When a young person presents their resume it now needs to stand out more than ever. There is lots of competition and people are pushing harder and harder to get their resume noticed even more.

No longer do we just apply for jobs in the newspaper or online. There is a whole strategic way that we need to attach the job-hunting expedition.

Australian Teenage Expo co-founder and youth expert Sacha Kaluri says a resume is not just a piece of paper that tells an employee a few details about you, its something that needs to jump out at them and catch a persons attention.

“Employees often get hundreds of resumes in front of them for just one or two job positions, so you need to make sure your resume really speaks about who you are in a clear cut and precise manner.” Said Ms Kaluri

“Its also important that young people understand that its not just a one resume fits all, often you need to design a new resume for each different job you apply for.”

“Young people need to think about what kind of person the employee is looking for and make sure they tailor the resume to fit the needs of the employee, often using the same words in the resume or cover letter as what has been used in the job description.”

Sonya Karras also co-founder of the Australian Teenage Expo said “We get so many young people apply to work with us, we only ever choose to even contact the ones that have amazingly creative resumes, we look for those extra special touches that a person adds to shows us how motivated they are”

“You really need to build your resume with as many experiences as possible”

Ms Kaluri has the following tips on how a young person can write a stand out resume

• Spelling and Grammar. Check it, check it and check it again, then get someone else to go over it to make sure it’s always perfect. It’s a first impression. One wrong spelling mistake can take you to the bottom of the pile.
• Volunteer work. This is an important key element. If you are going for your first job or even about to start a career in a new field and no one will give you the experience. Then volunteer for a company or even charity to get your experience. Its makes your resume look like you are that motivated, energetic and the enthusiastic person you are saying you are.
• Great references. Most young people use a teacher, which does not cut it anymore. This is why you need to get out there and build your own networks, getting involved in as much as possible.
• Creativity Think about the kind of job you are applying for, then create the resume and cover letter that fits the job. For example if you are applying for a job in the world of fashion then its okay to include some photos of some clothing ensembles you have created. What about an apprenticeship to become a mechanic – then make sure you show then how interested you are in cars, even a photo with you fixing a car. Your resume needs to tell a story about you. You don’t want the person reading it to get bored.
• Never ever lie Employees tell me all the time that young people lie on their resumes. Its easy to write you are good at something, but then when you have to do it you need lots of support or are not competent at it at all. Think of the top three you excel in and brag about them. That way when you get the job and have to perform they can see your strengths straight away.

Ms Kaluri says its really easy to see if a person is motivated on their resume, not because they have said they are, but by the amount if things they have involve themselves in.

“Look outside the square on how things are done. A resume does not have to be printed on a white piece of paper, think about how you can stand out.” said Ms Kaluri

“I am constantly hearing from students that try new and outrageous things with their resume and they get calls straight back from companies.”

“I was working with a student that wanted to work in childcare, she put together a resume looking just like a child’s book. The first place she sent it to called her immediately and she got the job”

“Think positive and get excited about applying for jobs, make sure when you call the organization always have a positive and friendly phone manner.”

Australian Teenage Expo aims to provide everything a teen, parent or educator needs to know about in three key areas – Education, Services and Products, with as much fun and interaction as possible.

For more information about the Australian Teenage Expo or book a keynote presentation by Sacha Kaluri visit www.teenageexpo.com.au or www.sachakaluri.com

Sacha Kaluri’s Background: Sacha Kaluri started a successful business at the age of 18 and now travels around Australia speaking to young people in senior schools on the topics of how to have the career of your dreams,  bullying and online bullying, stress management and body image. In 2011 Sacha Kaluri became the co founded and the co-director of the Australian Teenage Expo, a large-scale youth event which this year attracted almost 8000 Victorians at the Melbourne Showgrounds.  29-31^st August 2013