Tips for Writing a Winning Role Resume
1. Start with the Role Requirements
- Use the job description as your blueprint. Highlight the key capabilities, duties, and selection criteria.
- Mirror the language used in the role statement to show alignment.
2. Structure for Impact
- Use clear headings like Professional Experience, Education, Key Achievements, and Technical Skills.
- Bullet points over paragraphs—they’re easier to scan and help highlight results.
3. Tailor Every Section
- Don’t recycle generic resumes. Each role deserves a custom version.
- Prioritize relevance: If applying for a digital trainee program, emphasize tech skills, adaptability, and problem-solving.
4. Show Outcomes, Not Just Duties
- Instead of “Assisted with onboarding,” say:
“Streamlined onboarding for 15+ new hires, reducing processing time by 30%.”
- Use quantifiable results wherever possible.
5. Use Active, Confident Language
- Swap “responsible for” with verbs like led, developed, implemented, collaborated, delivered.
- Avoid passive phrases like “was tasked with.”
6. Highlight Transferable Skills
- Especially important for school leavers or career changers.
- Think: communication, initiative, teamwork, attention to detail, learning agility.
7. Keep It Clean and Professional
- Use a simple, readable font (e.g., Calibri, Arial).
- Stick to one page for entry-level roles, two max for experienced applicants.
- Avoid graphics unless requested—APS resumes are typically text-based.
8. Include a Brief Career Summary (Optional)
- A 2–3 sentence intro at the top can help frame your story.
“Motivated school leaver with strong interpersonal skills and a passion for public service. Seeking to contribute to a dynamic team through the APS School Leaver Program.”
9. Proofread Like a Pro
- Typos can cost you the interview.
- Read aloud, use spellcheck, and ask someone you trust to review it.
10. Match Your Resume to Your Application Pitch
- If you’re submitting a pitch or cover letter, make sure your resume supports and expands on the same themes.
Common Resume Mistakes to Avoid
1. Too Generic
- Mistake: Using the same resume for every application.
- Fix: Tailor your resume to each role. Reflect the language and priorities of the job ad.
2. Listing Duties Instead of Achievements
- Mistake: “Responsible for filing documents.”
- Fix: “Organised and digitised 200+ files, improving retrieval time by 40%.”
3. Overloading with Jargon or Acronyms
- Mistake: Assuming the reader knows your internal team lingo.
- Fix: Use clear, accessible language. Spell out acronyms the first time.
4. Neglecting Transferable Skills
- Mistake: Leaving out soft skills like communication, teamwork, or adaptability.
- Fix: Especially for school leavers or career changers, highlight how these skills apply to the role.
5. Poor Formatting
- Mistake: Dense blocks of text, inconsistent fonts, or cluttered layout.
- Fix: Use clean formatting, consistent spacing, and bullet points for readability.
6. Typos and Grammar Errors
- Mistake: “Manged team projects” or “Recieved award.”
- Fix: Proofread thoroughly. Read aloud or ask someone else to review.
7. Too Long or Too Short
- Mistake: A 4-page resume for an entry-level role or a half-page with no substance.
- Fix: Aim for 1–2 pages, depending on experience. Keep it concise but complete.
8. Missing Contact Details or Incorrect Info
- Mistake: Forgetting your phone number or using an outdated email.
- Fix: Double-check that your contact info is current and professional.
9. No Keywords from the Job Ad
- Mistake: Failing to include terms the employer is scanning for.
- Fix: Use keywords from the role description to pass automated screening tools.
10. Leaving Out Volunteer or Informal Experience
- Mistake: Thinking only paid work counts.
- Fix: Include relevant volunteer roles, school projects, or community involvement—especially if they show initiative or leadership.
The Integrated Leadership System (ILS)
What Is the ILS?
The ILS is a competency framework that outlines expected behaviours across five core capabilities:
| Capability | What It Means in Practice |
| Supports Strategic Direction | Thinks ahead, aligns with agency goals |
| Achieves Results | Delivers outcomes, solves problems |
| Supports Productive Working Relationships | Collaborates, builds trust |
| Displays Personal Drive and Integrity | Shows resilience, ethics, initiative |
| Communicates with Influence | Tailors messages, persuades, listens actively |
Each APS level (APS 1–EL2) has specific behavioural indicators under these categories.
How to Use ILS in Your Resume or Application
1. Align Your Examples to ILS Capabilities
When describing your experience, match your achievements to the ILS categories. For example:
Achieves Results: “Led a data-cleaning project that reduced reporting errors by 25%, improving decision-making timelines.”
Communicates with Influence: “Presented findings to senior stakeholders, adapting technical language for non-specialist audiences.”
2. Use ILS Language
Incorporate phrases from the ILS framework like:
- “Supports strategic direction”
- “Displays resilience”
- “Builds productive relationships”
This shows you understand APS expectations and helps your application resonate with assessors.
✅ 3. Tailor to the Role Level
Each APS level has different behavioural expectations. For example:
- APS 4 might “support” strategic direction
- APS 6 might “contribute to” or “shape” it
- EL1 might “lead” or “cultivate” it
Use verbs that reflect the level you’re applying for.