From Workshop to Word Doc: How to Build a Resume for RPL

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Don’t Have a Resume? Here’s the Fast Track Guide

For thousands of Australians who have spent most of their lives on the job — working with their hands, managing real responsibilities, and developing unshakable skills — the idea of sitting down to write a résumé can feel unnatural, even absurd.

They’ve been mechanics, care workers, builders, kitchen hands. They never needed a résumé to get hired — until now.

With the growing demand for formal qualifications, many of these experienced professionals are turning to Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). But RTOs (Registered Training Organisations) still need documentation. Chief among them: a résumé.

If you’ve never written one, you’re not alone. And we’re here to help.



Why This Guide Exists

At Skill Elevate, we help people fast-track their qualifications through RPL. One of the most common roadblocks our clients face is a simple, persistent question:

“I don’t have a résumé. What do I do?”

The answer? Don’t overthink it. You already have the experience — you just need to tell your story, clearly and honestly.

What to Include in Your RPL Resume

  • Your Full Name & Contact Info
  • A Short Summary About You
  • Work History — job titles, employers, years, duties
  • Skills — what you do well, tools you use, types of clients or tasks
  • Training & Certifications — even informal or on-the-job learning
  • Optional: Licences, References, Driver's Licence info

Let ChatGPT Help You Write It

If writing feels overwhelming, let AI do the heavy lifting. Below is a powerful prompt you can copy into ChatGPT. It’s designed specifically for RPL candidates.

🧠 Copy & Paste This ChatGPT Prompt:

I’m applying for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and need help creating a resume.
I’ve been working in [Your Industry — e.g., mechanics, aged care, hospitality] for [X years], but never made a resume before.
I’m hoping to get RPL for [Name of Certificate — e.g., Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology or Diploma of Community Services].

Please write a clear, professional resume including:
- My name: [Your Full Name]
- My contact info: [Phone, Email, Location]
- A short summary about my background
- A list of my past jobs, what I did in each, and for how long
- My skills
- Any formal or informal training I've done

Keep it professional but easy to understand. This will be sent to an RTO for my RPL assessment.

Final Advice

  • You don’t need big words — you need real tasks. Write what you actually do.
  • Don’t hide informal work — it matters.
  • Use ChatGPT, a friend, or even pen and paper to get started.

And if you ever feel stuck, remember: you're not starting from zero — you're building from experience.

📬 Visit Skill Elevate to learn more about how we help people like you get certified faster, easier, and without unnecessary stress.

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