadership role you may want to consider developing a strategy document that you take with you to interview. Show how you meet the criteria of the position and what you plan to do in your first 30, 60, 90 days on the job. It’s a smart, professional idea that sells and positions you as a problem solver with initiative. If you don’t know where to start, the service WinTheView provides step-by-step instructions for preparing such a document; right through to printing it out and advice on when and how to present it. (Ask me).

Dress to Impress. What do you have to wear to the interview? The old advice of wearing clothes one step up for the position you want to secure, is still good. Smart business attire never fails to reinforce a professional image. Make sure your suit is conservative, your tie is straight, your shoes are shined and if you cross your legs, the socks are not bright pink with Tweety Bird emblazoned on the ankle! For women, watch the hemline of your skirt (rehearse sitting in front of a mirror and see how much thigh is exposed when you sit comfortably), keep the jewellery and makeup to a professional day-time standard, and wear shoes that don’t make you totter clumsily because the heels are too high.

Are you well versed in personal etiquette? Don’t leave them wilting in your wake. Ensure no overpowering fragrances or after shave. Don’t smoke before you walk in. No garlic for dinner the night before. Be nice to be near. Don’t walk into the office slurping a coffee or check your mobile for Facebook updates, tweets or texts.

Finally, just how long has it been since you interviewed last? Consider investing in a coach who is expert in interviews. He or she will be able to advise you on the techniques needed to avoid self sabotage and interview paralysis and help you with the pitfalls of negotiating a salary. If you can afford it and this job means something to you, do it. It will be a worthwhile investment of time and money.

Have you done all that?

Take a big breath then, straighten your shoulders and put on your winning smile.

It’s time to get your dream job.

I am a member of the Career Collective. A group of experienced career professionals who blog on specific topics every month. Look for our posts on Twitter #careercollective. Meantime, check out other member articles on this topic–links at the bottom of this article. Please see other discussions on common job search blunders and possible solutions from Career Collective members below.

How to Stand Out in a Job Interview @heathermundell

Avoid These Reference Mistakes @DawnBugni

Unspoken Secrets of Job Interviewing Prep: How Your Nonverbal Presentation and Behaviors Impact the Impression You Make @KatCareerGal

Prep for Interviews Now: Snuff out the Elephant in the Room Later! @chandlee << not working yet

What Should Job Seekers Do Now to Prepare for an Interview @erinkennedycprw

Take a Ride in the Elevator Before You Interview @barbarasafani

Are You Ready for the Elephant in the Room? @WorkWithIllness

“Tell Me About Yourself” (Oh, Yikes!), @KCCareerCoach

The job interview as a shared narrative @WalterAkana

Prepare your references for job search success @Keppie_Careers

No Pain No Gain In Job Search and Interview Prep @ValueIntoWords

Job searching? Take a cue from the Boy Scouts @LaurieBerenson

Preparing for Career Success Starts with Interviewing the Employers @JobHuntOrg

From: Jane E. Recruiter, Human Resources

Date: Thursday 6 May 2010 12.19pm

To: John Smith

Subject: Your Application for Job No. 12345

Dear John,

Thank you for applying for the position of Operations Manager at XYZ Corporation. (Job No. 12345).

Your application was very impressive, however there were other applicants with experience more suited to the role. While you were not successful on this occasion, we have kept your resume on file for any future, similar positions.

Thank you again for your interest. All the best for the future.

Yours sincerely, Jane E. Recruiter, Human Resources

——–

From: John Smith

Date: Thursday 6 May 2010 12.39pm

To: Jane E. Recruiter, Human Resources

Subject: Re: Your Application for Job No. 12345

Dear Jane,

WHAT???!!!!

Are you KIDDING me????

I cannot BELIEVE this! I know for a FACT that there are only three people with my qualifications and knowledge currently on the market! Your employer must either be a complete imbecile or YOU failed to provide advocacy for my candidacy as is your JOB!

Anyway, if anything else comes up PLEASE keep me in mind!!!!!

John.

PS…Who got the gig???

————-

Put yourself in Jane E. Recruiter’s position right now. After receiving this reply from John Smith is she likely to:

• Think fondly of John as a highly professional, competent candidate and recommend him for any future roles?
• Roll her eyes, make that kind of harrumph noise people make when they are insulted and decisively hit the delete key?

If you guessed that Jane would send John, his candidacy, and his outraged electronic rant to the dark void of cyberspace for all eternity, you’d be probably be close to the mark.

John made the mistake that all of us make from time-to-time; he responded immediately from a place of emotion rather than one of thoughtful consideration. He’d “scratched an itch” and for one wonderful, glorious moment of insanity, it felt good.

In the cold, hard light of day though, John responded to a perfectly professional email from Jane by scorning the employer, insulting Jane’s capabilities, claiming to know every qualified candidate on the market, and shouting at her (capital letters are considered shouting in electronic communications). Let’s not even discuss the unprofessional and childish punctuation! As John’s rant wound down, he demanded that Jane “PLEASE keep him in mind”.

Keep him in mind? The likelihood that Jane would enthusiastically advance John’s candidacy for a similar role in the future is next to nil; and who knows how much influence Jane has across her professional and personal networks?

Next time you are tempted to “scratch that itch”, vent to a friend instead. Cry on your girlfriend/mother/wife’s shoulder and kick the fence. Then when you have cooled down, rise above the emotion and start writing the most gracious, professional letter of thanks you’ve ever written. Your future may depend on it!