Writing a cover letter is an essential part of the job application process.

In a job interview you will be asked (nine times out of ten) what your biggest weakness is. Whilst you need to think about addressing this during a job interview, you also need to think about it when you are writing a resume.

During your job search it can be beneficial to sign up to an employment agency to help you find employment. There are a variety that you can send your resume template to – from specialist and niche recruiters to more general/admin companies. Either way it is likely that you will need to go through an interview process with them.

Resume Templates

Resume templates are a fantastic way of inputting your data fast and accurately and ensuring all of your key skills and qualifications are highlighted for a prospective employer to see. While they are a fantastic tool it is important to note that when writing your resume you need to be as imaginative and creative as possible in order for your application to stand out. That’s why choosing a new sample resume templates every so often is a good idea in order to freshen up your application. You can browse our range of professionally designed templates by clicking on the samples link on the left hand side of the web page.

How do I use a resume template?

Always remember that your resume is an introduction. An employer will need to see that you possess the skills and qualifications needed for the job, but you will also need to demonstrate you have the experience, understanding and drive to successfully carry out the role.
Use a resume template to start your basic outline and add to it by changing text, colours and the layout. The templates are there to guide you and to give you a better idea of what employers look for in an application. Successfully using these will give you an understanding of what other job seekers will include in an application and will automatically mean your experience and skills will be easily accessible to a prospective employer.
Most recruiters will have hundreds of resumes to look through for each position they advertise. They will usually throw out anything that isn’t interesting or isn’t precise enough, check out our article on resume tips on how to make your resume stand out. To be in with a chance of being shortlisted, you need to have good content, layout and (most importantly) you need to be original.

Tips when using a resume template

Normally it’s the longest resumes that end up in the bin, so you need to keep it short and to the point. Remember, you are making a quick introduction and outlining your suitability for the position. Poor grammar mistakes are unacceptable so ensure you spell check and proof-read your resume.
If you are shortlisted for a role there is every chance you will be invited for an interview. This is the stage where recruiters will look into your career history and motivations. They will then look at your resume in more detail and will assess all the qualities needed for the position i.e. passion, leadership skills and any specific achievements that are relevant to the job.

You need to ensure your resume makes it to the shortlist stage and you get the opportunity to have an interview. Using a resume template is an initial step in helping you achieve this, but remember it is only a guideline. The writing, originality and content are all down to you.

If you need help structuring your resume why not get started using our step-by-step resume building tool today?

When writing a successful resume you need to be sure to include all of the key information that an employer will be looking for. This means supplying a comprehensive coverage of your job history, educational background, key skills and other supporting criteria.

It is very likely that an employer looking at your resume for the first time will only be scanning the details so all of the key information must be presented in a clear and concise manner.

A resume can be written in a number of different styles and formats, the two most popular being functional and chronological. Whichever style you choose, make sure the information is clearly presented and easy to follow.