resume

A resume is a concise document that presents a job seeker’s education, work experience, skills, and other qualifications to potential employers. It is used to apply for jobs and is typically tailored to a specific position. In many regions, a resume is distinguished from a curriculum vitae (CV), which is more comprehensive and longer.

There are several common resume formats. A chronological resume lists work history in reverse chronological order, emphasizing positions and dates. A functional (skills-based) resume highlights capabilities and achievements, placing less emphasis on dates. A combination resume blends elements of both approaches. The choice of format depends on career goals, experience, and the requirements of the job.

Typical sections include a header with contact information, a professional summary or objective, a work experience section with bullet-point achievements, education details, and a skills section. Additional items may include certifications, professional licenses, languages, volunteer work, awards, and relevant memberships. Wherever possible, resume writers use quantified results to demonstrate impact, such as “increased sales by 20%” or “led a team of six.”

Design and formatting emphasize readability and ATS compatibility. Use a clean layout, standard fonts, consistent margins, and concise bullet points. Incorporate keywords from the job description to improve searchability by applicant tracking systems, and avoid graphics, photos, or complex formatting. Personal details such as age or marital status are generally discouraged in many markets.

Best practices include tailoring the resume for each application, keeping it to one page for early-career candidates and up to two pages for those with extensive experience, and proofreading carefully. Save and submit in an appropriate format, commonly PDF unless otherwise requested.