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What is a resume?

A resume is a formal document which you use in your job search that reflects your professional and educational proficiency. It helps align your profile with job postings and is often used to select candidates for interviews. That is why your resume needs to stand out from hundreds of applicants.

In this article, we will discuss what a resume is, when to use a resume, what to include in your resume, types of resumes, and 5 resume tips. Let us make your resume shine within the crowd.

What is a resume?

A resume is a professional document that highlights your experience, education, skills, and achievements. You are more likely to be called for interviews if you create a strong, keyword-optimized resume. Tailoring your resume for each job posting is a smart strategy. Since a resume is often the first impression you make on an employer, use it to demonstrate how your skills and values contribute to the success of the company.

When do you use a resume?

A resume is typically submitted as the first step in a job search journey. Hiring managers or recruiters usually collect resumes through job search engines, company career websites, professional social media platforms, employee referrals, and recruitment or staffing agencies. Getting highlighted in today’s competitive job market is not easy. The following steps to create a strong resume will drive you to win this challenge.

Steps to write a resume

A resume consists of several sections that give the employer an idea of who you are, your personal brand, and the expertise you can bring to the company. The sections are as follows:

1. Heading

The heading of a resume includes your name, job title, and contact details such as your phone number, email address, and a link to your LinkedIn profile.

2. Objective or summary

This section provides an overall picture of your professional qualifications, skills, and achievements. A summary should be enriched with industry-related keywords to pass the Applicant Tracking System (ATS) screening. At the same time, it should reflect your future career goals. The hiring manager can get a first impression of you and your career branding immediately after reading your summary.

3. Key skills

Add your soft and hard skills which are relevant to the job you are applying for. Soft skills include interpersonal qualities such as leadership or problem solving, while hard skills are technical abilities such as data analysis or graphic design. Refer to the job description and include the skill set that the hiring manager is seeking.

4. Work experience

List your work experience in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent position and moving to the oldest. Your experience should include your job title, the company name, and the period you worked there. Do not forget to include a few job duties you have done for each role. Use industry-related keywords in the description.

5. Education

When listing your education, start with your highest level of qualification. Include your degree or certification, the name of the educational institution, and the dates you attended. You can also mention any awards or honors you received.

6. Optional sections

Consider adding optional sections to your resume if they are relevant to the job you are applying for. These sections may include:

Certifications and license

Awards and achievements

Languages

Publications

Projects

Volunteer work

Here is a resume template that you can use to fill out your information:

Types of resumes

There are three main types of resumes. You can choose one to emphasize your information according to your professional abilities and goals. These resume types are:

1. Chronological Resume

This is the most common type of resume used by job seekers. It lists your professional history in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent position and moving backward.

2. Functional Resume

This type of resume focuses more on your skills rather than your work experience. It is suitable for those who are changing careers or have gaps in their work history.

3. Combination Resume

A combination resume is a hybrid format that blends elements of both the chronological and functional resume. It begins with a summary of skills, followed by the most relevant work experience. This format is ideal for applicants who have extensive experience or a highly developed skill set.

5 tips for your resume

1. Tailor to the job: Customize your resume to match each job description using industry-related keywords to pass ATS screening.

2. Make it easy to read: Choose a professional resume template. Make sure to use consistent formatting and the same font throughout the resume. Avoid using too many colors.

3. Use action verbs: Start bullet points with strong verbs like ‘managed’, ‘developed’, ‘improved’ etc. This helps your achievements stand out.

4. Be concise: It is preferable to keep your resume to one or two pages. Include only the most relevant information to meet the expectations of your target job.

5. Proofread: Typos or grammar mistakes can cost you the job. Review your resume multiple times or ask someone else to check it.