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How do I fill out a Resume?
In previous answers to my questions and applications I have filled out, they mention a resume. I've never actually filled out a Resume and do not know how to fill one out because I do not think anyone has taught me yet how and where to fill one out.
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13 answers
Dominika Kowalska
Career Expert, Certified Professional Resume Writer
9
Answers
Updated
Dominika’s Answer
Writing a resume as a student can feel challenging due to limited work experience, but my experience tells me there are plenty of ways to highlight your skills, academic achievements, and activities to make a strong impression. Here's what I personally recommend:
1. Choose the Right Format
For students, a functional or combination resume format often works best:
- Functional: Focuses on your skills and achievements rather than work history. This is ideal for students who may not have a lot of formal work experience.
- Combination: Highlights relevant skills at the top before a brief listing of work or volunteer history. This can help showcase your capabilities alongside any work experience.
2. Header
Start with a clear header that includes:
- Name
- Phone Number
- Professional Email Address (avoid using funny addresses)
- LinkedIn Profile (if available)
3. Education
As a student, your education is one of your main assets. Place the education section near the top of your resume and include:
- School Name and Location
- Degree or Program (or expected degree and date)
- GPA (if it's above 3.0)
- Relevant Courses (list courses related to the job you’re applying for)
4. Relevant Skills
Include a section that highlights your skills. These can be technical skills (like software proficiency) and soft skills (like communication or teamwork).
5. Experience
This section can include part-time jobs, internships, volunteer work, and significant school projects. Organize this section like this:
- Position Title, Organization Name, Dates of Involvement
- Responsibilities and Achievements: Use bullet points to describe what you did and any tangible outcomes.
6. Activities and Achievements
Include any extracurricular activities, clubs, sports, or groups you are involved with and organize it like this:
- Activity or Organization Name, Role/Position Held, Dates of Involvement
- Key Contributions: Focus on leadership roles or initiatives you led or contributed significantly to.
7. Awards and Certifications
If you have any relevant awards or certifications, list them here. This could include academic honors, scholarships, or industry-specific certifications.
8. Optional Sections
Depending on relevance, you might add additional sections such as:
- Publications
- Conferences
- Languages (if bilingual or multilingual)
- Hobbies and Interests (if they add value to your application)
Additional Tips:
- Be Concise: Aim for one page, especially if you're an undergraduate or new graduate. I know from experience that the quicker the recruiter can scan your resume, the higher the chances they will actually read it!
- Use Action Words: Words like "developed," "organized," and "implemented" can make your experiences sound proactive and impactful. I recommend you avoid anything that sounds as if you were passive at work (words such as "helped with" or "familiar with")
- Quantify Achievements: Whenever possible, use numbers to quantify your achievements. For example, "increased club membership by 20%."
- Proofreading: Always proofread your resume multiple times, and consider having a friend or mentor review it to catch any errors you might have missed. You might also try a proofreading tool such as Grammarly.
Also, here is a resume writing guide I can recommend How to Make a Resume (Examples) . It breaks resume writing down really simply. Good luck!
1. Choose the Right Format
For students, a functional or combination resume format often works best:
- Functional: Focuses on your skills and achievements rather than work history. This is ideal for students who may not have a lot of formal work experience.
- Combination: Highlights relevant skills at the top before a brief listing of work or volunteer history. This can help showcase your capabilities alongside any work experience.
2. Header
Start with a clear header that includes:
- Name
- Phone Number
- Professional Email Address (avoid using funny addresses)
- LinkedIn Profile (if available)
3. Education
As a student, your education is one of your main assets. Place the education section near the top of your resume and include:
- School Name and Location
- Degree or Program (or expected degree and date)
- GPA (if it's above 3.0)
- Relevant Courses (list courses related to the job you’re applying for)
4. Relevant Skills
Include a section that highlights your skills. These can be technical skills (like software proficiency) and soft skills (like communication or teamwork).
5. Experience
This section can include part-time jobs, internships, volunteer work, and significant school projects. Organize this section like this:
- Position Title, Organization Name, Dates of Involvement
- Responsibilities and Achievements: Use bullet points to describe what you did and any tangible outcomes.
6. Activities and Achievements
Include any extracurricular activities, clubs, sports, or groups you are involved with and organize it like this:
- Activity or Organization Name, Role/Position Held, Dates of Involvement
- Key Contributions: Focus on leadership roles or initiatives you led or contributed significantly to.
7. Awards and Certifications
If you have any relevant awards or certifications, list them here. This could include academic honors, scholarships, or industry-specific certifications.
8. Optional Sections
Depending on relevance, you might add additional sections such as:
- Publications
- Conferences
- Languages (if bilingual or multilingual)
- Hobbies and Interests (if they add value to your application)
Additional Tips:
- Be Concise: Aim for one page, especially if you're an undergraduate or new graduate. I know from experience that the quicker the recruiter can scan your resume, the higher the chances they will actually read it!
- Use Action Words: Words like "developed," "organized," and "implemented" can make your experiences sound proactive and impactful. I recommend you avoid anything that sounds as if you were passive at work (words such as "helped with" or "familiar with")
- Quantify Achievements: Whenever possible, use numbers to quantify your achievements. For example, "increased club membership by 20%."
- Proofreading: Always proofread your resume multiple times, and consider having a friend or mentor review it to catch any errors you might have missed. You might also try a proofreading tool such as Grammarly.
Also, here is a resume writing guide I can recommend How to Make a Resume (Examples) . It breaks resume writing down really simply. Good luck!
Updated
Doc’s Answer
Kayla here are the five most important parts of a resume:
CONTACT INFORMATION
The contact section should be at the top of your resume and include your first and last name, address, email address and phone number. If you don't feel comfortable putting your home address, list your city and state. Depending on the job you are applying for, you may also want to include your social media platforms, blog or website. Your contact information should stand out from the rest of your resume so potential employers don't have to search for it. You can make your contact information bolder or larger font than the rest of your resume to make it easy to see.
RESUME INTRODUCTION
A resume introduction section should be unique to each position you apply for. This introduction provides the potential employer with an overview of the goals you have for employment. Your introduction could include information like years of experience in a particular job or industry, skills you possess needed for the position and any specific achievements that demonstrate your eligibility for the job.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
This section clearly outlines the specific work and other experience you have that is relevant to the position you seek. Include the companies you have worked for, the title you held at each company and the specific duties of your position. You can also include any significant achievements or awards received in previous jobs you have held. If you are a recent graduate, you can also include internships and summer jobs. Remember to write your job descriptions in the past tense for previous jobs and the present tense if you are still employed there.
SKILLS
In this section of your resume, you can list your specific skills as they relate to the job you're seeking. Common skills you could put in this section include computer, technical and soft skills that are specifically relevant to the position.
EDUCATION
The education section is also a necessary part of your resume. This component outlines your educational background and any academic achievements or awards you have received. Include the name of the college you attended, the degrees you completed and honors or achievements you earned. If you are a recent graduate, you can also include your high school education information.
https://www.resume-now.com — This AI resume generator features a wide variety of customizable resume templates for professionals in any field. From sleek modern resumes for business careers, to creative and stylish resumes for artistic careers, we’ve got you covered! We
CONTACT INFORMATION
The contact section should be at the top of your resume and include your first and last name, address, email address and phone number. If you don't feel comfortable putting your home address, list your city and state. Depending on the job you are applying for, you may also want to include your social media platforms, blog or website. Your contact information should stand out from the rest of your resume so potential employers don't have to search for it. You can make your contact information bolder or larger font than the rest of your resume to make it easy to see.
RESUME INTRODUCTION
A resume introduction section should be unique to each position you apply for. This introduction provides the potential employer with an overview of the goals you have for employment. Your introduction could include information like years of experience in a particular job or industry, skills you possess needed for the position and any specific achievements that demonstrate your eligibility for the job.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
This section clearly outlines the specific work and other experience you have that is relevant to the position you seek. Include the companies you have worked for, the title you held at each company and the specific duties of your position. You can also include any significant achievements or awards received in previous jobs you have held. If you are a recent graduate, you can also include internships and summer jobs. Remember to write your job descriptions in the past tense for previous jobs and the present tense if you are still employed there.
SKILLS
In this section of your resume, you can list your specific skills as they relate to the job you're seeking. Common skills you could put in this section include computer, technical and soft skills that are specifically relevant to the position.
EDUCATION
The education section is also a necessary part of your resume. This component outlines your educational background and any academic achievements or awards you have received. Include the name of the college you attended, the degrees you completed and honors or achievements you earned. If you are a recent graduate, you can also include your high school education information.
Doc recommends the following next steps:
Thank You Kim. You are, without a doubt, the best professional helping students with Career Village. We are lucky to have such an experienced volunteer amongst us.
Doc Frick
Updated
Carolina’s Answer
Creating a resume can seem like a big challenge, especially if you're still a student. But remember, potential employers aren't just interested in "official" jobs. Take me for instance, I was a volleyball team captain in high school and kept playing in college. This experience taught me valuable skills that I could transfer to other jobs. It showcased my leadership abilities and my capacity to handle pressure.
Many college students mistakenly believe that they can't use their high school experiences in their resumes. But that's not true. I was a congressional intern during my junior year of high school, and I still include that in my LinkedIn profile.
Building a resume isn't about right or wrong. It's about understanding and presenting your personal brand. So don't worry too much, just focus on showcasing your unique experiences and skills.
Many college students mistakenly believe that they can't use their high school experiences in their resumes. But that's not true. I was a congressional intern during my junior year of high school, and I still include that in my LinkedIn profile.
Building a resume isn't about right or wrong. It's about understanding and presenting your personal brand. So don't worry too much, just focus on showcasing your unique experiences and skills.
Thanks Carolina for this excellent response! It gives a concrete example of "transferrable" skills, hits on the idea that a resume is your own personal marketing tool, and is very encouraging!!
Kim Igleheart
Updated
Harrison’s Answer
Writing a resume is very important and be very challenging. While everyone's resume will be slightly different and also tailored towards the specific roles that are applied to, there are some things that each resume should make sure to include:
1. Education: List your educational background, including the name of the institution, degree earned, major or field of study, and graduation date. Include any relevant coursework, honors, or academic achievements.
2. Work Experience: Include your work history in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent position. For each job, provide the job title, company name, dates of employment, and a brief description of your responsibilities and accomplishments. Use action verbs and quantify your achievements whenever possible and make sure to tailor the experiences to the position you are applying to.
3. Skills/Certifications: Include a section that highlights your relevant skills, both technical and soft skills. Tailor this section to match the requirements of the job you are applying for. If you have any certifications or completed relevant training programs, make sure to provide specific details.
1. Education: List your educational background, including the name of the institution, degree earned, major or field of study, and graduation date. Include any relevant coursework, honors, or academic achievements.
2. Work Experience: Include your work history in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent position. For each job, provide the job title, company name, dates of employment, and a brief description of your responsibilities and accomplishments. Use action verbs and quantify your achievements whenever possible and make sure to tailor the experiences to the position you are applying to.
3. Skills/Certifications: Include a section that highlights your relevant skills, both technical and soft skills. Tailor this section to match the requirements of the job you are applying for. If you have any certifications or completed relevant training programs, make sure to provide specific details.
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
6180
Answers
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hello Kayla!
Mastering Resume Creation
Crafting a compelling resume is a crucial part of the job application journey. A well-organized resume effectively showcases your abilities, experiences, and qualifications to prospective employers. Here's a comprehensive, easy-to-follow guide on crafting a resume.
1. Select the Appropriate Format
There are three prevalent resume formats:
Chronological: Displays work history in reverse chronological order. This format is perfect if you have a consistent work background.
Functional: Concentrates on skills and experiences over chronological work history. This is beneficial for those with employment gaps or transitioning careers.
Combination: Integrates both chronological and functional formats, emphasizing relevant skills while outlining your work history.
Pick the format that aligns with your background and the job you're targeting.
2. Insert Your Contact Details
At the resume's top, include:
Your complete name
Telephone number
Email address (ensure it's professional)
LinkedIn profile (optional, but advised)
Address (optional; city and state are typically enough)
3. Craft a Powerful Objective or Summary Statement
An objective statement briefly outlines your career aspirations and what you aim to accomplish in the job you're applying for. Alternatively, a summary statement offers a snapshot of your qualifications and experiences. Personalize this section to match the specific job requirements.
Example:
Objective: “Eager marketing graduate looking for an entry-level role to utilize my analytical abilities.”
Summary: “Performance-oriented professional with over 5 years of experience in project management and leading teams.”
4. Elaborate on Your Work Experience
Present your work experience in reverse chronological order, including:
Job title
Company name
Location (city, state)
Employment dates (month/year format)
For each role, include bullet points outlining your duties and achievements using action verbs (e.g., managed, developed, increased). Quantify accomplishments when feasible (e.g., “Boosted sales by 20%”).
5. Spotlight Your Education
Detail your educational background after your work experience or at the beginning if you're a recent graduate. Include:
Degree earned
Major/Area of study
University/College name
Graduation date (or projected graduation date)
Consider adding relevant coursework or honors, if any.
6. Highlight Pertinent Skills
Develop a section for skills that are pertinent to the job you're applying for. These can encompass technical skills (e.g., software proficiency) and soft skills (e.g., communication, teamwork). Customize this section based on keywords from the job posting.
7. Incorporate Additional Sections if Required
Based on your background and the job prerequisites, consider adding sections like:
Certifications: Mention any relevant certifications you've earned.
Volunteer Experience: Spotlight any volunteer roles that demonstrate valuable skills.
Projects: Detail significant projects that exhibit your capabilities.
8. Review and Revise
After completing all sections of your resume, thoroughly review it for spelling and grammatical mistakes. Ensure uniformity in formatting (font size, bullet points) throughout the document.
9. Save and Submit Correctly
Store your resume as a PDF file unless the employer specifies otherwise to maintain formatting when viewed by others. Use a straightforward file name like “FirstName_LastName_Resume.pdf” before emailing it or uploading it online.
By diligently following these steps, you will craft an impactful resume that highlights your qualifications and boosts your chances of securing an interview.
Top 3 Reliable Sources Used in Answering this Question:
1. The Balance Careers
An all-encompassing resource offering in-depth guidance on various facets of career progression including industry-specific resume writing tips.
2. Indeed Career Guide
Offers extensive articles on job hunting strategies including practical advice on creating resumes that attract employers.
3. Harvard Business Review
Delivers expert insights into professional growth topics including effective resume communication and personal branding strategies.
Probability that the answer is correct: 95%
Stay Blessed!
JC.
Mastering Resume Creation
Crafting a compelling resume is a crucial part of the job application journey. A well-organized resume effectively showcases your abilities, experiences, and qualifications to prospective employers. Here's a comprehensive, easy-to-follow guide on crafting a resume.
1. Select the Appropriate Format
There are three prevalent resume formats:
Chronological: Displays work history in reverse chronological order. This format is perfect if you have a consistent work background.
Functional: Concentrates on skills and experiences over chronological work history. This is beneficial for those with employment gaps or transitioning careers.
Combination: Integrates both chronological and functional formats, emphasizing relevant skills while outlining your work history.
Pick the format that aligns with your background and the job you're targeting.
2. Insert Your Contact Details
At the resume's top, include:
Your complete name
Telephone number
Email address (ensure it's professional)
LinkedIn profile (optional, but advised)
Address (optional; city and state are typically enough)
3. Craft a Powerful Objective or Summary Statement
An objective statement briefly outlines your career aspirations and what you aim to accomplish in the job you're applying for. Alternatively, a summary statement offers a snapshot of your qualifications and experiences. Personalize this section to match the specific job requirements.
Example:
Objective: “Eager marketing graduate looking for an entry-level role to utilize my analytical abilities.”
Summary: “Performance-oriented professional with over 5 years of experience in project management and leading teams.”
4. Elaborate on Your Work Experience
Present your work experience in reverse chronological order, including:
Job title
Company name
Location (city, state)
Employment dates (month/year format)
For each role, include bullet points outlining your duties and achievements using action verbs (e.g., managed, developed, increased). Quantify accomplishments when feasible (e.g., “Boosted sales by 20%”).
5. Spotlight Your Education
Detail your educational background after your work experience or at the beginning if you're a recent graduate. Include:
Degree earned
Major/Area of study
University/College name
Graduation date (or projected graduation date)
Consider adding relevant coursework or honors, if any.
6. Highlight Pertinent Skills
Develop a section for skills that are pertinent to the job you're applying for. These can encompass technical skills (e.g., software proficiency) and soft skills (e.g., communication, teamwork). Customize this section based on keywords from the job posting.
7. Incorporate Additional Sections if Required
Based on your background and the job prerequisites, consider adding sections like:
Certifications: Mention any relevant certifications you've earned.
Volunteer Experience: Spotlight any volunteer roles that demonstrate valuable skills.
Projects: Detail significant projects that exhibit your capabilities.
8. Review and Revise
After completing all sections of your resume, thoroughly review it for spelling and grammatical mistakes. Ensure uniformity in formatting (font size, bullet points) throughout the document.
9. Save and Submit Correctly
Store your resume as a PDF file unless the employer specifies otherwise to maintain formatting when viewed by others. Use a straightforward file name like “FirstName_LastName_Resume.pdf” before emailing it or uploading it online.
By diligently following these steps, you will craft an impactful resume that highlights your qualifications and boosts your chances of securing an interview.
Top 3 Reliable Sources Used in Answering this Question:
1. The Balance Careers
An all-encompassing resource offering in-depth guidance on various facets of career progression including industry-specific resume writing tips.
2. Indeed Career Guide
Offers extensive articles on job hunting strategies including practical advice on creating resumes that attract employers.
3. Harvard Business Review
Delivers expert insights into professional growth topics including effective resume communication and personal branding strategies.
Probability that the answer is correct: 95%
Stay Blessed!
JC.
Updated
Jerome’s Answer
If you are on LinkedIn, you can generate a resume from your profile. You can also find a multitude of resume generators and templates online.
You’ll want to keep it simple and easy to ready, but make sure you highlight your strengths and skills.
You’ll want to keep it simple and easy to ready, but make sure you highlight your strengths and skills.
Updated
Patrick’s Answer
Kayla, crafting a resume is a vital skill, and I'm here to guide you through the process step by step. A resume is a document that highlights your education, experiences, skills, and accomplishments. Here's how I believe you need to fill out a resume:
• Start by clearly stating your name, phone number, email address, and location (city and state). Make sure all this information is accurate and up-to-date.
• Think about including a concise objective or summary statement to articulate your career aspirations or outline your qualifications. While this section is not mandatory, it can be advantageous in some situations.
• Outline your educational journey, beginning with your latest or current institution. Mention the school's name, the degree you earned or are pursuing, the date of graduation (or expected graduation), and any noteworthy academic accomplishments.
• Elaborate on your employment history, starting with your most recent role. Include the company or organization's name, your position, employment dates, and a rundown of responsibilities and achievements. Use dynamic verbs to illustrate your contributions.
• Develop a section to spotlight your skills. Incorporate both technical and soft skills pertinent to the role you're seeking. Technical skills might include proficiency in programming languages or software, while soft skills could encompass communication or teamwork.
• If you've been part of specific projects, particularly those relevant to the job you're targeting, include a section to highlight these projects. Explain your role, the project's goals, and the results achieved.
• Display any extracurricular activities, community service, or volunteer work. This gives a glimpse into your personality and interests.
• If you hold relevant certifications or have been awarded, dedicate a section to spotlight these accomplishments. Include the certification or award's name, the granting organization, and the date of receipt.
• Ensure your resume is succinct and well-structured. Adopt a neat and professional layout with uniform fonts and bullet points for easy reading. Customize your resume for each job application by highlighting the most pertinent experiences and skills.
• Prior to sending out your resume, meticulously proofread it to catch any typos or grammatical errors. It might also be helpful to have a friend or mentor review it.
• You can craft your resume using word processing tools like Microsoft Word or Google Docs. Additionally, platforms like LinkedIn offer a space to create and display your resume.
• Look for online resume templates for ideas and guidance. Numerous websites offer free templates that can aid in structuring your resume effectively.
Finally, bear in mind that your resume should be a living document that changes with your experiences. It should be tailored to mirror your unique qualifications for each job application.
• Start by clearly stating your name, phone number, email address, and location (city and state). Make sure all this information is accurate and up-to-date.
• Think about including a concise objective or summary statement to articulate your career aspirations or outline your qualifications. While this section is not mandatory, it can be advantageous in some situations.
• Outline your educational journey, beginning with your latest or current institution. Mention the school's name, the degree you earned or are pursuing, the date of graduation (or expected graduation), and any noteworthy academic accomplishments.
• Elaborate on your employment history, starting with your most recent role. Include the company or organization's name, your position, employment dates, and a rundown of responsibilities and achievements. Use dynamic verbs to illustrate your contributions.
• Develop a section to spotlight your skills. Incorporate both technical and soft skills pertinent to the role you're seeking. Technical skills might include proficiency in programming languages or software, while soft skills could encompass communication or teamwork.
• If you've been part of specific projects, particularly those relevant to the job you're targeting, include a section to highlight these projects. Explain your role, the project's goals, and the results achieved.
• Display any extracurricular activities, community service, or volunteer work. This gives a glimpse into your personality and interests.
• If you hold relevant certifications or have been awarded, dedicate a section to spotlight these accomplishments. Include the certification or award's name, the granting organization, and the date of receipt.
• Ensure your resume is succinct and well-structured. Adopt a neat and professional layout with uniform fonts and bullet points for easy reading. Customize your resume for each job application by highlighting the most pertinent experiences and skills.
• Prior to sending out your resume, meticulously proofread it to catch any typos or grammatical errors. It might also be helpful to have a friend or mentor review it.
• You can craft your resume using word processing tools like Microsoft Word or Google Docs. Additionally, platforms like LinkedIn offer a space to create and display your resume.
• Look for online resume templates for ideas and guidance. Numerous websites offer free templates that can aid in structuring your resume effectively.
Finally, bear in mind that your resume should be a living document that changes with your experiences. It should be tailored to mirror your unique qualifications for each job application.
Updated
Razvan’s Answer
Hello Kayla!
Filling out a resume involves several key steps to effectively showcase your qualifications and experiences. I'd suggest keeping the following steps in mind:
1. Choose the Right Format: Select a resume format that best suits your experience and the job you're applying for. Common formats include chronological (listing work experience in reverse chronological order), functional (emphasizing skills and achievements over work history), or a combination of both.
2. Section with Contact Information: At the top of your resume, include your name, phone number, email address, and optionally your LinkedIn profile or personal website if relevant.
3. Professional Summary or Objective Statement: Write a brief summary or objective statement that highlights your skills, experiences, and career goals. Tailor this section to the specific job you're applying for, emphasizing how you can add value to the company.
4. Work Experience: List your work experience in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent job. For each position, include the job title, company name, location, and dates of employment. Describe your key responsibilities and accomplishments using bullet points, focusing on quantifiable achievements and relevant skills.
5. Education: Include your educational background, starting with your highest degree earned. Include the name of the institution, degree obtained, major or field of study, and graduation date. You can also include relevant coursework, academic honors, or extracurricular activities if applicable.
6. Skills: Create a separate section to highlight your key skills and competencies. Include both hard skills (e.g., software proficiency, technical skills) and soft skills (e.g., communication, leadership). Tailor this section to match the job requirements, emphasizing skills that are most relevant to the position.
7. Certifications and Professional Development: If you have relevant certifications, licenses, or completed professional development courses, include them in a separate section. This can help demonstrate your expertise and commitment to continuous learning.
8. Optional Sections: Depending on your background and the job you're applying for, you may include additional sections such as volunteer experience, internships, awards and honors, publications, or language proficiency.
9. Formatting and Design: Keep your resume clean, professional, and easy to read. Use a consistent font and formatting style throughout the document, and avoid using excessive graphics or colors. Use bullet points and concise language to convey information efficiently.
I'd also recommend using tools like Canva (https://www.canva.com/resumes/templates/) for resume templates.
10. Proofread and Edit: Before submitting your resume, carefully proofread it for any errors in grammar, spelling, or formatting. Consider asking a trusted friend, family member, or mentor to review your resume as well for feedback and suggestions.
Remember to customize your resume for each job application, highlighting the most relevant experiences and skills that match the job requirements. Tailoring your resume to each position can significantly increase your chances of landing an interview.
Hope this helps!
Filling out a resume involves several key steps to effectively showcase your qualifications and experiences. I'd suggest keeping the following steps in mind:
1. Choose the Right Format: Select a resume format that best suits your experience and the job you're applying for. Common formats include chronological (listing work experience in reverse chronological order), functional (emphasizing skills and achievements over work history), or a combination of both.
2. Section with Contact Information: At the top of your resume, include your name, phone number, email address, and optionally your LinkedIn profile or personal website if relevant.
3. Professional Summary or Objective Statement: Write a brief summary or objective statement that highlights your skills, experiences, and career goals. Tailor this section to the specific job you're applying for, emphasizing how you can add value to the company.
4. Work Experience: List your work experience in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent job. For each position, include the job title, company name, location, and dates of employment. Describe your key responsibilities and accomplishments using bullet points, focusing on quantifiable achievements and relevant skills.
5. Education: Include your educational background, starting with your highest degree earned. Include the name of the institution, degree obtained, major or field of study, and graduation date. You can also include relevant coursework, academic honors, or extracurricular activities if applicable.
6. Skills: Create a separate section to highlight your key skills and competencies. Include both hard skills (e.g., software proficiency, technical skills) and soft skills (e.g., communication, leadership). Tailor this section to match the job requirements, emphasizing skills that are most relevant to the position.
7. Certifications and Professional Development: If you have relevant certifications, licenses, or completed professional development courses, include them in a separate section. This can help demonstrate your expertise and commitment to continuous learning.
8. Optional Sections: Depending on your background and the job you're applying for, you may include additional sections such as volunteer experience, internships, awards and honors, publications, or language proficiency.
9. Formatting and Design: Keep your resume clean, professional, and easy to read. Use a consistent font and formatting style throughout the document, and avoid using excessive graphics or colors. Use bullet points and concise language to convey information efficiently.
I'd also recommend using tools like Canva (https://www.canva.com/resumes/templates/) for resume templates.
10. Proofread and Edit: Before submitting your resume, carefully proofread it for any errors in grammar, spelling, or formatting. Consider asking a trusted friend, family member, or mentor to review your resume as well for feedback and suggestions.
Remember to customize your resume for each job application, highlighting the most relevant experiences and skills that match the job requirements. Tailoring your resume to each position can significantly increase your chances of landing an interview.
Hope this helps!
Updated
Josh’s Answer
Hey Kayla! Having a resume is likely the single most important thing for being evaluated for nearly any job. It can also be one of the most painful, because there is no "right way" of creating one. Thousands of career counselors will have resume assistance as the cornerstone of their business.
If you're still in school, I'd hope there's some form of a career center or career counselors that can help you start the process. There are many common rules of thumb you can follow, such as taking great care to use consistent formatting, proper grammar and punctuation, etc. You can also find lots and lots of resume templates online in various formats (e.g. MS Word, Google Docs, etc.). Many will try and charge for the templates they create, and that may be a worthwhile investment later in your career, but for now, you just need something simple to start with.
Creating my very first resume was always especially challenging, because you may not have much work experience. I recommend googling "first resumes" or "resumes for graduating seniors," etc. to find tips and see some examples. You can use some of your (relevant) coursework and/or projects, but try to be mindful of what the recruiter for the position you're applying for might want to see. For instance, if you're applying for a software development job, they probably won't care about how much you loved your Econ class, or how well you did in it.
You can also add some of your hobbies, interests and other activities you think might be relevant. They're hiring a whole person, not just your ability to get the job done. Again, this may only be relevant to some companies; it really depends on their culture. If you do add a section for such things, keep it at the bottom, and be mindful of anything you add that could be polarizing for the reader (e.g. political interests, etc.).
It's important to remember that your resume is likely one of a stack of 100 or more a single hiring manager or recruiter will look at in a single day, so it's important for yours to stand out and make a good impression in the 30 seconds they devote to it, so make the space really count. Put the information you think would be most relevant to them near the top (i.e. name, contact info, when you're available for work, GPA, recent experiences, etc.), and make sure it doesn't exceed 1 page. Even seasoned professionals, with a long job history and many impressive accomplishments take great care to ensure their resume can fit on a single page. (In your research, you may see references to a "CV" or "Curriculum Vitae." This is a longer and more comprehensive version of a resume, and career professionals generally keep them on file, so they have a full record of all that they've done over the course of their career, and can pull elements of it into their resume when applying for a new job.) If the recruiter likes what they see in those first 30 seconds, your resume will go into a smaller batch of resumes, and they'll move onto the next one in the pile. (They'll use the resumes in that smaller pile later in further evaluation of your application.) If they don't, it's unlikely they'll give it a second look.
It's also important to be honest in what you say. Pick your words carefully, and don't be shy about using strong language which emphases the significance of what you did, and your contributions to a larger whole (i.e. a group project, a team you lead, a fundraiser you organized, a club you founded or helped run, etc.). It's fine to embellish a little, but definitely don't lie. Companies will run background checks to verify your identity, that you went to school where you said you did, etc., and whoever hires you, they will keep your resume on file. If, for whatever reason, they feel a need to look back at it, and they find discrepancies in what you wrote, they'd have grounds to take disciplinary action against you. :(
Anyway, I know this is a lot, but unfortunately resume writing is an important part of the process that pretty much everyone needs to do, for any job they apply for.
Visit your career center, or career counselors at your school, that can help you start the process
Google "first resumes" or "resumes for graduating seniors," etc. to find tips, and see some examples.
Find and use resume templates.
If you're still in school, I'd hope there's some form of a career center or career counselors that can help you start the process. There are many common rules of thumb you can follow, such as taking great care to use consistent formatting, proper grammar and punctuation, etc. You can also find lots and lots of resume templates online in various formats (e.g. MS Word, Google Docs, etc.). Many will try and charge for the templates they create, and that may be a worthwhile investment later in your career, but for now, you just need something simple to start with.
Creating my very first resume was always especially challenging, because you may not have much work experience. I recommend googling "first resumes" or "resumes for graduating seniors," etc. to find tips and see some examples. You can use some of your (relevant) coursework and/or projects, but try to be mindful of what the recruiter for the position you're applying for might want to see. For instance, if you're applying for a software development job, they probably won't care about how much you loved your Econ class, or how well you did in it.
You can also add some of your hobbies, interests and other activities you think might be relevant. They're hiring a whole person, not just your ability to get the job done. Again, this may only be relevant to some companies; it really depends on their culture. If you do add a section for such things, keep it at the bottom, and be mindful of anything you add that could be polarizing for the reader (e.g. political interests, etc.).
It's important to remember that your resume is likely one of a stack of 100 or more a single hiring manager or recruiter will look at in a single day, so it's important for yours to stand out and make a good impression in the 30 seconds they devote to it, so make the space really count. Put the information you think would be most relevant to them near the top (i.e. name, contact info, when you're available for work, GPA, recent experiences, etc.), and make sure it doesn't exceed 1 page. Even seasoned professionals, with a long job history and many impressive accomplishments take great care to ensure their resume can fit on a single page. (In your research, you may see references to a "CV" or "Curriculum Vitae." This is a longer and more comprehensive version of a resume, and career professionals generally keep them on file, so they have a full record of all that they've done over the course of their career, and can pull elements of it into their resume when applying for a new job.) If the recruiter likes what they see in those first 30 seconds, your resume will go into a smaller batch of resumes, and they'll move onto the next one in the pile. (They'll use the resumes in that smaller pile later in further evaluation of your application.) If they don't, it's unlikely they'll give it a second look.
It's also important to be honest in what you say. Pick your words carefully, and don't be shy about using strong language which emphases the significance of what you did, and your contributions to a larger whole (i.e. a group project, a team you lead, a fundraiser you organized, a club you founded or helped run, etc.). It's fine to embellish a little, but definitely don't lie. Companies will run background checks to verify your identity, that you went to school where you said you did, etc., and whoever hires you, they will keep your resume on file. If, for whatever reason, they feel a need to look back at it, and they find discrepancies in what you wrote, they'd have grounds to take disciplinary action against you. :(
Anyway, I know this is a lot, but unfortunately resume writing is an important part of the process that pretty much everyone needs to do, for any job they apply for.
Josh recommends the following next steps:
Updated
Vanessa’s Answer
Hi Kyla,
A resume is an insight for a recruiter to see why you would be a fit for a role and an overview of why your experience aligns.
As a recruiter the tip I always give is that the resume should be catered for the role your applying for.
Give an over view of your work experience so far and the skills you have developed . I would recommend for to to be 1 page . Canva have great resume templates , that help it to be professionally looking, to the point and not overwhelming with information
The main information you should have is
Contact info,
Work experience
Education
Skills
Make sure all information is correct, do not lie on your resume. A lot of people add a mini personal statement to the top or you could attach a Cover letter to show why your the best fit for the role.
I have seen it mentioned in other answers but its so important to proofread and make sure no spelling mistakes- send onto someone else to review so a second set of eyes has a look over.
Best of Luck!
A resume is an insight for a recruiter to see why you would be a fit for a role and an overview of why your experience aligns.
As a recruiter the tip I always give is that the resume should be catered for the role your applying for.
Give an over view of your work experience so far and the skills you have developed . I would recommend for to to be 1 page . Canva have great resume templates , that help it to be professionally looking, to the point and not overwhelming with information
The main information you should have is
Contact info,
Work experience
Education
Skills
Make sure all information is correct, do not lie on your resume. A lot of people add a mini personal statement to the top or you could attach a Cover letter to show why your the best fit for the role.
I have seen it mentioned in other answers but its so important to proofread and make sure no spelling mistakes- send onto someone else to review so a second set of eyes has a look over.
Best of Luck!
Updated
Yaz’s Answer
You can use a website that will prepopulate a resume template for you based on information you provide. LinkedIn can also make you a resume.
You can also ask chatgpt to make you a resume as well, and you can edit it to make sure its correct as it can 'hallucinate' and put false information.
You can even go on google and look up resume templates as inspiration and base yours after one.
You can also ask chatgpt to make you a resume as well, and you can edit it to make sure its correct as it can 'hallucinate' and put false information.
You can even go on google and look up resume templates as inspiration and base yours after one.
Updated
Enise’s Answer
Your resume should be more professional. You can create your resume template on website, or create your template on Microsoft Word. It is your choice. Likewise, your resume structure should be like this;
Introduction (similar with Personal Statement, but you reqiure to introduce yourself like Linkedin)
Education section is a must. They request to learn more about your academic year. Structure them year by year (if you can, summarize each of them (in few sentences).
Work Experience (you have already written on your resume, yet you need to summarize in few sentence because you wrote overmuch, and your resume should be only 1 page, maximum 2).
Note: You did not add Skills (Soft and Hard Skills as well as Emotional Intelligence). You can search on the internet. You can write them on the left side of your sheet.
Note: you can additionally write tour computer skills (it can be Microsoft Word/Excel/Powerpoint, Adobe, coding/Java(it is just an example), proofreading etc.
I hope this helps.
Introduction (similar with Personal Statement, but you reqiure to introduce yourself like Linkedin)
Education section is a must. They request to learn more about your academic year. Structure them year by year (if you can, summarize each of them (in few sentences).
Work Experience (you have already written on your resume, yet you need to summarize in few sentence because you wrote overmuch, and your resume should be only 1 page, maximum 2).
Note: You did not add Skills (Soft and Hard Skills as well as Emotional Intelligence). You can search on the internet. You can write them on the left side of your sheet.
Note: you can additionally write tour computer skills (it can be Microsoft Word/Excel/Powerpoint, Adobe, coding/Java(it is just an example), proofreading etc.
I hope this helps.
Updated
Sherry’s Answer
Hi! I think people here gave some good advice. Definitely find a resume template online to get started. Think about the type of job you are trying for. You can find many examples of resumes online. I would stay away from putting my full address on a resume. Craft up your resume, check your grammar and punctuation carefully. Then, being that it seems you are a student, I would suggest you find a friendly adult who can help proofread your resume or give you some pointers. Is there someone in your life like a parent, an aunt or uncle who can help you? How about your school guidance counselor, English teacher or another favorite teacher? How about the parent of one of your friends? Don't be afraid to ask for help and guidance. You sound like a fantastic young person and you will be surprised at how many people would be happy to help you.