Guidelines For What To Include In A Resume

A resume is an essential document for a candidate looking for a job. It is the first thing that reaches a potential employer and highlights the candidate’s profile, academic qualifications, and work experience. As such, it is essential to evaluate what the candidate is writing in a resume. 

Nowadays, there are several resume formats to choose from. However, despite these formats and the elements they include, there are certain crucial things that a candidate should include in the resume. 

What to Include in the Resume

Identification Profile

• Include the full name, residence address, contact number, and email address in the profile identification section. This part features on the top of the resume.  
• Always include a professional email address and not an email containing quirky or fun names that may put off an employer.  

Objective

The objective section is optional. Candidates can include a resume objective. It should be short and specific, stating the candidate’s desired job and their objectives to achieve in their career.  

Academic Credentials 

A resume should have a detailed but brief education part wherein the academic credentials should be included. Following are the points to include:  

• Include the educational degrees earned (in reverse chronological order) 
• Include the name of each institution where the degree is earned, the institution’s location, and the date of graduation.
• Include the major/minor fields, like specialization subjects, GPA and accomplished publications, or projects.

Work Experience

It is one of the essential things to include in a resume. A potential employer would always like to know about any work experience and the candidate’s responsibilities in an organization. Following are the points to include:  

• Include the work experience (in reverse chronological order)  
• Include the jobs, internships, or volunteer work. 
• Include the organization name, the position held, and the dates of employment.
• One can also include three significant responsibilities, accomplishments, or skills earned at each job.  

Skills (Optional)

• Includes the skills and career goals that adhere to the job posting applied to. 
• Include any computer systems and applications that the candidate is proficient at, specifically if they relate to the job position they are applying for.
• Include the languages the candidate is familiar with. Also, mention the level of familiarity (beginning, intermediate, or proficient, fluent). One can also include any foreign language they are well versed at.
• List any other skills that relate to the applying job position.

Volunteer Work (Optional)

One can include the volunteer experience to highlight skills like leadership and communication. List the organization name of volunteering, dates of your volunteer work, and the achievements in that activity.

Hobbies and Interests (Optional)

One can include their hobbies and interests if they relate well to the applying job position.  

Resume Writing Guidelines

• Resume Length: The resume should be concise, not max than two pages (appropriate length). However, one page is preferable if the credentials fit in a single page.  
• Font and Size: Use simple, readable fonts like Times New Roman, Arial, or Calibri. Don’t use fonts that are illegible and difficult to comprehend. The font size should stay between 10-12 points, although the subheadings (sections) name and candidate’s name can be slightly larger or kept in bold.  
• Layout: Keep every section of the resume uniform and neat. 

One can avoid personal information like birthdays, height, weight, marital status, or children. Always ensure to edit and proofread the resume before sending it to the potential employer. Check the spelling, grammar, word tenses, names of companies, and references thoroughly. One can get a friend or a second person to read and check the resume as a second opinion.  

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