The resume creation process

The old rules for resumes no longer apply

Not long ago, most people sent the same CV with a lightly tweaked cover letter
and hoped for the best. A human would read it and decide whether you were worth a call. Those days
are largely gone. Applying now takes seconds, which means employers are flooded with applications.
Most are filtered first by Applicant Tracking Systems. If your resume does not clearly speak to what the employer
is looking for, their selection criteria, it is screened out straight away, regardless of how capable you are.

selection criteria writer melbourne
The resume build process

First: getting your CV past the ATS gatekeeper

A CV or resume has only one real job, to reach human review. If it does not get past the Applicant Tracking System (ATS), it may as well not exist. Most employers now use ATS software to screen applications before a recruiter ever sees them, checking whether your CV clearly reflects the job’s selection criteria.

At a basic level, the system scans for keywords and phrases linked to the skills, experience, and behaviours the employer is looking for. If those signals are missing or unclear, your CV can be marked irrelevant, even when you are well qualified.

Modern ATS platforms go further than simple keyword matching. Many use AI-driven scoring to assess how closely your experience, achievements, training, and career history align with the role as a whole. If your CV is not structured and written with this screening step in mind, it is likely to be filtered out long before a human decision-maker is involved.

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Making your CV stand out from the crowd

Addressing selection criteria in a modern job application usually follows a clear sequence:

Lightly tweaking a cover letter and sending the same old resume no longer cuts it. Your whole application needs to match the role’s selection criteria if it is to get past ATS screening, reach a human, and make the shortlist.

  • Avoid the usual trap - Standing out does not mean listing everything you have ever done. It means showing the employer exactly what they are looking for and leaving out what is irrelevant.
  • Work out what really matters - Start with the job ad and read it properly. Pull together the skills, experience, qualifications, and personal qualities that clearly match what the employer wants. This might include formal qualifications, results, awards, or third-party feedback.
  • Build a role-specific resume - Use that information to reshape your CV or resume so it speaks directly to the role. Lead with the strengths and achievements that demonstrate how you meet the selection criteria, rather than burying them in a long job history.
Do not sound like a foreign robot - AI-written resumes often read as generic, keyword-heavy, and oddly misaligned to the role. The phrasing, spacing, and cliches are instantly recognisable. Most recruiters can spot it a country mile off, and applications like that are often dismissed for not sounding like a real person.

Putting together a strong CV or resume takes time, judgement, and experience. It is not a clerical task. Skilled resume writers understand how to structure content, choose the right language, and present evidence in a way that improves your chances of securing an interview.

A professional resume building process

  • Selection criteria review

    We start by unpacking what the employer is actually assessing, both what is stated and what needs to be inferred, so your application is built around their real decision drivers.

  • Employer and context discussion

    We look at the organisation’s culture, market position, and industry pressures to understand the context in which hiring decisions are being made.

  • Attributes and fit analysis

    We assess how your skills, experience, and personal attributes stack up against the role, then decide what to lead with, what to reframe, and what to keep out.

  • Initial CV build

    Your first draft is built with a clear focus on outcomes and relevance, positioning you as a strong, credible fit rather than listing everything you have ever done.

  • Review and refinement

    We refine the document carefully, tightening language, sharpening emphasis, and ensuring the narrative aligns closely with what the employer is looking for.

  • Supporting documents and online profile

    Once the CV is right, we prepare supporting documents and, where relevant, align your LinkedIn profile so everything presents a consistent professional picture.

  • Application submission

    Finally, you submit a well-targeted application that stands up to ATS screening and makes sense to the person doing the shortlisting.
Up to 70% of CVs are rejected during the ATS screening process. ATS algorithms are designed to swiftly and reliably identify the most qualified candidates for a job, and most CVs routinely fail to match the job description, keywords or selection criteria.

If you need help with your CV or resume, you view the packages by clicking the buttons below. I'll contact you within 24 hours to work on your CV until you're satisfied with the outcome. Additional services are also available if needed.

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CV or Resume, which should I use?

First job or haven't needed a resume for a long time? Start here. More...

Resume - In the Melbourne job market, a resume is usually a concise two to three page document that summarises your skills, education, strengths, and experience. It should focus on what is most relevant to the role, and make it easy for an employer to see why you should be shortlisted.

CV - A CV (curriculum vitae) is most common in academia and research, and in some highly technical fields. It covers similar ground to a resume, but typically includes additional credentials such as publications, presentations, grants, professional affiliations, and referees. The term is Latin for "the course of one’s life".

Not sure? - In parts of Australia, "CV" and "resume" are often used interchangeably, which can be confusing. Always follow the employer’s application instructions, and if the role is important, seek advice so you submit the right document. Choosing the wrong format can cost you an interview.

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Do I need a cover letter?

Resumes or CVs almost always need to be accompanied by one, but what type? More...

Purpose of a cover letter - A cover letter tailors your resume or CV to a specific Melbourne role. For many employers, it is the first screening step. If it does not meet expectations, your resume may not be reviewed. It provides a short narrative that links your experience to the employer’s selection criteria.

What to include - Use your cover letter to explain how your skills, experience, and qualifications fit the role, and to demonstrate genuine interest in the organisation. Both the resume or CV and the cover letter exist to market you, so employer needs should always come first.

When a cover letter matters - Each application requires a tailored cover letter. Reusing generic letters is one of the most common reasons candidates fail to reach interview stage.

Online applications - In online systems, the cover letter may appear as a short written statement or eNote. It serves the same purpose, and carries the same weight, as a traditional cover letter.

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LinkedIn and CVs or resumes

Should you consider creating a LinkedIn profile, and why? More...

Do I need LinkedIn? - LinkedIn is most relevant for executives, professionals building a career trajectory, and those in sales, marketing, or leadership roles. It is not essential for every general job application, but it becomes increasingly important as seniority increases.

Why LinkedIn matters - LinkedIn is now a key self marketing tool for career focused candidates. A well written profile can attract headhunters, Melbourne based recruiters, and direct approaches from employers. It also supports networking and visibility in ways a resume alone cannot.

Consistency counts - Employers commonly review LinkedIn to sense check a candidate’s background. Your LinkedIn profile should align closely with your CV or resume, as inconsistencies can raise doubts.

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What are your qualifications?

The industries I specialise in, and why I am qualified to help you. More...
Professional background - I have worked directly with major organisations in biotech, mining, resources, marketing, HR, and recruitment. Over many years, I have supported applicants pursuing roles across Australia, the UK, and the United States. With a degree in Information Science, I bring a practical understanding of how digital recruitment systems and screening tools operate, and how candidates are assessed within them. I hold dual UK and Australian citizenship with extensive experience across both markets.

Sector experience - My consulting work spans a wide range of organisations, including energy providers, universities, police services, the ADF, state government bodies, health services, information services firms, and large private enterprises. I regularly work with candidates across sectors such as:
  • Mining, resources, oil and gas roles
  • Pharmaceutical, biotech, health, and nursing positions
  • Primary, secondary, and tertiary education, including leadership roles
  • Corporate management and C suite appointments, including international roles
  • Political, chief of staff, and party pre selection applications
  • Government roles at local, state, and federal level
  • Franchise applications and commercial operator submissions
  • Capability statements for professionals and contractors
  • Marketing and sales leadership roles
  • IT, AI and digital leadership positions
  • ADF and former ADF applications
My credentials - I am a founder-member of the UK-based CVRA, which professionally certifies and educates CV and Resume Writers worldwide.

Certified Resume Writer Corporate consultancy - I have delivered resume writing seminars and outplacement workshops for Australian state and local government employees, as well as universities in Australia and the UK.
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What is the Resume creation process?

A resume carefully designed to pass ATS filters & appeal to the employer. More...

My role is to guide and support you with clear, honest advice as your resume takes shape. It must sound like you, because you will need to stand behind it at interview. If you are not targeting a specific role, I will shape your resume around broader industry expectations to appeal to multiple employers. Where a particular role is in scope, a tailored resume will always deliver stronger results.

How we create your resume together

Here is how the process works:

  • Initial conversation

    We begin with a detailed discussion about your background, experience, and career goals. This gives me the context needed to represent you accurately and effectively.

  • Drafting your resume

    Using our discussion as a foundation, I develop a resume that reflects your strengths and aligns with what employers are looking for.

  • Bringing your strengths forward

    The focus is not just on listing roles. We draw out what differentiates you, so your experience feels relevant and compelling rather than generic.

  • Review and refinement

    We review the document together for clarity, structure, accuracy, and tone, refining it until you are confident submitting it.

  • Ensuring it gets through screening

    As most employers use ATS software, I ensure your resume is formatted and written to pass automated screening and reach human decision makers.
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Do I need a General or Executive Package?

Executive applications typically involve more complex selection criteria. More...

General roles - These applications are for positions where you are not accountable for overall staff or budget management. You may supervise others without full managerial responsibility. Common examples include hospitality, healthcare, trade, and operational roles.

Executive roles - Executive applications require a different level of strategy. These roles involve direct responsibility for people, budgets, and outcomes, from senior management through to C suite appointments. Selection criteria are often detailed and demanding, and an executive resume must demonstrate leadership capability, strategic judgement, and measurable impact.

When choosing between a general or executive package, consider the level of accountability involved and the complexity of the selection criteria for the role you are targeting.
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How do I choose the right package?

It pays to start with a close look at the job ad and job description. More...

Start with the job advertisement - The job ad sets out exactly what the employer is seeking, and should guide which documents you need and how comprehensive they must be.

What the packages include - Resume packages are built around four core components: the resume or CV, a cover letter, LinkedIn, and selection criteria. A resume on its own is rarely enough to secure an interview in competitive Melbourne roles.

  • Resume or CV - A focused summary of your qualifications, skills, experience, and achievements, written to align closely with the role’s selection criteria.
  • Cover letter - Often submitted online as a short written statement, this translates your experience into a clear, role specific pitch.
  • LinkedIn - Developed from your resume, LinkedIn supports your application by reinforcing credibility and visibility. It is essential for senior, commercial, and network driven roles, but less critical for entry level or general positions.
  • Selection criteria - Many roles require written responses addressing essential and desirable requirements, covering skills, knowledge, experience, and outcomes.
    • In government, education, health, and not for profit roles, a separate selection criteria document is commonly required.
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