What to Include In Your Resume

Emma Edwards Test • January 10, 2018

Making a great first impression in just six seconds is not an easy task!

But, this is exactly what you are trying to do when you apply for a job with your resume according to The Ladders study !

To ensure your resume is clear, concise and attractive to future employers, here are a number of points, which you should always include, no matter what:

1. Your contact details

  • Name
  • Location – no need to include your full address, your suburb or city is enough
  • Contact Number
  • Email Address – make sure this is suitable for a job search

2. Employment History

  • Job title – i.e. Receptionist
  • Company Name
  • Dates of Employment – including month and year
  • Responsibilities – bullet point what YOU did in your position, include any significant IT systems. Keep this concise. I would suggest 5 or 6 points on what you did within the role on a regular basis
  • Achievements – any noteworthy accomplishments which YOU made during your time there – an example could be an award or training certification​

3. Education

  • Title of Qualification– i.e. Bachelor of Arts (Honours) Criminology
  • Name of School / University / College
  • Year of Completion

General tips:

  • I recommend that you tailor your resume to the job you are applying for – use this template as a guideline but include any additional information which may be requested within the job advertisement you have seen. For example a cover letter or an outline of particular skills relevant to the role
  • Make sure your employment and education history are in reverse chronological order, ie the most recent is on the top of your list
  • Ensure your resume is only 2 or 3 pages long
  • Include details of any significant periods of time off so there are no lengthy questionable gaps
  • Ensure that your resume is consistently formatted. Use one font throughout and make headings clear to read
  • Use the correct past and present tense for your employment and education. For example “I answer all incoming calls” if you are still in the role, or “I answered all incoming calls” if you no longer work there.

Find the job you love I Find the right talent
Get in touch with people2people

Australia   I   United Kingdom

In business since 2002 in Australia, NZ, and the United Kingdom, people2people is an award-winning recruitment agency with people at our heart. With over 12 offices, we specialise in accounting and finance, business support, education, executive, government, HR, legal, marketing and digital, property, sales, supply chain, and technology sectors. As the proud recipients of the 2024 Outstanding Large Agency and Excellence in Candidate Care Awards, we are dedicated to helping businesses achieve success through a people-first approach.



Share insights

Recent articles

By Leanne Lazarus April 23, 2025
A strong safety culture is critical to reducing risk and promoting wellbeing in Australian workplaces. With 40% of workers exposed to moderate to high psychosocial risks, organisations must move beyond basic compliance to foster environments where employees feel genuinely safe and supported. In this blog, people2people’s Leanne Lazarus speaks with legal and safety experts Jonathan Mamaril and Nettie Herselman on how businesses can embed safety-first thinking into their culture. Discover practical tips for leadership, internal compliance, and strategic planning to build a resilient, engaged workforce. Is your organisation doing enough to protect both the physical and psychological safety of its people?
By Mark Green April 9, 2025
With 68% of Australian workers worried about potential redundancies, job security is now a top priority—especially in tech sectors across NSW and WA. In this blog, people2people’s Mark Green explores how employee preferences have shifted from salary-driven goals to long-term stability. As uncertainty grows, businesses must adapt by fostering transparent communication and building trust. We also share essential tips for leaders navigating redundancy conversations with empathy and strategy. Want to know how to retain top talent and protect your employer brand during uncertain times? Discover how to support your workforce and strengthen loyalty in today’s cautious job market.
By Mark Green April 7, 2025
As return-to-office mandates rise across Australia, many leaders face the challenge of balancing productivity with employee preferences. In this blog, Mark Green from people2people and Maja Paleka from MPC unpack the drivers behind these mandates, their impact on engagement and retention, and why forcing full-time office returns may backfire. With hybrid work models proving effective for many, forward-thinking businesses are seizing this moment to attract top talent and build trust-based cultures. We also share practical tips for leaders navigating this shift in 2025. Wondering how to future-proof your workplace without losing your best people? Read on to find out more.
By Suhini Wijayasinghe March 31, 2025
Millennials are now leading teams made up of both older and younger generations—but how do they bridge the gap between Baby Boomer values and Gen Z expectations? In this blog, we explore leadership in a multigenerational workforce with insights from Ramp Fitness co-founder Matthew Papalo. From building scalable systems to fostering community and wellbeing, discover how modern leaders are adapting to new workplace demands. If you're a millennial manager (or aspire to be one), this is your guide to leading with resilience, empathy, and innovation. Want to know the key to staying ahead of the curve in 2025 and beyond?
By Aiden Boast March 26, 2025
Feeling stuck in your job? You’re not alone—60% of workers are staying in roles longer than they’d like due to financial concerns and fear of instability. Yet, 66% believe a career change could make them happier. In this blog, people2people’s Aiden Boast unpacks recent data revealing why so many professionals are hesitant to move on, despite growing demand for skills-based hiring and flexible work options. Learn practical tips for overcoming career stagnation, leveraging your transferable skills, and taking the first steps toward a more fulfilling role. Could now be the perfect time to rethink your career path? Read more to find out.

Latest Media Features


Get in touch

Find out more by contacting one of our specialisat recruitment consultants across Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom.

Contact us