The CV Studio

26/04/2026

I had the privilege of speaking at the Youth Career Forum in Perth last weekend and it reminded me why I love what I do.

I stood in front of a room full of high school students and gave them the talk I wish someone had given me at 16.

No "follow your passion and it'll all work out." Just practical and honest career advice they can actually use in these uncertain times.

Here's what we covered:

- Where to find your first job when you've got zero experience. How to write a one-page resume that doesn't get binned. Why a cover letter still matters when everyone else skips it.

- What AI is actually doing to the job market — which jobs it's replacing, which ones it's creating, and why the smartest move is learning to work alongside it, not running from it.

- The T-shape idea: go deep in one craft, then layer on skills that carry you through every pivot. For example: a plumber who learns smart-home tech charges, a builder using AI to interpret council planning rules saves hours, a mechanic retraining on EVs and hybrids is future-proofing a 30-year career.

- Uni vs TAFE vs trades — and why none of them is "better." It depends entirely on you.

- How the WA mining and resources sector changes, becoming a rare earth metal mining and processing hub and what workers will be needed.

-Why robotics is one of the most exciting career paths opening up.

At The CV studio I help people of all ages with career advice and making their experience stand out.

18/04/2026

Most people still picture trades the same way they were 10–15 years ago.

But trades are evolving in real time. And the highest-paid work is moving toward electrification, energy efficiency, and smart systems.

Electricians

The work is shifting into solar PV, battery storage, EV charging, and smart-home systems. Renewable energy is driving strong demand across Australia, and electricians who add these skills are the ones accessing higher-paying work, especially in WA across infrastructure and mining projects.

Plumbers

Residential plumbing is starting to shift toward heat pump hot water systems, hydronic heating, and water-efficient solutions such as greywater recycling. As more homes shift away from gas, plumbers who understand electrification and energy-efficient systems will stay ahead of standard installation and maintenance work.

Mechanics

The shift is already underway - hybrid and EV diagnostics, high-voltage battery systems, and ADAS calibration are becoming core skills. Internal combustion vehicles aren’t disappearing overnight, but the mechanics who upskill now will be in a much stronger position as the market transitions.

Builders

Energy efficiency requirements are tightening, and it’s changing how homes are built. Better insulation, smarter design, and integration with solar and electrical systems are becoming more important. Builders who understand energy ratings and compliance are already standing out in tenders.

If you’re thinking about moving into trades, transitioning roles, or positioning yourself for where the market is going — this is exactly what I help with at The CV Studio.

16/04/2026

Big week for WA. Tronox just locked in around $849 million in combined backing from Export Finance Australia and the US Export-Import Bank for their rare earths refinery project and a huge chunk of that work happens right here in Western Australia.

If you've been following along, this isn't a one-off. Iluka's first-of-its-kind rare earths refinery is being built at Eneabba (online this or next year). Hastings Technology is bringing the Yangibana mine into production.

And the new Australia-US Critical Minerals Framework is funnelling serious money into WA projects across the board.

Translation in plain English: WA isn't just iron ore anymore. We're quietly becoming one of the most strategically important mining regions in the world to diversify and protect a supply chain that previously belonged almost entirely to China. Rare earths are the next chapter, as they are used in critical equipment, including MRI machines and EV vehicles.

What that means for jobs: Refineries need tradesmen, chemical engineers, lab technicians, environmental scientists, project managers, supply chain analysts, IT and automation specialists. The whole supply chain is hiring.

If you've got a background in chemistry, engineering, processing, logistics, environmental work, or even admin and finance with mining exposure - your resume is suddenly sitting on top of a much bigger pile of opportunities than it was 12 months ago.

Now's a really good time to update it. I'm working with a lot of WA professionals at the moment who are repositioning for this exact shift. If your CV is still framed around your last role rather than where the market is heading, that's the gap worth closing. Send me a message - happy to chat.

https://www.mining.com/web/us-australia-offer-600m-backing-for-rare-earth-refinery-project/

The refinery being developed by Tronox Holdings would use existing mining and processing capacity to produce mixed rare earth carbonate.

15/11/2025

Recruitment is shifting fast and it shows.

Reading through JobAdder’s State of Recruitment Report for Australia and New Zealand (key findings in the attached carousel), I can clearly see the same trends reflected in my clients’ experiences:

- Temporary and contract roles replacing long-term positions
- Candidates applying to more jobs than ever before

For job seekers, this means two things:

1) Strategy matters more than ever
2) Standing out now means a human touch - build real relationships with recruiters and make sure your application doesn’t read like AI-generated noise

Have you noticed similar patterns in your industry this year?

31/08/2025

I get it - AI tools can be super tempting when you’re job hunting. Quick, cheap, one-click resume - sounds perfect, right?

But here’s the catch and why you should think twice before going down that path like everyone else:

👉 Chat GPT sounds like 'go big or go home' and produces a resume full of fluff - you need completely the opposite.
Recruiters and hiring managers can spot generic and copy-paste wording a mile away, especially when they’re reviewing hundreds of resumes filled with the same buzzwords. It doesn’t reflect your voice, experience or personalised achievements.

👉 They miss the strategy. A strong resume isn’t just a list of duties - it’s about weaving your story in a logical way that aligns with the employer’s needs. AI can’t fully capture that.

👉 They don’t pass ATS properly. Applicant Tracking Systems are picky. Without the right formatting and keywords, your resume might never even be seen by a human.

Your resume is your personal marketing document - it should sound like you, highlight what makes you different and convince someone to call you in for an interview. That takes strategy, not shortcuts.

So yes, AI is a useful tool when used properly… but your career deserves more than a copy-paste. 🌟

19/06/2025

I'm proud to share that this year, I’ve had the opportunity to work alongside OVIS Community Services in their Freedom to Flourish program, supporting women impacted by family and domestic violence on their journey to finding meaningful employment. It’s been a privilege to work with these strong women and help them take empowering steps toward a brighter future.

- Anastasia Barnes, Career Consultant / Owner of The CV Studio

09/12/2024

Client reviews mean so much, but Facebook makes it surprisingly tricky. It’s already hard enough to encourage people to leave reviews, just because life gets busy, and on Facebook, it’s even harder because figuring out how to post them is so confusing! That’s why I’m sharing the link to my Google reviews here instead😊

https://maps.app.goo.gl/gFDfT9tLUjTedtMh6?g_st=i

11 Sao Jorge Grn, Secret Harbour WA 6173, Australia

29/11/2024

With the holiday season approaching, I would like to remind you why December might just be one of the best months to Job Hunt (according to my clients’ experience and general statistics)🎯

1️⃣ Less Competition:
While others take a break during school holidays, you can get ahead. Fewer applicants mean your application has a much higher chance of standing out.

2️⃣ Many Companies Are Still Hiring:
Many businesses have budgets they need to use before the end of the year or are preparing for a strong start in January. This means job openings are often posted in December.

3️⃣ Be Prepared for the New Year:
Even if your dream job doesn't start until January, applying now means you'll be ready to hit the ground running when employers start making hiring decisions.

I strongly encourage you not to pause your job search and instead get your resume ready and seize this opportunity to get ahead! 🌟

20/07/2024

When you are asked if you have a specific skill / experience that you don’t have, don’t just say NO, be strategic!

Instead you can say:

‘Well I don’t have experience specifically doing ABC, but I do know that it requires XYZ skill, here is how I utilised this skill during one of my projects in the past.’

OR

‘I haven’t specifically encountered this situation, but here is how I would handle it.’

Here at The CV Studio we offer Interview Coaching Sessions that will help you feel more confident and prepared 💫

10/07/2024

Nothing beats the feeling of hearing my clients landed interviews or jobs with big names like Alcoa and Roy Hill! 🙌 If you’re aiming high, let me help with a resume that shines. ✨
Anastasia