Résumés

A résumé is a brief document that outlines a person’s education, work experience, and qualifications for a job. The singular form is résumé; the plural is résumés. In North American English, many writers also use resume without accents, though this is technically a different spelling.

The primary purpose of a résumé is to advertise suitability for a position and to prompt an interview. It should be concise, focused on relevant achievements, and tailored to the job description.

A typical résumé includes contact information, a professional summary or objective, a section on work experience, education, and a list of skills and certifications. Optional sections may cover languages, professional affiliations, publications, or projects.

Résumé formats vary. A chronological résumé emphasizes recent jobs in reverse order. A functional or skills-based résumé foregrounds capabilities and may downplay gaps in employment. Many applicants use a combination format that blends both approaches. Length guidance commonly suggests one page for early career and two pages for more experienced professionals, though expectations vary by industry.

Regional usage differs. In the United States and Canada, résumés are typically concise and tailored; a curriculum vitae (CV) is used mainly for academic or research applications and is longer. In Europe and other regions, the term CV is often used for a broad, multi-page document, while a résumé may be expected for practical job applications.

Best practices include optimizing for applicant tracking systems by including keyword-rich sections, using standard headings, and avoiding graphics or photos in many settings. Use clear bullet points or short sentences, quantify results where possible, and proofread to avoid errors. Maintain multiple versions and update regularly.

A résumé may be adapted for different roles, languages, and regions; it is a living document that evolves with the applicant’s career.