The resume is the first chance you have to make a good impression on your potential employer. You only get one page to showcase your qualifications, so you must make it count. But what goes into a resume? Can you leave something out? Which jobs do I list? And what about my hobbies and what I’m passionate about?
When should I include volunteer work and community service? Here are some tips for how to create the perfect resume to help you land that interview.
The Perfect Resume
What should you include on your resume? There are things you need to have to make a good impression:
- Knowledge of the job for which you are applying.
- An “elevator pitch” that briefly explains what you do and why your skills would be advantageous for the company.
- A list of references with contact information.
- A list of skills that match the position applied for.
- Writing an interesting, personal statement that tells your story and showcases why you’re perfect for the job.
What Should Get Left Out?
The two things to leave out on a resume are
- A photo
- References
What Goes Into A Resume?
The first step to resume creation is to know what to put in it.
1) Your name and contact information
2) A summary of your skills and qualifications
3) Your education details, including school name, graduation date, degree(s) earned, and GPA
4) Work experience or work history. This includes the company’s name, company location (city and state), job title, dates of employment, and a description of each position held
5) Education history. This includes any college courses you have taken (by semester or year). You can also include any internships or volunteer work you did.
Your resume should be written in a format that is easy for employers to read. The best way to do this is to organize it by section with three lines per section. Be sure that the top of each section has a heading so that employers can easily find the information they are looking for when scanning through your resume. Keep your formatting simple – don’t use different fonts or colors!
Job Titles And Dates
You need to list all of your employment histories, including job titles, dates of employment, and duties. You also need to include a list of any volunteer work or community service that you have done.
Skills And Qualifications
List a summary of your skills and qualifications. This should be the last section on your resume and can be followed by specific examples from jobs or school. You want to use this portion of your resume to highlight your strengths, so be selective about what you include. Include any professional or educational experience that is relevant to the job you are applying for.
Education And Training
Education and training are often the first two items on your resume. These are essential for any job, so include what you did in school and how it applies to the type of position you’re applying for. If you have a degree outside of the field in which you’re applying, it’s important to mention that on your resume as well.
