Today, no matter what sort of role you're applying for, you'll be asked to send, fax or email your resume for assessment prior to any interview.

The manner in which it is written and presented, together with any covering letter, is crucial. A badly written resume or covering note will act as a reason for a consultant not to interview you, whilst well constructed and presented resumes will likely lead to you being offered an initial meeting.

To assist our English-speaking candidates, we have created a a guide to writing your Australian resume, which you can download for free at the following URL: 

http://www.polyglot.com.au/content/2008.06.AUSTRALIAN CV - How-to guide (English version).pdf

For our French candidates, we have made a French version of our guide, which can be downloaded at the following URL: 

http://www.polyglot.com.au/content/2008.06.AUSTRALIAN CV - How-to guide (French version).pdf

Guides in Spanish and German are coming soon.

To stand out from the crowd and have a better chance of success, follow Polyglots' advice:

• It is essential your resume is word-processed. You rarely need graphics, images, wacky fonts, tables, or charts.
• Your photo is optional. If you add one, insert a current and corporate photo (not your last holiday photo!).
• Your text will be well spaced and easy to read, with obvious headings to skim through. Do not confuse the reader by using different fonts and font sizes.
• Depending on your experience, the length of your resume should be between 2 to 6 pages.
• You can include your list of referees but it can also be supplied later. If so, mention that they are available on request. Also, make sure you have the referees' permission first.
• Your resume and cover letter are presenting and representing you, so be accurate and double check them (especially spell-check)!
• It is recommended that you add a specific covering letter or cover note with your resume. It will assist the recruiter in initial assessment of your suitability. This letter has to be brief and state the reason why you are applying for that particular role; your relevant experience and strengths; your current situation, as well as your salary range, and, if appropriate, your residency or visa status.

A few more tips:

• Your resume should be clear, concise and precise. Your reader has surely many to read and will not be highly impressed if it is too hard to read or difficult to find relevant information.
• Your resume should represent the truth. Do not add untrue elements as it will mislead the recruiter and will not serve you at the end.
• Your resume should be assertive. Explain in detail your duties and achievements, even the ones you yourself do not value highly. You do not know what the recruiter is looking for.

Your resume should include:

• Name
• Contact details (date of birth and marriage status are optional).
• Career objectives.
• Education/Training (Institution. Date Completed. City/Country. Qualifications).
• Skill summary.
• Employment history (most recent position first); company; position/title; start date & end date; duties/responsibilities; achievements.
• Languages (mother tongue & levels, spoken, written & read).
• Non-technical skills (e.g., word-processing; speed in wpm; key strokes speed in ksph; Excel or Word scores).
• Computer skills (e.g., software, operating systems, email systems, hardware) and trade skills.
• Professional memberships.
• Interests (1 or 2 lines only. Include any voluntary work) and special achievements.
• References (4 to 5 references; 3 PROFESSIONAL, 1 personal, 1 academic).