12 answers
Graciela
Student
Castroville, CA
16
Questions
Updated
2973 views
What are key things to put in your resume?
It would also be appreciated if you can leave your name, your job title, and what company you work for. Thank you.
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12 answers
Dominika Kowalska
Career Expert, Certified Professional Resume Writer
9
Answers
Warsaw, Masovian Voivodeship, Poland
Updated
Dominika’s Answer
When crafting your resume, focusing on key elements that highlight your qualifications, experiences, and skills is crucial. Here’s a breakdown of essential sections and what to include in each to make your resume effective:
1. Contact Information
- Full Name
- Phone Number
- Professional Email Address
- LinkedIn Profile (if applicable)
- Professional Website or Portfolio (if applicable)
2. Professional Summary or Objective
Professional Summary: A brief statement that highlights your years of experience, key skills, and major achievements. It's ideal for experienced professionals.
Objective: A concise description of your career goals and what you hope to achieve in the position you're applying for. Best suited for entry-level applicants or those changing careers.
3. Work Experience
- Job Title: Position held
- Company Name and Location: Include city and state
- Dates of Employment: Month and year
- Key Responsibilities: Use bullet points to describe your duties and responsibilities
- Achievements: Quantify your accomplishments with data and statistics when possible
4. Education
- Degree(s) Obtained: Include your highest degree first
- Institution's Name and Location
- Graduation Date: Or expected graduation if still enrolled
- Relevant Courses or Projects: Only include these if they are relevant to the job you are applying for
5. Skills
- Technical Skills: Software tools, programming languages, etc.
- Soft Skills: Communication, leadership, problem-solving, etc.
- Language Skills: Especially important in roles requiring specific language competencies
6. Certifications and Awards
- Certifications: Professional certifications relevant to your field
- Awards: Any recognitions or awards received that are relevant to the job
7. Professional Affiliations and Memberships
- Organizations: Any professional organizations you are a member of
- Roles: Particularly if you held a leadership position
8. Volunteer Experience
- Organization Name and Location
- Role Held
- Dates of Involvement
- Responsibilities and Contributions: Focus on aspects that are relevant to the job you are applying for
9. Additional Sections (if applicable)
- Publications: Relevant if you're in academic, scientific, or literary fields
- Speaking Engagements: Conferences or events where you've presented
- Projects: Significant academic or side projects that showcase your skills
- Interests/Hobbies: Only include these if they add value to your candidacy or are particularly unique
Additional Tips:
- Be Concise: Aim to keep your resume to one page, especially if you are early in your career. More experienced professionals may extend to two pages.
- Tailor Your Resume: Customize your resume for each job application to align with the job description.
- Use Action Verbs: Words like "achieved," "managed," "developed," and "designed" can make your experiences sound more dynamic and impactful.
- Format Properly: Use clear headings, bullet points, and consistent formatting to make your resume easy to read.
By including these elements, you’ll create a comprehensive and professional resume that showcases your qualifications and makes a strong impression on potential employers. If you'd like to see more examples, I recommend checking this guide: What to Put on a Resume (Best Things to Include)
1. Contact Information
- Full Name
- Phone Number
- Professional Email Address
- LinkedIn Profile (if applicable)
- Professional Website or Portfolio (if applicable)
2. Professional Summary or Objective
Professional Summary: A brief statement that highlights your years of experience, key skills, and major achievements. It's ideal for experienced professionals.
Objective: A concise description of your career goals and what you hope to achieve in the position you're applying for. Best suited for entry-level applicants or those changing careers.
3. Work Experience
- Job Title: Position held
- Company Name and Location: Include city and state
- Dates of Employment: Month and year
- Key Responsibilities: Use bullet points to describe your duties and responsibilities
- Achievements: Quantify your accomplishments with data and statistics when possible
4. Education
- Degree(s) Obtained: Include your highest degree first
- Institution's Name and Location
- Graduation Date: Or expected graduation if still enrolled
- Relevant Courses or Projects: Only include these if they are relevant to the job you are applying for
5. Skills
- Technical Skills: Software tools, programming languages, etc.
- Soft Skills: Communication, leadership, problem-solving, etc.
- Language Skills: Especially important in roles requiring specific language competencies
6. Certifications and Awards
- Certifications: Professional certifications relevant to your field
- Awards: Any recognitions or awards received that are relevant to the job
7. Professional Affiliations and Memberships
- Organizations: Any professional organizations you are a member of
- Roles: Particularly if you held a leadership position
8. Volunteer Experience
- Organization Name and Location
- Role Held
- Dates of Involvement
- Responsibilities and Contributions: Focus on aspects that are relevant to the job you are applying for
9. Additional Sections (if applicable)
- Publications: Relevant if you're in academic, scientific, or literary fields
- Speaking Engagements: Conferences or events where you've presented
- Projects: Significant academic or side projects that showcase your skills
- Interests/Hobbies: Only include these if they add value to your candidacy or are particularly unique
Additional Tips:
- Be Concise: Aim to keep your resume to one page, especially if you are early in your career. More experienced professionals may extend to two pages.
- Tailor Your Resume: Customize your resume for each job application to align with the job description.
- Use Action Verbs: Words like "achieved," "managed," "developed," and "designed" can make your experiences sound more dynamic and impactful.
- Format Properly: Use clear headings, bullet points, and consistent formatting to make your resume easy to read.
By including these elements, you’ll create a comprehensive and professional resume that showcases your qualifications and makes a strong impression on potential employers. If you'd like to see more examples, I recommend checking this guide: What to Put on a Resume (Best Things to Include)
Yanbin An
Engineer
2
Answers
Cary, North Carolina
Updated
Yanbin’s Answer
Kim had provided really valuable info about what to put on the resume. I just want to add some ideas on what shouldn't be put on the resumes.
Don't-put list:
1) pictures/photos (can expose you in discrimination and in some companies resumes with photos have to be disregarded),
2) hobbies,
3) street address (privacy consideration),
4) references (if employers need the references, they can always request),
5) lie/cheat,
6) social media pages (except LinkedIn page)
PS: Have multiple people read your resume and give you feedbacks.
Don't-put list:
1) pictures/photos (can expose you in discrimination and in some companies resumes with photos have to be disregarded),
2) hobbies,
3) street address (privacy consideration),
4) references (if employers need the references, they can always request),
5) lie/cheat,
6) social media pages (except LinkedIn page)
PS: Have multiple people read your resume and give you feedbacks.
Steph D
Solutions Architect
3
Answers
Updated
Steph’s Answer
Creating a resume is stressful, but I am happy to offer some insight into this.
Be sure to:
- include metrics that highlight the impact you made (increased participation by 50% by ...
- include your hobbies. it can be a single line at the bottom in your "additional information" section. this is what I recommend having in that section (please excuse how it is formatted):
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Computer Skills: List specific software you are proficient in, especially highlighting those that are relevant to the role
Certifications: Include name and year of certifications/licenses that are relevant to the position/industry
Languages: [Fluent, Working Knowledge, Conversational, or Basic Knowledge] in [languages other than English]
Interests: Unique interests and/or transferable skills showcased should be interesting enough to be a “conversation starter”
Work Eligibility: For instance, "Eligible to work in the U.S. with no restrictions"
- think of ways that a fresh set of eyes would look at your resume. would they be able to understand the role/organization without asking you?
- send it as PDF (always!) since it'll look the same to everyone opening it
Don't include:
- pictures of yourself
- multiple types of fonts and formatting. keep it as formal as possible
Good luck and wishing you success in your career journey.
Be sure to:
- include metrics that highlight the impact you made (increased participation by 50% by ...
- include your hobbies. it can be a single line at the bottom in your "additional information" section. this is what I recommend having in that section (please excuse how it is formatted):
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Computer Skills: List specific software you are proficient in, especially highlighting those that are relevant to the role
Certifications: Include name and year of certifications/licenses that are relevant to the position/industry
Languages: [Fluent, Working Knowledge, Conversational, or Basic Knowledge] in [languages other than English]
Interests: Unique interests and/or transferable skills showcased should be interesting enough to be a “conversation starter”
Work Eligibility: For instance, "Eligible to work in the U.S. with no restrictions"
- think of ways that a fresh set of eyes would look at your resume. would they be able to understand the role/organization without asking you?
- send it as PDF (always!) since it'll look the same to everyone opening it
Don't include:
- pictures of yourself
- multiple types of fonts and formatting. keep it as formal as possible
Good luck and wishing you success in your career journey.
Amy Silverman
1
Answer
Updated
Amy’s Answer
Make usre to put your contact information, key dates and company names. If you do not have any companies to list you can list class work and project work. Skills and background. Make sure to not just write the basisc of what you do but the actual projects. Wuantifying things is solid. Trade skills. As an example carpentry or typing or electrician,. Male sure the resume speaks to the job you are applying for and that there is a connection to make it easy. Try to show your personality trough the resume in a professional way. Radio sound bites, Use a template to help yourself. c Make sure your linked profile matches your resume
Chirayu Rupani
Data Analyst
295
Answers
Frisco, Texas
Updated
Chirayu’s Answer
A resume should include the following information: name, address, phone number, and email address. A brief overview of your skills, experiences, and achievements. A list of your previous job titles, employers, dates of employment, and job responsibilities. information about your degrees, major, and any relevant coursework. Relevant technical, soft, and hard skills. Any relevant certifications or licenses you hold. Any awards or recognition you've received in your career.
Professional memberships and affiliations: any relevant professional organizations you
Professional memberships and affiliations: any relevant professional organizations you
Kim Igleheart
Career Counselor | Police Officer
1738
Answers
San Antonio, Texas
Updated
Kim’s Answer
Graciela,
I'm going to take a shot at answering some of your questions.
I did freelance work for attorneys, took some paralegal classes, and also worked at a workforce office helping people to find jobs.
I have learned that what goes into a resume varies greatly by region of the country that you are in. A resume that will fly in Dallas might get discarded in NYC. When you go to law school, I believe they will help mentor you in job search. Law firms may show up at the school recruiting. You will hopefully have some relevant work experience from interning over the summers or working in pro bono clinics. If you are really good, you may get to write for the law school's law journal.
If you are in HS, you are at least 7years away from writing this resume. A lot can change between now and then as far as how to write a resume. For example, at one time Education always went at the top. Nowadays, experience goes up top and education at the bottom (generally speaking - not talking about law resumes). An employer should want to interview you by the time they have read the top 1/3 to 1/2 of the first page of your resume.
A law resume needs to be perfect. Grammatically, formatting, in accordance with any specifications in the job announcement, etc. They may ask you to include a "writing sample," and they might specify the requirements.
I hope these ideas help you. Basically, it's really too early to worry about it, although, once you get to college, and especially law school, you will want to start accumulating some experiences that showcase your leadership ability, diversity, intelligence, etc.
Kim
I'm going to take a shot at answering some of your questions.
I did freelance work for attorneys, took some paralegal classes, and also worked at a workforce office helping people to find jobs.
I have learned that what goes into a resume varies greatly by region of the country that you are in. A resume that will fly in Dallas might get discarded in NYC. When you go to law school, I believe they will help mentor you in job search. Law firms may show up at the school recruiting. You will hopefully have some relevant work experience from interning over the summers or working in pro bono clinics. If you are really good, you may get to write for the law school's law journal.
If you are in HS, you are at least 7years away from writing this resume. A lot can change between now and then as far as how to write a resume. For example, at one time Education always went at the top. Nowadays, experience goes up top and education at the bottom (generally speaking - not talking about law resumes). An employer should want to interview you by the time they have read the top 1/3 to 1/2 of the first page of your resume.
A law resume needs to be perfect. Grammatically, formatting, in accordance with any specifications in the job announcement, etc. They may ask you to include a "writing sample," and they might specify the requirements.
I hope these ideas help you. Basically, it's really too early to worry about it, although, once you get to college, and especially law school, you will want to start accumulating some experiences that showcase your leadership ability, diversity, intelligence, etc.
Kim
I appreciate your support, Kim
Graciela
Michael Zuino
Recruiter
6
Answers
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Michael’s Answer
(Team Response):
1. Add your qualifications including degrees, graduation dates, what you have studied, and certifications. Some do add grades and GPA but it may depends on the field. Be sure to add any accolades such as Cum Laude and Dean's List for example.
2. If you add any additional information not related to the job such as hobbies (crafting and yoga), family information (2 children and spouse), and similar please try to keep that to a minimum at the end of a resume.
3. No need to add age.
4. Provide the key skills up front so that we can see proficiency in a field (tech languages for example). It makes it easier to read.
1. Add your qualifications including degrees, graduation dates, what you have studied, and certifications. Some do add grades and GPA but it may depends on the field. Be sure to add any accolades such as Cum Laude and Dean's List for example.
2. If you add any additional information not related to the job such as hobbies (crafting and yoga), family information (2 children and spouse), and similar please try to keep that to a minimum at the end of a resume.
3. No need to add age.
4. Provide the key skills up front so that we can see proficiency in a field (tech languages for example). It makes it easier to read.
Shawndrea Corbin
Director, Growth Marketing
3
Answers
Phoenix, Arizona
Updated
Shawndrea’s Answer
Hi Graciela,
Here are some additional pointers that might be helpful when writing your resume:
- Carefully craft your mission statement - Highlight what your strengths are (e.g., leadership, organization) and your passions (e.g., data, tech)
- Highlight your accomplishments - Particularly, speak to what skills helped you achieve your accomplishments
- Speak to the "so what" factor of what you are adding. What was the impact? Was work done faster? cheaper? yield better results?
- Use numbers to support your accomplishments when available (e.g., "improved X by Y%")
- Include volunteer work or other relevant projects and non-related work (e.g., tech skills you've gained)
- Tailor a version of your resume to the specific job you are applying for (i.e., keywords, work examples, etc.)
- Good idea to include any awards/certs you've received
- If you are graduating college, recommend leaving your high school work off and focusing on college and extracurricular activities
- One-page resumes have been the trending norm, but if you have a high volume of relevant work that is different, it is OK to stretch to 2 pages
- Cover letters seem to be a thing of the past, but read the application carefully to make sure one isn't expected
- Sending a thank you note after the formal/final interview is your choice, but primarily your work should speak for itself
Good luck!!
Here are some additional pointers that might be helpful when writing your resume:
- Carefully craft your mission statement - Highlight what your strengths are (e.g., leadership, organization) and your passions (e.g., data, tech)
- Highlight your accomplishments - Particularly, speak to what skills helped you achieve your accomplishments
- Speak to the "so what" factor of what you are adding. What was the impact? Was work done faster? cheaper? yield better results?
- Use numbers to support your accomplishments when available (e.g., "improved X by Y%")
- Include volunteer work or other relevant projects and non-related work (e.g., tech skills you've gained)
- Tailor a version of your resume to the specific job you are applying for (i.e., keywords, work examples, etc.)
- Good idea to include any awards/certs you've received
- If you are graduating college, recommend leaving your high school work off and focusing on college and extracurricular activities
- One-page resumes have been the trending norm, but if you have a high volume of relevant work that is different, it is OK to stretch to 2 pages
- Cover letters seem to be a thing of the past, but read the application carefully to make sure one isn't expected
- Sending a thank you note after the formal/final interview is your choice, but primarily your work should speak for itself
Good luck!!
Will Miller
Talent Acquisition
4
Answers
Atlanta, Georgia
Updated
Will’s Answer
Whatever you put on your resume, make sure you can speak intelligently to your bullet points. Quick recall and the ability to articulate your resume is key in interviews.
Claire Mathias
4
Answers
Updated
Claire’s Answer
Making sure to add education, employment history, certifications, volunteering, LinkedIn link, etc. Also tailoring your resume to each company you are applying for. Looking at the basic qualifications and preferred qualifications of the job and making sure your resume has those skills listed.
Claire Mathias - Sr Recruiter-TA - Verizon
Claire Mathias - Sr Recruiter-TA - Verizon
Priscilla Cardoso
Product Manager
37
Answers
Cooper City, Florida
Updated
Priscilla’s Answer
Hello Graciela!
When I worked in HR, I also check if the resume addressed the requirements of the job description, that's it, it needs to be matched to any job you apply. Even if the experience you have is not work related (maybe you're a volunteer), include that.
Make sure you also address the soft skills required, as they are important for recruiters. Use words that show your strengths, and take ownership, avoiding words like participated, helped, etc.
When I worked in HR, I also check if the resume addressed the requirements of the job description, that's it, it needs to be matched to any job you apply. Even if the experience you have is not work related (maybe you're a volunteer), include that.
Make sure you also address the soft skills required, as they are important for recruiters. Use words that show your strengths, and take ownership, avoiding words like participated, helped, etc.
Jewel Rose
University Recruiter
2
Answers
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Jewel’s Answer
Hi Graciela!
1) Always make sure to include dates (or date ranges), especially your graduation dates.
- This is super important as many campus recruiters are restricted to certain grad dates, even if it's not clear on the job description.
2) Make sure to include ALL of your experience, kept to 1-2 pages max.
- Academic, school projects, publications (if any), relevant coursework, volunteerism, internships, personal project or links to personal portfolios (if any), part-time or full-time work experience (if any), community organizations or campus clubs, skills, languages, certifications (if any), military experience or clearances (if any), etc.
- Many students have very limited professional experience, so campus recruiters like to see the holistic picture of who a student is (so do the hiring managers), so students should include the many ways they are involved in their community or on campus.
3) Show impact using powerful verbs, performance indicators, and outcomes whenever possible
- Indicators can be anything from small time savings, % increases, money raised in fundraisers, membership increase, or cost savings whenever possible. While you write, you also need to be consise.
- The best way for formatting is: "Accomplished [X] as measured by [Y], by doing [Z]."
- For example: Exceeded new member sign up goal of 10%, for a total of 22% new sign ups, by strategizing 6 tabling events for the one hour period after on campus sporting events.
4) If you have an interest in one specific area, like recruiting, make sure it's clear on your resume that is a path you are hoping to pursue. You can do this via showing classes you've taken, clubs you've joined, or even including an objective statement (though that is optional).
5) Double check all links and ways to contact work!!!!
- As a recruiter, I regularly see that phone numbers are missing a number, LinkedIn links are broken, or emails show as undeliverable. If I can't get in touch with you, you're definitely not getting the job.
- Consider creating a professional email address on your resume in addition to your ".edu" email address in case the ".edu" bounces or if you're close to graduation.
6) Proof read and even ask an advisor, friend, or professor to provide a second pair of eyes.
- Your mind misses grammar mistake that you personally write, just like with school papers. Take a step back to review line by line or lean into your support network. University advisors are trained to help with resume writing and can offer great feedback if you set up some time with them.
My Amazon University Recruiting team (5 HR professionals) and I hope this helps! We wish you the best of luck as you start exploring career opportunities!
Best,
Jewel
1) Always make sure to include dates (or date ranges), especially your graduation dates.
- This is super important as many campus recruiters are restricted to certain grad dates, even if it's not clear on the job description.
2) Make sure to include ALL of your experience, kept to 1-2 pages max.
- Academic, school projects, publications (if any), relevant coursework, volunteerism, internships, personal project or links to personal portfolios (if any), part-time or full-time work experience (if any), community organizations or campus clubs, skills, languages, certifications (if any), military experience or clearances (if any), etc.
- Many students have very limited professional experience, so campus recruiters like to see the holistic picture of who a student is (so do the hiring managers), so students should include the many ways they are involved in their community or on campus.
3) Show impact using powerful verbs, performance indicators, and outcomes whenever possible
- Indicators can be anything from small time savings, % increases, money raised in fundraisers, membership increase, or cost savings whenever possible. While you write, you also need to be consise.
- The best way for formatting is: "Accomplished [X] as measured by [Y], by doing [Z]."
- For example: Exceeded new member sign up goal of 10%, for a total of 22% new sign ups, by strategizing 6 tabling events for the one hour period after on campus sporting events.
4) If you have an interest in one specific area, like recruiting, make sure it's clear on your resume that is a path you are hoping to pursue. You can do this via showing classes you've taken, clubs you've joined, or even including an objective statement (though that is optional).
5) Double check all links and ways to contact work!!!!
- As a recruiter, I regularly see that phone numbers are missing a number, LinkedIn links are broken, or emails show as undeliverable. If I can't get in touch with you, you're definitely not getting the job.
- Consider creating a professional email address on your resume in addition to your ".edu" email address in case the ".edu" bounces or if you're close to graduation.
6) Proof read and even ask an advisor, friend, or professor to provide a second pair of eyes.
- Your mind misses grammar mistake that you personally write, just like with school papers. Take a step back to review line by line or lean into your support network. University advisors are trained to help with resume writing and can offer great feedback if you set up some time with them.
My Amazon University Recruiting team (5 HR professionals) and I hope this helps! We wish you the best of luck as you start exploring career opportunities!
Best,
Jewel