Whilst most professional job application writers would agree that the Work Experience section is one of the most important parts of a resume, there are three sections an employer will scan before they even get to that level of detail. Applicants often underestimate the importance of getting these sections perfect, as they focus too heavily on the details of their work experience. In this article, we will dive into how professional resume writers approach these key sections and explain why they are important to get right.

Contact Information

The contact information section is the primary way that a prospective employer will reach out to applicants job application writers must ensure it is accurate and free of errors. After all, if it is incorrect, an employer may not be able to even reach an applicant to request an interview.

Here’s what should be included:

Full Name: The applicants full name should be prominently displayed at the top of the resume using a clear and professional font to ensure it stands out and is easily readable.

Phone Number: Applicants must be able to provide a reliable phone number where prospective employers can reach the applicant and ensure a professional voicemail is set up if calls cannot be immediately answered.

An email address should exude professionalism, not use quirky or unprofessional usernames. A simple combination of name or initials makes it easier for employers to remember the applicant.

LinkedIn Profile Link: In today’s digital age, having a LinkedIn profile is essential for job seekers. Resume writers should check to ensure that profiles are well maintained with relevant information, a professional photo, and showcases work experience, skills, and accomplishments. A LinkedIn profile acts as an extension of the resume, allowing employers to delve deeper into the resume writer’s professional background. Therefore, it’s essential to ensure that it complements the resume and highlights relevant skills, experience, and achievements.

Social Media Presence: Limit the inclusion of other social media links when resume writing. While LinkedIn is ideal for professional purposes, platforms like Facebook and Instagram are generally considered personal spaces. If links are provided to other profiles, resume writers should ensure they are dedicated to professional use and that personal pages remain private and not visible to potential employers.

Most importantly, the contact information creates the first impression for potential employers, so resume writers must make sure it reflects professionalism in both communication style and presentation.

Professional Summary

When job application writing, this section is typically placed at the beginning of a resume and serves as a brief introduction to key skills, experiences, and career goals & accomplishments. Consider it to be an ‘elevator pitch’ – that moment in time where the reader’s interest is piqued and they want to know more, or they move on to the next applicant.

The most important things resume writers focus upon when writing a professional summary are:

Keep it Concise: This section should be a brief snapshot of the applicants professional identity, keeping it to just 2-3 sentences or a short paragraph at most.

Tailor it to the Job: Resume writers customise the professional summary for each job application, focussing on the specific qualifications, skills and experiences to demonstrate an ideal fit for the position.

Highlight Key Accomplishments: Professional resume writers emphasise successes and contributions in past employment, utilising quantifiable measures whenever possible to demonstrate the influence the candidate had in that function, rather than detailing job duties.

Use Strong Action Words: Start sentences with strong action verbs like “achieved,” “led,” “implemented,” “innovated,” or “streamlined” to create a sense of enthusiasm, convey proactivity and showcase abilities effectively.

Showcase Unique Selling Points: Identifying which unique skills, experiences, or qualifications make the applicant special enables resume writers to set the candidate apart from others.

Emphasise Career Goals: For applicants who are early in their career or transitioning to a new industry, resume writers including career goals to demonstrate how the past experiences and skills align with the applicant’s aspirations for the future.

Avoid Clichés: Good resume writers steer clear of overused buzzwords and generic phrases like “team player,” “hardworking,” or “results-oriented” which may be perceived as clichéd and focus on specific accomplishments and tangible skills instead.

Finally, professional resumes writers always critically evaluate the Professional Summary through the employer’s eyes to identify any gaps or shortfalls.

Skills Summary

The Skills Summary is a valuable section that allows resume writers to showcase core competencies and immediately demonstrate an applicant’s suitability for the job. When writing Skills Summary, a resume writer ensures they tailor it to the specific job being applied for by scanning the job description and identify the key skills and attributes the employer seeks. Then, strategically incorporating those keywords into the skills summary increases the resume’s chances of passing applicant tracking systems (ATS) and reaching the hands of hiring managers. Resume writers will use a combination of hard skills (technical abilities specific to the role) and soft skills (personal attributes that enhance work performance) to present a well-rounded picture of capabilities.

In order to stand out, resume writers organise skills in a clear and easily scannable format, using bullet points or columns to list skills, ensuring that the most critical skills are placed at the top. Often they will group related skills together, such as technical skills, communication skills, leadership skills, etc., to provide a more structured presentation. Whenever possible, quantifying skills will add credibility and concrete evidence of abilities, thus enhancing the impact of the Skills Summary.

A professional resume writer will focus on relevance and avoid listing skills that do not align with the job requirements. Tailoring these skills to match the position helps hiring managers quickly see how the applicant can add value to their organisation.

In conclusion, resume writers will use with a professional summary to make a strong first impression, and a well-crafted skills summary as a powerful teaser to entice employers to delve deeper into the resume to find out more about the candidate’s qualifications and accomplishments. Once they do this, they will revert to the contact section to reach out for an interview, so a good resume writer will always make sure all of these sections are right and get you well on the way to your next career move.

When it comes to grant writing, it is fair to say that sometimes procrastination sets in. There is a myriad of reasons for this, but the most common cause is a sense of overwhelm about where to start. (more…)

If you’re on the hunt for your dream job, you know how important it is to have a stand-out resume. Believe it or not, there are ‘best practices’ that you can adopt when job application writing that will set you apart from your competition. Let’s dig into some tips and practical advice to create a winning resume that showcases your skills and achievements effectively.

Best Practice #1: Tailor Your Resume for Each Job Application

First things first, resist the urge to send the exact same resume for every job. Instead, customise it to fit each specific job you apply for. Take a good look at the job description and pinpoint what the employer is seeking. Next, tweak your resume to highlight the skills and experiences that are most relevant to that role. This shows the employer you’re the perfect fit for the job!

Let’s say you’re resume writing for a marketing position. If the job description emphasises social media marketing and content creation, make sure to mention your expertise in these areas. You could write, “Proven track record in developing engaging social media campaigns and creating compelling content that drives brand awareness.” By doing this, you show the employer you’ve got what it takes to ace the role.

Best Practice #2: Create a Powerful Professional Summary

Picture this: the hiring manager is skimming through a stack of resumes, and yours catches their eye with a captivating professional summary! Your summary is like the enticement on the back of a great novel – it needs to hook the reader and leave them wanting more. Highlight your strengths and career goals right at the start.

Here’s a pro-tip for your professional summary: use crucial SEO terms relevant to the position. For example, if you are job application writing with the aim of scoring a sales related job, using terms like ‘sales representative’, ‘account rep’ or ‘business development manager’ to boost your resume’s online visibility. For example, “Results-driven Sales Representative with a passion for exceeding targets and building lasting customer relationships. Seeking opportunities to leverage my proven track record as a Business Development Manager in driving revenue growth and delivering exceptional customer experiences.” The use of these important keywords makes your resume even more search-friendly which means you get seen by more prospective employers.

Best Practice #3: Emphasise Your Achievements with Quantifiable Results

Remember when resume writing that the one thing which makes employers really sit up and take notice is numbers! Yes, they love seeing quantifiable results. Don’t just list your job duties; showcase your accomplishments with concrete metrics to back them up.

Let’s say you worked as a store retail manager. Instead of saying, “Responsible for improving store sales through effective training and sales strategies”, try something like “Implemented a new sales training program that resulted in a 15% increase in overall store sales within the first quarter of implementation.” Your achievements are now speaking volumes and painting a clear picture for the employer of what you might achieve if they take you on.

Best Practice #4: Keep it Concise and Professional

When it comes to resume length, keep in mind how many resumes the employer is having to read and keep it short! Aim for one or two pages at most in your resume writing, focusing on the most relevant information. Avoid going into excessive detail about every job you’ve ever had. Stick to the highlights that align with the job you’re applying for.

Avoid cluttering your resume with irrelevant information or using multiple fonts and colors that distract from your content. Professional job application writers employ a clean and professional design with an easy-to-read font and consistent formatting throughout. This well-structured, visually appealing resume writing style makes it easier for employers to quickly find the information they need.

Best Practice #5: Proofread Meticulously

Good resume writers never underestimate the power of proofreading! Check for any grammatical errors, typos, or misspellings. A single typo can leave a negative impression on employers. Also, ensure consistency in verb tenses and formatting throughout your resume. Don’t solely rely on spell-checkers; they may not catch everything. Reading your resume out loud or asking someone else to review it for you will help catch mistakes you might have overlooked.

Best Practice #6: Be Honest and Authentic

Authenticity is key! Represent your skills and experiences accurately. Don’t exaggerate or provide misleading information. Employers appreciate honesty, and if you’re caught misrepresenting yourself, it can damage your chances of getting hired, or even worse, you may find yourself unemployed if cannot deliver on things you stated you could do. Of course you should always highlight your accomplishments, but be truthful about your abilities. Be prepared to discuss your experiences in more detail during interviews. Honesty will earn you trust and credibility with employers.

There you have it, my friend! These best practices and practical advice for resume writing are the secret sauce to creating a resume that’ll get you noticed by employers. Remember to customise your resume for each job application, create a captivating professional summary, and highlight your achievements with impressive numbers. Keep it concise, professional, and error-free while staying true to yourself.

Remember, the goal is to present yourself as a qualified and confident candidate. By following these guidelines and injecting your own personality into your resume, you can create a resume that grabs attention, showcases your strengths, and lands you that coveted interview. Good luck with your resume writing journey to ace that dream job—you’ve got this! Happy job hunting!

When it comes to tender writing, government tenders can be both lucrative and highly competitive. Tender writers aiming to secure these opportunities need a well-thought-out approach to stand out from the crowd. In this article, we will explore strategies that tender writers can follow to increase their chances of success in government tenders. So, let’s dive in and discover how to rock those government tenders! (more…)

Are you ready to take your organisation’s funding potential to the next level? Whether you’re a nonprofit, a small business, or an individual with a brilliant idea, securing grants can be a game-changer. (more…)

Grant writing is an invaluable skill for organizations and individuals that are seeking additional resources to support their causes or projects. It requires a lot of research, planning, and communication with potential funders to have any chance of success. If you’re new to grant writing or just need a refresher, then this article is for you! The Ultimate Guide to Grant Writing provides all the essential information a beginner or experienced grant writer needs. (more…)

The ultimate goal for any tender writer is to win lucrative contracts and secure business opportunities for their organisation. Tender writing is a skill that requires careful attention to detail, persuasive communication, and a thorough understanding of the client’s needs. Whilst it is valid to remain focused on impressing the evaluators and standing out among the competition, there are certain pitfalls that can prove to be costly, especially if the tender is won. In this article, we’ll explore five such mistakes and offer some valuable insights on how to avoid them.

1. Overpromising and Underdelivering – A Reputational Blow

For tender writers, winning a contract can be a moment of triumph, but it also comes with significant responsibilities. One of the costliest mistakes they can make is to overpromise on deliverables or timelines during the tender writing process. In the eagerness to secure the contract, they must resist the temptation of offering more than their organisation can realistically deliver.

By committing to unrealistic expectations, tender writers risk damaging not only the organisation’s credibility and reputation, but their personal reputation as a tender writer too. Falling short of meeting the promised outcomes leads to client disappointment and can result in legal disputes, contract termination, and potential blacklisting from future tenders. Instead, tender writers should focus on providing a well-thought-out proposal that accurately reflects the company’s capabilities and strengths. Transparency about an organisation’s capacity to execute the project successfully goes a long way in building trust with the client.

2. Ignoring the Fine Print – Hidden Pitfalls

Tender documents are often lengthy and packed with information. In the rush to meet deadlines, tender writers may unintentionally overlook essential clauses, terms, or conditions buried in the fine print. Unfortunately, these seemingly minor oversights can lead to substantial financial losses for their organisation after winning the tender.

For instance, when tender writers fail to thoroughly review insurance requirements, penalty clauses, or dispute resolution processes, it can leave their organisation vulnerable to unexpected liabilities. It’s essential for tender writers to meticulously analyse every detail of the tender document and seek legal counsel if needed, ensuring that the implication of each provision is thoroughly understood.

Furthermore, some tenders may have specific performance guarantees or financial commitments that could be financially burdensome if not anticipated and accounted for in the tender writer’s proposal. Paying attention to these details not only prevents costly surprises but also helps tender writers prepare a more accurate and competitive bid for their organisation.

3. Underestimating Resource Allocation – A Recipe for Failure

After securing the tender, organisations may find themselves excited to start the project. However, tender writers must beware of the third costly mistake: underestimating the resource allocation required to execute the contract successfully. Winning the tender is just the first step; delivering on their promises is where the real challenge lies.

A common error is assuming that existing resources can handle the additional workload, without considering potential disruptions or competing priorities. Insufficient staffing, lack of expertise, or inadequate infrastructure can quickly lead to missed deadlines, compromised quality, and dissatisfied clients.

To avoid this pitfall, tender writers must carefully assess their organisation’s capacity to take on the project and make realistic plans for resource allocation. This may involve hiring new talent, training existing staff, or collaborating with external partners. Adequate preparation for the project’s demands increases the likelihood of successful project completion and builds a positive track record, positioning their organisation for future tendering success.

4. Inadequate Risk Assessment and Mitigation Planning – Exposure to Unforeseen Losses

Tender writers must be diligent in conducting a comprehensive risk assessment before submitting their proposals. Failure to identify and address potential risks can lead to costly consequences for the organisation once the tender is won.

Each project comes with inherent risks that may include financial, operational, or environmental factors. Tender writers must evaluate these risks and develop a robust mitigation plan to minimise their impact on project delivery. Overlooking such risk assessments could result in unforeseen financial losses, project delays, or even safety-related incidents.

By taking the time to understand the project’s risks and implementing appropriate measures to mitigate them, tender writers can demonstrate their organisation’s commitment to responsible project management and safeguard their reputation.

5. Lack of Proper Contract Review – The Unfavourable Terms Trap

Winning a tender often involves signing a contract that outlines the terms and conditions of the project. A significant and costly mistake is not conducting a thorough contract review before finalising the agreement.
Rushed or superficial contract reviews can lead to misunderstandings, disputes, and unexpected financial burdens. Tender writers must carefully review the contract, seeking legal counsel if necessary, to ensure that it aligns with their organisation’s interests and complies with industry standards.

Key areas to focus on during contract review include payment terms, intellectual property rights, warranties, indemnification clauses, and dispute resolution mechanisms. Overlooking unfavourable terms may result in the organisation assuming unintended liabilities or losing valuable rights.

Tender writers must navigate the intricacies of tender writing with creativity and prudence. Avoiding these five costly mistakes – overpromising and underdelivering, ignoring the fine print, underestimating resource allocation, inadequate risk assessment and mitigation planning and the lack of proper contract review – is essential to saving organisations from post-tender pitfalls that may harm their reputation, financial standing, and future prospects.
By addressing these challenges head-on and taking proactive measures to address them, tender writers can position their organisations for greater success, not only in winning tenders but also in executing projects responsibly and profitably. Diligence, attention to detail, and thorough planning are essential to navigating the tendering process and achieving long-term success in securing lucrative contracts.

Are you looking to score a grant for your non-profit organization? Winning a grant can mean the difference between your program succeeding or shutting down. The process of writing a grant can be daunting, but with these 10 tips, you can make the process a little easier and increase your chances of success.

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When it comes to tender writing, there is a great deal of pressure to get it right. Missing even one small detail could mean the difference between success and failure in the tender process. To ensure your tender stands out from the competition, it is important to not forget the five key things presented in this article. Keeping these elements in mind when writing your tender will highly increase your chances of success. (more…)

The idea of having a Grant Writers Kit may sound pointless when every grant has different requirements and the funding objective for an organisation will vary with each grant. However, for Grant Writers, there are many parts to grant writing that are repetitive no matter what the grant is. This is truer for Grant Writers who work specifically inside the organisation seeking grants, but Grant Writing Consultants can find useful strategies in adopting parts of a Grant Writers kit as well. (more…)