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Jobs team skills students in resume writing

Community Resilience Coordinator Andrea Bax discusses successful resume writing with Isis High students (from left) Kurt Mackay, Lawson Bounds and Maverick Ashcroft.
Community resilience coordinator Andrea Bax discusses successful resume writing with Isis High students (from left) Kurt Mackay, Lawson Bounds and Maverick Ashcroft.

A thoughtfully considered, well written and concisely presented resume can often be the difference in securing a job or even progressing to an interview.

Bundaberg Regional Council, through its Jobs Commitment initiative, took a team of professionals on the road last week to visit Isis District State High School to advise and assist senior student in successful resume writing.

Council’s strategic projects and economic development officer Amber Lutter said the group of seven professionals came from diverse backgrounds but each had broad experience as industry professionals or in youth engagement.

“This cohort of senior students are on the verge of entering into the job market or possibly seeking part-time employment as they consider further study,” she said.

“While many have resumes, the skill of the seven presenters offered insights and techniques to ensure these potential job seekers had a relevant and polished resume.

“The group we brought to Isis High included Betty Lappin who is an apprenticeship field officer with BUSY at Work; Crystal Simmonds, Sam Jensen and Dean Hyland from Headspace; Rebecca Egan the Link and Launch Officer from Education Queensland; Jo Donnison from Youth Hub and Council officers Andrea Bax and Chris Kettle.”

The Bundaberg Jobs Commitment team taking a presentation on successful resume writing to Isis High School this week are (rear from left) Jo Donnison, Sam Jensen, Cristel Simmonds and Betty Lappin. Front (from left) Dean Hyland, Chris Kettle, Amber Lutter and Rebecca Egan.
The Bundaberg Jobs Commitment team presented on successful resume writing to Isis High School last week are (rear from left) Jo Donnison, Sam Jensen, Cristel Simmonds and Betty Lappin. Front (from left) Dean Hyland, Chris Kettle, Amber Lutter and Rebecca Egan.

Amber said it was interesting that many of the students in attendance already held a variety of part-time positions including hospitality, field work, retail and hardware attendant.

“The outcome they all wanted to achieve was to ensure they had an attention-grabbing resume with all relevant skills addressed,” she said.

“Quite often basic things like qualifications including being a licence holder, having attained a first aid certificate or their involvement with voluntary organisations are points missed from their resume.”

Rebecca Egan, Queensland Education’s Link and Launch Officer based at Bundaberg State High School, told students she was available to receive their draft resumes to ensure the accuracy of the documents and to offer advice on possible improvements.

The presenters highlighted to students the dangers of having a public Facebook page which may contain inappropriate material or images.

Rebecca said it was one of the first places employers looked for information regarding a potential employee.

“If you have a Facebook page you really need to ensure it is appropriate,” Rebecca said.

Isis High student Kurt Mackay said he had found the information from the panellists very useful.

“I’m looking at some form of part-time work initially because I would like to buy a car. Then perhaps I may be looking for a trade based apprenticeship like an electrician.”

He said he understood that employers received multiple applications for advertised jobs and having a resume that concisely showcased his abilities was one way of gaining the attention of a potential employer.

Chris Kettle said applicants should never feel discouraged if they receive a “no” when making a job application. “Look at ‘no’ as simply meaning ‘next opportunity’,” he said.

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