What to include on a resume 2024

Your resume sets the tone for your entire job search. A lukewarm resume will not get you seen by the right kind of employer. But a strong, tailored resume will win you many interview offers. It’s important to identify the key components that must go on your resume before you are ankle-deep in a resume rewrite.

Your name and contact details

Your resume should prominently display your name. If you are applying for a job in the creative industry, acting, or modeling, you can include a headshot on your resume as well. However, if the employer hasn’t asked for one to be displayed on your application, refrain from adding a photo. Clearly mention your contact details on your resume so employers know how they can reach you.

A summary statement

You can add a small elevator pitch to your resume to sell your best attributes to a potential employer. Write a succinct summary statement that captures your biggest professional wins related to the job. Your summary should be written in a way that it aligns with the employer’s job description. The main aim of writing a summary for your resume is to provide a glimpse into your achievements and career to an interested employer.

Key skills

Employers will scan your resume for a certain set of keywords. Most of the time, these keywords are skills and abilities they expect you to possess. The best way to impress a recruiter during a six-second resume scan is to mention the right skills in your core competencies section. Use bullet points to differentiate between skills. Create a winning key skills section for your resume to ensure that your resume passes the ATS test.

Educational qualifications

Most jobs require a formal education. The level of education required to apply for a job will differ with the nature of the job, industry, and the employer’s preferences. However, it is important to highlight your best educational qualifications on your resume no matter the job you are applying for. If you have higher educational qualifications, you don’t need to mention graduating high school. If you don’t, you can list your high school diploma or GED on your resume. If you are a recent graduate, you can expand the education section of your resume by including your academic achievements.

Career history

This is the most important section of your resume. Therefore, it commands more attention and organization. Create the work experience section of your resume in a way that answers all the employer’s questions about your career. One important thing you should remember when portraying your career history on a resume is to showcase the career progression. Show potential employers how you have risen through the ranks within your career. Follow reverse chronological order and mention your work experiences.

Extra information

What we discussed above is the basic information that should go on a resume. Depending on the job you are applying for, you will need to tweak the resume sections a little bit. In some cases, you will need to create additional resume sections. These sections will allow you to highlight your achievements, hobbies, publications, language skills, and certifications that are related to the new job.