Write for Us
Resume
Cover letter
Thank you letter
Job search
Career
Resume & CV
Nov 17th 2021

How to Write a Resume Header that Stands Out (+Tips, Examples)

A resume header is said as a business card in the resume and is placed on the top of your resume. A resume header includes essential information about yourself. A professional resume header can give your hiring manager a clear picture of who you are.This article will provide guidance on crafting a professional resume header that that catch the attention of your porential employers and setting you apart from other canddiates. TABLEOFCONTENTSWhat Is a Resume Header?5 Tips to Remember when Write a Resume HeaderResume Header ExamplesOther Important Resume Sections What Is a Resume Header?The resume header is different from resume headings as it consists of personal information and is typically presented in separate lines or bullet points.When creating a header for your CV or resume, it is important to include certain key elements in the resume header format. Here are what to include:Full Name When creating your resume, it is important to include your full name in the header. Make sure to use a larger font size for the header to help the hiring manager remember who you are. 💡 Pro tip:It's also important to use the same name consistently throughout all of your job search materials, such as your resume, cover letter, and LinkedIn profile, to avoid any confusion for recruiters.Job title Including a job title in the header of your CV/resume can provide recruiters with a clear understanding of your specializations. This is especially important if you are licensed or have obtained certifications related to a specific job title.Address Some say it is okay to leave out your address in your CV/resume header. However, some recruiters consider the time of your commute an important point. If you don’t like sharing too much information, you could also just put the city you currently live in on your CV/resume header. Phone Number Phone number is considered as one of the most efficient ways for a hiring manager to contact you. When your hiring manager wants to set up an interview, they usually look for the number you put in your header for resume.Make sure to include your phone number in the header of your resume for easy access. Email Address Your email address is another way for recruiters to find you. In case you weren’t able to answer your phone, remember to put your email address in the header for your resume so that the hiring manager could find you more easily.Optional Elements of a Resume HeaderResume Summary If you have some extra space in your resume header and want to grab the attention of potential employers with an impressive summary, you can consider adding a summary to your resume header. This can help to highlight your skills and experiences in a concise and impactful way. URL(s) to Your Online Portfolio or Professional Social Media Account Personal branding is highly valued in today’s workplace. Showcasing your skills using online portfolios or personal websites and social media accounts like LinkedIn can show your value as an employee.It is up to you to consider whether you think it is vital for your career. If you work in the creative field, or just want to show off your personal brand, consider including these URLs on your resume header:Personal websiteOnline portfolioLinkedInMediumFacebookTwitterInstagramYoutube channel 5 Tips to Remember when Make a Resume Header 💡Font and Font SizeWhen crafting your resume, it is crucial to select a font that exudes professionalism and sophistication. This applies not only to the header but also to the entire body of your resume. It is a small but significant detail that can make all the difference in landing your dream job. Some of the professional font include:Arial.Helvetica.Verdana.Times New Roman.Garamond.Georgia.Calibri.Cambria. The font size used in your resume can indicate the level of importance of the information presented. Opting for larger font sizes for headings and important details (like name) can help draw attention to key points and make them stand out to potential employers. On the other hand, smaller font sizes can be used for less critical information or details that do not require as much emphasis.💡Resume Header Presented on a Two-Page Resume When creating a 2-page resume (or more), it's recommended to keep the header on page 2 consistent with the one on page 1. This will help the hiring manager easily recall your information.💡 Resume Header Design A design that is visually attractive can be very effective in capturing someone's attention. A well-designed resume header can also make it easier for the hiring manager to remember you. However, it's important to remember that visual appeal doesn't not mean to include unnecessary illustrations (unless you're working in creative industry like design), as they do not add any extra value and may not be ATS-friendly. Our advice? Opt for simple header design instead.💡 Resume Header Icons Opting for icons instead of written words can significantly enhance the readability of your resume header. It can also help save you some extra space (rule of design: negative space is essential) and make it easier for anyone to comprehend at a glance.💡 Resume Header Information to be Excluded When creating a resume, it's important to avoid including personal information such as your social security number, marital status, nationality, sexual orientation, or spiritual beliefs. It's highly irrelevant when it comes to job application, thus, employers are not allowed to request this type of information. Remember—it's best to keep your resume focused on your professional qualifications.💡 Proofread Resume Header After completing your resume header, it is important to proofread it thoroughly. Check for any errors or incorrect information that could mislead hiring managers as they review your CV header.Resume Header Examples Resume Header for Fresh GraduateResume Header for Customer Service OfficerResume Header for English Teacher Resume Header for Sales Associate Resume Header forComputer Scientist Resume Header for Software Engineer Resume Header forAccount Manager Other Important Resume Sections To summarize, a resume header gives your employer your basic information. However, there are other important sections that are should be included in your resume: 1. Resume Header As mentioned above, resume headers include a lot of information about oneself and would be very useful for recruiters to view through your resume. 2. Resume Summary An opaque resume summary would give your hiring manager a great perspective of who you are. A rather vague resume summary would not present your potential in the following field. Hence, be sure to write your resume summary well. 3. Career Objective A perfect career objective would show visions of your aspiration. Hence, a clear career objective is essential. It gives you a place to tell your future employer what you’re aiming at. 4. Skills Skills are one of the most important parts to show towards your recruiters. Recruiters often look through your skills in order to determine whether you’re qualified for the job or not. Before crafting this part, you could also look at the job description to see what qualifications. Make sure you hold the skills they are searching for and write them down properly. 5. Work Experience If you have work experiences relevant to the job you’re applying for, be sure to write them down! Past working experience shows your competence in the position. The hiring manager often deems this as an efficient way to get to know your ability. 6. Education Especially for freshers who just graduated, your educational background counts as an important part of the review. Remember to also write down some details about your academic background so the hiring manager could understand what you’ve learned. 7. Achievements Whether your achievements from education or career, it is a plus to put in your achievements in the past. Achievements could show that you have done a great job in the following prospects. 8. Additional Sections If you have earned useful certificates, done any related projects, or competed in any relevant contests, be sure to write them down on your resume. Especially if they are highly related to the duties of the job you’re applying for, writing them down could be a plus to getting the job and would present a great outline of your abilities in related fields. Create your resume online with Cake—the best resume builder available! We provide ATS-compliant templates and easily download your resume in PDF format for free. Take the first step towards landing your dream job and start creating your resume online now!Create Resume --- Originally written by ElianaTschang ---
Resume & CV
Nov 5th 2024

10+ Software Engineer Resume Examples | 2025 Format

The average annual salary for a software engineer in the US is over $100,000 per year (according to Indeed). That's nearly double the national average, a fact that is both impressive and reflective of the tough work that software engineers do. In addition to being well-versed in a plethora of programming languages, software engineers and developers have to be self-motivated, oftentimes collaborative, and whizz with technology. They have to be comfortable: Adapting to new technologies and tools to ensure software functionality and reliability;Reviewing code and creating software solutions; andCommunicating effectively to completed projects on time and to a high quality. They need to be able to demonstrate these skills on their software engineer resumes. Are you not sure how to do that? From entry level software engineer resumes to junior and senior software engineers, this article will cover how to write an amazing software engineer resume, including how to list essential engineering skills (including vital soft skills) within and outside your work experience. We'll also share 5 software engineer resume examples you can use as templates for whatever your software engineering needs.Table of Contents: What Do Software Engineers Do? How to Write a Software Engineer Resume Tips for Writing a Software Engineer Resume 5 Software Engineer Resume Examples Conclusion What Do Software Engineers Do? But first, what do software engineers do? And what's the difference between a software engineer and a software developer? Better yet, what's the difference between a software engineer resume and a software developer resume? Let's start nice and easy with a revelation: software engineers are not the same as software developers. But they're very similar. Software engineers cover the broader aspects of software development, focusing on design, system integration, testing, scalability, and maintenance. Software developers, on the other hand, focuses on creation, like writing, debugging, and testing code for software programs and applications. In short, the focus is much more narrow, which of course has to be specified and reflected in your software engineer OR software developer resume.How to Write a Software Engineer Resume A resume profile is made up of a resume header, resume summary, and a resume objective, as well as your personal information (name, email address, and location, at the very minimum). When writing a resume header for a software engineer, applicants need to focus on the most essential information they want a hiring manager to know. Here are some examples of software engineer resume headers, depending on the specialization:Software engineer resume header #1Entry Level Software EngineerSoftware engineer resume header #2Certified AWS Software Developer With 5 Years ExperienceSoftware engineer resume header #3Motivated Junior Software Developer Next, we're discussing how to write a resume summary for a software engineer. This is a short paragraph that summarizes your background and the key points of your resume, often showcasing your main achievements and skills. Aside from the resume header, the resume summary is the first thing hiring managers read when they come upon your software engineering resume so it's important that it's as attention-grabbing as possible. Let's look at some examples: Examples of resume summary for software engineers:Software engineer resume summary #1Certified developer with a strong foundation in software development and a passion for creating Android applications. Proficient in Java, Kotlin, Python, and C++, with a proven track record in applying problem solving skills to improve user engagement and retention. Software engineer resume summary #2Motivated and resourceful Software Engineer Intern with a passion for coding, programming, and creating powerful software solutions. Possesses a detailed understanding of HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and C+++. Software engineer resume summary #1Experienced junior software engineer with over 5 years of experience delivering innovative software solutions to achieve software dominance. Proven track record in cross-functional collaboration, implementing APIs and optimizing data structures.Lastly, we've got the resume objective. For interns, freshers, and entry-level applicants, this is a key part of your software engineer resume that draws attention to your strengths and motivations for applying. It can be omitted for experienced professionals, like junior and senior software engineers. Software engineer resume objective #1I am excited to grow my technical skills in a remote internship.Software engineer resume objective #2Seeking an entry-level software developer position to leverage technical background.Software engineer resume objective #3Eager to apply creative problem-solving skills to exceed targets in a challenging software engineering role.How to Discuss Your Work ExperienceWhether you're an entry-level software engineer, a junior software engineer a senior software engineer, and any of the variations in between, the work experience section is your most important section on a software engineer resume. That's because it's your chance to show hiring managers exactly what skills and achievements you have that make you a stellar candidate. In the case of software engineering, this section requires an obvious need to focus on technical skills, even for software engineering managers, as well as communication, self-motivation, adaptability, and time management. These skills can be demonstrated through a variety of different work or academic experiences, such as personal projects (especially successful software projects), relevant coursework, and internship experience at tech companies - essentially anything that can prove your technical expertise. So, how can you include all these skills while making your resume read well? For starters, you can follow this guide: Take keywords from the job description. The first step to properly discuss your work experience is to take keywords from the job description and input them into the description of your work or academic experience(s). This may seem like copying to the untrained eye, but it's actually one of the best ways to ensure that your software engineer resume gets noticed. Recruiters are looking for candidates who match the JD (job description); what better way to make yourself the perfect match than by integrating the ideal skills? That said, remember to only include skills that you actually possess and that are mentioned in the JD.Add numbers. Don't forget to add figures to quantify your achievements, as this gives extra evidence of your skills. However, it's not the end of the world if you can't find out how much was increased or reduced by your actions; there are plenty of other ways to include numbers in this section. You may also wish to consider addressing the specific number of projects completed, the degree of accuracy, or the super-high rating from feedback surveys. These are other easy ways to quantify your results.Use action words to describe experiences. Resumes are all about touting what you did, not what was done to you. Ensure you appear confident and professional by writing in an active voice and using active verbs.Here are 20 sample resume action words you can use in your software engineer resume: ManagedLedOptimizedCollaboratedDeveloped CreatedIntegratedTestedConductedDesigned EngineeredEnsuredMaintainedProvidedProgrammed ConfiguredImplementedModifiedTroubleshootEnhanced Now let's check out these resume examples:Software engineer work experience example #1Software Developer, ABCTech, US March 2018 - Present-Implemented automated testing protocols that reduced testing time by 30% during internship and detected 95% of bugs in final software releases. Junior Software Developer, Facebook, UK Sept. 2020 - Present-Collaborated with senior engineers to design new features for Facebook using Java, contributing to a 30% increase in user engagement and satisfaction on feedback surveys. Final Course Project: WeatherApp (2020)-Developed an Android application that provided Columbia students with real-time weather updates using Kotlin and Retrofit, achieving over 1,000 downloads and a 4.5 average of customer satisfaction. How to List Your Education Degree programs that get your foot in the door for software engineering positions include Computer Science, Software Engineering, Maths, and (Electrical) Engineering, however having a degree is not always compulsory for these positions. That's because hiring managers are often more interested in what you can actually do and have done - not what a piece of paper says. It's therefore in your best interests, for university students and graduates, to mention relevant coursework in your education section, especially if you're an intern, fresher, or entry level software engineer applicant. More experienced applicants can omit this but should always include their place of study, duration of study, and degree achieved (i.e. Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD). Below are a few examples showing how to list your education on a software engineer resume. BSc Engineering, University of Roehampton, UK Oct. 2015 - July 2018 B.S. Computer Science, University of California Berkeley, CA Sept. 2018 - June 2022MSc Software Engineering, University of College London, UK Oct. 2022 - July 2023What Key Software Engineer Skills to Add Whether you're an intern or software engineering manager, you need an extensive array of technical skills to propel you in the industry. And it really goes without saying that the focus needs to be on programming languages. You should also consider addressing your soft skills. While they may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of the word 'Engineering', soft skills can be just as important as technical skills, especially when it comes to managerial positions. Think communication skills (verbal and oral), time management, project management, self-motivation, and collaboration as your 6 key skills to mention. Hard SkillsOperating SystemsFront-end Development (e.g. Bootstrap, AngularJS)Software Testing and Quality Assurance (QA)Coding and Programming Languages (e.g. Python, C, C++, Java, Go, PHP, Swift, Kotlin, Ruby)Integration TestingUser Experience (UX) DesignSoftware Development Methodologies (e.g. Scrum/Agile Methodologies)TroubleshootingMachine LearningAlgorithmsData StructuresOOP (Object-Oriented Programming)Web Development (e.g. Javascript, HTML/CSS, React)Cloud Computing (e.g. Amazon Web Services, Azure, Google Cloud, Jenkins, Prometheus)Operating Systems (e.g. Windows, Linux, macOS, Android)Database Management (e.g. SQL, Oracle)Git/GithubCommunication Tools (e.g. Zoom, Asana, Slack)Soft SkillsCommunication SkillsInterpersonal CommunicationProblem Solving SkillsCustomer ServiceTeamworkLeadershipCollaborationAdaptabilityCritical ThinkingProject ManagementTime ManagementMentoringSelf-MotivationResilienceAnalysisCreativityOrganizationAttention to Detail 💡 PRO TIP: You shouldn't list every single skill known to (wo)man on your software engineer resume; only list the skills you possess AND the ones that correspond to the job description.How to List Your Certifications Although we've established that a degree isn't an entirely necessary part of the application - at least in the case of software developers - your software engineer resume or software developer resume will be more impressive if you've got evidence of skills, like with a certification. While we won't list all the certifications available, here are a few ideas on relevant certifications and how to list them in your resume: Professional Software Developer Certification, IEEE Computer Society (March 2023)AWS Certified Developer, Amazon Web Services (Feb 2024)Associate Android Developer Certification, Google (Jan 2020) Should You Add an Additional Section? If your software developer resume is looking a little bare, spruce it up with an additional section that discusses your hobbies, awards, or extracurricular activities. While there is still an obvious technical focus for software engineering resumes, these sections can help hiring managers know the real you by delving into your interests and passions. It's also a big tick in your favor if you happen to spend your free time participating in hackathons and coding challenges, or volunteering as a coding coach. Tips for Writing a Software Engineer Resume1) Beat ATS by using Cake's resume builder. ATS, or Applicant Tracking Systems, searches for keywords in applications. While they're a considerable asset to HR departments with their powerful tracking skills, they can be a pain for applicants who use online resume templates, as ATS don't recognise columns, graphics, tables, and images. Thankfully, if you're using Cake's resume templates, you don't have to worry, as all of Cake's templates are ATS-compliant and will help you beat the bot. Taking keywords from the job description and adding them to your software engineer resume is also a sure-fire way to ensure your resume passes the test. 2) Attach a Cake Portfolio. Don't just leave it to chance that the hiring managers may like the sound of your resume - show them what you can do! Demonstrate the skills and achievements mentioned in your work experience with a tailored portfolio built with Cake that showcases your knowledge of programming languages, plus how these programming skills have created epic projects with epic results. 💡 PRO TIP: Whether your projects are personal or academic, make sure to share previous work that highlights your skills in the best possible way. Use the right resume format. As you'll see later with the resume examples, there are different resume formats to choose from and the best format for a software engineer resume may not be the one you think. Where interns, freshers, and entry-level software engineers are encouraged to use the skills-based resume format (also known as functional format), experienced software engineers are instead recommended to utilize the (reverse) chronological resume format. This is a great choice for software engineers that can demonstrate career progression and consistent work experience. Don't forget your cover letter. The cover letter is an often overlooked part of applications, even though it can be the dealbreaker for hiring managers reviewing software engineer resumes. While the resume provides an important snapshot into you and your experiences, the cover letter explains how all of that will benefit the position. In other words, a software engineer cover letter offers valuable insights into your personal style, motivation, and suitability for the role.5 Software Engineer Resume Examples Curious what a good software engineer resume looks like? Look no further than these 5 resume examples, which can substitute as a software engineer resume template for your application. Software Engineer Intern Resume Example Martha Win |Motivated Software Engineer [email protected] | +55 555-555 | California, US | cakeresume.portfolio Motivated and resourceful Software Engineer Intern with a passion for coding, programming, and creating powerful software solutions. Possesses a detailed understanding of 5 programming languages: HTML, CSS, Java, Python, and C++. Excited to grow technical skills in a remote internship.SKILLS Programming Built a predictive model using Python, focusing on data preprocessing and model training, improving prediction accuracy by 18%. Built user-friendly interface for a web application that was developed using HTML, CSS, and Java to help users track and manage finances. Designed an embedded system to automate home appliances using C++ and Python, testing code quality and reliability that resulted in a 27% improvement in efficiency. Communication Presented 10 projects to classmates with clear visuals and verbal communication.Collaborated with classmates to improve user experience, increase software usability that led to a 10% increase in team productivity. PROJECTS Academic Projects: Personal Budget Tracker, Smart Home Automation System, UC Berkely (2022 - Present) EDUCATION B.S. Computer Science, University of California Berkeley, CA Sept. 2022 - June 2026Relevant coursework: Data Structures Algorithms; Software Engineering; Operating Systems; Embedded Systems Fresher Software Engineer Resume ExampleJackie Jackson - Fresher Software Engineer Enthusiastic graduate of B.S. Engineering from NCCU, eager to leverage proficiency in programming to real-world applications. Demonstrated ability in software testing, project management, and optimizing operating systems. [email protected] | +8869123456 | Taiwan SKILLS Programing Implemented automated testing protocols that reduced testing time by 30% during internship and detected 95% of bugs in final software releases.Developed scripts in Python for data parsing and analysis.Proficient in Java for backend development and SQL for database management. Time management Managed multiple projects simultaneously, consistently meeting deadlines.Completed 2 online courses in cybersecurity and machine learning alongside degree program.Strategically managed progress on development of a mobile application project, organizing meetings across teams with developers and marketers to deliver the app within a 3-month timeframe. WORK EXPERIENCE Software Engineer Intern, NCCU, Taiwan EDUCATION B.S. Engineering, NCCU, Taiwan (Feb 2020 - Feb 2024) Relevant Coursework: Mobile Application Development, Database Systems, Software Engineering, UI Design Entry Level Software Developer Resume ExampleJohn Desmond -Certified Android [email protected] | London, UK Certified developer with a strong foundation in software development and a passion for creating Android applications. Proficient in Java, Kotlin, Python, and C++, with a proven track record in applying problem solving skills to improve user engagement and retention. Seeking an entry level software developer position to leverage technical background. SKILLS OPERATING SYSTEMS Developed an Android application that provided local residents with real-time weather updates using Kotlin and Retrofit, achieving over 1,000 downloads and a 4.5 average of customer satisfaction.Built an Android e-commerce app using Java, implementing user authentication, product listing, and payment processing that increased user retention by 35% with improved UX design. ADAPTABILITY Easily transitioned between different programming languages and technologies to resolve compatibility issues and optimize software performance across Windows and macOs.Debugged and optimized Android application ensuring 98% functionality across 5 Android OS versions and device configurations. PROJECTS Personal Project: WeatherApp, E-commerce App CERTIFICATION Associate Android Developer Certification, Google (Jan 2020) Junior Software Engineer Resume Example WINNIELINLE |Junior Software Engineer With 5 Years Experience Experienced junior software engineer with over 5 years of experience delivering innovative software solutions to achieve software dominance. Proven track record in cross-functional collaboration, implementing APIs and optimizing data structures. Eager to apply creative problem solving skills to exceed targets in a challenging software engineering role. WORK EXPERIENCE Junior Software Engineer, IBM UK (Remote)Nov. 2019 - Present Developed creative software solutions for MinutePlus, a CRM platform, increasing user adoption by 20% over 6 months.Collaborated with senior engineers to integrate new payment gateway into MinutePlus, reducing transaction processing errors by 10%.Contributed to the implementation of APIs using Node.js, contributing to a 15% reduction in API response times. Software Engineer Intern, IBM UK (Remote)Sept. 2018 - Sept. 2019 Assisted in developing a machine learning module for sentiment analysis, improving accuracy through optimization of data preprocessing techniques.Led troubleshooting and debugging efforts, resolving technical issues within SLA timeframes 95% of the time. EDUCATION BSc Engineering, University of Roehampton, UKOct. 2015 - July 2018 SKILLS Creative Problem SolvingCollaborationTime ManagementData Structures AlgorithmsMachine LearningTroubleshooting Senior Software Developer Resume Example WINNIELINLE |Junior Software Engineer With 5 Years Experience Experienced junior software engineer with over 5 years of experience delivering innovative software solutions to achieve software dominance. Proven track record in cross-functional collaboration, implementing APIs and optimizing data structures. Eager to apply creative problem solving skills to exceed targets in a challenging software engineering role. WORK EXPERIENCE Junior Software Engineer, IBM UK (Remote) - Nov. 2019 - Present Developed creative software solutions for MinutePlus, a CRM platform, increasing user adoption by 20% over 6 months.Collaborated with senior engineers to integrate new payment gateway into MinutePlus, reducing transaction processing errors by 10%.Contributed to the implementation of APIs using Node.js, contributing to a 15% reduction in API response times. Software Engineer Intern, IBM UK (Remote) - Sept. 2018 - Sept. 2019 Assisted in developing a machine learning module for sentiment analysis, improving accuracy through optimization of data preprocessing techniques.Led troubleshooting and debugging efforts, resolving technical issues within SLA timeframes 95% of the time. EDUCATION BSc Engineering, University of Roehampton, UKOct. 2015 - July 2018 SKILLS Creative Problem SolvingCollaborationTime ManagementData Structures AlgorithmsMachine LearningTroubleshooting Conclusion In this article, we've shown how to describe a software engineer on a resume by highlighting what technical skills and work experience are essential for applications to a software engineer position. We've covered how the essentials in technical and soft skills (like programming languages and adaptability) play significant roles in your application, plus how to make your software engineer resume pop by taking keywords - like the mentioned skills! - from the JD and putting them into your application. Remember, whether you're a fresher or an experienced junior software engineer, you can always use this handy trip. We've even gone the extra mile and provided you with 5 stellar software developer resume examples that you can use as templates. If that wasn't enough, Cake has an overflowing boatload of resources on the blog for prospective software engineers, making nailing your entire application process from resume creation to technical interview a piece of cake. With Cake, you can create winning resumes for free with our online resume builder and also search for software engineer jobs around the globe. Try it out now!— Originally written by Eva O'Mara —
Resume & CV
Sep 11th 2024

Best Claims Adjuster Resume Examples & Template

Best Claims Adjuster Resume Examples TemplateClaims adjusters don’t require specific academic qualifications which is even more reason to make your claims adjuster resume professional and impressive.Who are claims adjusters?Interested in a stable job that can earn you the big bucks? Claims adjusters are the right hand people of insurance companies and specialize in a variety of niches like property, personal injury, and automobiles. While they can be both salaried employees and freelancers, claims adjusters are still the heart of insurance companies, tasked with key job responsibilities such as:Investigating insurance claims (through discussions, interviews, research, and inspections) to determine the extent to which the insurance company is liable.Negotiating claim settlements with claimants.In other words, claims adjusters are detailed and analytical individuals with good customer service skills, which is what your claims adjuster resume has to reflect. And when the payoff is high with an average annual income of USD $63,600, you really want to express this. So how do you go about doing that - and making a claims adjuster resume in the meantime? In this article, we’ll dive into how to write a claims adjuster resume, with top tips and three stellar claims adjuster resume samples to help you become the shining star of the applicant pool. We’ve also included a detailed answer for recent graduates and career changers on what to do for a claims adjuster resume with no experience. Table of Contents:How to Write a Professional Claims Adjuster ResumeTop Tips for Writing a Claims Adjuster ResumeClaims Adjuster Resume Samples (Can Use as Templates!)How to Write a Claims Adjuster Resume With No ExperienceKey Takeaways How to Write a Professional Claims Adjuster ResumeLike resumes for other professions, your claims adjuster resume needs to have a resume profile section, work experience section, education section, certification section (this is key to claims adjuster resumes!), and a skills section. In this section, we’ll share how to tailor each section to a claims adjuster position. Resume Profile First and foremost is the resume profile, which is an umbrella term for your resume header, personal information, resume summary, and claims adjuster resume objective. Claims adjuster resume headers are short, 50-character maximum titles that head or front your resume, highlighting your key strengths and emphasizing the position that you’re after. Aside from your name, the resume headers are the first thing hiring managers see about you, so it’s important to make an eye-catching resume header like the ones below. Claims Adjuster Resume Header Examples:Claims AdjusterLicensed Auto Claims AdjusterSenior Claims Adjuster With 15+ Years Of Experience 💡Pro Tip: Capitalization Of Claims Adjuster Resume Headers Is Key For Emphasis. After the resume header comes the claims adjuster resume summary. Like personal statements, the resume summary is a persuasive two to three sentence paragraph that showcases notable - and relevant - achievements and skills. This is often followed by a resume summary (or career objective) that outlines your career goals and future motivations. While experienced applicants can choose to omit the resume objective, entry level job seekers, career changers, and individuals with employment gaps writing claims adjuster resumes with no experience are strongly advised to tag one onto their resume. This is because claims adjuster resume objectives can help focus attention onto your strengths. Here are three claims adjuster resume examples that perfectly display the resume profile: Amanda WoodClaims AdjusterEfficient and detail-oriented graduate with a keen interest in insurance and a proven track record in strategic negotiation. Seeking an entry-level claims adjuster position to apply strong analytical and communication skills that will contribute to company [email protected]| +1-555-555 | Florida, USSimran MahalLicensed Auto Claims AdjusterResults-driven claims adjuster with proven experience in handling bodily injuries, complex property damage, and liability investigations relating to auto insurance. Successfully investigated and resolved an average of 200 claims annually throughout a seven year career. Looking to leverage strength in auto insurance and customer service to drive revenue [email protected]| +447123456234 | Manchester, UKJessica WangSenior Claims Adjuster With Over 15 Years Of ExperienceLicensed Senior Claims Adjuster with over 15 years of experience reviewing, evaluating, and analyzing insurance policies for personal damages. Proven track record for negotiating personal injury claim settlements with third parties. Committed to delivering exceptional customer service to further company mission, vision, and [email protected] | +1-545-455 | Virginia, US Work Experience While skills are an important part of a claims adjuster resume, it’s really the work experience section that will make or break your application. That’s because it implicitly addresses how your past experiences are relevant to the role, making you stand out as the ideal candidate for the position as long as you do the following: 1) Understand the Job Description and Use it to Your Advantage: You can quadruple your chances of being considered by recruiters just by taking keywords from the job description. This is both a simple thing to do - it’s as easy as knowing which keywords to choose and Ctrl C and Ctrl V-ing them in - and an important thing to do, as it allows your claims adjuster resume to bypass the evil trappings of the applicant tracking systems (more on this later). 2) Use Action Verbs to Describe Your Work Experience: In addition to selecting the right keywords to match with your claims adjuster application, you also need to appropriately describe what you did. This is best done in the active voice using action verbs (like those in the table below), as this better conveys what claims adjuster skills you demonstrated, what tasks you accomplished, and what results you achieved. ExaminedIdentifiedSynthesizedSucceeded (in)DevisedReviewedPerformedCollaboratedProvidedDevelopedCommunicatedAimedLedTransformedConductedInvestigatedSettledManagedDrovePromotedEvaluatedProvidedAttendedCreatedInitiatedResolvedObtainedReduced/DecreasedIncreasedDeterminedProcessedContactedInvestigatedCalculatedAnalyzedHandledNegotiatedDevelopedAssessedImplemented 3) Add quantifiable results: While using active verbs to describe your past work experiences is a good start, it’s not enough. The only way your claims adjuster resume work experience section is going to stand the test of the recruiting team is if you add quantifiable results or achievements to your work experience, indicating how well you performed and how proficient you are in the skills mentioned. In the case of claims adjuster key skills, quantifiable results can consist of the number of accurate reports created and compiled, number of claims resolved and negotiated, number of claimants handled, etc. They’re quite easy to add to descriptions of your work experience, especially if you use this claims adjuster resume template: Action Verb + Quantifiable Result + Achievement Still not sure how to add countable results to your work experience section? Check out the following claims adjuster resume examples: Claims adjuster resume examples for work experience:Insurance Claims Adjuster 2011 - 2017GEICO, PA, USExamined more than 15 claim forms and records daily to confirm coverage for loss or damage, leading to the successful resolution of over 95% of claims within the target timeframe.Conducted investigations of claims to determine liability and assess damages, decreasing claims processing time by 25%.Negotiated settlements within assigned authority limits, reaching fair resolutions that saved claimants an average of 10% on their claims. Key Skills Claims adjusters are employees who evaluate and estimate the damages of claims for insurance companies. This is different from actuaries and underwriters who participate in the creation of an insurance product, whereas claims adjusters handle what happens once a claimant files for the compensation of a policy. While the technical skills for these three professions vary, interestingly, the soft skills are quite similar. As you’ll see in the list of 60 claims adjuster skills below, this similarity is attributed to the range of transferable skills that are beneficial to employees within the insurance sector. 30 claims adjuster hard skills:Claims ProcessingClaims HandlingClaims ManagementClaims InvestigationUnderwritingPolicy CoverageCommercial InsuranceProperty ClaimsProperty DamageProperty InsuranceReinsuranceInsurance LawSubrogationKnowledge of Insurance Policies (Product Knowledge)Legal Compliance and LiabilityInsurance VerificationAccount ManagementNCIS/RMA Crop Policies and ProceduresContract NegotiationsData Collection and AnalysisLitigationProgrammingData Visualization (Tableau, Salesforce, Google Sheets)Data EntryProject ManagementAuto ClaimsGeneral InsuranceCasualty ClaimsCasualty InsuranceRisk Management30 claims adjuster soft skills:CommunicationProblem-SolvingOrganizationCustomer ServiceTime ManagementTeam-OrientedAttention to DetailMultitaskingDecision MakingInvestigationAnalyticalLanguageManagementRelationship BuildingPersonableStrategic PlanningNegotiationPrioritizationLeadershipAdaptabilityResilienceCollaborationFlexibilityActive ListeningProfessionalism 💡Pro Tips: Keep the number of your stand alone listed skills to a minimum, maxing out at 8 skills that equally showcase your hard and soft claims adjuster skills. Don’t worry, you can always outline more skills in your work experience section. Education Claims adjusters are one of the few jobs that, on top of not requirin a specific university degree, don’t actually require a university degree at all. Yet applicants would be remiss if they omitted the education section of their claims adjuster resume altogether, because your academic background is an important indication of your transferable skills. Therefore, when listing any academic institution that you’ve attended, remember to note down the: Name of institutionDegree level (A Level, High School Diploma, BA, MSc, etc.)Degree subject(s)Dates attended For recent graduates or entry level claims adjuster resumes with no experience in the making, it is additionally recommended to include any relevant: CourseworkMinor subjectsAwards and extracurricular activitiesGPAs (but only if they’re above a 3.5 equivalent) 💡Pro Tips: Only mention your high school on your resume if you do not have a Bachelor’s or Associate’s Degree. Claims adjuster resume examples:Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) 2020 - 2024University of Florida, FL, USCoursework: Legal Insurance Topics, Financial Statements, Business in Action.A Level: Maths, French, Biology 2016Latymer School, London, UKBachelor of Business Administration 2009Temple University, PA, US Certification While you may not need higher education for your claims adjuster resume, it is often the case that you will need to gain a certification to become a licensed claims adjuster. Required certifications vary, and may also depend on the state, region, or country that you reside in. Below are a few claims adjuster certifications you can consider taking and adding to your claims adjuster resume: Associate in Claims (AIC)Associate in Insurance (AINS)Certified Insurance Adjuster (CIA) 💡Pro Tips: Freshers and career changers take note! You can always include a certification on your resume that’s in progress; just remember to note down the expected completion date.Claims adjuster resume certifications example: Level 4 Insurance Professional Apprenticeship 2017Associate in Claims (AIC)2020Associate in Insurance (AINS)(2025) Top Tips for Writing a Claims Adjuster ResumeCreate an ATS-friendly resume that beats the bot An ATS is an Applicant Tracking System that parses through text within your claims adjuster resume, importing key information into a profile. In other words, it’s an HR tool used to scan applicant resumes en masse. Unfortunately, it’s not an all knowing beast and struggles to comprehend graphics, tables, symbols, and columns, making it annoying and detrimental when using many claims adjuster resume templates found online. Thankfully, Cake’s resume templates are here to help with ATS-friendly formatting and stylish designs. Tailor the Resume to the Job and Company Everyone likes a bit of customization, and this is true for claims adjuster resumes too. So, before sending off your application, make sure that you’ve taken the time to understand what the position is for, what the company is looking for, and what you can include in your claims adjuster resume summary, objective, work experience, and skills section to make your application tailored to the job and company. Choose the Right Resume Format For You No one knows you better than you know yourself, which makes it hard for articles like this one to tell you exactly which claims adjuster resume format you should choose, because the answer is dependent on your own personal background and experience. Nonetheless, it is advisable that entry level applicants choose a functional skills-based resume format and experienced professionals a reverse chronological format, as these should play to your respective strengths. Cover Letter Cover letters are the second most important part of an application, even if they’re sometimes an optional part. This is especially true for claims adjuster resumes with no experience, as cover letters give you the chance to discuss your motivation behind applying and your interest in the company. It’s also an opportunity to explicitly discuss how your background and skills make you the best candidate for the position.How to Write a Claims Adjuster Resume With No Experience When writing a claims adjuster resume with no experience, you need to first consider your academic and professional background. Are you a recent graduate interested in developing insurance claims skills? Are you a professional looking to make a career change? The type of claims adjuster resume format you choose, as well as how you will display your skills, depends on the answer. Next, you need to add a relevant claims adjuster resume career objective, so hiring managers know what to expect from you. This is followed by the work experience section, where you can highlight academic coursework, certifications, and training courses that gave you relevant skills. Be sure to emphasize your negotiation, communication, and detail-oriented/analytical skills for this section.Claims Adjuster Resume Samples (Can Use as Templates!) Claims Adjuster Resume Sample - No Experience Claims Adjuster Resume Sample - Mid-level Senior Claims Adjuster Resume Sample Key TakeawaysThough you may not interact with them on a regular basis, claims adjusters play a very active role in our society and are highly sought after, although the process of becoming one is often restricted to those who gain certifications. Luckily for you, after having read this article, it won’t be your resume that is holding you back from becoming a claims adjuster. In this article, we’ve shared exactly how to write a professional claims adjuster resume, putting emphasis on how claims adjuster resume objectives, work experience (remember: keywords, action verbs, and quantifiable results), certifications, and skills (predominantly negotiation, communication, and detail-orientation) can be tailored for claims adjuster applications. Looking for more assistance in your applications? Cake has hundreds of articles that can help make your application process a piece of cake! Try out our resume builder for free. Sign up now! — Originally written by Eva O’Mara —
Resume & CV
Feb 22nd 2022

College Graduate Resume Made Easy with Examples and Tips

Created by CakeIn this article, you will learn about:What Is the Best Resume Format for College GraduatesWhat to Include in a College Graduate Resume5 Tips to Write a Good College Graduate ResumeSuccessful College Graduate Resume Template College Graduate Resume SampleFor a recent college graduate, resumes are extremely important. Upon finishing your degree, you’ve already possessed some great advantages that would boost your competitiveness, such as: In-depth knowledge on a subject matterHigh marketabilityBetter access to job opportunities Of course, the main challenge for a fresh college graduate is often the lack of relevant job experience within the field. But, a well-written resume for new college graduates can effectively solve this problem and distinguish you from other fresh candidates. In this article, we will be looking at how to craft a killer college graduate resume.What Is the Best Resume Format for College Graduates?3 resume formats for college graduates 1. Chronological resume format This resume format showcases your previous work experience in reverse chronological order, starting from the latest jobs on the top to the older ones at the bottom.Pros:Easy to understand.Very visible and searchable in ATS (Applicant Tracking System).Suitable for any career.Cons:It doesn’t hide possible gap years between different positions.It is not a suitable resume format for recent college graduates with no experience.2. Functional resume formatThe functional resume format stresses your skills instead of your experience.Pros:It hides possible gap years.It highlights your specialization.Cons:Your relevant experience can be overlooked.Less accessible in ATS.3. Combination resume formatAs the name suggests, the combination resume format presents a combination of your skills and your previous roles.Pros:It highlights strong skills and relevant experience.It is ideal for those who are changing their career paths.Cons:Lengthy and sometimes redundant.Not easily read in ATS. As mentioned before, the chronological resume format is not the most suitable format for fresh college graduate resumes despite being regarded as one of the most practical ones. Instead, we recommend opting for the functional resume format for college graduates simply because of its utility and how it stresses your skills. Best format for a college graduate resume There are two main formats for college graduates to send out their resumes: PDF and Word. 1. PDF Unless the job application specifies otherwise, you should always have your college graduate resume template in PDF format.Pros:It's the most efficient method for maintaining your well-designed layout.The PDF format allows the recruiter to view your resume on various devices.Cons:Hard for ATS to read PDF files.2. WordWord format is rarely required Hence it’s not recommended that a college graduate send out the resume in this format unless it’s specified.Pros:It’s easier for a recent college graduate to navigate and edit the resume with Word.Cons:It appears less professional.The layout can be messed up. How to prepare a fresh college graduate resume ✅ Advice 1: Use a skill-based resume format. The skill-based resume format (the functional resume format) is by far the most fitting resume format for new college graduates. ✅ Advice 2: Write a career objective for your college graduate resume. A career objective statement summarizes your prospects for the position and what you would like to achieve in your career. The statement should not exceed 2 sentences. ✅ Advice 3: Highlight your educational qualifications on your college graduate resume. Education and qualifications on the resume are the best shots for you if you are a fresh college graduate with little experience. Make sure to highlight them. What to Include in a College Graduate ResumeWith all the basics in mind, we are going to move on to the 8 key sections in a college graduate resume. 1. Resume Header (Personal Information) A resume header contains all the important personal information, such as your name, your title, your location, your social media, and last but not least, your contact information.Example of a resume header profile:Jonathan Lee [email protected]+41 414797121linkedin.com/in/jonathan.lee 2. Resume Title A resume title or a resume headline sums you up in a couple of sentences as a recent college graduate.. It includes who you are and what you have achieved. An eye-catching resume headline for recent college graduates should be similar to the example below:Example of resume title for a collage graduate: Recent geology graduate with cartography experience and great communication skills. 3. Resume Summary for College Graduates A resume summary highlights your background, experience, and qualifications. It is more suitable for both freshers with no work experience or experienced job seekers. Example of a resume summary for a collage graduate: Geology graduate student with 1 year of experience in researching the volcanic activities around Kamchatka. Previously organized, assisted, and partook in 5 excursions to Russia to further our team’s study. 4. Resume Objective for College Graduates A resume objective states your career prospects in 1 to 2 sentences.Example of a college graduate resume objective: Goal-oriented geology graduate who is eager to find a position in at the National Institute of Geology to apply research and analytical skills and in-depth knowledge in geology. 5. Resume Skills for a College Graduate There are 2 different types of skills to put on your college graduate resume, hard skills (technical skills) and soft skills (practical skills). Both are of great importance since skills can make up for the lack of work experience on your college graduate resume. Hard skills, or technical skills, refer to your ability to perform a task, and they can be easily measurable. Indicate your proficiency in them on your college graduate resume, so the recruiter can easily understand your value.Hard skills for a college graduate resume: Foreign languagesHolding a degreeKnowing SEOPublic speakingResearch ability Further reading:Language Skills Proficiency Levels on Resume/CVSoft skills, sometimes called interpersonal skills or social skills, on the resume are essential for you as a college graduate. They show you are capable of working efficiently with others and adding value to the company. They are skills you can acquire from various activities and courses in college before you graduate. Soft skills for a college graduate resume: Verbal communicationOrganizationFlexibilityPatienceProblem-solvingAbility to take criticismTime management 6. Work Experience Relevant experience from your previous positions should be placed in reverse chronological order. You should state the name of the organizations where you worked or volunteered, followed by the location and employment dates. Work experience example in a college graduate resume: National Institute of Geology (NIG), New YorkResearch Assistant, 2011 - 2015Conducted research in geology.Collected and analyzed data for 25+ case studies. 6. Education This is the section for you to shine. Education in a recent college graduate’s resume is the key to winning hiring managers’ hearts. Include these 5 crucial things on your college graduate resume:Your degreeYour major(s) and/or minor(s)The year of graduationName and location of the schoolHonors awards you have received You can also include your GPA if it is above 3.7 (out of 4.0) or any other relevant academic achievements that can demonstrate your soft skills.Education example in a college graduate resume: BSc in Earth ScienceUniversity of Alberta (Alberta, Canada)07. 2011 to 06. 2015GPA: 4.0 8. Additional Information Include any certifications, personal projects, special accolades, personal interests, or hobbies that can help your career.Example of volunteer experience in a college graduate resume: Volunteer interpreter at the Student Council at the University of Alberta, 2012-2014. 5 Tips to Write a Good College Graduate Resume👍 1: Tailor the resume to the role. Tailoring your college graduate resume means polishing your resume so that it fits the job description. Read the requirements carefully and understand what the HRs are looking for among the candidates. 👍 2: Make your college graduate resume concise. A hiring manager will spend a mere 2 minutes on each resume. Therefore, it’s important that your college graduate resume is concise, easy to read, and packed with relevant information. 👍 3: Refer to college graduate resume templates and examples online. Consult samples, examples, or even free templates of college graduate resumes online for reference. 👍 4: Keep the formatting consistent. The college graduate resume that you’re writing should be formatted and styled professionally, with section headings, bulleted content, and dates and locations. Each page should have regular margins at the top, bottom, and sides, as well as a legible typeface. Calibri, Cambria, and Helvetica are the best fonts to use, with a font size of no larger than 12 and no smaller than 10. 👍 5: Include hard skills and soft skills on your college graduate resume. The above-mentioned hard skills and soft skills for college graduates complement each other very well. It is ideal to mix these two kinds of skills to leave a more professional impression. Successful College Graduate Resume TemplatesShould I use a template for my college graduate resume? Yes. For freshers who aren’t familiar with how resumes are written, it’s important to use resume templates. It’s nonetheless important to modify the template a bit so that it’s distinguishable from others’ work. ✅ Pros: Easy to follow, easy to write.❌ Cons: Lacking uniqueness. What is the best resume template for a college graduate? We’ve delved into different resume templates, or resume formats, earlier in this article. One question remains: which template is considered the best for a college graduate resume? It really depends because, for a college graduate with little experience, the functional resume template is recommended. For a more experienced candidate, we recommend the chronological resume template. The chronological template is by far the most versatile one for any position because the way it lists your relevant roles and skills is better than other types of resume templates. Where can I get a free resume template? There is a wide range of free resume templates for college graduates at your disposal. Check out the following websites for more information: CakeMS Word/Google Docs (There are a lot of pre-made templates available in MS Word and Google Docs.)Cake provides the right college graduate resume templates formats for you to showcase your skills and experiences. Sign up to create and download the best college graduate resume Now for free!Create ResumeCollege Graduate Resume SampleJonathan Lee New York City, [email protected]+41 414797121linkedin.com/in/jonathan.lee Professional Summary Goal-oriented graduate with a Bachelor’s degree in geology. Previously worked as an intern at the National Institute of Geology and as a museum docent at the geological museum in Alberta and applied analytic and research skills in 10 different projects. Demonstrated in-depth knowledge of the GIS system.Education BA in GeologyUniversity of Alberta (Alberta, Canada)06. 2011 to 07. 2015 GPA: 4.0Worked as a teaching assistant for 2 years (2013-2015) and tutored 20+ freshmen. Skills Communication skillsGood work ethicsExcellent research skillsAnalytical skillsPatienceSEOGIS SystemFluent in English, French, Russian, and UkrainianCGG DigitalPython Experience Geological Museum, Alberta, CanadaMuseum Docent 2016 - 2017 Assisted in the development of programs for students.Led groups of students on 10+ research projects. National Institute of Geology, New York, USIntern 2014 - 2015 Analyzed and modeled cartography using GIS.Assessed and monitored geological activities according to their statistics.--- Originally written by Yu-Jen Shih---
Resume & CV
Feb 21st 2022

How to Write a Perfect Lawyer Resume (with Examples and Tips)

Created by CakeIn this article, we will explore:How to write a lawyer resumeWhat to put on a resume for a lawyerTips for writing the best lawyer resumeHow to write a lawyer cover letterLawyer resume sampleIn the US and many other places in the world, the terms legal advocate, lawyer and attorney are used interchangeably in a broad sense. Their responsibility is to represent another person or entity in the legal system or the court of law to advocate for their rights or needs. However, a lawyer is more like an umbrella term while an advocate and an attorney requires a more specialized training. Both advocates and attorneys represent their clients in the court of law but advocates do not have direct contact with their clients. Whether you are writing a lawyer resume or an advocate resume, the importance of a well-written resume cannot be overstated. A dazzling lawyer resume boosts your overall competitiveness among other candidates.How to write a lawyer resumeBefore drafting your lawyer resume, here are some crucial steps to follow to understand the basics. Step 1: Understand the differences between a CV and a resume.A lawyer resume briefly summarizes your experience, skills, and accomplishments. A lawyer CV is, on the other hand, a detailed summary of your affiliations, research, and accomplishments and is typically used for academic purposes. Step 2: Choose the right resume format for lawyer jobs.There are three common lawyer resume formats at your disposal.Chronological resume format: The chronological format lists your previous positions and education background in reverse chronological order, starting from the most recent ones on the top followed by your less recent ones.Functional resume format: This format stresses your competence rather than your experience.Combination resume format: The combination resume format is the combination of the chronological resume format and the functional resume format. Step 3: Refer to lawyer resume examples templates. It’s also good to start with consulting other advocate resume examples and lawyer resume examples online. Be sure to make additional changes to customize your own ones when using a lawyer resume template. Step 4: Tailor your lawyer resume for the role. Tailoring your lawyer resume means perfecting it so that it matches the requirements in the job description. Step 5: Craft a lawyer cover letter.For lawyers and advocates, a cover letter is a must because it acts as a supplement to your lawyer resume. Later in the article, we will be showing you a more in-depth guide on how to craft a cover letter for lawyers. Step 6: Proofread. Finally, have your lawyer resume proofread and checked by professionals and you’re all set! What to put on a resume for a lawyer1. Resume HeaderA resume header contains your personal information such as your name, address and your socials.Example of a lawyer resume header:Jan Kowalski Address: Chicago, ILE-mail: [email protected]Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/jankowl2050 2. Resume TitleA resume headline or a resume title is the key to grabbing HR’s attention. It should be a giveaway of who you are and what you have accomplished.Example of lawyer resume headlines:Insightful lawyer with 10 years+ of experienceWell-educated lawyer with 5 years of experience 3. Lawyer Resume SummaryA resume summary is extremely important. It encapsulates your accomplishments and your experience in 3 sentences.Example of a lawyer resume summary:Impact-oriented lawyer with more than a decade of experience in providing legal advice to avoid litigation, assisting corporations, and writing contracts. Pays attention to details and minimize all possible risks. Able to speak 3 languages fluently. 4. Lawyer Resume ObjectiveA resume objective briefly describes prospects for your career. A well-written career objective for your lawyer resume strengthens your resume.Example of a lawyer resume objective:Ambitious lawyer with 3 years of expertise in ensuring the legality and the legitimacy of transactions between corporations. Seeking a more dynamic environment to apply knowledge and expertise in business law. 5. SkillsThere are two types of skills you want to include on your lawyer resume, which are hard skills and soft skills. Hard skills are measurable skills while soft skills are practical skills.Example of hard skills for a lawyer resume:Legal writingForeign languagesProfessional responsibilitiesWills and trusts Example of soft skills for a lawyer resume:ResilienceAttention to detailProblem-solvingCommunicationNegotiation 6. Work ExperienceFor the work experience section on your lawyer resume, please use the reverse chronological order. List the name of the organizations that you previously worked at, their locations, the span of your employment and your duties and achievements.Example of work experience on a lawyer resume:XYZ Law Firm, New York, US.Legal Counsel, 2014 - 2018Negotiated and closed more than 30 collaboration contracts.Provided legal advice to senior management and managed legal risks.Developed intellectual property strategies for more than 50 corporations and individuals. 7. EducationIn the education section, you should mention the name of your study, school and the duration in reverse chronological order. If you have an outstanding GPA (3.7/4.0 or above) or accomplishments that are worth mentioning, make sure to add them too.Example of education on a lawyer resume:BSc International Relations University of Alberta (Alberta, Canada) 2005 to 2009 8. Additional Information This section is where you mention any certificates, personal projects, awards, hobbies, and other references that support the above-mentioned information. Tips for writing the best lawyer resume👍 1. Customize the resume for lawyer jobs. With so many resumes to process, hiring managers are more likely to value the ones with higher relevance. You want to put the most relevant prominent experience and skills on top of your lawyer resume where recruiters can see at first glance. 👍 2. Quantify results on resumes. Numbers speak louder on a resume. Sentences like “assisted more than 40 corporations in the court of law” weigh more than a sentence with no numbers, such as “experienced corporation lawyer” on the resume 👍 3. Craft an ATS-friendly resume. ATS stands for Applicants Tracking Systems. It scans applicants’ resumes in search of relevant keywords. Make sure you adopt keywords that are highlighted in the job requirements. 👍 4. Adopt resume action words. Action verbs are words that accentuate your skills and experience. Verbs such as “assisted”, “organized”, and “processed” are all powerful action verbs. 👍 5. Include both hard skills and soft skills on your lawyer resume. Be sure to mix hard skills and soft skills in the experience section and in your lawyer resume summary. It leaves a better impression on the readers.How to write a lawyer cover letterLike other cover letters, a lawyer cover letter is a brief introduction of you, your background, your motivation, skills, and last but not least your prospects. It can further show your enthusiasm for the job and add value to you as a promising lawyer that the resume cannot do. 1. Contact Details Include your full name, phone number, and address. You can also provide information such as your social media if applicable. 2. Introduction Greet the hiring manager, and then state your ambition for the position. 3. Motivation This is where you state the reasons for your application. Show your genuine interests in the job and career objectives that you want to achieve as a lawyer. 4. Qualification Be very specific about your relevant skills and qualifications. It is optimal to state your previous experience to back up the statement. To stand out among the candidates, state one unique trait of yours that is different from others. 5. Closing Thank the hiring manager for taking his/her time to read your lawyer cover letter. Remember to mention if there is any attachment, such as a portfolio or a resume. Lawyer resume sample Jan Kowalski Address: Chicago, ILE-mail: [email protected]Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/jankowl2050 Professional Summary Impact-oriented lawyer with 5 years of experience in providing legal advice to avoid litigation, assisting corporations with intellectual properties, and writing contracts for different parties. Pays attention to details and minimizes all possible risks. Able to speak 3 languages fluently. Skills Legal writingContractsWills and trustsResilienceAttention to detailProblem-solvingCommunicationNegotiationFluent in German, French, and Spanish Work Experience XYZ Law Firm | New York, US.Legal Counsel2018 - 2020 Negotiated and closed more than 30 collaboration contracts .Provided legal advice to senior management and managed legal risks.Developed intellectual property strategies for more than 50 corporations and individuals. XYZ Corporation | New York, USGeneral Council 2015 - 2018 Devised plans and strategies for 15+ business transactions to avoid litigation.Negotiated with 20+ corporations on contracts..Wrote contracts and policies for intellectual properties. Education LL.M. Master of LawsHarvard Law School, US2012 to 2014 MSc Political StudiesUniversity of Alberta, Canada2010 to 2012GPA: 3.7 BSc International RelationsUniversity of Alberta, Canada2005 to 2009GPA 3.9 With Cake, you can easily create a lawyer resume online, free download your resume’s PDF formats, and utilize ATS-compliant templates. Land your dream job and create your lawyer resume online (free download) now!Create Resume--- Originally written byYu-Jen Shih---
Resume & CV
Mar 3rd 2022

MBA Application Resume: Formats, Templates, and Examples

Created by CakeIn this article, you will learn about:How to write a resume for MBA admission?What should an MBA application resume look like?Top 5 MBA resume tips for business school applicationsBest resume format for MBA applicationsMBA application resume sampleAs an MBA applicant, you will need to focus on many aspects, from preparing for your GMAT exam to writing flawless application documents. With such a rigorous admission process, applying for an MBA spot takes more than just sending out the required documents, such as your application essays, transcripts, letter of recommendation, and test score reports. Additionally, you can craft an MBA application resume to provide the school with a context of what you have worked on professionally. Unlike the usual resume for job applications, your resume for your business school application should gear towards showing the admission committee what you excel in addition to how you fit the position.How to write a resume for MBA admission?🖋 Step 1: Research your desired program before writing your MBA resume. The admission committee has one goal: to find the most suitable candidates who will fit the school environment and the program. To show that you are the ideal candidate in your MBA resume, you will need to study the school’s web page and their admission process carefully. 🖋 Step 2: Choose a suitable resume format for your MBA application. Three universal resume formats that you can choose to use for your MBA application resume include chronological, functional, and combinational formats. Each with its pros and cons, you will want to review and weigh out which will benefit your resume for your business school application the most. 🖋 Step 3: Refer to MBA application resume templates/samples online. These MBA application resume examples can serve as great models of what the admission board might expect to see when they have your MBA application in their hands. 🖋 Step4: Tailor your resume for the MBA program according to the curriculum. Although all MBA programs are in the school of business, each MBA program has different resources and areas of focus. 🖋 Step 5: Proofread your MBA candidate resume. While a typo or grammatical error might seem like a small mistake in your MBA application resume, it can give off the impression that you are not putting effort into your business school admissions process and can result in a rejection of your application.What should an MBA application resume look like?1. MBA Resume Header The personal information section of your MBA resume is one of the very first things the admission committee see. For your MBA resume header, include your full name, email address, phone number, and up-to-date address. 2. MBA Application Resume Objective A career objective for MBA college admission provides a glimpse of your strengths, educational background, or work history. In addition, you can also write a clear career goal in your MBA application resume objective. Resume Objective for MBA Admission Example: Diligent undergraduate experienced and knowledgeable in marketing strategies, business models, and financial management. Seeking to enter MIT Sloan’s MBA program to gain more skills and knowledge to succeed as a marketing manager. 3. MBA Resume Education Section While there is no specific education requirement for an MBA degree, the admission committee will focus on your educational background to determine if you will fit their MBA program.Include the following information in the education section of your MBA resume:Degree typeName and location of the schoolMajor(s) and minor(s)Dates of education (month/year)GPA (if it’s above 3.5)Dissertation title Example Education for an MBA Application Resume: B.S. in ManagementMIT Sloan School of Management 2016 - 2020GPA: 3.97 4. MBA ResumeWork Experience Section As most schools will want to see applicants with experience, include your most impressive work experience examples in your MBA application resume to prove your worth. Example Work Experience for an MBA Candidate’s Resume: Marketing Intern CreatX, MassachusettsMay 2018 - May 2019Provided accurate, cleansed data for business analysis punctually, which helped eventually lead to a revenue boost of 35%.Collaborated with sales, finance, and other teams to plan out marketing proposals and strategies for our stakeholders. 5. MBA Resume Skills Section While your strengths should be reflected throughout each section of your MBA candidate resume, creating an area dedicated to your skills can help the admission board get straight to the point of what you excel in. Example Skill for an MBA Application Resume: Data AnalysisAdaptableFinancial Forecasting 6. MBA ResumeExtracurricular Activities Section The extracurricular events you include in your MBA application resume help prove to the admission committee that you can achieve more than academic work and work in general. Extracurricular Activity for an MBA Candidate Resume Examples: Volunteer for MIT’s Library DataRescueMember and Secretary of MIT’s Sloan Marketing Club 7. MBA ResumeAwards Honors Section Highlight positive impacts you have made and your accomplishments, such as awards and honorable mentions, in your CV for MBA students. Awards Honors for MBA Application Resume Examples: Awarded for the Best Marketing Strategy Project IdeaMIT’s Volunteer Honor Roll of Service 8. MBA ResumeHobbies Interests Section The admission committee love to get a glimpse of what you like to do outside of your professional life, as it reflects your personality in your MBA application resume.With Cake, you can easily create anMBA applicationresume online, free download your resume in PDF format, and utilize ATS-compliant templates to create a resume. Land your dream job, create your resume for business school(free download) now!Create ResumeTop 5 MBA resume tips for business school applications ⭐️ 1. Customize your MBA application resume for the school. Raise your chances of becoming a perfect candidate for an MBA program by personalizing your MBA resume for a specific school. ⭐️ 2.Highlight what makes you unique in your MBA resume. Take the time to think over your most unique strengths and include them in your MBA application resume. ⭐️ 3. Incorporate quantified results into your CV for an MBA application. An MBA application resume without any numerical results lacks details and information on how you have made an impact. Prevent any chances of the admission committee overlooking your MBA resume by including numbered achievements. ⭐️ 4. Use action words in your MBA candidate resume. The words you use in your MBA application resume can become a make-or-break factor for you. Choose some stellar action words to write work experience in your MBA resume to leave a more powerful impression on the admission committee. ⭐️ 5. Enhance your MBA resume by pairing it with an MBA motivation letter. Although an MBA application cover letter is optional, it can support your profile and help you stand out from other MBA applicants.Best resume format for MBA applicationsLike a typical resume for job applications, your MBA application resume should be set to a page’s length to ensure that you have down only the most relevant information for the admission board. Create an MBA resume that is easy to read by setting the font size between 10-12 pt with a legible font style, such as Helvetica or Arial. Finally, save the resume for your MBA application as a PDF (preferred) or Word file.MBA application resume sampleLiz Kiko Cambridge, MA 02139(221)-939-9393[email protected]linkedin.com/in/lkiko Objective Statement Diligent undergraduate experienced and knowledgeable in marketing strategies, business models, and financial management. Seeking to enter MIT Sloan’s MBA program to gain more skills and techniques to succeed as a marketing manager. Education B.S. in ManagementMIT Sloan School of Management 2016 - 2020 GPA: 3.97 Work Experience Marketing Associate CreatXJun 2019 - Dec 2021 Developed a digital marketing strategy that resulted in a 14% increase in profit and a 28% increase in social media followers.Maintained and updated our company marketing websites. Marketing Intern CreatXMay 2018 - May 2019 Provided accurate, cleansed data for business analysis punctually, which helped eventually lead to a revenue boost of 35%.Collaborated with sales, finance, and other teams to plan out marketing proposals and strategies for our stakeholders. Skills AdaptableAnalyticalOrganizedCreativeCollaborativeData VisualizationContent Relationship Management (CRM)Data AnalysisGoogle Marketing PlatformsFinancial Forecasting Extracurricular Activities Volunteer for MIT’s Library DataRescueMember and Secretary of MIT’s Sloan Marketing Club Awards Honors Awarded for the Best Marketing Strategy Project IdeaMIT’s Volunteer Honor Roll of Service Hobbies Interests PodcastingBloggingPhotographyTravelingMarathons --- Originally written by Jessica Sun ---
Resume & CV
Aug 26th 2025

Reverse Chronological Resume Writing Guide with Examples

A chronological resume, also known as a reverse chronological resume, is one of the standard resume formats adopted by job seekers. A chronological resume format highlights your professional experience from the most to least recent. It is best for candidates with a consistent work history in a specific industry or profession and an increase in job seniority over time.Other resume formats like functional resume or combination (hybrid) resume are best suited for candidates with significant time gaps in between jobs or frequent changes in career paths. Most employers prefer a combination resume format because it could show both the work history in reverse chronological order and the relevant skills of a candidate. In this article, you will learn what is a chronological resume, when is a chronological resume not advantageous, and how to write a chronological resume. You can also read this blog to learn all things resume! In this article, you will learn about:What Is a Chronological Resume?Chronological Resume TemplateHow to Write a Chronological ResumeTips on How to Write a Chronological ResumeChronological Resume ExampleWhat Is a Chronological Resume?A chronological resume lists your work history with the most recent or current one first, followed by the previous ones in reverse chronological order. There are many advantages to using a chronological-order resume. Most recruiters regard work experience as the most vital indicator to hire a candidate. If a candidate has the experience of working in a similar position, the employer will save both time and money to train the candidate after hiring. The chronological order of employment history is also the easiest to scan for the Applicant Tracking System, or ATS, in the recruiting process of most Fortune 500 companies. Job seekers with a consistent work history – without significant employment gaps or industry changes – would benefit most from having a reverse chronological resume format. When Is a Chronological Resume NOT Advantageous? In some circumstances, you might not benefit from a chronological template. Consider using other types of resume structures when: You are a frequent job-hopper.You have gaps in employment history.You are targeting a different industry other than the ones you’ve worked in. Other Types of Resume Formats There are three main methods to structure a resume. Besides writing a resume in chronological format, you could choose different resume templates, like functional or combination, that best suit your purpose. The functional resume format puts more focus on skills and abilities and less on chronological work experience, which works best for hiding gaps in employment history. Meanwhile, the combination or hybrid resume format includes both the advantages of a chronological and functional resume by emphasizing both the skills and experience sections while keeping the work history in reverse chronological order. Here are some benefits and disadvantages of each resume format: 1.Functional (Skill-Based) Resume FormatPros:Focus on relevant skills that could bring value to the company.Hide gaps in employment history.Good for creative (portfolio-based) resumes.Cons:Difficult to scan by ATS.Conceals your work experience, which might raise some red flags.Unsuccessful in highlighting career growth.2.Chronological (Reverse-Chronological) Resume FormatPros:Highlights professional experience and accomplishments.Easier to scan by ATS.Shows work history that is preferred and often required by employers.Cons:Requires strict and consistent formatting.Reveals employment gaps or frequent job-hopping.Less focus on relevant skills and work capability.3.Combination (Hybrid) Resume FormatPros:Showcase the relevant skills.Include relevant work history in chronological resume format.Complement employment gaps with skills acquired.Cons:Harder to organize and format for entry-level job seekers.Highlights employment gaps or job-hopping.Could be hard to digest for traditional employers. Chronological Resume TemplateWondering how to organize a resume in reverse chronological order? Here is a reverse chronological resume template for you to copy and edit in your own information:First and Last NameJob Title Email: [email protected] |Phone: (608) 555-5555 |LinkedIn: yourprofile [adjective] and [adjective] [job title] with [# of years] years of experience in [relevant skills] and/or [industry]. Looking to leverage my expertise in [relevant skills] to achieve [potential goals] as a [position name] at [Company’s Name]. WORK EXPERIENCE Employer Name, LocationMost Recent Job TitleStart Date – End Date Include 3-4 bulleted points to list your responsibilities and achievements.Avoid adding more than five bullet points unless you lack other relevant experience.Quantify your accomplishments to make them more convincing. Employer Name, LocationEarlier Job Title (in reverse chronological order)Start Date – End Date Include relevant achievements.Use past tense verbs if you no longer hold the job. EDUCATION University, LocationDegree Name, End Month and YearMajor(s)Other relevant details SKILLS CERTIFICATIONS List your relevant skills and certifications.Include both hard and soft skills.Indicate the exact software or tools you are familiar with. ADDITIONALRESUME SECTIONS Include any other relevant information if necessary.For instance, you can include: language skills, volunteer experience, publications, or even hobbies and interests.How to Write a Chronological ResumeStill not sure how to write a chronological resume? Follow the detailed guidelines below to better construct each section of your chronological resume. Resume HeaderResume IntroductionWork ExperienceEducationSkills and CertificationsAdditional Resume Sections 🖋 Resume Header In the resume header, put your name in the biggest font for employers to quickly identify your resume. Also Include the job title you are pursuing, which is likely similar to your previous job title considering you have a consistent career path (which is what a chronological resume is best for). Aside from that, include professional and up-to-date contact information for employers to reach out to you. Make sure to use hyperlinks for an electronic resume, or type out the link if you are handing in a paper resume. Adding a mailing address is no longer standard practice since most employers will contact you through email.⚠️ Reminder: Don’t include a profile photo in your resume header unless it’s common practice in your job country or industry. 🖋 Resume Introduction A convincing resume summary or objective is important as it sets the tone for the rest of your resume. An effective resume summary is written tailored to the job description, which reaches out and grabs the readers’ attention. Keep your summary within three to five sentences. Mention your job title or field of specialization, and the years of experience you have. If you are an entry-level applicant, there is no need to mention that you have no work experience in your resume summary. Instead, highlight your relevant skills, best accomplishments, and career goals. 🖋 Work Experience This is the core section of your chronological resume. Put it in reverse chronological order to demonstrate upward growth in skills and knowledge. To create a good work experience in a reverse-chronological resume, provide three to five bullet points for each experience and try to keep each line full (don’t begin another line with only one word). Start each bullet point with different action verbs to describe your accomplishments, and remember to change to past tense for previous roles. Rather than listing out your responsibilities directly, quantify the results of your achievements to show how well you’ve performed in each role to present yourself as a good fit for the position. 🖋 Education If you are currently a student or a recent graduate, your education section would come before your experience section. Otherwise, list your experiences first, and keep your education section brief.If you possess more than one degrees and want to include them in your resume, remember to write them also in reverse-chronological order. The most relevant information includes school name, location, degree, major, and graduation date. Other information to add for a recent graduate could be GPA, minor, relevant courses, honors, Dean’s List, study abroad, student organization, etc. 🖋 Skills and Certifications A dedicated skills section helps showcase all the relevant hard, soft, and technical skills you have that aren't specified in your experience or resume summary sections. Check out the job description to see what skills or tools are required for the role. Then pick up to 10 most relevant skills you have and list them in your skills section to tailor your resume to the recruiter's interest. It doesn’t have to be in chronological format, listing them alphabetically would work just fine. 🖋 Additional Resume Sections If you still have space for more sections, include any other relevant information that would showcase your working capabilities or highlight your personality characteristics. For instance, if you are applying for a multinational company in which speaking different languages would help with your career, add your language skills and proficiency levels to your resume. Tips on How to Write a Chronological Resume💡 Keep the resume short and concise. Concise wording and relevancy are two key characteristics of a good resume. Recruiters usually spend about 6 seconds looking over each resume (considering you passed the ATS scan first), and most of them prefer one-page resumes. So, keep each section short by highlighting the most important information. Ask 2 to 3 people to proofread your chronological resume and fix any unclear or redundant wording. 💡 List experiences from the latest to the oldest. Again, the main difference of a chronological resume is that the experience section is listed in reverse chronological order, meaning that you start from the most recent to the oldest. Listing in chronological format would help employers quickly grasp the value of your most recent experience and see your improvement through your work history. 💡 Tailor resume contents to the job description. The key to targeting your resume to the employer’s interest is by including information that is mentioned in the job description. For example, you could prioritize your skills or certification section with ones that are specified in the job description as qualifications. 💡 Use chronological resume templates. If you want to quickly generate a chronological resume without needing to spend a lot of time formatting it, try out resume builders like CakeResume for a plethora of free chronological resume templates. There are also some reverse chronological resume templates in Word, just search for “chronological resume” in Templates. 💡 Use the correct file format. Save your resume in the correct file format before sending it out. The most common format is a PDF file or a Word document. However, it depends on how the employers want you to send in your resume, so follow their instructions carefully. Chronological Resume ExampleCreated using CakeResumeKey TakeawayA chronological logical resume format can help you to highlight your most recent work experience and catch the recruiter's eye. It can help job seekers to emphasize relevant skills that could bring value to the company they're applying for. By following our advice, you can create a compelling and convincing resume.CakeResume is an online resume builder that allows anyone to create professional resumes and portfolios that can serve as personal web pages. With its user-friendly interface, the solution enables users to easily customize their resumes using a drag-and-drop editor and various prebuilt design templates. The platform is suitable for people of different backgrounds and levels of experience, from fresh graduates to experienced professionals.Follow us for more helpful advice on how to land your dream job! Not getting the responses you deserve? Let our AI resume checker reveal what's keeping your resume from getting noticed.Reveal Issues Now--- Originally written bySandy Tuo ---
Resume & CV
May 3rd 2021

Computer Science: Resume Examples, Formats & Tips

Computer science is one of the most in-demand majors in the job market. Jobs for computer scientists are projected to grow by 19% from 2016 through 2026, which is much faster than average, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Good job for having that advantage! On the other hand, however, the number of computer science graduates are also rising at an alarming speed, which means: competition is on its way. How to stand out from the piles of computer science resumes and win that job interview? Whether you are a CS student looking for internships or a fresher taking your first career step, here are some key tips for a job-winning resume.OverviewWhat should be on a computer science resume?How to choose the right resume format?Computer science resume examples templates (Downloadable!)4 bonus tips for computer science students What should be on a computer science resume? Generated via Cake. Click to download Lito's Computer Science resume in pdf!1. Contact information For the resume header, include your full name and key contact information, including email address and phone number. You want employers to know where to find you and hire you. It is also a good idea to add your LinkedIn profile and personal website. Employers can get to know you even more with information beyond the one-page resume. Full mailing address is not recommended. A full address is often considered too private for a resume, not to mention that employers nowadays rarely communicate via mail. 2. Resume objective / career objective Computer Science resume contact information and resume summary exampleA resume objective, also called a career objective, is a short paragraph right below the resume header that outlines your skills and career goals. The purpose is to let employers grasp who you are in 7 seconds. If you are an experienced CS professional, you might want to use a resume summary instead, which highlights your best professional experience and eliminates the career goals. Given that it should be as brief as possible, include only your top achievements and qualifications. Keep it within 4 sentences! Sample structure of a resume objectiveTitle + Core skills/knowledge + Top achievement + Career goals If you’re a student, feel free to use “Senior student majoring in Computer Science” or “CS graduate from XXX University” as your title, and look for projects or awards to count as a top achievement. As for core skills, highlight your field of expertise. Computer science is a wide field; are you skilled in software, web, network or data? Which programming languages are you proficient in? You can also add some relevant soft skills such as analytical thinking, flexibility and teamwork skills. Remember to tailor your resume objective for each different position. Your core skills and top achievements won’t matter if they have nothing to do with the job.Speak to the company missions and the job description, and make sure you are as specific as possible. How about career goals? Avoid generic descriptions such as “Eager to become a professional app developer.” Instead, do some research on the company values and speak to them. For example, if they value teamwork, write something like “Looking to contribute my programming skills in a fast-growing, passionate team of skilled developers.” Or, if they are results-driven, write “Passionate about increasing work efficiency and profitability with solid data analysis skills.” Finally, try to write your resume objective AFTER you’ve finished the rest of your resume. You can find your top strengths only after you scroll through the full page of experience. 3. Skills Computer Science resume skills section exampleEmployers hire you because of your skills. Take the chance to highlight your top skills in this section, but make sure you’re ready to prove them with your past experience or projects, and that they are relevant to the position. Resume skills for computer scientists often include 3 parts: Programming languages, hard skills and soft skills. It's recommended to include skills in all 3 aspects. Common programming languages:PythonC++C#JavaSQLJavascriptPHPHTML5Ruby/RailsReactJS Common hard skills:Data StructuresWeb DevelopmentMachine LearningInformation Systems ManagementApp DevelopmentData Analysis Common soft skills:Critical ThinkingLeadershipCollaborationAttention to DetailProblem SolvingCreativity 4. Professional experience Computer Science resume work experience section exampleHere comes the most crucial section where you show off your experiences. Start with your most recent experience and list your title, company name, and employed date. How about the description? Many people don’t make good use of those descriptions. You should. First, look at the job description and requirements. Have you done similar work? Those work should be clearly noted and placed within the top bullet points. In addition, use the exact keywords from the job description if they fit your experience. Next, use the CAR model to write descriptions. CAR (Challenge, Action, Result) modelThink of your past work experiences as multiple challenges, and your job duties as actions you took to solve the challenge. Then, describe the results preferably in metrics and numbers to show that you successfully solved the challenge. Remember: employers want to know how you can help the company. Make sure you highlight results such as “reduced crash rate by 70%”. Do you have internship, freelancer or volunteer experiences that are also relevant to the job? Treat them as actual work experience. Further reading:How to write an internship resume? Pro Tips for Students 5. Education COmputer Science resume education section exampleEducation might be a short section if you graduated more than 5 years ago. Simply list your school, degree and date of graduation. Include only your bachelor, master and doctoral degrees - high school degrees don’t mean much in the computer science field. If you are still a student or you graduated less than 3 years ago, make good use of the education section to share a little more about yourself. Details for Resume Education:Relevant courseworkAcademic performance or GPAAwards or honorsLeadership roles in student organizationsExtracurricular activities Why add those details? Even if they look irrelevant to a computer science position, they tell something about your soft skills and personality. For example, if you acted as a president of a student club, you likely have leadership and teamwork skills. If you maintained a high GPA, perhaps you know how to take responsibility and manage your time better than others. 6. Other Computer Science resume project section exampleComputer science professionals often have personal projects. Have you created a webpage or an app? Polish some of your best works and share them in a bonus section. Have you earned certifications that prove your programming skills? Consider adding a certificates section to show off your achievements. Think about your strengths and past works that you are proud of. Are they visible within your resume? If something is missing, feel free to create a bonus section to showcase your skills - don’t limit yourself to the traditional resume components. Just remember to keep it short and sweet!Further reading:College Students: Resume Examples, Formats Tips How to choose the right resume format? 1. Resume format You might heard of the 3 common resume formats:Chronological resume (or reverse-chronological resume): As the most popular resume format, a chronological resume shows your most recent experience first, and then backward through time.Functional resume: Instead of listing in a chronological order, a functional resume categorizes your experiences in terms of professional skills.Hybrid resume: Integrating the elements of the two formats above, a hybrid resume contains an individual section for professional skills but still lists experiences in a chronological order. It’s important to keep the purposes of these formats in mind. A chronological resume aims to place your best experience upfront, while a functional resume emphasizes your skills regardless of your title or employed time. Simply put, a chronological resume is the most straightforward choice, while a functional resume is best for those with large time gaps between jobs or with significant career changes. Which one should you pick? If you have both a professional skills section and a work history section, it is more or less a hybrid resume. Simply place extra emphasis on the section that best showcases your strengths. Key TakeawayNo matter which format, place the most recent or most important items first. 2. Resume layout design Given that you are a computer scientist, not a designer, it’s smart to keep your resume design simple. But simple doesn’t mean dull and boring. You can still make extra effort to make it welcoming, reader-friendly, and personalized. Why bother? Remember that recruiters only spend 7 seconds before deciding whether a resume is a go or a no-go. A nice and clean design definitely makes a good impression. Try using a customizable resume builder to save you some formatting time. Resume builders such as Cake help you easily drag and drop texts and images with clean formatting and decent white space. As for resume layout, it might be tempting to use a double-column layout. True, double-columns can often store more information without sacrificing white space, but beware of distortions with ATS. Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS)Recruiters from large companies often use ATS, an AI software, to help them organize and manage hundreds of resumes and job applications. ATS can search for keywords and even rank resumes by comparing content between resumes and job descriptions. Since ATS are robots, sometimes they can’t read columns. If you are applying for a position that might receive hundreds of resumes, perhaps you’d want to stick to a single-column layout. If you’re sure a human will read your resume, feel free to use columns to better organize your resume. 3. Resume font Again, resumes should be reader-friendly. And fonts matter a lot when it comes to reading. The safest choices are the most common fonts such as Helvetica, Calibri, Arial, and Times New Roman. If you want a more modern look, pick sans serif fonts such as Open Sans or Roboto. If you want to look classic and sophisticated, try serif fonts such as Georgia or Cambria.Either way, make sure you stay away from fonts that are too bold, too playful and too stylish such as Comic Sans, Scripts, and Impact. They are more difficult to read, which shows that you are unprofessional.Ready to build your resume? Use our resume builder to quickly and easily build a stunning resume for free!Start Now Computer science resume examples templates (Downloadable!)Generated via Cake. Click to download Terence's Computer Science resume in pdf!Like the design? Use Cake's free resume builder to easily make yourself a stunning resume. Check out more resume examples on Cake! 4 bonus tips for computer science students Have limited work experience? No worries. Everyone starts from zero. Here are a few tips to help you get a head start. 1. Treat your unpaid experiences as professional ones. Just because you weren’t paid does not mean your work has no value. As long as your work is relevant to computer science, whether it’s volunteering as a code mentor or helping a professor setup a website, treat them as internships or freelance works.2. Have little work experience? Gather your class projects or personal side projects, and make a portfolio websiteto demonstrate your skills. For CS majors, skills and projects sometimes matter more than actual work experience.3. Not sure where to find opportunities? Maybe you need to start networking. Recruiters tend to rely on referrals when looking for candidates since they save a lot of time and effort.Don't know how to network? Here are some networking tips for college students:Why Networking Helps You Land a Job: 6 Easy Ways for College Students 4. Don’t be afraid to ask for advice. Take your resume to your parents, friends, professors, or even career coaches to ask for advice. Not only can they proofread your resume and spot typos, but they can also point out some of the strengths you have that might be missing on your resume.Ready to build your resume? Use our resume builder to quickly and easily build a stunning resume for free!Start Now
Resume & CV
Oct 18th 2024

20+ Professional Tax Accountant Resume Templates and Examples

Let’s make this clear: a tax accountant is not the same as a public accountant. Sure, tax accountant resumes stand out more if they have a CPA accreditation, but it’s not an essential factor to being a tax accountant. What’s more, though the two both deal in tax returns, CPAs dabble in a wider range of tasks than tax accountants who are in charge of: Analyzing financial dataAssisting in tax auditsPreparing, submitting, and managing tax statements and returns for clientsProviding tax planning strategies and advice Nonetheless, like CPAs, tax accountants still have to have completed studies in a relevant academic background and possess a strong knowledge of tax law and regulations. Fitting this all into your tax accountant resume will impress hiring managers and help you bank a solid average annual salary of $75,562. So, where do you start? In this article, we’ll share exactly how to write a tax accountant resume, outlining what sections you’ll need and what tips will guarantee making an impression. We’ll then move onto some stellar samples, including a professional resume for entry-level applicants. Table of Contents: How to Write a Tax Accountant Resume Tips for Writing a Tax Accountant Resume Tax Accountant Resume Samples Conclusion How to Write a Tax Accountant Resume If you’ve ever written a resume before, you’ll know that there are four key sections to your resume: the Resume Profile, Work Experience, Skills, and Education section (though not necessarily in that order). However, when it comes to tax accountant resumes, we also have to throw in a Certifications section. Let’s see how all these sections contribute to crafting a professional tax accountant resume. Resume Header Important features of the resume profile like contact information (email and mobile) and portfolio links aside, the first thing you need to focus on is your tax accountant resume header. Essentially a title that you crown unto yourself, the resume header is a short phrase that sums up the most important thing about you. While experienced tax accountants may consider the most important thing to be their CPA qualification (which is understandably very important), entry-level candidates may instead choose for their resume header to be the position they’re applying to, i.e. Tax Accountant. Don’t worry, both methods are acceptable for your tax accountant resume. Here are a few simple examples that are great resume headers:Tax Accountant Resume - Resume Header Example #1Jane Doe - Tax AccountantTax Accountant Resume - Resume Header Example #2Mary Jan - CPA Senior Tax AccountantTax Accountant Resume - Resume Header Example #3Brad Doe - Senior Tax Accountant Resume Summary While it’s not a hard and fast rule, it’s generally advised that entry-level candidates focus on a resume objective, while professional candidates (those with a minimum of 2 years of experience) focus on a tax accountant resume summary. This stems from the idea that experienced candidates have more achievements that can be summarized, while fresh graduates or career changers only have their transferable skills. That said, regardless of if you’re more focused on writing a resume objective, you should still aim to be writing 2 to 4 sentences about yourself. For experienced tax accountants, this can be done through highlighting significant accomplishments, expertise, core competencies, and relevant skills.Tax Accountant Resume - Resume Sumnary Example #1Enthusiastic and detail-oriented graduate with a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting and Economics seeking an entry-level Tax Accountant position. Possesses a solid foundation in tax law, financial planning, and tax strategies.Tax Accountant Resume - Resume Summary Example #2Tax Accountant with experience in financial statement preparation, BAS completion, and tax return preparation. Proficient in using software such as QuickBooks and Xero to maintain accurate financial records and reduce errors. Demonstrated ability to prioritize tasks effectively and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.Tax Accountant Resume - Resume Summary Example #3Results-driven Senior Tax Accountant with over two decades of experience in leading tax compliance and planning initiatives for global corporations. Proven track record of developing creative tax strategies to optimize clients’ financial outcomes. Expertise in analyzing financial data, managing tax audits, and providing strategic advice. 💡Pro Tip: It’s easier to write your tax accountant resume summary after you’ve completed the other sections of your resume. Resume Objective Resume objectives, also referred to as ‘career objectives’, are when you share your motivations, goals, and/or reasons for the application. They’re seen as an important part of a resume for entry-level tax accountants because they bring the focus to your strengths and transferable skills, rather than your work experience achievements like in a resume summary. Unlike fresh graduates, the resume objective is not hugely important for experienced applicants, however it’s still a good idea to include even just a sentence about why you’re applying or what you think you will gain from this position - and how that will benefit you in the long run.Tax Accountant Resume - Resume Summary Example #1Excited to support clients in their financial outcomes.Tax Accountant Resume - Resume Summary Example #2Eager to apply academic knowledge and transferable skills to support clients in optimizing financial outcomes at ABC company.Tax Accountant Resume - Resume Summary Example #3Committed to delivering exceptional results in a fast-paced global company. 💡Pro Tip: Entry-level applicants should try to mention how they can bring value to the position. They may also wish to add their motivations for applying to the position, but this can always be addressed within the cover letter if you don’t have enough space. Work Experience Now that we’ve gotten through the meet-and-greet part of the tax accountant resume, it’s time to get down to the nitty-gritty. That is, the work experience section. Arguably the most important part of your resume, the work experience section is your chance to show recruiters how your own skills and tax accountant achievements make you the matching candidate to the job description. You can ensure this by: Taking Keywords from the Tax Accountant Job Description: In addition to accurately conveying what you did in a role, you also need to consider how to make your work experiences relate or align to the job that you’re applying to. While you could go down the implication route, it’s actually better for you to use the same keywords as the tax accountant job description in your resume. This is for one of two reasons. The first is that it helps the Applicant Tracking System (more on this later) register you as a valid candidate. The second is that using keywords from the job description makes you more attractive to hiring managers as you have, or your tax accountant resume says you have, exactly what they’re looking for. Writing in an Active Voice: Meek, unassertive, resigned,...these are all synonyms of passive, the opposite of what you should convey in your tax accountant resume. Ensure this by writing in an active voice that conveys confidence and demonstrates your accomplishments within a role. Even better, use one of the thirty active verbs in the table below, tailored precisely for tax accountant job descriptions. PreparedAnalyzedReviewedAuditedExaminedIdentified MonitoredRepresentedAdvisedStrategizedCoordinatedDirected AssistedDevelopedFiledCollaboratedEvaluatedLed ResearchedMaintainedCalculatedCommunicatedNegotiatedSpearheaded PerformedReducedManagedImplementedVerifiedSupervised Quantifying Your Tax Accountant Achievements: Though it can be hard to know the exact figure of impact, you want to quantify your achievements in your resume to the best of your knowledge, taking care to ensure that they are practical, compelling, and convincing. This is a position that prides itself on numbers and accuracy, after all. Below are a few ways to note tax accountant achievements in your resume. Remember that for each work experience entered, you need to add the job title, company name, location (or country that you worked remotely in), and employment period.Tax Accountant Resume - Work Experience Example #3Global Tax Specialist | PwC LLP, London, UK 2014 - 2022Managed a portfolio of 10 clients, engaging in oral and written communication on a daily basis, fostering strong client relationships and delivering exceptional customer service.Utilized accounting software (QuickBooks) to input financial data, ensuring accuracy in tax compliance reports.Prepared financial statements with attention to detail, leading to a 15% reduction in errors and discrepancies. 💡Pro Tip: Remember not to disclose any confidential information about previous employers. Confidentiality plays a vital role in accounting, so be cautious when writing your tax accountant resume to not land in hot water and lose your credibility. Skills Tax accountants need to be comfortable with solving complex calculations, delivering exceptional customer service, maintaining keen attention to detail, abiding by tax laws, and proficiency using accounting software. In short, tax accountant must have the following skills: Knowledge of Tax LawFinancial StatementsAccounting SoftwareAttention to DetailCommunication That said, there are a great many other skills that you’re likely to see mentioned on tax accountant job descriptions, such as the following 40 hard (technical) and soft tax accountant resume skills.Hard SkillsFinancial StatementsPayroll ProcessingPayroll TaxesKnowledge of Tax LawTax ReturnsBookkeepingCost AccountingCapitalization ItemsAccount AnalysisAccounting Software (e.g. Xero, QuickBooks, Wave, etc.)Profit and LossAccount ReconciliationRevenue ProjectionsTax Preparation and PlanningCompliance KnowledgeAuditingIRS RepresentationBudgetingFinancial ReportingsForecastingSoft Skills Communication Collaboration Adaptability Attention to detail Problem-solving Analytical Time Management Critical Thinking Leadership Teamwork Management Organization Interpersonal Accuracy Planning Decision Making Customer Service Resilience Flexibility Prioritization 💡Pro Tip: Speak multiple languages? Don’t forget to mention any languages you’re proficient in in your skills section; they can make a huge difference for international accounting positions. Education Unlike other professions, tax accountants are required to have a bachelor’s degree with a major in either: AccountingFinanceEconomicsBusiness Administration. Yes, a high school diploma won’t cut it, nor should you even mention your high school diploma on a tax accountant resume. Instead, you should mention the university you attended, the degree level (BA, BSc, etc.), program(s) of study, and duration of your study (from start to end). If you’re still studying, you should note down the expected graduation date. Recent graduates may additionally wish to include more information about their studies, such as coursework, projects, awards, or extracurricular activities, that showcase transferable tax accountant resume skills. Professionals with more years of experience may also choose to include resources they used for upskilling, such as completing certifications or courses like: Chartered Global Management Accountant (AICPA)Enrolled Agent (IRS)Financial Reporting Specialization (Coursera) 💡Pro Tips: Only mention your GPA if it’s above a 3.5 or equivalent. Here’s how you list your education in a tax accountant resume:Tax Accountant Resume - Education Section Example #1MSc in FinanceUniversity of Southern California2023 - 2024B.A. in Accounting with EconomicsUniversity of Manchester2020 - 2023Tax Accountant Resume - Education Section Example #2BBA (Bachelor of Business Administration)IE University2015 - 2019 Certifications Though not an essential part of becoming a tax accountant, many jobs do require certain certifications (normally CPA). This can easily be added to your tax accountant resume by adding a ‘Certifications’ section. While you don’t have to list all the certifications you have on your resume, this isn’t a CV, you should try to mention the most important to the application. Here are a few relevant certifications to consider applying for that will bolster your tax accountant resume enormously: Certified Public Accountant (CPA)Chartered Tax Advisor (CTA)Certified Financial Planner (CFP)Chartered Tax Advisor (CTA)Enrolled Agent (EA) Not completed a certificate yet but in the process of gaining one? Don’t worry, you can still list it on your tax accountant resume by including your expected completion date. 💡Pro Tips: List your certifications from most relevant to least. This is an example of certifications list on a tax accountant resume:Tax Accountant Resume - Certifications Section Example #2Certified Public Accountant (CPA)Certified Public Accountant Association (CPAA)Certified Tax Accountant (CITA-UK)Certified Institute of Taxation Accountants Tips for Writing a Tax Accountant ResumeEnsure you use an ATS-friendly resume template ATS stands for Applicant Tracking System, a software used to collect and scan job applications. While used en masse at large companies - meaning that the likelihood of your tax accountant resume being run through one is exceptionally high - it’s not an all-knowing system because it struggles to recognize graphs, tables, columns, images, and special characters. This means that it’s incredibly important for your resume template to be ATS-friendly. With Cake's ATS-compliant resumes you can easily avoid running into trouble. All you have to do is set aside 5 minutes of your time to choose an already ATS-compliant template, customize the text and layout, and save the file as a PDF. That’s it! Customize your resume to the job description Customization is key when it comes to getting the hiring manager’s attention and into their good books, hence why a generic tax accountant resume just won’t cut it. If you want to avoid your resume seeming irrelevant, be sure to ask yourself the following questions before hitting that ‘submit’ button: Have you conveyed the key skills mentioned in the job description on your resume?Are you using the same keywords and terms used in the tax accountant job description on your resume? If you can answer ‘Yes’ and ‘Yes’ then you’ll know that you’ve properly customized your tax accountant resume to the position. Use the right resume format for your tax accountant resume Even if you have everything in place for your tax accountant resume, it could still all fall flat if you choose the wrong resume format as this is key to showing your organization and attention to detail. But which should you choose? First, you need to consider which fits best with your experience. The most commonly used format is the reverse chronological format, which is recommended for those with a consistent work history and career progression. However, only experienced professionals are recommended to use this type of format. Entry-level candidates are instead strongly recommended to use a skills-based format for their tax accountant resume, as this focuses on transferable capabilities rather than work experience. Include additional sections You may find that the traditional components of a resume - resume profile, work experience, skills, education, and certifications - are not enough to cover everything that you can bring to the position. If that’s the case, you may want to consider creating an additional section on your tax accountant resume. This could be to include any: Projects: If you partook in a project that showcases relevant skills and achievements, especially for entry-level applicants, be sure to add this to your tax accountant resume.Awards: Whether you were awarded university-level or industry-level recognition, be sure to include this to your resume if you think it shows transferable skills and is relevant to the position.Membership: It is likely, though not compulsory, that more senior tax accountants will be part of an association, like the American Taxation AssocIation (ATA), for example. Should you belong to a relevant taxation body, be sure to mention this on your resume. Tax Accountant Resume SamplesEntry Level Tax Accountant Resume (Functional Resume Format) SAMANTHA ABLETON | ENTRY-LEVEL TAX [email protected] | Manchester, UK | +44790123463 Enthusiastic and detail-oriented graduate with a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting and Economics seeking an entry-level Tax Accountant position. Possesses a solid foundation in tax law, financial planning, and tax strategies. Eager to apply academic knowledge and transferable skills to support clients in optimizing financial outcomes at ABC company. RELEVANT SKILLS Financial Skills Collaborated with team members to streamline tax preparation processes, resulting in a 25% increase in efficiency.Utilized accounting software (QuickBooks) to input financial data, ensuring accuracy in tax compliance reports.Assisted in preparing tax compliance reports, contributing to a 20% improvement in report accuracy.Advised on personal/income tax, corporate income tax, VAT, withholding tax, transfer pricing, corporate payroll operations, corporate tax compliance, bookkeeping, and statutory reporting. Attention to Detail Conducted detailed analysis of tax documents and financial statements, leading to a 15% reduction in discrepancies.Received positive feedback from supervisors for maintaining high levels of accuracy and attention to detail.Managed a portfolio of 10 clients, engaging in oral and written communication on a daily basis, fostering strong client relationships and delivering exceptional customer service. WORK EXPERIENCE Tax Intern, EY, Hong KongJune - August 2022Tax Intern, PwC, London, UKJune - August 2023 EDUCATION Bachelor of Arts in Accounting with EconomicsUniversity of Manchester2021 - 2024Coursework: Financial Statements, Tax Law, Data Analytics Junior Tax Accountant Resume (Chronological Resume Format) JACK JONES | TAX [email protected] | Melbourne, Australia Tax Accountant with experience in financial statement preparation, BAS completion, and tax return preparation. Proficient in using software such as QuickBooks and Xero to maintain accurate financial records and reduce errors. Demonstrated ability to prioritize tasks effectively and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements. Excited to support clients in their financial outcomes. WORK EXPERIENCE Junior Tax Accountant, Divide Conquer Advisors, Melbourne, Australia2021 - 2024 Prepared financial statements with attention to detail, leading to a 15% reduction in errors and discrepancies.Compiled and completed client Business Activity Statements (BAS) ahead of schedule, ensuring compliance and avoiding penalties for late filing.Conducted bookkeeping duties using QuickBooks and Xero, maintaining accurate financial records and reducing reconciliation errors by 25%.Assisted in tax return preparation and completion for 50 businesses and 25 individual clients. Tax Intern, Multiply Converge Accounting, Washington D.C., US2018 - 2019 Supported the preparation of financial analysis, budgets, projections, and product cost analyses.Contributed to 7 special projects, demonstrating adaptability and versatility in meeting project objectives and deadlines.Assisted in month-end close tasks and tax return preparation, contributing to the timely completion of financial reporting and tax compliance. EDUCATION BSc AccountingUniversity of Maryland2017 - 2021 SKILLS Financial StatementsKnowledge of Xero, QuickbooksMicrosoft OfficeAccuracyAttention to DetailPrioritization Tax Accountant Resume (Mid-career) GEMMA LUONG | TAX ACCOUNTANT[email protected] | Virginia, US Dedicated Tax Accountant and CPA with success in preparing tax returns and compliance tasks. Demonstrated ability to meet billable hours targets within budget, resulting in a 20% increase in productivity. Skilled in client communication and engagement and possessing a strong educational background in accounting. WORK EXPERIENCE Tax Accountant, Johnson Associates Ltd. | Virginia, USA2028 - Present Prepared financial statements and tax returns for billable hours targets within budget, resulting in increased productivity by 20% within the first six months.Transitioned to working with the Senior Client Manager, engaging with clients through email, Zoom, Slack, and phone conversations, leading to a 14% improvement in client satisfaction ratings within the first year. Graduate Accountant, Harmon Associates Ltd. | Virginia, US2015 - 2018 Streamlined ledger processing procedures, resulting in a 20% reduction in processing time and improved accuracy.Successfully processed single touch payroll and superannuation, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and timely payments with a 100% accuracy rate.Prepared BAS and Financial Statements, leading to a 25% decrease in errors and discrepancies. EDUCATION BSc Accounting, Northwestern University, 2010 - 2014 MSc Accounting, Duke University, 2014 - 2015 CERTIFICATIONS Certified Public Accountant, 2016 SKILLS Revenue ProjectionsTax Preparation and PlanningCompliance KnowledgeAuditingCommunicationCollaborationAdaptabilityAttention to detail Senior Tax Accountant Resume FIONA SMITH | SENIOR TAX ACCOUNTANT[email protected] | +447127893457 | London, UK Results-driven Senior Tax Accountant with over two decades of experience in leading tax compliance and planning initiatives for global corporations. Proven track record of developing creative tax strategies to optimize clients’ financial outcomes. Expertise in analyzing financial data, managing tax audits, and providing strategic advice. Committed to delivering exceptional results in a fast-paced global company. WORK EXPERIENCE Tax Accounting Manager, Ernst Young (EY), London, UK2020 - Present Spearheaded tax compliance processes, ensuring adherence to regulatory standards and minimization of financial risks for more than 10 clients.Led a team of 15 tax professionals in analyzing financial data and providing strategic tax planning advice, leading to the development of tax strategies that reduced clients’ tax liabilities by 15%.Collaborated with senior management to develop innovative tax strategies tailored to clients’ needs. Global Tax Specialist, London, UK,PwC LLP2014 - 2020 Managed global tax compliance for multinational corporations, ensuring accuracy and compliance with international tax laws.Developed and implemented tax-efficient structures to optimize clients’ global tax positions, leading to a 30% increase in tax savings for clients.Provided expert advice on transfer pricing and international tax planning strategies. Tax Accountant, PwC LLP, Baltimore, Maryland2010 - 2014 Prepared multi-state tax returns in compliance with US federal and state law using Xero accounting software, reducing processing times by 15%.Conducted thorough tax research to support tax positions and minimize liabilities for 20 clients. EDUCATION BSc Finance,University of Southern California2005 - 2008MSc Finance, University of Southern California2009 - 2010 CERTIFICATIONS Certified Public Accountant (CPA)Certified Tax Accountant (CITA-UK) MEMBERSHIP Member of American Taxation Association SKILLS Financial StatementsPayroll TaxesTax ReturnsAttention to DetailCreative Problem SolvingCommunication ConclusionIn this article we’ve covered what makes a professional tax accountant resume tick, from how to make the resume profile pop with key information to the four main skills required for this position (remember: communication, knowledge of tax law, financial statements, proficiency in accounting software, and attention to detail). We’ve also gone over how to make your resume stand out from the crowd by finding an ATS-compliant template, customizing your resume to the JD, using the right resume format, and by adding any additional sections like any super important certifications, awards, or projects that give you a chance to highlight transferable skills. Now all that’s left to do is to start writing your tax accountant resume. Head on over to Cake’s free resume builder to get your application started, or continue to procrastinate a little with our vast selection of resources geared towards making your application a piece of cake!— Originally written by Eva O'Mara —
Resume & CV
May 21st 2024

(2024) What Is a Resume? Explore the Latest Resume Examples & Templates, Standard Formats & Writing Tips

A resume, sometimes also known as a Curriculum Vitae (CV), is a necessary formal document for job seeking process. A strong resume can help grab the attention of employers and can be the key to landing an interview. But "what is a resume?" you might ask. In this blog post, we'll share with you all-thing resumes, from its definition and types to writing tips and best practices for creating a compelling one, whether you are a recent graduate or already an experienced professional, or even someone who wants to transition to a new career, this blog will provide you with the essential knowledge and resume builder tools to create a standout resume.Table of Contents What Is a Resume? How to Choose the Best Resume Format 11 Essential Resume Section (+Examples) Which Resume Templates Should I Use? 5 Writing Tips for a Convincing Resume Example of a Good Resume KeyTakeaways What Is a Resume?The term resume (or résumé) is a French-derive word that means a summary, and that's essentially what a resume is: a one-page document summarizing applicants' skills, work experience, educational background, and information that are relevant to the job you're applying for. With that being said, “what is the primary purpose of a resume,” then, you might ask? Straightforwardly, a resume is often used to help you get a job, isn't it? True, but not really. While it won't guarantee employment, a well-crafted resume can help you secure an interview by showcasing your skills and qualifications. This one-page document is your opportunity to make a positive first impression, sell yourself, and convince your potential employers that you're the most suitable candidate for the vacancy, and demonstrate what you can bring to the table. Although it's recommended to tailor your resume to each job you apply for, some core elements should always be present. Resume vs. CV: What Are the Main Differences?In some countries, the term "resume" is often used interchangeably with "curriculum vitae" (CV) despite their slight differences: while a resume is a summary of your relevant skills and qualifications for a particular position, a CV is more about your course of life as it contains a detailed academic record that includes all of your professional experiences, certifications, publications, and achievement.A simpler curriculum vitae's definition is that CVs are commonly used by those pursuing fellowships, grants, postdoctoral positions, teaching or research positions at the post-secondary level, or in high-level research positions in the industry. While graduate school applications may request a CV, they generally prefer a resume that includes details of research projects and publications.Suppose you plan to apply for both academic and private or public sector industries; you'll need to create both documents. If you're unsure which document to submit for a job application, it's always best to ask for clarification. How to Choose the Best Resume Format There are three main resume formats—chronological, functional, and combination resume. Each format serves different purposes based on work history and the job applied for. Let's break down the definition of each so that you can pick the most suitable format that suits your needs best. 1. Reverse chronological resume Resume Format: Reverse ChronologicalResume Format A chronological resume, also known as a reverse chronological resume,is a resume format that lists your work experience from the latest to the oldest. By highlighting the most recent experience, employers can check if you've been working in the same industry or a similar position so that they can save training effort after hire. The more relevant you are, the more competitive edge you gain.This resume is most suitable for those who have been working in the same industry or the same profession and have years of experience. Fresh grads who have several internship experiences can also leverage this resume format, as it's one of the most common resume types.ProsRecruiters are often familiar with this resume format.Recruiters can scan through the highlighted professional experience more easily.You can showcase your work experience and achievements in the most logical way.ConsThe layout and format are commonly used, which makes it hard to stand out, especially in the creative industry.There is not much emphasis on one’s relevant skills and capabilities.Job-changing histories and employment gaps are accentuated. 2. Functional resume Resume Format: Functional Resume Format If you want to highlight your skills, then a functional resume format is what you should consider. Instead of focusing on the work experience, a functional resume helps highlight your skills and how they'll benefit the job you're applying for.Unlike the chronological resume format, the functional one lists your skills as the main section, with work and experience and other details following afterward. One tip for writing an effective functional resume is that the details of the skills mentioned should also be included as sub-points. If you're a job hopper or someone who's planning to change careers, changeindustry or has an employment gap that you prefer not to show the employer, a functional resume will be the perfect choice for you.Pros Highlight your skills effectively, giving recruiters more information on how you can benefit their companies. Hide employment gaps. De-emphasize the job hopping scene, which can negatively impact recruiters' decisions. Be flexible, as you can make more subtle changes.Cons It might draw the employer’s attention to the covered-up work experience. It cannot show career growth. Recruiters might not be familiar with the format. 3. Combination resume Resume Format: Combination Resume FormatAs the name suggests, a combination resume is a format that combines elements of both chronological and functional resumes, including work experience and relevant skills. It is also commonly referred to as a hybrid resume.This type of resume format is very flexible as it allows you to adjust to the job vacancy's requirements. It doesn't matter if you have much or negligible working experience; this hybrid resume format can balance out the information to present yourself better.ProsAllows you to utilize your information to the needs of a position fully.Allows you to avoid including employment gaps.Can impress employers with detailed qualifications and skills.ConsCareer growth is not shown at first sight.The design might be overcrowded if the layout is not well-crafted.Traditional employers might not accept it. 11 Essential Resume Elements SectionsA resume serves as your first impression to potential employers before any face-to-face interaction, so understanding what to include is crucial. Here are the key elements that should be on your resume and how to write them:Resume HeaderResume header is the top section that contains your essential information. Typically, it includes your full name, phone number, professional email address. You can also consider adding your LinkedIn profile and other relevant professional social media handles. Having these details prominently displayed allows employers to contact you for further information quickly or to schedule an interview.Make sure that this information is accurate and up-to-date, as it is the primary means employers will communicate with you. 💡 Pro tip:Professional headshots are optional and depend on industry, job, and company requirements. So, make sure to check those details out before including your headshot in. Resume SummaryA resume summary or bio often follows a resume header. While the header contains your basic information, the summary or bio section provides a brief overview of your professional background, fundamental skills, and career objectives (sometimes people like to opt out of the resume summary but only keep the career objectives; again, this is entirely up to you and your goals).This summary should be concise and tailored to the job you are applying for, offering a snapshot of what makes you a strong candidate. 💡 Pro tip:Avoid making vague statements; if you don't have anything significant to share about your career objectives, it's better not to mention them. By placing the summary below the header, you create a logical flow that quickly informs employers about who you are and what you bring to the table. Here are some examples of good resume summary paragraph:"Experienced IT professional with over 8 years of expertise in systems administration, network management, and cybersecurity. Proficient in managing large-scale IT projects, optimizing system performance, and implementing robust security protocols. Strong problem-solving skills with a proven track record of enhancing operational efficiency and ensuring data integrity in fast-paced environments." "Creative marketing specialist with 5 years of experience in digital marketing, content creation, and brand management. Skilled in developing and executing marketing campaigns that drive engagement and increase sales. Proficient in SEO, social media strategy, and data analytics. Adept at leveraging market trends to deliver compelling messages and grow brand presence.""Dedicated early childhood teacher with 6 years of experience nurturing young minds in preschool and kindergarten settings. Passionate about fostering a positive and inclusive learning environment that supports the developmental needs of each child. Skilled in curriculum development, classroom management, and engaging parents in the educational process. Committed to cultivating curiosity and a love of learning in every student."Educational background If you are a fresher,your educational background will be fundamental as it helps recruiters to have a general idea of who you are, based on your majors and GPA/grades.When listing education in your resume, make sure to include the school name, the attendance year, degree, and GPA. 💡 Pro tip: Only include your GPA if it is above 3 or 3.5. Here are some examples of how you should format the educational background section:EDUCATIONALBACKGROUND Master of Science in Computer Science University of California, Berkeley, CA Graduated: May 2016Bachelor of Science in Information Technology Stanford University, Stanford, CA Graduated: May 2014 EDUCATIONALBACKGROUND Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing New York University, New York, NY Graduated: May 2019Associate Degree in Communications Community College of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA Graduated: May 2017 EDUCATIONALBACKGROUND Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education University of Georgia, Athens, GA Graduated: May 2024 Relevant Coursework: Child Psychology and Development Classroom Management StrategiesEarly Literacy InstructionCurriculum Planning and AssessmentInclusive Education PracticesEducational Technology in Early Childhood Work Experience The working experience section is the main part of your resume (most of the time). When employers review the working experience section, they typically focus on four main things: your previous job title, the company you worked for, your primary responsibilities and the duration of your employment. But extra information about your achievement will gain you competitive edge.For instance, if you assisted your previous employers in acquiring 10,000 potential customers from their most recent conference, you may want to provide a brief overview of the event and outline the actions you took to achieve this result.Here is an example of how you can include work experience on your resume: WORK EXPERIENCE Digital Marketing Manager—XYZ Agency,New York, NY(September 2019 - Present) Develop and execute digital marketing strategies across multiple channels, including social media, email, and PPC advertising. Analyze campaign performance metrics and leverage data insights to optimize marketing efforts and drive ROI. Lead a team of marketing professionals in the creation of compelling content and engaging campaigns. Collaborate with clients to understand their business objectives and tailor marketing strategies to meet their needs. Marketing Coordinator—ABC Company, Chicago, IL(June 2017 - August 2019) Assisted in the development and implementation of marketing campaigns to increase brand awareness and generate leads. Managed company social media accounts to build brand loyalty and drive engagement. Conducted market research and competitor analysis to identify trends and opportunities for growth.Coordinated marketing events and promotions, including trade shows, conferences, and product launches. 📚 Further reading: Haven't gotten any working experience yet? Learn How to Include Projects in Resumes (Samples, Tips, Templates)Skills One thing you can do to make your resume go from ordinary to exceptional is to include relevant skills. The selected skills need to be pertinent to who you are and the jobs you're applying for.The skills included should categorize into hard skills and soft skills. Hard skills are technical knowledge that you can acquire through training and practice. These skills are often measurable; for example, proficiency in specific software applications or programming languages qualifies as hard skills. Meanwhile, soft skills are personality traits that make you a good fit for the position. These traits are subjective and may be challenging to quantify in terms of proficiency. Examples of soft skills include strong leadership, effective communication, and the ability to collaborate seamlessly within a team. Certifications licenses Certain professions, such asaccountant, teacher, and civil engineer require official certifications or licenses. These credentials are not only regulatory requirements but also serve as powerful indicators of your credibility and qualifications for roles with high-level education prerequisites.Here are examples of how to can include certifications and licenses on your resume:Certifications and LicensesCertified Public Accountant (CPA), State Board of Accountancy, California, 2019Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), CFA Institute, 2024 Certifications and LicensesEarly Childhood Education Credential, National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), 2022Teaching Certificate, California Department of Education, 2023 Certifications and LicensesProfessional Engineer (PE) License, California State Board of Professional Engineers, 2021LEED Accredited Professional (LEED AP), U.S. Green Building Council, 2020 Language skills Being bilingual or multilingual is beneficial because employers want someone who can represent the company overseas or work with foreign partners and clients. Including yourlanguage skillson your resume can greatly enhance your appeal to employers.Don't forget to include your proficiency level: native, bilingual proficiency, professional working proficiency, or elementary level. Be sure to specify your proficiency level—whether native, bilingual proficiency, professional working proficiency, or elementary level—providing valuable insight into your language abilities. This demonstrates your capacity to navigate diverse linguistic and cultural landscapes, underscoring your readiness for cross-border responsibilities. Awards honors Awards and honors from competitions can be an impressive addition to your resume, especially if you’re a fresh graduate looking for a job. If you received any awards or honors for either outstanding academic or non-academic performance, mention them both. Volunteer Volunteer work shows your kind-hearted personality and how you apply certain skills to practice. You can list volunteer work experiences on your resume and details of what you've done. Remember that the skills applied in volunteer work should be related to the position you're applying for.Here's how you can include volunteer experience on your resume:Animal Shelter Volunteer Assisted with daily care tasks such as feeding, cleaning, and exercising animals.Provided support during adoption events, interacting with potential adopters and facilitating successful matches.Utilized strong communication skills to educate visitors about responsible pet ownership and shelter programs. Relevant Skills Demonstrated: Animal care and handlingCustomer serviceCommunication skillsTeamwork and collaboration Publications If you've written a thesis, contributed to a journal or research, or published books, articles, or news, you can provide information about these publications on your resume. This illustrates professional knowledge of a certain topic and can be part of your portfolio. Projects Including details of projects you've worked on on your resume provides employers with valuable insights into your accomplishments and practical application of skills.This not only showcases your abilities but also offers employers a clearer understanding of your level of experience.For recent graduates or individuals with limited work experience, elaborating on projects can serve as a substitute for traditional work experience, demonstrating your capability to undertake real-world tasks and contribute meaningfully to projects. By highlighting specific project contributions and outcomes, you effectively convey your potential and readiness to excel in a professional setting. Which Resume Templates Should I Use?Created by CakeWhen applying for a job, having a well-crafted resume can help you stand out among other applicants. The layout and design of a resume can make a significant difference in how potential employers receive it. Therefore, it's crucial to choose a resume template that is both visually appealing and functional.Opt for a resume template that:1) Clear and Easy-to-Read Format:Utilizes clean and modern design elements to enhance readability.Consistent formatting and organization for a professional appearance.Adequate white space to avoid clutter and improve visual appeal.2) Sections for Key Information:Education: Includes details of academic qualifications, such as degrees, diplomas, and certifications. Work Experience: Highlights professional background, with clear details of your job titles, company names, dates of employment, and key responsibilities. Skills: Showcases relevant technical and soft skills essential for the targeted job role. Accomplishments: Provides space to highlight notable achievements and contributions in previous roles.3) Emphasis on Skills and Experience: Prioritizes showcasing relevant skills and experiences tailored to the job requirements. Utilizes action verbs and quantifiable achievements to demonstrate competency and effectiveness. Highlights transferable skills and experiences applicable across various roles and industries.4) Customizable and Versatile: Allows for easy customization to tailor the resume to specific job applications.Adaptable to showcase diverse skill sets and experiences for different career paths.Compatible with applicant tracking systems (ATS) for seamless resume submission and parsing. Cake offers a diverse selection of 50+ free ATS-friendly resume templates and snippets designed to meet your needs. With our intuitive drag-and-drop editor, you can easily customize your resume by rearranging sections to your liking. The best part? You can download your finalized resume in PDF format at no cost or share it online with ease. Ready to elevate your job application? Sign up for Cake today!5 Writing Tips for a Good Resume Here are some tips that not only create an outstanding resume but will also help you look good on a resume: 1. Customize your resume to match the job description While your resume is meant to showcase who you are as a potential employee, employers also have specific requirements they seek in candidates. As such, it's crucial to tailor your resume to include relevant information that aligns with the job description while excluding those that don't. 2. Proofread again and again Given the high number of resumes that hiring managers receive, they can easily spot even the slightest error. Thus, to avoid such mistakes, always proofread your resume before submitting it. 3. Utilize action words Action words are constructive in showcasing what you have done in previous jobs. Thus, utilizing them when highlighting your skills and achievements is advisable as they can significantly impact how employers view and understand you. 4. Use relevant keywords For big companies that receive thousands of resumes,Applicant Tracking Software (ATS) can help filter out applications by identifying keywords that match the job requirements. Therefore, incorporating relevant keywords is crucial. The best way to identify relevant keywords is by referring to the job description for skill-related keywords and incorporating them accordingly. 5. Maintain a clean and well-organized resume format A well-organized resume format can enhance readability and help hiring managers locate information quickly. Here are some guidelines to follow: Maintain 1-inch margins on all sides of the document.Use an appropriate font size (11pt or 12pt) and style.Group related information under different sections for better viewing.Use bullet points to highlight key details. 📚 Further reading:10 Best Resume Fonts for ATS-friendly Resumes (Correct Font Size, Type, Style)Resume Example Now that you know what to include in a resume, all about resume templates and format, it’s time for us to show you what a concise resume should look like! Check this out: Peter Simson Developmental Editor 098-1234567 Taoyuan city [email protected] RESUME SUMMARY A 3-year experience English lecturer at National Taiwan University(NTU). Seeking a career change to a developmental editor to extend my skills into different fields. Planning to join the editor field and help authors refine their works while learning more different skills. WORK EXPERIENCE English Lecturer National Taipei University (NTU) 2016 - 2022 Taught university students English writing classes.Judged and organized English writing competitions.Counseled students who needed help. Freelance Translator 2015 - 2020 Translated advertisements for multiple companies.Proofread translation works from other translators.Focused on English - Chinese translations. EDUCATION National Taiwan University (NTU)Foreign Languages and Applied Linguistics2012 - 2015 GPA 3.9/4.0 SKILLS Hard Skills: Microsoft OfficeCommunication skillsTime management skillsOrganizational skillsAttention to detail Soft Skills: Problem-solving skillsEmotional intelligenceOpenness to feedbackPatienceEnthusiasm Language Skills: English: FluentChinese: NativeFrench: IntermediateKey TakeawaysNow that you know the resume definition, here are some key takeaways that you should keep in mind: a resume is a critical document that summarizes your education, work experience, skills, and achievements. It is an essential tool that helps you present yourself to potential employers and showcase your suitability for a specific job position. The information presented in your resume should be tailored to the job description to demonstrate how you can add value to the organization. Cake is a free online resume builder that is useful for anyone looking to create an online presence, whether you’re a recent graduate, a freelancer, or an established professional looking to showcase your work. With the help of Cake’s rich library of resume templates and online resources, crafting an outstanding, ATS-friendly resume has never been easier. Following the tips and guidelines outlined in this blog, you can create a compelling resume highlighting your unique skills and experience, increasing your chances of landing your dream job.Cake is aresume builder that allows users to create professional online resumes and portfolios, which can also serve as personal web pages. With its simple and intuitive interface, users can effortlessly build their professional online resumes and portfolios and showcase their skills and accomplishments to potential recruiters and employers. Create Resume --- Originally written by Ryan Goh---

Resume Builder

Build your resume only in minutes!