SBS, World News Australia. Broadcast Date: 28 Aug 2011.

SBS, World News Austraila. Broadcast Date: 24 Jun 2011.

Raiders v Dragons

SBS, World News Australia. Broadcast Date: 15 Jul 2011.

Mullen China Visit

SBS, World News Australia. Broadcast Date: 15 Jul 2011.

1. Clear and Simple

Firstly, a resume should be organised into sections so that employers can find information quickly. Some jobs obviously have work experience or education requirements, so this helps employers see what it is they’re particularly after.

2. 1 – 2 pages

Your resume should be short and sweet. If you can squeeze your resume onto one page and it’s still clear and easy to read – well done. One page also reduces the risk of loosing information. For instance, the staple could come loose and you may loose the second page. It’s also just neat and less fiddly. HOWEVER, do not sacrifice information and readability. You should use two pages if you can’t fit your information on one.

3. Cover Letter

A cover letter is a good way of showing interest and communication skills to your potential employer. Address it specifically to your employer. Tell them why you’re interested and why you’re ideal for the role. This will give employers a sense of your understanding of the job and the company, and it gives you chance to display your communication skills. Depending on the role, you’ll have to consider the length of your cover letter. Some employers may want you to address a certain criteria. Others may not ask for one at all. In this case, I would still provide a short cover letter about a paragraph or two long, that covers the basics (ie. why your interested and ideal for the role).

4. Have it proof read

Everyone needs a pair of fresh eyes to read through your resume and cover letter. They might find spelling mistakes you may have overlooked, or they may find that you need to be more clear in some areas. There’s nothing worse than finding a spelling mistake or silly error on your resume. It’s an important document that represents you, and demonstrates your attention to detail.

NOW.. the essentials aside. There are a few more things that you may want to include in your resume to stand out from the others. Don’t forget, this resume could be the thing that gets you a phone call or interview. Most people who prepare their resume are concerned about the content. Content is important. However, your resume is also an opportunity to show employers that you have a personality, a sense of style and computer skills. Keep in mind that you still need to maintain a professional, clear and structured resume. But a few touches could set you apart from the pack. Here are some other suggestions on what you may like to add to your resume:

- A Photo

A small passport sized photograph of yourself smiling (neatly dressed in a professional context, of course.. as opposed to out on the town) can be a nice way of personalising your resume. It puts a face to the information on your resume and shows employers that you’re presentable and confident.

- Personal Interests

A section about your personal interests can be a nice addition to your work experience and education. For instance, movies, sport, music, travel. Tell them a bit about yourself. It’s a nice way of adding personality to your resume, and showing employers that you have a wide range of interests and are someone who they can see themselves working with.

- Websites

If you have a blog or website you can add this to your personal or contact details section. This also gives you the opportunity to show more of your skills. Whether it be your computer skills, design skills, writing ability, knowledge on particular topics, photography.. etc. what ever it is, if you do have an online presence through a blog or website, let it be known.

- Presentation

Use a bit of colour or an different type of font for your name at the header. It’s the little details that add some personality to a resume.

Again, with all of these additions it’s important to keep asking yourself whether your resume gives a professional appeal. Little flourishes of personality are important, but so is the clarity and professionalism of your resume. The personal touches should not overwhelm the resume. But instead, add to it as an overall document that represents you, your professional skills and abilities.

Sometimes you have no choice when it comes to the time it takes to achieve your goal. You become subject to a particular process not of your choice, and these processes can feel as though they last a lifetime.

It’s easy to get distracted along the way. Whether it’s because you’ve become impatient, bored, or tempted with the possibility of something new and different. It’s easy to get bogged down in feelings of dissatisfaction or unhappiness. Questions and fears like what if, after all this time, I don’t achieve my goal? But in times like those, ask yourself this question… will I regret not trying?

To get through the drudgery of every day life and the journey to achieving your goal can be difficult. But not impossible. And having a plan or a strategy can be particularly helpful when it comes to getting through it.

For instance, sometimes I liken the goals I set myself to a 100 piece puzzle. I start with a picture in my mind of what I need to achieve – just like a puzzle. But to get to the finished product it can sometimes feel like there are 100 things I need to sort out before I can get there. This can be overwhelming. But, if I try to sort out the puzzle in stages then gradually all those parts will come together to form that “bigger picture”.

It’s just like goal making. Usually there are several smaller goals or stages to complete before a person can reach that final goal. The small goals we set ourselves keep us focused on our particular dream or aspiration. It keeps us prepared and can give someone a sense of momentum on the road to achieving it.

So take time to really analyse what your goal is.. how long might it take? What small goals will you need to complete? It should give you a sense of direction and control when it comes to your goals, and also satisfaction that with each small achievement you’re getting closer and closer to achieving your overall goal.

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It’s been 6 months since my last post. But, it’s only been the past few days that I’ve really let the guilt of blogging – or lack there of – get to me. I just hope the saying ‘it’s never too late’ will be honored in my case.

A lot has happened in the past 6 months and I will delve into these things in more detail in other blogs, but thought a quick summary was in order…

December 2009: Casual job offer from The Ideas Suite (See blog ‘Found’ for reference)

January 2010: Working at The Ideas Suite

February 2010: Offered junior consultant position at The Ideas Suite

March 2010: Job offer from SBS

April 2010: Working at SBS and my graduation

May 2010: Working at SBS and loving it

So, that’s what I’ve been up to over the past 6 months – that, and looking after Chip (see blog ‘Found’ for reference).

I sought out to write a blog that would show you my journey in the hope that my studies and experience would become of use to you in achieving your goals. I am still committed to this task. I can see my dream career at the end of the tunnel, and even though there is much to do before I get there, I can see it. And, I’m exicted about it. And, I would love everyone to be in the same position.

There’s much to be said. Stay tuned.

On Wednesday this week, at exactly 1:52PM, I handed in my last assignment for my Bachelor of Media Degree at Macquarie University. I’ve achieved something that I’ve always wanted to do, and I couldn’t be happier. I throught I’d be nervous about what lies ahead, particularly now. But, I’ve gotta say, I’m very excited about the next chapter of my life. I’m not nervous. In fact, in the words of the fabulous Nina Simone, I’m feeling good…

It’s happened to me recently, but not with earings, or twenty dollar bills. A job has come back to me. Back in August when I was ferverently searching for work experience in the media, I applied for an internship at a boutique PR company in Rushcutter’s bay – The Ideas Suite. During this period I had applied to a lot of other media job opportunities, but didn’t hear back from them. I eventually got tired of the search and more concerned with uni, enjoying my holidays and my new chocolate Labrabor puppy – Chip. And just last week, out of the blue, I received an email from The Ideas Suite asking if I was still interested in the internship.

Now, I am not in anyway suggesting that waiting around and doing nothing is going to land you a job. I was very lucky. However, it does go to show that anything can happen and not to loose hope.

Stay tuned for my next blogs: ‘Interview Do’s and Don’t's’ and ‘The New CV’ …