The resume creation process

The old approach to resumes no longer works

Until fairly recently, most applicants reused the same CV, made minor changes to a cover letter, and relied on a person to assess their application. That model has largely disappeared. Applying now takes moments, which means employers receive far more applications than they can review manually. As a result, most resumes are screened first by Applicant Tracking Systems. If your resume does not clearly address what the employer is seeking, including their selection criteria, it is usually filtered out immediately, regardless of your actual capability.

The old ways don't work

Getting your resume or CV past the ATS gatekeeper

A CV or resume has one primary purpose, to reach human review. If it fails at the Applicant Tracking System stage, it effectively goes nowhere. Most employers now rely on ATS software to assess applications before a recruiter becomes involved, checking whether your resume clearly aligns with the role’s selection criteria.

At its simplest level, the system scans for language linked to the skills, experience, and behaviours the employer has prioritised. When those signals are weak, missing, or poorly expressed, even capable candidates can be screened out as irrelevant.

Many modern ATS platforms go beyond basic keyword scanning. Increasingly, they apply AI-based scoring to evaluate how closely your experience, achievements, training, and career history match the role overall. If your resume is not structured and written with this screening stage in mind, it is likely to be filtered out long before any human judgement comes into play.

Making your CV stand out from the crowd

Addressing selection criteria in a modern job application usually follows a deliberate sequence.

Making small changes to a cover letter and reusing an old resume is no longer enough. Every part of your application must align with the role’s selection criteria if it is to pass ATS screening, reach human review, and compete for a place on the shortlist.

Avoid the common mistake - Standing out is not about including everything you have ever done. It is about showing the employer exactly what they are looking for and removing what does not support that case.
Identify what drives the decision - Begin with the job ad and analyse it carefully. Extract the skills, experience, qualifications, and personal qualities that clearly align with the role. This may include formal credentials, measurable results, recognition, or independent feedback.
Create a role-focused resume - Use this insight to reshape your CV or resume so it speaks directly to the position. Lead with evidence that demonstrates how you meet the selection criteria, rather than burying relevant achievements within a long employment history.

Avoid sounding robotic or imported - AI-generated resumes often read as generic, keyword-heavy, and oddly misaligned to Australian roles. The phrasing and clichés are easy to recognise. Most recruiters spot this immediately, and applications like these are frequently dismissed for not sounding like a real person.

Producing a strong CV or resume requires judgement, structure, and experience. It is not a clerical exercise. Skilled resume writers understand how to organise content, choose language carefully, and present evidence in a way that improves the likelihood of securing an interview.

A professional resume-building process

Selection criteria analysis
We begin by clarifying what the employer is genuinely assessing, including both stated requirements and criteria that must be inferred.
Employer and context review
We examine the organisation’s culture, market conditions, and operating environment to understand how hiring decisions are shaped.
Attributes and fit assessment
Your skills, experience, and personal attributes are assessed against the role to determine what to emphasise, reframe, or remove.
Initial resume build
The first draft is developed with a clear focus on relevance and outcomes, positioning you as a credible match rather than listing your entire work history.
Review and refinement
The document is refined carefully, sharpening language, improving flow, and ensuring alignment with what the employer values most.
Supporting documents and online profile
Once the resume is finalised, supporting documents are prepared and, where appropriate, online profiles are aligned for consistency.
Application submission
You submit a focused application that stands up to ATS screening and makes sense to the person responsible for shortlisting.

A significant proportion of CVs are rejected during ATS screening. These systems are designed to quickly narrow the field by scanning for close alignment with the job description, keywords, and selection criteria. Applications that do not match closely enough are routinely screened out before human review.

Executive and C-Suite applications

For senior leaders and executives, the resume build process requires a more deliberate strategic lens. Executive applications are assessed against broader and more exacting criteria, including leadership judgement, organisational impact, governance awareness, and cultural fit. At this level, a resume is not simply an employment record; it is a positioning document that explains how your experience translates into value for the organisation now and into the future. This is why executive resumes must sit within a wider career narrative, supported by a clear strategy that aligns role targets, market conditions, and long-term direction. You can read more about how this works in practice on our career strategy page.

Simply order a service (pricing button below) and within 24 hours I will contact you by email or phone. We will work together to hone your CV or Resume until you are 100% satisfied. You can then opt for extra services if you need them.

Like to chat first?

Fill out this form if you would a 15 minute phone chat before deciding to buy my CV writing services. I'll get back to you to schedule a specific time and date.

If your needs are urgent please contact me by phone, FB or Text.

Click on the phone, anytime night and day, to book a complimentary 15 minute call at a time that suits you.

How do I engage you to write my resume?

A brief phone chat allows you to meet the person crafting your resume – me! More...

This initial conversation helps you choose the package that best suits your needs.

During the call, I'll explain my process and what kind of support and communication you can expect from me. The main goal is to ensure you feel confident in my ability to maximise your interview prospects.

Ready to get started? Please select a package and complete your payment via debit card, credit card, or bank transfer. We'll then set up a call to discuss your specific requirements. Together, we'll perfect your resume, responses to selection criteria, and any other documents included in your package until you are completely satisfied.

How do I select a Resume package?

Start with a close look at the job advertisement and job description. More...

The job ad normally sets out what the employer wants from you. There are three elements: the resume and responses to selection criteria, the cover letter, and the LinkedIn Profile. A resume or CV, on its own, is very unlikely to get you a job.

The cover letter (covering letter) is used to pick out and emphasise the relevant bits of your skills, knowledge or experience. You may be asked to 'address' (comment on) the 'selection criteria' (what they need from an applicant) in the cover letter or separately.

Resume or CV - this document provides a concise summary of your qualifications, knowledge, skills, experience, and achievements, all ideally tailored to the job’s specific selection criteria.
Cover Letter - Often in digital form (an e-note) for today's online application processes, this distils your resume's key attributes into a succinct pitch.
Addressing the Selection Criteria - You are often required to respond to both essential and desirable skills, knowledge, experience, and achievements, ensuring your application aligns with what the employer is looking for.
- In government, education, health and non-profit applications, you will almost certainly have to also write a stand-alone document.

Your application should demonstrate alignment with the employer's selection criteria, even if that's not explicitly requested. Example: While solid or diverse professional network might be a key hiring criterion, that might not be in the job ad.

The roles of the cover letter and LinkedIn

The cover letter, or its electronic counterpart, and LinkedIn profile derive from your resume, supporting your application for the specific role. LinkedIn is crucial for roles where a network or online skills are key (like sales or marketing) but is not essential for entry level and general job applications.

What are your credentials?

I've helped thousands of Perth job seekers land interviews over many years. More...

I've had direct experience working for top mining and resources companies in Western Australia, in marketing, HR, and recruitment roles. Over the years, I've assisted countless individuals in applying for positions in Australia, the UK, and the USA. With a degree in Information Science, I bring unique insights into the digital recruitment filters and systems that applicants encounter. I'm a dual UK-Australian citizen, with family in both WA and Leicestershire.

Sectors and organisations

My expertise extends to consulting for various organisations including Horizon Power, Curtin University, the WA Police Department, Perth Zoo, Barminco, Allied Pumps, Alcoa of Australia, Western Mining, Sons of Gwalia, Gulf Petroleum, Small Business Development Corporation, WA State Govt., Information Enterprises Australia, and numerous others. I have consulted to organisations in these sectors, among others:

Mining & Resources (Oil and Gas) Resumes or CVs
Pharmaceutical, Health & Nursing Resumes or CVs
Primary, Secondary and Tertiary Education (Principal and Teacher) Resumes or CVs and responses to selection criteria
General Corporate Managerial and C-Suite Resumes or CVs, including International postings
Political, COS and Party Pre-Selection Resumes or CVs
Government (Local, State and Federal) Resumes or CVs and responses to selection criteria
Franchisee Application Resumes or CVs (for example McDonalds)
Capability Statement CVs for professionals and contractors (especially Mining)
Marketing and Sales Managerial / Director / State Manager Resumes or CVs
IT and Digital Managerial / Director / State Manager Resumes or CVs
ADF and ex-ADF Resumes or CVs

Certification and Memberships

I am a founder-member of the UK-based CVRA, which professionally certifies and educates CV and Resume Writers worldwide.

Corporate engagements

I've conducted resume writing seminars and outplacement workshops for employees of the Western Australian state and local governments, as well as universities.

What is the CV writing process?

Your resume is carefully designed to pass the ATS & appeal to the employer. More...

My role is to support and guide you, offering honest advice to improve your resume. It has to be written in your voice, since you have to defend what's written at interview. If you don't have a particular job in mind, I'll tailor your resume based on broad industry criteria to appeal to a wider range of employers. But remember, a resume customised for a specific role always gives the best results.

How we together create your resume

Here's how it goes:

First Chat
We get started with a chat about your career history and aspirations. This helps me understand your needs, ensuring your resume perfectly represents you.
Making Your resume
With the notes from our chat, I craft a resume that highlights your standout qualities and matches what employers want, boosting your chances of catching their attention.
Highlighting What You're Great At
The goal extends beyond just resume writing. We aim to ensure your unique strengths and individuality are displayed, making your application memorable.
Checking the Details
We carefully review your resume for presentation, readability, and accuracy, ensuring it's something you’re excited to submit.
Making Sure Your resume Gets Seen
Most employers use automated systems (ATS) to pre-screen resumes. I'll ensure it's ATS-friendly, helping it skip past the 'keeper' and reach human eyes.

Need to update an ancient resume?

I get many enquires from people who have not had a resume for many years. Things have changed... More...

If you haven’t updated your resume in yonks, you’ll find that much has changed in creating an effective one. One of the most significant shifts is the emphasis on tailoring your resume to each job application. Gone are the days of a generic resume for all jobs with a bit of tailoring in a cover letter.

Today, it’s crucial to customise your resume to highlight the skills and experiences most relevant to the specific position you’re applying for. This involves carefully reading job descriptions and incorporating relevant keywords to ensure your resume gets past automated screening systems, known as Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), which many companies now use to filter applications.

The digital landscape has significantly influenced how resumes are created and shared. The ability to share your resume electronically and ensure it is mobile-friendly is crucial, as more recruiters and hiring managers review applications on their devices. Electronic submission has become the norm, making it essential to ensure your resume is easily accessible and readable across various digital platforms. Format is key also, since if your resume is derived from a legacy software version, the ATS will likely not understand it.

The key reasons why people 'never hear back' is the format, content, and content structure of their resume and application documents. In many cases, their resume never gets past the digital 'keeper, the ATS.

What exactly are 'selection criteria'?

Think of this as the checklist for getting noticed. It's all about making sure your application highlights the skills and achievements your future employer is looking for. More...

For many employers, like supermarkets, mining, and government jobs, directly addressing these criteria is a standard part of the application process. It's not just about listing your experiences; it's about matching them to what the job description asks for. This means clearly showing how your background and qualities make you the best match for the role.

Whether the criteria are spelled out or you need to dig a bit to find them, making sure your application speaks directly to these points can really set you apart.

Selection criteria are the skills, experience, and qualities a company wants in its workers. This is especially key for those looking to fit into a company's way of working and goals. They might include things like:

The right training or work background.
Experience supervising a team or handling projects.
Knowledge specific to the job or industry.
Important qualities like being dependable and flexible.

These criteria, sometimes called Job Specs or Position Requirements, help you understand what a company is looking for. They cover both the hard skills needed for the job and the kind of person they want.

Addressing these criteria in your application is crucial to showing you're the right fit and moving forward in your career. Sometimes they are clearly stated, but often, you'll need to read between the lines to figure them out.

How To Stuff Up Your Job Application

Applied for lots of jobs and never heard back? If you've wondered why, here are some reasons: More...

Ignoring the ATS

The main problem? Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). More than 70% of resumes are screened and rejected by a robot at this initial stage because they don't match the job description.

Generic Resumes

Sending the same resume for every job application is a sure way to fail. Customise your resume - or at least the cover letter - for each application, showing how your skills and experiences make you an ideal candidate for that role.

Not Matching The Job Specifications

If your resume doesn't include the skills and experience listed in the job ad, it will likely be bypassed. Make sure your resume shows how you match the job requirements stated in the ad.

Pretty Designed Resumes

Beware of those "designed resumes" sold on the internet, which are style over substance. They might look appealing with their colours and columns, but often, ATS can't process them. Opt for a simple, clean layout that ensure readability by the ATS.

To increase your chances of getting an interview, focus on creating a resume that's not only clear and concise but also tailored for the job at hand and compatible with ATS requirements.

Getting your resume or CV past the ATS gatekeeper

Making your CV stand out from the crowd

A professional resume-building process

Selection criteria analysis

Employer and context review

Attributes and fit assessment

Initial resume build

Review and refinement

Supporting documents and online profile

Application submission