When it comes to crafting a standout resume, job seekers must answer a fundamental question: what to include in it? A well-written resume introduction must include an overview of what needs to be added and the reasons behind it. This article will provide guidelines for what to include in your resume.
Resume inclusions refer to all the vital details that job seekers add to their resume to give hiring managers an accurate representation of their qualifications, experience, education, and skills. These inclusions can include items like work history, education, certifications, awards and recognitions, professional affiliations, specialized skills, and much more.
The Importance of Including Relevant Information in Resumes
One of the most critical aspects of a well-written resume is ensuring that you include relevant and pertinent information. Including irrelevant or outdated details can discourage recruiters from considering your application, while a lack of essential information could miss vital opportunities to highlight your strengths. It is essential to consider the targeted job and industry when deciding what information to include.
Including relevant information on your resume is critical to your success in achieving your desired job position. Ensuring that your resume includes all the necessary inclusions in a clear and concise manner will help increase your chances of standing out during the hiring process. By adhering to our guidelines, job seekers can create a well-crafted resume that highlights their qualifications and experience.
Contact Information
Your Contact Information section should be one of the most straightforward parts of your resume. It should provide the hiring manager with the necessary information to get in touch with you promptly.
A. Name
Your full name should be the first item on the list, and it should stand out. It’s common to make your name the largest or boldest font size in your resume, and you can even consider adding a professional title after your name.
B. Address
Your address should be listed next, including your city, state, and zip code. It’s best to use the address where you can most readily be reached, and make sure it’s up-to-date.
C. Phone Number
List a phone number where you can be reached at all times. Many job seekers prefer to add both a mobile and home phone number, but one phone number is sufficient as long as you answer the phone professionally.
D. Email Address
Your email address should be professional and straightforward. Avoid using numbers or nicknames in your email address, and ensure that it’s simple enough to remember.
E. LinkedIn Profile/Website(Optional)
If you have an outstanding LinkedIn profile, consider adding a hyperlink to your profile in your contact information. Make sure your profile is up-to-date and professional, as this can act as an extension of your resume.
Including a website or a portfolio in your contact information is also a good option if you’re trying to showcase your work. If you have a personal website or an online portfolio, make sure the links are correctly formatted, and ensure that it’s free from any errors.
Make sure your contact information is consistently and correctly formatted in your resume. It’s the first thing the employer will see, so it’s crucial that your contact information is accurate and up-to-date.
Professional Summary/Objective Statement
When it comes to writing a resume, one of the most important aspects to consider is the professional summary/objective statement. This brief snapshot of who you are and what you bring to the table can make all the difference in whether or not you get called in for an interview.
A. What is a Professional Summary/Objective Statement?
A professional summary/objective statement is a brief paragraph at the beginning of your resume that summarizes your skills, experience, and what value you can bring to the company. In essence, it’s a quick snapshot of who you are and what you have to offer.
B. When to Include a Professional Summary/Objective Statement?
It’s always a good idea to include a professional summary/objective statement on your resume, but it’s especially important if you’re changing careers or have gaps in your employment history. This statement can help to explain why you’re a good fit for the position and highlight any transferable skills you may have.
C. Tips for Writing an Effective Professional Summary/Objective Statement
When writing your professional summary/objective statement, there are a few key things to keep in mind:
- Keep it brief: Your statement should be no more than two or three sentences.
- Highlight your strengths: Focus on your strengths and the value you can bring to the company.
- Customize for each job application: Tailor your statement to fit the job you’re applying for.
- Be specific: Provide concrete examples of your experience and skills.
D. Examples
Example 1: Highly motivated and results-driven marketing professional with 5+ years of experience in developing and implementing successful marketing campaigns. Skilled in social media management, email marketing, and content creation. Seeking a role in which I can apply my creativity and strategic thinking to drive business growth.
Example 2: Dedicated customer service representative with a proven track record of exceeding customer expectations. Skilled in conflict resolution, problem-solving, and effective communication. Seeking a position in which I can utilize my customer service skills to provide exceptional support to clients.
Example 3: Experienced financial analyst with a strong background in data analysis, forecasting, and budgeting. Demonstrate ability to identify and analyze trends to drive business decisions. Seeking a position as a financial analyst in which I can leverage my skills and experience to contribute to the success of an organization.
Education
Your education section can be an important player in how well your resume presents you as a candidate, especially for recent or soon-to-be graduates. Here is what to include:
A. Degree(s) Earned Specify the degree(s) you’ve earned, including any qualifications currently in progress. For instance, if you are currently earning a degree, indicate as “Expected Graduation: Month, Year”; completed qualification, “Date Completed.”
B. Name and Location of Institution(s) List the name and location of the educational institution(s) you have attended. You can either list them in the chronological order in which you attended or rank them according to importance.
C. Major(s) and Minor(s) Mention your majors or minors to showcase what academic areas interest you the most. Assume you double-majored, list both majors. If you minored in different subjects, list all of them.
D. Graduation Date(s) Your graduation date signals to hiring managers the level of experience you have with formal education. Ensure to mention the month and year of graduation/degree completion.
E. GPA (Optional) Adding your GPA to your resume can help you stand out, especially if it’s above 3.0. This is optional, but if you decide to include it, ensure its accuracy.
F. Relevant Coursework (Optional) Under this section, you can include the most relevant courses you’ve taken during your educational journey to show what knowledge you’ve gained. It can be a great way to show off particular expertise.
G. Awards & Honors (Optional) Listing any academic achievements or awards you’ve received can catch a hiring manager’s attention. This can include participation in clubs, sports, volunteer work, scholarships, etc.
The education section of your resume should exhibit your background knowledge, academic qualifications, and suitability for the job you’re looking for.
Work Experience
A. Job Title
As a copywriter, my job title is to create compelling and persuasive content for clients’ marketing campaigns.
B. Company Name
I have worked with several companies as a freelance copywriter, including XYZ Agency, ABC Corporation, and DEF Industries.
C. Employment Dates
My experience as a copywriter spans over 10 years, with various contract and freelance positions throughout that time.
D. Job Duties & Responsibilities
My job duties as a copywriter include researching and developing brand messaging, writing copy for websites, social media, email marketing campaigns, and other forms of marketing communication, and collaborating with designers and marketing teams to ensure consistency and alignment of messaging across platforms.
E. Achievements and Accomplishments
Some of my accomplishments as a copywriter include creating successful and engaging social media campaigns that resulted in increased online engagement and sales for clients, writing compelling sales copy that helped clients surpass revenue goals, and earning several awards for creative writing.
F. Relevant Skills
My relevant skills as a copywriter include strong writing abilities, research and analytical skills, creativity and innovation, a deep understanding of brand messaging and messaging strategies, and the ability to adapt to various audiences and platforms.
G. Examples
One example of my copywriting work is a social media campaign for ABC Corporation, where my copywriting led to a 40% increase in online engagement and a 25% increase in sales. Additionally, my sales copy for XYZ Agency resulted in a 150% increase in revenue for the company.
Skills
Hiring managers look for a variety of skills on a resume, ranging from technical abilities to soft skills. It is important to include both types of skills as they can demonstrate a well-rounded and capable candidate.
A. Technical Skills
Technical skills are specific abilities or knowledge required to perform a job duties. These skills can be learned through education or training and are often quantifiable. Examples of technical skills include proficiency in software programs, knowledge of programming languages or fluency in foreign languages.
When listing technical skills on a resume, make sure to match the specific skills to the requirements listed in the job posting. This not only shows your proficiency in key areas but also your attention to detail.
B. Soft Skills
Soft skills refer to a person’s personal attributes and social abilities that help them work well with others, communicate effectively and navigate complex situations. These skills are often more difficult to measure than technical skills, but they can be equally important for job performance. Examples of soft skills include leadership, communication, problem-solving, and adaptability.
Listing soft skills can demonstrate how well-rounded of a candidate you are, and can show that you are capable of managing yourself and others effectively.
C. Industry-Specific Skills
Industry-specific skills are job-specific abilities that are required in a particular field. For example, in healthcare, industry-specific skills may include knowledge of medical terminology or familiarity with specific regulations or laws. In finance, these skills may include an understanding of financial accounting or experience with financial modeling.
When highlighting industry-specific skills on a resume, be sure to include specific certifications, job experience, or training that demonstrates your knowledge and expertise in a particular field.
D. Transferable Skills
Transferable skills are general abilities that can be applied across many different jobs or industries. Examples of transferable skills include critical thinking, time management, and teamwork. These skills are often learned through life experiences or education and can be valuable in any job.
Listing transferable skills on a resume shows that you have a broad skill set that can be applied to a variety of tasks and roles.
E. Examples
When listing skills on a resume, it is important to use specific examples that demonstrate your proficiency in each skill. For example, instead of simply saying you have strong communication skills, provide examples of how you have effectively communicated in the workplace, such as leading a meeting or presenting to a large audience.
Using tangible examples of skills can help demonstrate your suitability for the job and make you stand out as a candidate.
A well-rounded resume should include a mix of technical and soft skills, as well as industry-specific and transferable skills. Be sure to include specific examples that demonstrate your proficiency in each area, showcasing how those skills can apply to the job at hand.
Volunteering/Extracurricular Activities
When putting together a resume, it’s important to highlight any volunteering or extracurricular activities you’ve participated in. This section can give potential employers insight into your character, work ethic, and leadership abilities outside of school or work settings. Here are some guidelines for how to include this information:
A. Name of Organization: Here, list the name of the organization you volunteered for or participated in extracurricular activities with.
B. Position Held: Include the position you held within the organization, such as “Volunteer Coordinator” or “Team Captain”.
C. Dates of Service: This should include the duration of your involvement with the organization, including the start and end date.
D. Description of Activities/Responsibilities: Detail the specific tasks or responsibilities you fulfilled as part of your role in the organization. This can include anything from event planning to community outreach.
E. Achievements and Accomplishments: If you received any recognition or made a significant impact while working with the organization, be sure to include it here. For example, if you helped organize a successful fundraising event that exceeded the set goal, mention the amount of money raised and how it was used.
F. Relevant Skills Developed: The activities you participated in may have helped you develop skills that are relevant to the job you’re applying for. For example, if you were a team captain on your college’s soccer team, you may have developed leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.
G. Examples:
Name of Organization: Habitat for Humanity
Position Held: Volunteer Coordinator
Dates of Service: September 2017 – December 2018
Description of Activities/Responsibilities: Coordinated and scheduled volunteers to help with Habitat for Humanity’s home-building projects in our community. Worked with individual volunteers and groups to ensure all necessary tools, materials, and safety equipment were provided. Communicated with other volunteer coordinators to ensure projects were properly staffed and resources were shared.
Achievements and Accomplishments: Successfully recruited and coordinated over 100 volunteers, resulting in the completion of 6 homes. Received recognition from the Habitat for Humanity national organization for outstanding volunteer coordination.
Relevant Skills Developed: Leadership, communication, organization, problem-solving.
Including information about your volunteering and extracurricular activities can demonstrate your character traits that are relevant to an employer in a work environment.
Certifications/Licenses
In today’s competitive job market, having relevant certifications and licenses can give you an edge over other candidates. Be sure to include your certifications and licenses under a separate section on your resume. Here are some guidelines on what information to include:
A. Certification/License Name
List the name of the certification or license you have earned. This could be anything from a professional certification to a specialized license required for your profession. Be sure to include the exact name of the certification or license.
B. Issuing Authority
Include the name of the organization or agency that issued the certification or license. This could be a government agency, professional association, or other recognized body. If your certification or license is recognized internationally, you may want to indicate that.
C. Date of Issue
Include the date that you received your certification or license. This will let potential employers know how recently you have updated your skills or knowledge in your field.
D. Date of Expiration
If your certification or license has an expiration date, be sure to include it on your resume. This will let potential employers know if your certification or license is up to date or if you need to renew it soon.
E. Examples
Here are some examples of how to list certifications and licenses on your resume:
- Certified Public Accountant (CPA) – State Board of Accountancy – Issued May 2020 – Expires April 2021
- Project Management Professional (PMP) – Project Management Institute – Issued January 2019 – No Expiration Date
- Registered Nurse (RN) – State Board of Nursing – Issued October 2018 – Expires October 2020
Remember to only include certifications and licenses that are relevant to the position you are applying for. By including this information on your resume, potential employers will see that you are committed to your profession and have the skills and knowledge needed to excel in your field.
Languages
When it comes to including language skills on your resume, there are a few key things to consider. These include your mother tongue, any second or third languages you speak, and your overall language proficiency level.
A. Mother Tongue
Your mother tongue is the language you grew up speaking and is typically your first language. It’s important to include your mother tongue on your resume as it provides potential employers with information about your cultural background and language ability. It can also be helpful if the job requires bilingualism or involves communication with individuals who speak your mother tongue.
B. Second or Third Languages
If you speak a second or third language, it’s important to include those on your resume as well. This can be done in a number of ways, including listing each language separately or grouping them together under a “languages” section on your resume.
When listing your second or third languages, be sure to provide context about your proficiency level (discussed further in section C below). It’s also worth noting if you’ve studied the language formally or if you learned it through personal experience, such as immersion or travel.
C. Language Proficiency Level
It’s not enough to simply list the languages you speak on your resume – you also need to provide information about your proficiency level. This can be done using the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) or a similar language proficiency scale.
For each language you include on your resume, provide your proficiency level in terms of reading, writing, and speaking. Here’s an example:
French | CEFR: C1 | Reading: Advanced | Writing: Advanced | Speaking: Intermediate
D. Examples
Here are a few examples of how you might include language skills on your resume:
- Languages:
- English (Mother tongue)
- Spanish (Advanced)
- French (Intermediate)
- Skills:
- Languages: English (Mother tongue), Spanish (Proficient), French (Conversational)
- Language Proficiency:
- German | CEFR: B2 | Reading: Intermediate | Writing: Intermediate | Speaking: Intermediate
Don’t forget to tailor your language skills section to the job you’re applying for. If the position requires bilingualism or communication with individuals who speak a specific language, highlight your proficiency in that language. By doing so, you’ll make your resume stand out and increase your chances of landing an interview.
Projects
When it comes to creating a standout resume, one of the most important sections to include is your projects. This can showcase your skills and expertise, as well as demonstrate your ability to work on collaborative projects. Here is what to include in your project section:
A. Name of Project
When listing your projects, it’s important to provide a clear and concise name for each one. This can be something as simple as “Marketing Campaign for XYZ Company” or “Website Redesign for ABC Organization.”
B. Description of the Project
Along with the project name, you should provide a brief description of what the project entailed. This can include its purpose, goals, and any challenges or obstacles that were faced.
C. Role in the Project
Next, it’s important to outline your specific role in the project. This can include details such as your responsibilities, duties, and contributions to the overall success of the project.
D. Dates of the Project
Be sure to include the dates of the project, including the start and end dates. This helps provide context for the timeline of the project and the duration of your involvement.
E. Achievements and Accomplishments
One of the most important elements of your project section is highlighting your achievements and accomplishments. This can include any notable milestones or successes that were achieved during the project, as well as any awards or recognition received.
F. Relevant Skills Developed
In addition to highlighting your achievements, it’s important to also highlight the relevant skills you developed during the project. This can include technical skills such as programming languages, as well as soft skills such as communication and teamwork.
G. Examples
Here is an example of what a project section might look like on a resume:
Name of Project: Social Media Marketing Campaign for XYZ Company Description of the Project: Created and executed a social media marketing campaign to increase brand awareness and drive website traffic Role in the Project: Account manager responsible for client relationship management, campaign strategy, and team coordination Dates of the Project: January 2020 – May 2020 Achievements and Accomplishments: Increased website traffic by 30%, generated 500 new leads, and received recognition from the client for outstanding campaign performance Relevant Skills Developed: Project management, client relationship management, social media marketing, team coordination.
Including a projects section on your resume can be a valuable addition that demonstrates your skills, accomplishments, and ability to work on collaborative projects. By following these guidelines and including all relevant information, you can create a standout project section that helps you land your dream job.
References
When it comes to deciding who to include as your references in your resume, there are a few things to keep in mind.
Firstly, make sure that the people you choose are willing and able to vouch for your skills and work ethic. This means that they should have seen you perform in a professional capacity, and that they are familiar with your accomplishments and strengths.
Secondly, it’s important to choose references who are relevant to the job you are applying for. For example, if you are applying for a marketing position, it would make sense to include a former supervisor or colleague who can speak to your marketing skills and experience.
Finally, consider the level of authority and credibility that your references have. In general, it’s best to choose references who hold supervisory or managerial positions, as their opinions will carry more weight than those of a co-worker or subordinate.
By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your references are an asset to your resume, and help you stand out as a strong candidate for your desired job.
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