Resume
A resume is an important tool for your job search as it offers a page or two where you can display your relevant skillsand qualities for a job. Resumes help employers make hiring decisions and help you get your first interview. That’s why it matters how you structure your resume and what information you decide to include.
In this article, we explain what a resume is, five reasons why a resume is important to have, the different types of resumesand actionable resume tips that may help you achieve your next career move.
Why Is a Resume Important? (Types and Why You Need One)
What is a resume?
A resumeis a formal summary of your qualifications, professional background, skills and achievements. The term “resume” comes from “résumé,” the French word for “to summarize.” Most resumes consist of sectionsthat detail your professional summary, work history, skills, awards, education and any other accomplishments that align with your career path and goals.
Resumes, usually accompanied by customized cover letters, get sent to employers to determine your eligibility and qualifications for a job. Employers use resumes to get a deeper understanding of candidate skills, strengths and experience. Your resume is your first point of contact with the employer and sets the tone for subsequent steps
Types of resumes
Candidates who want to move forward in the interview process need to have a strong resume.
Chronological resumes
Most resumes are formatted aschronological resumeIt’s traditional to put your most recent job at the top of the experience section. From there, experience goes in descending order.
Functional resume
Functional resumesfocus more on relevant skills than work history.
Combination resume
A combination resumeis a blend of the chronological and functional resume types. This resume format allows you to emphasize both your work experience and relevant skills.
Resume writing tips
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Review industry-leading examples: Reviewing examples of resumein your industry can inform you as to what’s appropriate.
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Apply fonts that are professional: Professional fontslike Calibri, Arial, Times New Roman and Helvetica work well on resumes.
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Include relevant information: If possible, format it to fit on one page and it shouldn’t go longer than three. Sticking to the most relevant information makes this possible.
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Organize by importance: While there are many ways to organize your resume, focusing on importance displays the qualities that make you the best candidate for the job.
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