Writing a resume can be quite an intimidating task, and that\u2019s just one part of the overall job search process. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
But\u2014what to include in a resume?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In this guide, we\u2019ll walk you through the most crucial resume sections to include, from the core parts of a resume (numbers 1\u20135) through to other important areas you might want to add, depending on their relevance to your situation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
So, let\u2019s get started, shall we?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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\n\n\n\nHere are all the sections to include on a resume:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
1. Contact Information<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
At the very top of your resume, you\u2019ll start with your contact information.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In the past, it would have been simply your name, address, and phone number. These days, however, there are a lot more details to include in your resume contact info section, and the address isn\u2019t so relevant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here\u2019s which personal details to include:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Your full name<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Current title or branding statement (optional)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Email address<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Phone number<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- LinkedIn profile URL<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Links to professional profile or website<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
The most important thing to remember, whether in the contact details area or any other resume sections, is to maintain relevance. Meaning, if it is helpful to you getting the interview and for the hiring manager to assess you, include it. Otherwise, leave it off. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Related Read<\/strong>: 55 Resume Tips, Hacks & Expert Advice to Help You Score a Job Interview<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
2. Resume Summary or Objective<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Just below your personal information section comes the resume objective or summary, a short paragraph statement meant to include the juiciest points of the document like a mini elevator pitch<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
3. Work History Section<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The first five parts of a resume on this list are core sections to include, but the work history section is the core of that core. Go in reverse-chronological order, starting with your current or most recent job title first. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here\u2019s an example of a work experience entry:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Social Media Specialist<\/strong>
Goodwall
December 2019\u2013January 2021
\u2022 Managed Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Pinterest accounts of the company.
\u2022 Built custom creative assets to share across social media accounts.
\u2022 Increased engagement by 25% and followers by 15% over 1 year. <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\nIn that last bullet point, you\u2019ll see we give concrete numbers. When possible, include quantifiable achievements to prove you\u2019re a capable candidate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Related Read<\/strong>: Here Are 8 Questions to Ask Before Accepting That Job Offer<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
4. Education Section<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Next comes the education section, where you\u2019ll wow the HR manager or recruiter with your academic background.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you have completed a university degree, add the degree name, the name of the school, and the date on which you earned your degree. If you\u2019re still working on your degree, add a high school entry below that (and include your high school if you have no college experience at all). <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Then, if you have extras that would impress the hiring manager, add these as well! These might include scholastic honors, extracurricular activities, minors, awards, and your GPA<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
5. List of Skills & Abilities<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Rounding out the core resume sections is the skills list<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
First, research the company you\u2019re applying to<\/a>. Then, using their job description, find skills they\u2019re looking for (look in the \u201cjob requirements\u201d section or similar) which match abilities you have yourself, and add these to your resume skills list. Include 5\u201310 of the most impactful skills, and you\u2019re good to go!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Make sure to include both hard skills and soft skills, as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Related Read<\/strong>: How to Set Goals You Can Actually Achieve (7+ Tips for Success)<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
6. Certifications<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Certifications on a resume are a great way to show you possess critical knowledge and abilities and they\u2019ve been verified by a relevant authority. Oh, and they take up very little real estate!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Say you\u2019re applying to be a graphic designer. If you have earned the Graphic Design Course<\/a> Certificate from the New York Institute of Art and Design (NYIAD), add that and the date you received it under a special \u201cCertifications\u201d section on your resume.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
7. Language Proficiency Levels<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Are you proficient in a second language, or maybe a third and a fourth? Adding your language proficiency levels on a resume looks great no matter what industry you\u2019re applying to.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When doing so, try to add a standardized language fluency level from your region (known as a \u201cproficiency framework\u201d), rather than just saying \u201cgood\u201d or \u201cokay.\u201d In Europe, for example, you\u2019ll use the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), so you\u2019ll write \u201cA1,\u201d \u201cB2,\u201d etc. In the United States, however, you might use the proficiency framework organized by the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL), including \u201cnovice,\u201d \u201cintermediate,\u201d \u201cdistinguished,\u201d and so on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Related Read<\/strong>: 25+ Best Jobs for Introverts: Top Careers for the Reserved & Reflective<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
8. Hobbies and Interests<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Think your personal interests and hobbies have no place on a resume?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Think again!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In many cases, adding your hobbies and interests to a resume can improve your overall chances. For one thing, they show you as a complete person, offering a glimpse into your personality rather than just the hard numbers and skills of your professional side. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Also, they can show skills in a roundabout way. For example, you can say you have \u201cleadership skills\u201d in your list of skills from earlier. However, you can prove<\/em> you have leadership skills by telling them about how you organize mountain biking expeditions on the weekends!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
9. Awards & Achievements<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Listing awards and achievements on a resume<\/a> is a great way to catch the hiring manager\u2019s attention.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Related Read<\/strong>: Career Glossary: 40+ Job Terms, HR Vocab & Employment Words to Know<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
10. Organization Memberships<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Are you a member of a trade association or industry organization? Add it to your resume in a separate section if it\u2019s relevant to the job for which you\u2019re applying!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For example, if you are applying to be an HR manager, including your membership in the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) looks great on your resume. It shows you are dedicated to improvement, mindful of industry best practices, and committed to the field which you\u2019ve chosen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
11. Volunteer Work<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
While volunteering is actual work, of course, and incredibly important, list it separately from your job experience section. Not only does it make you look incredibly selfless, it also further shows you have particular skills.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Did you organize and manage the evening activities in your local meal kitchen on the weekends? That would look great on a restaurant supervisor resume! Did you help fundraising efforts for a cause dear to your heart? Including that on a charity or nonprofit resume would surely be a boon!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Related Read<\/strong>: 10 Cover Letter Tips & Tricks Sure to Score Job Interviews<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n