At the top of your resume, clearly list your full name, phone number, email address, and if relevant, professional social media links like LinkedIn or a professional website. Ensure that your email address is professional, typically some variation of your first and last name. Contact information should be readily visible for easy communication.
2. Professional Summary or Objective
Include a brief professional summary or career objective that aligns with the job you are applying for. This section should provide a snapshot of your key achievements and outline what you aim to bring to the potential employer. For a professional summary, focus on your career highlights and skills. For an objective, concentrate on your career goals and how they align with the company’s objectives.
3. Work Experience
Detail your relevant work history in reverse chronological order, starting with the most recent job. For each position, include your job title, the company’s name, location, and the dates of employment. Under each role, list bullet points of your key responsibilities and achievements, using action verbs to convey your contributions. Where possible, quantify your accomplishments to provide context and scale of your impact.
4. Education
List your educational background, also in reverse chronological order. Include the degree obtained, the institution’s name, and graduation year. If you have a higher education degree, it’s not necessary to include high school information. For recent graduates, you may also include relevant coursework, honors, or GPA if it strengthens your application.
5. Skills
Word Count: 50-70 words
Include a section dedicated to your skills, both hard and soft. Tailor this section to match the skills mentioned in the job description. Hard skills might include software proficiency, languages, and technical skills, while soft skills could cover leadership, communication, and problem-solving. Be honest about your skill levels to ensure expectations are clear.
6. Certifications and Professional Memberships
Word Count: 50-70 words
If applicable, include certifications, licenses, or affiliations that are relevant to the job. This could include specific industry certifications, tech certifications, or memberships in professional organizations. These demonstrate continued professional development and a commitment to your field.
7. Awards and Achievements
Word Count: 50-70 words
Highlight any relevant awards or recognitions you have received either professionally or during your education. This can include awards for performance, leadership roles in projects, scholarships, or other recognitions. These distinctions provide tangible proof of your capabilities and stand out to employers.
