Created by CakeResumeYou'll learn:Where How to Write Achievements in a Resume/CV10 Personal Achievements Examples15+ Academic Sport Achievements Examples30+ Professional Achievements Examples5 Tips for How to Write Achievements in ResumeResume achievements are work successes that are both measurable and unique to an applicant’s experience. Achievements in resumes are often undermined as many applicants struggle to think of key achievements to list on their resumes. Adding achievements or awards on resumes can show your prospective employer how well you have performed in the past. Additionally, most employers who seek out particular talents are aware of your experience and previous job descriptions. Therefore, listing achievements on your resume can increase your chances of getting noticed by recruiters.🔎 What are the differences between achievements and accomplishments?An achievement is a set of unique skills, activities, and measurable results or benefits. An example of achievement can be revenues you generated for the company. On the other hand, an accomplishment refers to an individual’s internally motivated target. For example, a fresher accomplishment can be elected leader in the environmental club. Where How to Write Achievements in a Resume/CVHow to write achievements in a resume? Writing resume achievements for the first time can be a bit overwhelming. One of the most detrimental mistakes applicants often make is listing old and irrelevant achievements in resumes. Moreover, some achievements may reveal sensitive and exaggerated information, which can cause rejections from recruiters or prospective employers. 🧠 To avoid the above mistakes, you can start by generating ideas from the following questions:Have achieved something for any companies?How did you reach the goals?In what timeframe have you achieved the goal?How often did you surpass the goal? The purpose of answering these questions is to demonstrate your past successes in measurable and quantifiable metrics. Where to include achievements in a resume? You can include your achievements in the following resume sections:Work Experience SectionResume Summary/ObjectiveProjects SectionEducation SectionAwards Achievements Section 1. Work Experience Section Listing your work experience in quantifiable accomplishments can help employers see why you are a successful candidate to be considered for the job. Example of the work experience section:BeautiB | Chicago, ILGraphic Designer2017 - current Led a FinTech project and boosted at least 50% revenue for the client.Contributed to in-house webpage and received 2018 Shopify Design Award. Ldd inc | Miami, FLManagement Consultant2015 - 2018 Created new CRM roadmaps that increased task productivity by 20%.Improved business strategies and raised revenue by $3 million in one year. Biyer | Brunswick, MECustomer Assistant2017 - 2020 Responsible for $50,000 revenue per annum.Developed a new customer success protocol and increased customer satisfaction rate by 45%. 2. Resume Summary/Objective Resume summary or objective is the first section recruiters look at, so it can be a great place to include your key achievements in this section.Example of the resume summary:Recent graduate student with a Masters of Science in Psychology and 3+ years of on-campus counseling experience. Seeking a position as an occupational counselor at X company to improve industry culture and problem-solving skills.Sales manager with 5+ years of experience in international sales. Recently made a 50% revenue increase at Z Company. Looking for new challenges in a diverse salesforce to bring leadership and passion.Creative graphic designer with 3 years of experience creating 200+ logos, website designs, and storyboards. Excelled in Adobe and Figma. Awarded Best Graphic Design Elements by Interactive Design Foundation in 2020. 3. Projects Section The Projects section highlights your past projects, and therefore it is a great section to implement your key achievements.Example of the projects section:Project: Supervised a team of front-end developers with ScrumMeSystems | October 2020 Add 5 new website features with scrum and kanban practice.Transformed the project that was stagnated for 3 years with 40% improvement of KPI. Project: Marketing campaign for organic coffeeCoffeeMe | September 2020 - December 2020 Adopted strategic marketing initiatives and improved eight different organic coffee products.Hired and trained five team members to achieve 85% audience engagement on SoMe platforms. Project: Updated finnflow.com content internal systemFinnflow | October 2019 - December 2019 Created a new system and improved content management system speed by 50%.Rebuilt the internal system and improved the error rate by 69%. 4. Education Section You can add academic achievement examples in the education section to highlight your key achievements as a fresher.Example of the education section:Windows High School | Windows, VADiploma, 2019 (GPA: 3.8) The lead of the Marching BandHonors Student Award in 2018 Iowa State University | Iowa, IAB.A. in Accounting (2017 - 2021) President of the Environmental Club from 2018 to 2020Member of the student council from 2018 to 2021 California State University | Long Beach, CAB.A. in Literature (2017 - 2021) Certification in Poetry Writing, Coursera (2019).Chief Editor of the University Newsboard from 2017 to 2020 5. Awards Achievements Section The awards and achievements section is useful if you have a handful of impressive achievements to show the recruiters and prospective employers.Example of the awards achievements section:UI Designer Visual design packaging award (2015)Program representative at Long Beach Design School (2015 - 2016) Product Manager Implemented Waterfall methodology resulted in a 200% increase in company revenue.Launched five new products in 2 years at XY company. Career Coach Featured in Best Career Coaching Service in International Coaching Federation.Developed a career program at Employee Special School from 2015 to 2016. 10 Personal Achievements ExamplesPersonal achievements can be awards, competitions, volunteering, and any sports events you have achieved in the past.Here are 10 personal achievement examples for your reference: Completed 200 hours of prison mentoring service for Prison A Service.Completed 3 marathons for breast cancer.Learned 2 different programming languages independently.Elected captain for the local soccer team.Leader of the local feminist active group in the past year.Helped with 2 different political campaigns.Taught the English language at an orphanage without costs.Received 2 college scholarships for excellence.Ran a FinTech startup for the last 6 months.Learned to dance the Tango in 6 months.15+ Academic Sport Achievements ExamplesMany freshers worry that they do not have enough experience to make a list of meaningful achievements. However, achievements in resumes for freshers can be any activities, projects, or team sports applicants have experienced during their college years. These achievements to put on resumes don’t have to be medals or awards. It can be an experience where you demonstrate growth, leadership quality, and teamwork.Here are 10 examples of academic achievements in resumes: Elected member of student council between 2012 to 2014.Won The President’s Award, 2004.Won the Foreign Language Award for the Spanish language.Delivered outstanding presentations that were awarded for Outstanding Class Participation.Participated in a local college science fair between 2014 to 2017.Developed a case study for Changing the Environment with Advancing Equal Rights now regularly adopted by the local environmental club.Published my undergraduate thesis in Nature, titled “the moral implications of the pandemic”.President of the college student board from 2015 to 2018.President of the college debate team.Chief Editor of the college newspaper from 2015 to 2016. 10 examples of sports achievements to put on resume: Captain of the college football team and attended the university football tournament from 2014 to 2015.Played tennis from 2014 to 2016 and was elected co-captain by the tennis team in 2016.Received full Alabama Golf Association Women’s Scholarship Fund.Devoted 20 hours per week to coach local school girls tennis.Gained valuable team-building experience by becoming a member of the local female soccer team from 2015 to 2018.Led 5 tours of athletic facilities to prospective student-athletes and their families.Trained junior co-captains of the college football team in 2016.Committed approximately 20 hours per week to training ping-pong with the college ping-pong team.Hosted and organized events for Doe College Athletic Department from 2016 to 2018.Volunteered to lead yoga classes for beginners without charge. 30+ Professional Achievements ExamplesExamples of professional achievements for different jobs:Project Manager AchievementsAccountant AchievementsCustomer Service AchievementsSales Representative Achievements ExamplesAchievements of an Administrative AssistantHuman Resources Accomplishments ExamplesMarketing Achievements ExamplesTeacher Achievements ExamplesNurse Achievements ExamplesGraphic Designer Achievements Examples1. Project Manager Achievements Led Unique Talent Acquisition Team and saved $5000 in operation costs.Developed three database management programs.Hired and trained three new team members based on various project needs. 2. Accountant Achievements Identified and fixed recurring accounting problems and saved $1.2 million a year.Performed detailed cost analysis and saved the company $1.5 million from 2014 to 2017.Prepared tax returns for 100+ clients. 3. Customer Service Achievements Reorganized warehouse design and reduced inventory time by 20%.Made 15% more retail sales from the previous year.Improved customer satisfaction rate by 20% in the last 6 months. 4. Sales Representative Achievements Examples Maintained 50+ customer relations to improve company image.Exceeded sales target by 20% and gained 20 new clients.Made 100 cold calls daily to expand customer database. 5. Achievements of an Administrative Assistant Developed new administrative policies and reduced 50 hours on scheduling appointments for the company.Trained two new interns in various office tasks.Maintained and organized 5+ meetings every week. 6. Human Resources Accomplishments Examples Led a talent acquisition team and made 50 successful new hires for the company.Developed a new hiring protocol and saved the time for the hiring process by 20% for the company.Researched and adapted new benefits programs for employees and increased employee satisfaction rate by 7%. 7. Marketing Achievements Examples Successfully carried out Y marketing campaign and decreased the budget by 5%.Managed marketing campaigns for 4+ SaaS clients in FinTech.Created 10 different marketing strategies for company X. 8. Teacher Achievements Examples Created two new teaching methods and improved students’ overall exam records by 20%.Guided and supported over 20 SEN students to improve special needs program.Reinforced and maintained classroom management by incorporating 5 seminars per week. 9. Nurse Achievements Examples Supervised intensive patient care unit 3 days per week.Earned the Best Nurse Award at X Hospital from 2015 to 2018.Assisted and supported two different teams to provide care to residents at all times. 10. Graphic Designer Achievements Examples Developed 300+ new logo designs for various in-house and international projects.Boosted customer satisfaction rate by 20%.Trained and guided three new interns for in-house design tasks. Don't let resume mistakes hold you back. Scan your resume with our AI checker and get personalized recommendations to land more interviews.Scan Now5 Tips for How to Write Achievements in Resume💡Use descriptive resume adjectives. Descriptive resume adjectives are action words that can describe your resume achievements in a short and powerful manner. 💡Use quantifiable results. Use metrics such as time, money, and percentages to quantify achievements in your resume. 💡Mention any relevant awards. Make sure to include relevant awards that can complement your work experience as achievement examples. 💡Know the difference between achievement and responsibilities. Resume achievements describe how well you did the task or project, while responsibilities plainly describe what you did. 💡 Use powerful keywords for your resume achievements. Recruiters often use keywords to search for their ideal candidates and thus conducting a keyword search can benefit you from standing out in their search. 🔑 Key Takeaways:In this article, you learned that adding achievements to resumes is a good way to emphasize your success. Importantly, resume achievements should be quantifiable and relevant to the job description. If you are struggling to add achievements in the correct format, check out CakeResume’s templates to see how others did it.--- Originally written by Diana Shih ---

Created by CakeResume"Never place your hobbies or interests on the resume or CV."If you ask most recruiters and hiring managers now, you'd hear this. Well, this statement is true to some extent. But did you know that if done correctly, hobbies and interests can help you stand out from other candidates?Other than checking if you're qualified enough through your work experience, achievements, and skills, many recruiters will look at the hobbies and interests section and evaluate if they will be the perfect match for the role and the company's culture. So the questions here are, "How do they know if YOU are thecandidate that suits the position AND the company culture?", and "For which vacancy should you include the hobbies and interests?".In this article, we will answer everything related to the hobbies and interests on resumes and CVs—the appropriate circumstances to includehobbies and interests on a CV, how you should list hobbies and interests on your resumes/CVs, a list of interesting hobbies and interests to include in resumes/CVs, and more expert tips on writing hobbies and interests for CV. TABLE OF CONTENTSShould You Put Interests and Hobbies on a resume/CV?How to Put Hobbies and Interests on a Resume/CVBest Hobbies and Interests to Put for a Resume/CV (50+ Examples)5 Tips for Writing Hobbies and Interests on a Resume/CVShould You Put Interests and Hobbies on a Resume/CV?Recruiters typically spend less than a minute reviewing a resume or CV, which means it's crucial to include all necessary information within the limited space of your resume or CV.With that being said, there are specific circumstances where you can have your personal interests on your CV.💡 Tips:While hobbies are activities that you enjoy doing in your spare time. Interests, on the other hand, are things or subjects that fascinate and pique your curiosity. You might be interested in art, but you can't say art is your hobby. 1. When theHobbies in Your Resume/CV Match the Job Requirement This is the most important point to remember when considering including a hobbies and interests section on your resume/CV. Say you're applying for a position in a marketing and advertising firm and one of your hobbies happens to be painting and sketching. Those examples of hobbies on your CV are good because it shows that you understand design and visual art.2. When Space Is Not an Issue on Your Resume or CVHaving a "Hobbies/Interests" section in your CV is always better than an empty space. Leaving a significant blank area on your resume/CV will make you look like you don't have anything to offer on the table, and no one will perceive it positively. 3. When You Have Little to No Work Experience For fresh-out-of-college job seekers, one of the ways to grab the hiring manager's attention is with an eye-catching field of interest in your CV.📚 Further reading:3 Tips to Write a Professional Resume for Freshers Just Out of College 4. When the Job Ad Specifically Asks You to Include Your Hobbies and Interests on Your Resume/CV When the job post specifically asks you to include your hobbies and interests on your resume/CV, it's non-negotiable. But remember only to put relevant hobbies and interests that reinforce your skill sets. 5. When the Employer Seeks Unique Individuals to Their Team Some companies highly value personalities that can enrich the work environment. Thus they will prefer someone who is not only professionally qualified but also who gets the company's morals.Some Other Reasons Why You Should List Down Your Hobbies and Interests on Your Resume/CV Having a hobbies and interests section on your CV will allow you to show recruiters that you are, after all, just a human being with different passions, likes, and dislikes. The interests, hobbies, and even other activities on your CV can also reflect qualities that the company might find valuable and help you stand out from other candidates. Moreover, the area of interest in your CV can amplify your work experience and/or educational background. It can also be another means for you to demonstrate the characteristics and skills that the employer requires. And lastly, another benefit of having your hobbies and interests listed on your CV is it will make it easier for the hiring manager to approach you since your field of interest has complied with the company's culture. How to Put Hobbies and Interests on a Resume/CV 1. Read the Job Description Carefully To understand the required skills for a job, carefully read the job description. This will help you identify the interests and hobbies that align with the job's requirements. Additionally, some companies provide an "about the company" section in their job description. By picking out keywords related to the company's values, you can include them in your hobbies and interests section and catch the recruiter's attention. 2. Always Research about the Company Go to their website and other social media accounts to check out what they promote (outside of their products and/or services). For instance, major corporations usually have to publish a CSR report annually, and from these reports, you can analyze what the companies value most. 3. Make a List of Hobbies and Interests and Select the Most Suitable Ones Write every hobby and interest you have, go over them and examine which ones will make you look good if you incorporate them in your CV’s interests and hobbies field. Now that you've selected the interests and hobbies to be put on your CV, you might wonder, what to write for interests and hobbies in a CV? "Can I just write 'video games' or 'a foodie' in the area of interest on my CV?" First off, there is no right or wrong way to write hobbies and interests in a CV. However, there are always better ways to present them, let's look at the below section! 4. Use Bulleted Point Using bullet points to list hobbies and interests in your resume and CV is the simplest way and it is straightforward. But at the same time, it is unclear and can come across as lazy. Because there is no further explanation when you opt to write with the bulleted list, whatever you put is a free interpretation depending on the reader. Here’s an example of hobbies and interests for CV using bullet points: HOBBIES INTERESTS PhotographyTravelPlaying ChessOutdoor activitiesDancing So what's other way for you to include your hobbies and interests while provide further clarification? The answer is to adopt an expanded bullet list. This way, you can elaborate your hobbies and interest on your resume and CV – what the hobby/interest entails, how the specific hobby/interest contributes to your skill set, or how long you have been involved in this area of interest, to name a few. However, this type of writing can take up a lot of space, so be aware of that. Here’s an example of hobbies and interests for CV using expanded bullet points: HOBBIES INTERESTS Nature and sports: join monthly hiking with Outdoor Enthusiast Club, 5 years of playing basketballFood blogging: write restaurant reviews, photograph food, and compose cooking and baking recipesParticipate in weekly recycling in the local community and monthly beach clean-up dayTake the guesswork out of resume writing. Our AI resume checker analyzes your resume against industry standards and provides instant feedback.Get Feedback Best Hobbies and Interests to Put for a Resume/CV (50+ Examples)So, we guess now you have enough information to decide whether or not you should include interests and hobbies and how to put them in your resume/CV. When do it right, this section can tell a lot about you as a person. Hence, you'll want to create an appealing narrative by choosing the right hobbies and interests for your resume and CV. So, what are the best hobbies and interests to include on a resume and CV? Don't worry, we've compiled a list of the interesting hobbies and interests that should be included to your resume and CV. Consider each one and think of what narrative they will say about you. Good hobbies and interests for CV examples to show teamwork skillsSoccerRock-climbingBasketballParticipating in local community theater/musicalVolleyballGood hobbies and interests for CV examples to show analytical thinking skillsWritingPlaying chessComposing musicSketchingLearning sign languageGood hobbies and interests for CV examples to show interpersonal skillsMixologyLanguage exchange meet-upsBook clubVolunteering at an animal shelterJoining a choirGood hobbies and interests for CV examples to show patienceDecoupageGardeningKnittingTai chiYogaGood hobbies and interests for CV examples to show marketing skillsHost a podcastPhotographyHosting dinner partiesPersonalCopywritingGood hobbies and interests for CV examples to show problem-solving skillsBuilding puzzles and legosBoard games enthusiastTinkering appliances/gadgetsSculpture makingWoodworkingGood hobbies and interests for CV examples to show determinationCampingTriathlonPotteryCalligraphyCookingGood hobbies and interests for CV examples to show intelligenceLearning new languagesGeocachingUpcycled DIY projectCrossword puzzlesSudokuGood hobbies and interests for CV examples to show technology-savvy skillsCodingPersonal blog/web designStrategic video gamesBuilding PCVideography (with DSLR and drone)Good hobbies and interests for CV examples for a fresher CVFootballDancingVolunteering at a retirement homeBakingSolo traveling5 Tips for Writing Hobbies and Interests on Your Resume/CVWe're glad that you stick with us until the end of this article. We're almost done, just a few more insider tips for you. Then, you can start making your resume and CV complete with the hobbies and interests section. 💡 Be specific. Try to leave as little ambiguity as possible to prevent the hiring manager from perceiving your hobby or interest negatively. 💡 Be efficient. Although you need to be specific, don't elaborate the interests in your resume/CV with too many words that it starts taking too much space. Work with the space you have left. 💡 No exaggeration. List 3-5 hobbies and interests for a CV. The hobbies and interests section on your CV might help you stand out, but it's not the main selling aspect of your CV, so it’s best to keep them short. 💡 Place it at the bottom of your CV. The list of hobbies and interests on your CV, your hobbies and interests section should always be put last as they serve more as an addition. You might even consider not including them at all if you have more important things to add to your CV. 💡 Avoid violent or dangerous hobbies and interests in your CV. To avoid bias and discrimination, you shouldn’t include the below types of hobbies and interests:❌ Hobbies and interests that seem violent and dangerous.❌ Hobbies and interests that portray signs of antisocial behavior.❌ Hobbies and interests that disclose sensitive information such as religious affiliations, sexual orientation, political views, etc. 🔑 Key Takeaways:Although it might seem like an easy section to fill out, the hobbies and interests section should be well-curated just like the rest of your resume/CV contentPersonal interests on a resume and CV should be done attentively and intentionally because you want them to speak to the recruiter, that they strengthen your skills to fulfill the job position, and resonate with the company's culture. Ultimately, a perfect resume/CV is one that is the most relevant to the job. --- Originally written by Teresa Edria---

Created by CakeTABLEOFCONTENTSShould I Include Unfinished Education on My Resume?How to Put Unfinished Degree on a Resume/CVTips on How to Add Unfinished Education to a ResumeHow to Boost Your Resume/CV with No or an Unfinished College DegreeYou're looking to get into your dream career, but don't have a degree or it’s still in progress. You think this hinders your job prospects and start asking yourself the following questions:"What can I do?""How to write an unfinished degree on my resume?""Should I put my unfinished education on my resume?"Such questions may arise, along with what employers might think when they see an unfinished degree on a resume. However, there is no need to worry. Lacking academic credentials should not undermine your value as a candidate. Whether you didn’t complete your degree or you are currently getting one, this article will provide tips and examples on how to list an unfinished degree on a resume.Should I Include Unfinished Education on My Resume?You may think including an unfinished degree on your resume may not be appealing to employers, and you are concerned about what they might think of you. However, this is wrong as readers may have a different outlook once they glance at your resume. Moreover, having an unfinished degree on your resume is not the worst-case scenario if you know in what situations you can list an incomplete degree on your resume.When You Should Put Unfinished Degrees in Your Resume The incomplete education is related to the position. This is usually a wise practice, as your previous education in the field may be related to your future profession. Even if it’s an unfinished degree on your CV/resume, it displays your education is still relevant to the position. You lack relevant education or training in the job. If you do not have any previous education or training, you may not have enough experience in the field of work for which you are applying. However, this is not the same as having no qualification at all. If your qualifications are limited, listing an unfinished degree on your resume is better than displaying no education at all. There is a significant gap in your work history. This issue should be addressed by showing you were studying or doing something productive to cover the gap. Even if the unfinished degree on your resume is not relevant to the job, it is better to have it in your resume/CV than not having anything at all. You are currently still pursuing the degree. When it comes to listing an ongoing degree on a resume, consider listing the name of degree, school name, and mention it is currently “ongoing” or the expected graduation date. You are not going to/did not finish the education. If you're not going to finish your education, you'll need to come up with a way to make your unfinished degree on your resume look as good as possible. Including your GPA, relevant courses, and extracurricular activities are good practices on how to put college on your resume if you didn't graduate or you plan to not finish your studies. When You Should Leave Out Unfinished Degrees in Your Resume You are already an experienced professional with enough experience. Having an unfinished degree on your resume when you have solid experience should be the least of concerns. Even if you don’t know how to include an unfinished degree on your resume. You performed really poorly. If your GPA is below 3.0, it is best to leave it out. Displaying an unfinished education on a resume along with poor academic performance will do no good to your job prospects.How to Put Unfinished Degree on a Resume/CVWhen it comes to how to add unfinished education to a resume, the most common elements that should be present are school name, degree name, years of study, and any relevant coursework or achievements. Generally speaking, academic sections are brief, so an unfinished education on a resume should not be extensive. Regarding how to write an unfinished degree on a resume, there are two cases, which are to be covered in this part.Ongoing Degree on ResumeLet’s say you are on the job hunt, yet you still need to graduate or finish your studies. You might ask yourself: How to write an ongoing degree in your resume? Well, this is no hard task.Here are the following things to consider when listing an ongoing degree on a resume:Mention the program nameName of institutionLocationExpected graduation dateWhen it comes to how to put the expected graduation date on the resume, the year will suffice and it is optional to add the month. There is no need to write a lot of details for elaborating your education in progress on your resume.Here is an example of a degree in progress on a resume: EDUCATION University of Washington | 2016 -OngoingBA in Business Administration - GPA: 3.8Expected graduation date: 2020 Got any apprenticeships or achievements?Listing any of these with a degree in progress on your resume gives you the advantage to show you have valuable skills based on your studies. Some examples in this situation for an unfinished degree on a resume are relevant courses, achievements, apprenticeships, teaching or research assistance, projects, or studies abroad.Here is another example of having an unfinished degree on resume with the aforementioned aspects: EDUCATION University of Davenport | 2014 - OngoingAssociate of Applied Science - Medical AssistingExpected graduation: May 2018Awards: Student of the Year 2015Completed Medical Research ApprenticeshipAs shown above, any information that will be a plus should be included when drafting an ongoing degree on your resume. When it comes to how to list education in progress on your resume, make sure you have enough space for your education section.💡Tip: Other than the essential details such as school name, degree title, and GPA, knowing how to put an ongoing degree in a resume with the extracurricular stuff relies on what employers seek. If they value relevant experience more than studies, listing apprenticeships or internships prevails over academic awards.Did Not GraduateAs for the second situation, you are wondering, “should I include unfinished education on my resume?” You obviously think writing “unfinished” or “incomplete” in your unfinished education section on a resume does not look good, but it really depends on how you display it in your education section.Let’s take a look at each example for an unfinished degree on a resume.Example of how to list an unfinished Ph.D. degree on a resume: EDUCATION Columbia University, NYGraduate Work in EconomicsPerhaps listing the university and program may suit more than university name + degree. Besides showing it’s an unfinished degree on your resume, it is best to not mislead or lie that you possess a degree you didn’t finish.Here is another example using an unfinished masters degree on a resume: EDUCATION Columbia University, NYMBA ProgramCompleted 30 credits towards an MBARelevant projects: Sustainable Finance This example contains roles and information about your progress for an incomplete degree on a resume. Examples that show progress on your resume with an unfinished degree are the number of credits obtained and relevant courses. Here is another example of how to list an unfinished bachelor degree: EDUCATION Columbia University New York, NY |(2014-2016)Relevant courses: Investment and Portfolio Analysis, Corporate Finance, Supply Chain Management. 📝 Note: All three examples are not exclusive to a degree type and they can be interchangeably used for an unfinished degree on your resume.Tips on How to Add Unfinished Education to a ResumeHere are three tips to further help you if you have an unfinished degree on your resume: 💡 Create a portfolio/personal website if you have an unfinished degree on your resume.Whether you didn’t finish your degree or your education is still in progress, having a portfolio on your resume can be helpful. You can display assignments or any kind of work for employers to show your value and your efforts during your studies. On the other hand, a personal website is a good approach to show yourself in ways a resume or a CV with an unfinished degree is unable to do. Moreover, having a personal website shows you took time and effort to show what you bring to the table despite having an unfinished degree in your resume. 💡 Opt for an objective statement.Unless you have a good amount of experience to outweigh an unfinished degree on your resume, an objective statement can be more suitable than a resume summary. An objective statement can show your ambition and goals. Moreover, you can describe how you will help the company regardless of having an unfinished degree in your resume. 💡Prioritize qualifications obtained on education.If you have a lot of qualifications obtained during your studies, prioritize which ones shall be listed on your resume regarding an unfinished degree. This will help you focus on what elements are important as you may not be able to include everything in your resume. With Cake, you can easily create a resume online for free, download your resume’s PDF formats, and utilize ATS-compliant templates tocreate a resume. Land your dream job, create your resume online (free download) now!Create ResumeHow to Boost Your Resume/CV with No or an Unfinished College DegreeStill keen for more tips and suggestions on how to write an unfinished degree on a resume?Here are three tips that will help you boost your resume/CV with an unfinished degree:✨ Include other personal/professional projects that are relevant to the position. Showing any relevant projects can give you an edge, especially if you have an ongoing or unfinished degree on your resume. Whether you are still studying or you have an unfinished education, relevant projects on your resume show you are capable of the job. ✨ Create a skills section to highlight your existing hard and soft skills.Skills can be a decider for getting that interview you are aiming for, as they compensate for an unfinished degree on your resume. You have a specific set of skills acquired therefore it’s relevant to include them if your education is in progress on your resume. ✨ Go for informal or non-formal education. (i.e. online learning, on-the-job training, etc.).There is no better way to educate yourself than learning something online to cover any unfinished education on a resume. We have discussed how to put college on your resume if you didn't graduate, so adding a certification from online training or courses shouldn’t be an issue.🔑 Key Takeaways:Listing an unfinished degree on your resume is recommended in general except for certain situations such as already possessing vast experience or poor academic performance.When it comes to how to list your education on a resume if you are still in college, adding the expected graduation date is key. If you didn't graduate, there are many ways on how to put your college background in your resume with the examples provided before.Using personal websites, adding online courses, and any relevant achievements or coursework you undertook in college/university will boost your chances to get an interview, even if your resume relies on an unfinished degree. --- Originally written byJose J. Rosales---

Created by CakeWhat is relevant coursework in resumes? Relevant coursework is the demonstration of academic coursework and classes. A job candidate can show relevant coursework in a resume to show whether he/she is a good fit for the role. You can improve this circumstance by showing the recruiters or hiring managers that you have the theoretical or practical knowledge to undertake the tasks given by the company. For example, if you are a student who studies economics, you can include courses such as microeconomics or macroeconomics. Adding relevant courses on resumes give a better chance of getting hired as an internsince you may not have enough work experience to display on your resume or CV. You might wonder why it is important to include related coursework on a resume. It may not apply to experienced job candidates with years of work experience already, but it is particularly useful for students or recent graduates.If you are a recent graduate, showing the recruiters or potential employers your relevant courses and classes on the resume can show the employers why the entry-level role is suitable for you. For example, if you have taken a course on marketing strategy in the past, it can be useful to add the coursework to the resume. Table of Contents: Relevant Courseworks - Meaning When to IncludeWhere to Put Relevant Courseworks on a ResumeHow to List Relevant Courseworks on a ResumeRelevant Coursework on Resume Examples3 Tips for Adding Relevant Coursework to a Resume Relevant Courseworks - Meaning When to IncludeWhat does including relevant coursework on resumes mean? It means that since you don’t have abundant experience in the field, you can utilize relevant coursework at the university to showcase your skills to the employer.There are several uses for adding relevant coursework to resumes. You can showcase your skillsfrom your experience and also highlight your academic achievements. But, how do you highlight academic achievements with relevant coursework in resumes? Well, it is not enough to just make a list of courses you have taken in the past. It is better to optimize these experiences with achievements. You can showcase relevant coursework achievements based on your project outcomes, grades, awards, and many other academic opportunities. Achievements can bring more value to the table, and recruiters or hiring managers are always looking for that.Additionally, remember to quantify these values. For example, use numbers, percentages, and duration. When You Should Include Relevant Courseworks in a Resume Adding relevant coursework in resumes is optional. It should not be overlooked, either. The following conditions are examples of when you should include relevant coursework in a resume: You are a studentYou are looking for positions that require relevant courses on a resumeYou are a recent graduate without work experience When You Should NOT Include Relevant Courseworks in a Resume If you have been in the workforce for over a year, you do not need to list relevant coursework on your resume. Instead, you can focus on emphasizing your professional experience and skills in the field. The following examples are people who do not need to include relevant coursework in a resume: Experienced professional with over a year’s experience in the workforceProfessions that do not require relevant coursework (e.g., construction workers, cashiers)Where to Put Relevant Courseworks on a ResumeUnder Resume “Education” Section Add a single-column in the education section. You can display relevant courses by listing relevant coursework details of your educational qualifications. Using the education section to showcase your relevant coursework is simple, straightforward, and easy to understand. It is regularly used by students who are still studying. Plus, it gives you more space to add achievements on the resume. In a Separate “Relevant Coursework” Section A separate relevant coursework section allows you to explain the relevant courses in detail. The relevant coursework section helps you stand out as a person. Adding a separate relevant coursework section is handy for recent graduates because it shows the recruiters your growth. For instance, skills that you have developed as a result of taking that relevant coursework. How to List Relevant Courseworks on a ResumeAdding an Additional Line under the “Education” Section A simple way to add your relevant coursework on a resume is by adding an additional line under the education section. This approach is easy and can save a lot of space on your resume. EDUCATION2015 | BSc in General EngineeringGeorgia Southern University, GA Relevant Coursework: Living Systems, Cyber Systems, Cyber Materials, and Future Energy Using a Single-column Format If you want to showcase relevant coursework on your resume using bullet points, a single-column format can be useful especially if you consider several courseworks that are in line with the job description. EDUCATION2015 | BSc in General EngineeringGeorgia Southern University, GA Relevant Coursework:Living SystemsCyber SystemsCyber MaterialsFuture Energy Using a Multi-column Format A multi-column format is a long format for relevant courseworks on a resume. This approach is recommended for freshers and students. You can elaborate different courses by categorizing them into specific topics. EDUCATION2015 | BSc in General EngineeringGeorgia Southern University, GA Relevant Engineering Coursework:Living SystemsStatisticsGenetic Methods in EngineeringBiochemistry Cyber SystemsDiscrete MathematicsComputer Science ModellingFunctional Programming Using a Detailed Format A detailed format can showcase your skill sets gained from previously taken relevant coursework. On your resume, you can quantify the experience from the coursework by using numbers, time, percentages, and achievements. EDUCATION2015 | BSc in General EngineeringGeorgia Southern University, GA Relevant Coursework:Living Systems Statistics: Wrote a term paper on the analysis of living systems in generating illusionsDiscrete Mathematics: Passed final examination with 95/100 grade and received an opportunity to tutor other peersComputer Science Modeling: Reviewed 20 journals and gave three presentations about simulation modeling Relevant Coursework on Resume ExamplesRelevant Coursework for High School Student ResumeRelevant Coursework for Fresher ResumeRelevant Coursework for College Student ResumeRelevant Coursework for Engineering ResumeRelevant Coursework for Accounting ResumeRelevant Coursework for Nursing ResumeRelevant Coursework for Finance ResumeRelevant Coursework for Business ResumeRelevant Coursework for Graphic Design ResumeRelevant Coursework for Teacher Resume1. Relevant Coursework for High School Student Resume EDUCATIONRancho Cucamonga High School, CA | 2021 Relevant Coursework:AP Calculus, AP Geology, Government, Sociology 2. Relevant Coursework for Fresher Resume EDUCATIONBSc Honors in Psychology, California State University | 2014 Relevant Coursework:Cognitive PsychologyBiological PsychologySocial PsychologyPolitical Psychology 3. Relevant Coursework for College Student Resume EDUCATIONBSc Honors in Psychology, California State University | 2014 Relevant Psychology Coursework: StatisticsIntroduction to StatisticsAdvanced StatisticsPractical use of SPSS Psychological TheoryIntimate RelationshipPolitical PsychologySocial Psychology 4. Relevant Coursework for Engineering Resume EDUCATIONBSc in Engineering Science, California State University | 2015 Relevant Coursework:Electric Circuit Theory: Wrote four semester papers and received A+ on all of themEngineering Economics: Wrote a semester paper on the process of engineering economics of bioethanol production and gained recognition from the professorsEngineering Dynamics: Became a research assistant for the professor and completed a research project on dynamics and control for him 5. Relevant Coursework for Accounting Resume EDUCATIONBSc in Accounting, California State University | 2018 Relevant Coursework:Management Information Systems, Managerial Accounting, Organizational Behavior, Advanced Financial Accounting 6. Relevant Coursework for Nursing Resume EDUCATIONBSc in Nursing, University of Washington | 2021 Relevant Coursework:Observational MethodsPrinciples of Teaching and Applied NursingPharmaceuticals OncologyQualitative Analysis 7. Relevant Coursework for Finance Resume EDUCATIONBA in Finance, University of Arizona | 2017 Relevant Coursework: AccountingPrinciples of Accounting IPrinciples of Accounting II FinanceEthics for Finance ProfessionalsFinance Capstone 8. Relevant Coursework for Business Resume EDUCATIONBA in Business Administration, Ohio Dominican University | 2015 Relevant Coursework:Human Resource Management: Completed a project with a local company and received A+ on the coursePrinciples of Microeconomics: Passed all of the semester examinations with an A+ and received honors for the coursePrinciples of Business Ethics: Conducted an inquiry on local business and completed the final paper with an A+ 9. Relevant Coursework for Graphic Design Resume EDUCATIONBA in Graphic Design, University of Alabama | 2018 Relevant Coursework:Design Thinking, Design Issues, Print Layouts and Publications, Studio 10. Relevant Coursework for Teacher Resume EDUCATIONBA in Education, University of Arizona | 2018 Relevant Coursework:Classroom ManagementLesson PlanningPublic School LawChild and Educational Psychology 3 Tips for Adding Relevant Coursework to a Resume1. Only Add Courses Relevant to the Job Description Whether you’re applying for an internship or an entry-level job, keep in mind that including coursework in your resume does not mean that you should add as many as you can. Only keep the relevant courses suitable for the job position. 2. Increase the Impact of Relevant Courses by Adding Achievements It’s always good to increase the chance of getting noticed by the recruiters. You can do so by including achievements you have obtained from the courses. 3. Use Keywords Including relevant keywords to the job description. The ATS scans for specific keywords on your job application, so keywords will help your resume pass ATS screening. If you don’t know which keywords to include, look at two to five job advertisements similar to your desired job title then identify frequently used keywords in these advertisements. And don’t forget to incorporate those keywords when listing relevant courseworks on your resume!🔑 Key TakeawaysHere are how you put relevant coursework on a resume:Adding relevant coursework to resumes is optional. It is more suitable for entry-level workers, recent graduates, and students.You can include relevant coursework on resumes by adding it in the education section or a separate relevant coursework section.There are many ways to list relevant coursework on resumes - an additional line under the education section, single-column format, multi-column format, or detailed format.Don’t forget to use keywords, include achievements from the relevant coursework, and add courses relevant to the job description. These steps will help you get noticed by the recruiters quickly. With Cake, you can easily create a resume online with our free resume builder with various resume templates (free download). Landing your dream job will be a piece of cake!Create Resume--- Originally written byDiana Shih ---

🔑 Key TakeawaysYour "About Me" section is your first chance to make an impression. Keep these essentials in mind: Keep it concise,aim for 3-5 sentenceInclude professional title, key competencies, notable achievements, and career goalsTailor the paragraph to align with the job descriptionHighlight your value with precise metrics and action verbsAn "About Me" section, also known as professional summary, is a concise, 3-5 line description at the top of your resume that shows your job title, core strengths, notable achievements, and ambitions. If crafted strategically, by tailoring the paragraph to the role and using hard metrics to show your impact, this section acts as a powerful hook that captures a hiring manager's attention within a glance. This can be tricky, as you have to keep it brief enough to read at a glance, yet compelling enough to ensure the recruiter doesn’t put your resume down.To help you curate the perfect introduction, we’ve broken down the essential elements of a winning ‘About Me’ section and look how you can transform it into a narrative that resonates with hiring managers. Table of Contents What to Put in “About Me” on Resume How to Write “About Me” in Resumes“About Me” Examples in Resume (for Different Professions)Tips for Writing About Me in Resumes What to Put in “About Me” on ResumeAs the introduction section in resumes and CVs, you should highlight information such as professional title, relevant skills and experience, key achievements, and career goals in the about me section. Follow the examples below to write a good "about me" section: Must-Haves for "About Me"Section on Resume Professional titleKey skills and competenciesNotable awards and achievementsCareer goals 1. Professional title A professional title indicates your current position or work status, for example, “a freelance copywriter and editor” or “growth marketer.”Most people use their current job title or work status like “Experienced Marketing Manager”, but you can also use descriptive words like “aspiring” or “graduate” if you lack experience. Remember, this title should let the recruiter see the connection between your current role and the one you’re applying for. Example:Full-Stack DeveloperPeople Culture LeaderAspiring Data AnalystRecent Nursing Graduate (BSN) 2. Key skills and competencies Pick 3-5 skills relevant to the job you’re applying for. Highlight skills written in the job description to show that you’re aligned with what the company needs. This can be a signal for recruiters that your resume is worth reading. Example:Digital Marketing Specialist with 5+ years of experience in SEO, SEM, and Meta Ads.Proficient in SQL, Tableau, and Python,... [continue with achievements] Not sure how to tailor your professional summary?Cake AIResume Checker will automatically tailor your resume to the role you're applying for🚀Check My CV 3. Notable achievements Use action verbs and quantifiable results to highlight your award and achievements in the ‘about me’ section of your resume to help you stand out. Example:Expert in driving high-yield results, including achieving a 40% ROI for ABC Corp through rigorous data analysis and process optimization.Focused on elevating the user experience. Previously increased customer satisfaction by 25% at ABC Company through proactive problem-solving. 4. Career goalsLastly, personalize your professional summary by including a career goal. This should be a forward-looking statement that reflects your personality, long-term trajectory, and the specific value you intend to deliver to the company.Example:I am eager to apply my background in brand strategy to lead high-impact teams at an innovative agency like ABC Company.I aim to become a dynamic and solution-oriented consultant to help organizations scale their operations and achieve sustainable growth. How to Write “About Me” in ResumesNow that you know what to include in your ‘about me’ section, we’ll go into how to put these elements together to craft a compelling introduction. Here’s a simple formula you can follow to write your ‘about me’: [Adjectives] + [Professional title] + [Years of experience] + [Skills] + [Achievements] + [Career goals] Start with one or two adjectives, your professional title and years of experience in the field. Then, write down your impressive, relevant achievements and skills. If you’d like to, you can include your career goals at the end.Still not sure how to write it? Check out the ‘about me’ examples below. “About Me” in Resume Examples (for Different Professions)Below are snippets of the ‘about me’ section on resumes with a quick review of why this works. 1. "About Me" in Resumes for Students Example 1:Honors Student“Passionate and driven honors student from the University of California seeking an internship position as a marketing assistant. Assisted peers for three different school projects on sustainability and development. Developed skills such as SoME management, content creation, and data analytics.” Why is this a good professional summary?This summary starts with a strong professional identity ("Honors Student") and immediately states the goal of finding an internship as a marketing assistant. The student also demonstratesessential skills and leadership ("assisted peers for three different school projects"). Example 2:Recent Graduate (Freshers)“Recent college graduate with previous internship experience at the X Finance Group. I am a detail-oriented and attentive graduate accountant with relevant accounting skills such as systems analysis, spreadsheet proficiency, and data analytics. Looking for new challenges to grow further in finance and accounting.” Why is this a good professional summary? This is a strong freshers "about me" section on a resume. This summary showcases the student's internship experience at the X Finance Group, while mentioning strong adjectives such as "detail-oriented" and "attentive". They also highlighted some important skills such as systems analysis, spreadsheet proficiency, and data analytics, which is highly relevant to their career goal in finance and accounting. 2. “About Me” in Resumes for Experienced Candidates “Open-minded and experienced sales associate with 5+ years of experience with Salesforce. I previously worked at McKinney Consulting Firm where I contributed a 50% increase of revenue in the past year. I am a positive, empathic, and communicative salesperson. Looking for a new position as a senior sales associate to further grow my career.” Why is this a good professional summary?This summary includes a hard metric ("contributed a 50% increase of revenue") to showcase achievement. The candidate highlights their expertise ("5+ years of experience") and explicitly states they are looking for a "senior sales associate" position, helping recruiter quickly determine the level of seniority and the role they're looking for. 3. About Me in Resumes for Graphic Designers “A highly creative and experienced graphic designer. Proficient in Adobe Creative Apps, Typography, and HTML. I have experience working in marketing and graphic design for the past six years and I have full understanding of brand identities and brand development. I hope to expand my graphic designer career into 3D design in known consumer brands.” Why is this a good professional summary?This is an example of an effective professional summary because it immediately lists high-demand skills (Adobe Creative, Typography, HTML) and provides context regarding seniority level. The candidate also wrote a clear goal ("...expand my graphic designer career into 3D design...")which makes it easy to see if they are a good match for the position. 4. About Me in Resumes for Teachers “An outgoing and enthusiastic middle school teacher with 10+ years of experience teaching adolescents with special needs. I have passed the Professional Teaching exam (PTK) and American Board Special Education. Received 80% satisfaction rating annually from both teacher and students. Seeking a role as a Principal of special needs schools to continue my passion as a teacher.” Why is this a good professional summary?The candidate writes their qualifications clearly and emphasizes key teaching certifications. Furthermore, they include an important metric (80% satisfaction) to provide measurable evidence of their success. 5. About Me in a Resume for Customer Service Specialist “Empathic customer service specialist with 2+ years of experience at ABC.I provide tailored solutions for customer inquiries, maintaining a 95% positive feedback rating while resolving over 40 tickets daily. I am extremely stress-resistant with a focus on efficient time management, seeking to leverage my communication skills to grow within the business development domain.” Why is this a good professional summary?The opening phrase, "Empathic customer service specialist", signals that empathy is their strongest soft skill, which is important in customer service. The summary also mentions other key relevant skills for this position, while also showing ambitious and plan for their career growth ("grow further in the business development domain"). 6. About Me in Resumes for Software Developers “Diligent and ambitious Software Developer with 4+ years of experience in application development and project management at Unilever. I have a proven track record of delivering innovative applications that significantly increased client satisfaction while consistently completing projects ahead of schedule. By combining technical patience with expert time management, I ensure high-quality software delivery that meets both user needs and business deadlines.” Why is this a good professional summary?This candidate immediately establishes high level of seniority ("4+ years of experience") and highlights a dual-skill set in both technical development and project management. It focuses on results rather than just responsibilities, specifically mentioning the ability to beat deadlins and increase client satisfaction. 7. About Me in Resumes for Mechanical Engineers “Assertive and confident Mechanical Engineer with an MSc from Stanford University (Honors) and expert proficiency in AutoCAD, SolidWorks, and fluid mechanics. I specialize in the precision installation and repair of fabricating materials, consistently delivering solutions tailored to complex client specifications. My commitment to technical excellence is reflected in a proven 95% client satisfaction rate across all managed projects.” Why is this a good professional summary?Leads with top-tier academic credentials and a specific technical software competency. The candidate also provides proof of their ability with the satisfaction rate, further showing their ability to translate engineering knowledge into real-world results. 8. About Me in Resumes for Civil Engineers "Organized and creative Civil Engineer with 5 years of experience specializing in design and project management. At AE Group, I successfully delivered 8 major projects while consistently reducing costs to 20% under the total budget. By leading a multidisciplinary team of five, I optimized roadway designs to improve safety and infrastructure for New York City local residents." Why is this a good professional summary?This candidate combines leadership experience with quantifiable metrics ("8 major projects", "reducing costs to 20%"). By mentioning the specific impact ("... to improve safety and infrastructure for New York City local residents"), it demonstrates that the candidate did not only manage to execute, but also drive meaningful value. 9. About Me in Resumes for Fashion Designers “Creative and communicative Fashion Designer with 3 years of experience specializing in pattern making, illustration, and mass-market production for high-street brands. A two-time CFDA Award winner (2019, 2020), I possess a proven ability to translate high-level concepts into commercially successful designs. I am now seeking to leverage my technical expertise and industry recognition to transition into a Fashion Management role.” Why is this a good professional summary?This summary leads with prestigious industry accolades (CFDAAwards), which immediately validates the candidate's talent and credibility. It also clearly demonstrates commercial awareness by highlight their experience in adapting designs for mass production, showing they have a business mindset. 10. About Me in Resumes for Sales and Marketing “Focused and driven Marketing Professional with a proven track record in strategic planning and market research for Companies A and Z. I specialize in identifying growth opportunities and expanding market share, directly contributing to a 20% increase in market share for Company Z within a single year. I am now seeking to leverage my analytical expertise in a consultancy role to drive revenue growth for high-impact organizations.” Why is this a good professional summary?This summary doesn't just mention the general marketing tasks, but highlights a major, quantifiable achievement ("20% increase in market share"). They also specifically mentioned their goal of transitioning into consultancy, while supporting this goal with previous relevant experiences (research, planning) and demonstrating how this can translate into results for future clients. 11. About Me in Resumes for Interior Designers "Certified Interior Designer with 5+ years of experience specializing in commercial and digital design. Having delivered innovative, high-impact solutions for over 200 clients, I consistently maintain a 95% satisfaction rate. I am now seeking a senior in-house role to leverage my design expertise and transition into professional project management." Why is this a good professional summary?This summary leads with a formal certification to establish professional credibility. By showcasing a massive volume of work (200+ clients) and a good metric ("95% satisfaction metric"), the candidate proves they can produce high-quality results. The candidate also shows clear ambitions and the role they're looking for, allowing recruiters to identify them as a high-potential leadership candidate.Tips for Writing About Me in ResumesTo write an even more compelling "about me", here are some tips to help you get started:🖋 Be brief and conciseWhen writing “about me” in the resume/CV, you need to keep in mind the following principles: be succinct not only because the recruiter doesn't have a lot of time but also because you have limited space on top of your resume.You have to use that space wisely and phrase your strengths clearly and concisely in "About Me" in your resume, so HR can easily understand it without much trouble. Besides, you can also use font editors to choose a font that is professional and easy to read for your resume.🖋 Update "About Me" in your resume periodicallyThe truth is, you don’t stay on one job forever, and you are not the same person as you are now five years later. Hence, update your “About Me” section in the resume and CV or occasionally to ensure it reflects an up-to-date version of you.🖋 Tailor "About Me" to the roleWhether the "About Me" section in your resume/CV is successful depends on its relevance to the job you are applying for. As you're like to be applying for multiple positions at the same time, don't forget to edit the "About Me" section for each resume you send out.For example, if a job description for a teacher assistant role includes:Help lesson plan preparationTrack student attendance and class schedulesHelp individual students with learning challenges by reviewing materials taught in classThen your "About Me" should highlight your experience in creating lesson plans, organization skills, and communication and tutoring skills.🖋 Use strong adjectives and verbs.Inserting strong resume keywords can show recruiters your achievements and successes.Here’s a list of strong resume adjectives and verbs you can use: CoachedConservedCreativeEfficientEmpathicLaunchedNegotiatedOrganizedRedesignedTransformedFAQs for "About Me" in Resumes1. Is "About Me"section mandatory on a resume?While not strictly mandatory, it is recommended because it provides readers with an immediate idea of who you are within seconds. This summary sets the tone for the rest of your experience, helping recruiters understand more in a glance.2. How long should a professional summary be?A good professional summary should be short and concise, ideally ranging from 3 to 5 sentences in length.3. What is the difference between an Objective and a Summary? An objective focuses on what you want from the company A professional summary focuses on what you can do for the company by highlighting your professional title, key skills and achievements. 4. Can Iuse AI to write "about me" section in resume?Yes, but remember to proofread AI-generated professional summary before sending your resume. Small tips:attach your resume and the job description you're applying to and ask AI to generate a tailored professional summary for you, this saves a lot of time in your prompting!5. What should I write in my "about me"section?To be effective, your summary should include:Your Professional TitleCore Strengths and competenciesNotable Achievements backed by specific metricsYour Career Goals or ambitions6.Should I tailor my "about me"for every job application?Yes. Your professional summary should be specifically tailored to the role you are applying for. You should use keywords from the job description and specific metrics that highlight your value for that particular position. Our AIResume Checker can help you optimize your resume to any job description, including your professional summary, to make your application stand out more.Check My Resume Build Professional Resume with CakeCake is your all-in-one career solution. Use our online resume builder for an ATS-friendly resume, complete with hundreds of free, professional resume templates and examples. Optimize your application instantly with Cake AI Resume Checker and generate a compelling cover letter with Cake Cover letter AI. Beyond documents, Cake helps you grow: build an online portfolio, find opportunities on our job portal, and establish your personal brand. Ready to simplify your job search and make success a piece of cake? Start using Cake now!

Created by CakeIn this article, you will read about:Why You SHOULD NOT Put a Photo on Your CVWhy You May Want to Put a Photo on Your CVTips for a Decent CV Profile PhotoAttaching a photo to your CV is getting more popular as we’re living in a world of images, memes, GIFs, and emojis. However, this topic has aroused much controversy among both recruiters and employers. Some agree that job applicants should put a profile photo on their CVs, whereas in some countries, this can be deemed unprofessional and against labor laws. There’s no correct answer to this, depending on factors such as the country and job requirements. Let’s dive into the circumstances when and when not you should put a photo on your CV. To help you make the right choice, this article is also going to show you how to take a professional CV photo.Why You SHOULD NOT Put a Photo on Your CVYou reside in a country with strict anti-discrimination and labor laws. Do not include an image for your CV if you’re living or applying for a position in the following countries: United KingdomIrelandUnited StatesCanada The reason is that these countries have strict anti-discrimination and labor laws. Prohibited Employment Policies/Practices by US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission says: “The law makes it illegal for an employer to make any employment decision because of a person's race, color, religion, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation, and pregnancy), national origin, age (40 or older), disability or genetic information. That means an employer may not discriminate when it comes to such things as hiring, firing, promotions, and pay.” Hence, employers from these countries will likely reject CVs with an image or photo to avoid being accused of labor law violations in the recruitment process. You want to prevent discrimination and maintain professionalism. As mentioned earlier, recruiters and hiring managers don’t want to make hiring decisions based on your appearance when viewing your CV profile photo. By putting a photo on your CV, you may draw their attention to the following aspects which easily lead to discrimination and unprofessionalism: Race/EthnicityAgeGenderWeightDisabilityOther sensitive details As many companies are continuously educating their employees on their role in preventing discrimination in the workplace, HR departments would select CVs with no photos in the first place. You have limited space on your CV. Normally, a CV profile photo would take up quite a lot of space. Instead of adding photos to your CV, you can make the best use of your application by including more essential and relevant information, such as: Career objectiveSkills and qualificationsAccomplishments in previous roles If you want to provide more information about how you look, you can include your LinkedIn profile in your CV. This way, the recruiter and employer can still know about your appearance and you also don’t have to worry about the length of your CV. Images can make your CV not ATS-friendly. More and more companies have been using ATS to automatically narrow their applicant pools instead of manual screening methods. Thus, having an ATS-compatible CV is the first critical step if you want to go further. Putting a photo on your CV can potentially cause problems for ATS, resulting in your application being automatically rejected. To have your CV pass through ATS, you need to insert relevant keywords from the job ad, including job titles, job requirements like skills and qualifications, educational backgrounds, relevant work experience, etc. Note that you should avoid not only images for CVs, but also typos and fancy formatting like graphs, tables, and symbols. Photos in a CV might distract recruiters from other important information. According to a recent study, recruiters and employers only spend an average of 7 seconds reviewing a CV/resume. That means they would expect to see key information about you that is related to the job opening. Photos in a CV, on the other hand, could be a distraction from other important details such as skills, education, employment history, etc. CVs are commonly longer than resumes and provide extensive information on a candidate’s academic background, work experiences, and other achievements. Why You May Want to Put a Photo on Your CVThere’s no law prohibiting the use of photos on a CV in your country. There are not any clear-cut practices for the following countries: AfricaAsiaEurope (Spain, Belgium, France, Portugal, Germany, Sweden, Denmark, Norway, etc.)South America Therefore, you can worry less about including a CV photo if you live in the above listed countries, unless it’s clearly specified in the job description not to include a photo on your CV. The job you are applying for requires a photo on the CV. There are some jobs where your appearance matters and partly determines whether you get hired or not. These positions commonly call for you to be on stage, in front of a camera, or usually meet new people: ModelActorMusicianTV broadcasterMCReporterFlight attendantHigh-end sales If you’re applying for these positions, it’s a must to have a CV with images, including a CV profile photo and other job-related photos. In other cases, follow the requirements stated in the job posting and see whether your CV needs a photo. You want to draw the recruiters’ attention with images. In the visually-driven era of social media, eye-catching photos are key to enticing viewers to click on and know more about a product or an individual. It’s similar when it comes to hiring and recruitment. Adding a photo to your CV can potentially capture a hiring manager’s attention amongst the countless CVs that they are looking through. An online CV with a photo will help build your brand. If you’re seeking a creative job such as fashion, graphic design, architecture, arts, or films, you may have more freedom to express your personality in the CV. You also need to include your personal page or LinkedIn profile to present more projects and demonstrate your talent. For that reason, putting a photo on your CV can help develop your personal brand and online presence. Keep in mind to use the same profile photo with your LinkedIn or Gmail, so recruiters and employers can easily identify you through your pictures. Tips for a Decent CV Profile PhotoIf you decide to include a profile photo in your CV, the next important thing to do is to make sure to include a professional photo in your CV. Follow the guide below to know what a decent CV profile photo is like. 💡 Use a professional profile photo for your CV. Regardless of the country, make sure the profile photo for your CV is, or at least similar to, a professional headshot. That could leave a positive first impression on the recruiter and employer.Below are the characteristics of a professional profile photo:Taken within 6 months.Clearly show what you look like.Show only your head and shoulders.Feature you in your professional or business casual attire.Use a neutral background and good lighting. Examples of good CV photos: These portraits meet the requirements because they are taken for the purpose of employment seeking and have good image quality. The candidates also dress up properly and look professional. Examples of bad CV photos: CVs with profile pictures similar to the above examples are not the best choice. The image quality is low and employers can’t see you clearly. Also, don’t use a selfie as a CV profile picture. That will make you look unprofessional or unreliable. 💡 Place your photo in the CV header. The best place for CV profile pictures is in the header, together with the CV/resume summary. This is where you briefly introduce yourself to recruiters and employers. Check out the examples below:Created usingCakeCreated usingCakeCreated usingCake 💡 Use adequate size to save space on your CV. Don’t place your photo too big – that would take up more space on your CV. You also don’t want to make it too small as employers can’t see your face clearly. It’s best to go for a passport-sized photo and check your CV carefully before it is published or submitted to the hiring manager.🔑Key TakeawaysCV formats vary depending on the country, cultural preferences, and characteristics of the industry. You should consider all of these factors when asking yourself “Does my CV need a photo?”.If yes, ensure you select a headshot which is professionally taken, has good lighting, and clearly shows your face. You also dress up properly and face straight toward the camera in that CV profile photo. Keep in mind that inappropriate pictures can hurt your chances of landing an interview. That might be a CV profile photo where your face is blurred and you’re not wearing properly.If you're not supposed to put a photo on your CV, include your LinkedIn profile instead and stick to an ATS-friendly format.With Cake, you can easily create a CV online, free download your CV's PDF formats, and utilize ATS-compliant templates to create a CV. Land your dream job, create your CV online (free download) now!Create CV--- Originally written by May Luong ---

Created by CakeThe importance of a powerful and professional resume can’t be stressed enough. It’s more than just a document serving the purpose of a job application, but a great way to promote your professional image.When writing a resume, you may have asked yourself many questions, such as how long should a resume be? Which resume format to use and how should the resume be designed? Or what is the best tool/platform to create a professional resume?Among these challenges, what to put on a resume seems to be the most challenging. Some have a lot of information to share, whereas some don’t know what to write. There are also many different resume sections that are specific in their content, so you might find yourself asking more specific questions like what to put for the objective on a resume? What skills to put on resume? What to put under education? And so on. No need to worry about that - we’ve put together what should be included in a resume, for both experienced professionals and first-job seekers. Table of Contents: What to Put on a Resume - All Resume SectionsWhat to Put on a Resume if You Have No ExperienceWhat NOT to Put on a Resume - Things to AvoidOther Tips on What to Include in a Resume What to Put on a Resume - All Resume SectionsHere are the complete key sections that must be put in your resume: Contact InformationResume Summary/Objective or Profile StatementExperiencesEducationSkillsAwards AchievementsOther Additional Sections 1. Contact Information The contact information commonly goes under the name “About Me” in a resume, in which you provide basic details about: Full nameProfessional title (optional but highly recommended)Email addressPhone numberAddress (unnecessary if you’re applying for a freelance job)LinkedIn or personal website (optional) Here’s an example of what to put in the resume profile: Alton Phillips (+156)-164-555alto[email protected] 253 Live Oak Street, Lolita, TX 77971LinkedIn: linkedin.com/altonphillips1990 💡 Pro tip: Make sure you provide correct information, otherwise the recruiter can’t contact you for further notice. 2. Resume Summary/Objective or Profile Statement You might also be wondering, what to put for the objective on a resume? As the name suggests, a resume profile, a.k.a the profile statement or resume objective, provides a brief, powerful summary of your qualifications, professional experience, and accomplishments in the field. It is commonly placed at the top of your resume to pique the employer’s interest from the start. What to put in the profile of a resume? Note that a profile statement may comprise different types and each serves different purposes. A resume summary shows the employer how your experiences and skills will turn you into a perfect fit for the position, while a career objective demonstrates your motivation to apply for the job opening and states your goals on the career path.Below are what to put in the summary of a resume:Job titleExpertise (with years of work experience)Key skillsOutstanding achievements in previous roles (optional)Career goals (optional) Here’s an example of the resume summary for a debt collector: Self-motivated Debt Collector with the ability to work in fast-paced environments and adapt to complex situations. Fully knowledgeable in federal and state laws of collection regulations. Highly proficient in negotiating payoffs and settlements with clients while assisting them with financial management and payment plans. 💡 Pro tip: Write a resume summary within 3 sentences - you may want to include more information in other key sections. 3. Experiences This section plays an important part in proving that you’re the right fit for the position, especially when you have plenty of work experience. If you are applying for higher positions, you need to make this part shine to impress recruiters and employers.Below are what to put under “Experience” on a resume:Company name (with location)Job titleEmployment period (with month and year of start and end)Key job responsibilitiesOutstanding accomplishments (if applicable) Below is an example of how to write work experiences in a .NET developer resume: WORKEXPERIENCE .NET Developer | Sama Corp., San Francisco11/2017 - 09/2021Utilized the DataGridExtension library from DataGridExtensions to increase the filtering capability to the company WFP Datagrid.Successfully launched a 6 multi-step wizard dialog in WPF with Test Driven Development served for the associated ViewModel.Jr. .NET Developer | Interlast, Charleston10/2014 - 08/2017Developed 2 in-house Accounting tools and applications utilizing SSRS Reports and Telerik Controls.Worked closely with the IT team to maintain relevant web applications, databases, and Adobe forms when needed. 💡 Pro tip: Unlike a CV, you should not include part-time and/or volunteer jobs which are not relevant to the opening position. 4. Education For many specific areas like finance and accounting, employers make decisions based on your educational background. They want to make sure that you have gained fundamental knowledge of the field or obtained any higher degree.Here are what to put under “Education” on a resume:School name (with location)Degree levelMajor minorGraduation yearGPA (if it’s high)Achievements Example of what to put under education in a resume for the first job: EDUCATION B.S. in Business Administration, AccountingThe University of Texas at Austin, TX Class of 2010GPA: 3.8/4.0Achievements:- National Student Volunteer Award (2013)- Dean's List for 2 semesters in a row 💡 Pro tip: The education section should be presented in reverse chronological order, starting with your highest level of education and moving backward in time for every subsequent degree. 5. Skills What skills to put on a resume can further demonstrate whether you’re qualified for the job opening - either in terms of job performance or cultural fit.Examples of good skills to put on a resume for Digital Marketing:Strong communication skillsResearch Analytical skillsSEO toolsGoogle AnalyticsContent MarketingPaid Social Media Marketing 💡 Pro tip: Make sure you list out both hard and soft skills with 5 each. 6. Awards Achievements With significant accomplishments in your career, you can make your resume stand out from the crowd and get a leg up on the competition. Here’s an example of listing achievements in a resume for a controller: ACHIEVEMENTS Employee of the Year 2020Contributed to 20% higher returns by switching corporate investments to index-linked funds. 💡 Pro tip: Include the awards and achievements related to the field only. 7. Other Additional Sections If you have more to bring to the table, include all in your resume as long as they’re relevant, for example: CertificationsProjectsPublications AppearancesHobbies Interests 💡Pro tip: Be honest, concise, and focus on the job opening! What to Put on a Resume if You Have No ExperienceFor fresh graduates or career changers, you may not have plenty of relevant work experience in the field. With not much experience, you might wonder, “Then, what should I put on my resume?” Don’t panic - if you are wondering, “what do you put on a resume?”, here are some optional sections that you can use to deemphasize the lack of professional experience on your resume. 1. Volunteer Work Volunteer work should be written in the same format as your work experience section.It means that you need to include the following information: Name of the organization or volunteer programJob titleTime frameKey responsibilitiesAccomplishments 2. Personal Projects Even though you don’t have a lot of experience in full-time positions, personal projects can still benefit you in some ways, specifically when: You’ve been working as a freelancer in a relevant field.You’re seeking a career in Marketing, Design, IT, etc.Your personal projects are well-known. 3. Internships At some point, internships are similar to work experience. You also leverage your knowledge and skills to work in a professional organization. Thus, you can follow the format of the work experience section to write about your internships. 4. Skills relevant to the job For a resume with no experience, the skills section is a key part and should be placed at the top of the resume. Here, you need to highlight what you are capable of as well as excel at so that employers can consider you as the right candidate for the role.You should not only list out skills related to the position but also tailor this section to the job description. 5. Certifications relevant to the job Particular industries like Nursing, HR, Finance Accounting, etc. require specific licenses and certifications. Hence, adding these should be a must among what to put on a resume for the first job.Even when getting a relevant certificate is not a requirement for the job opening, listing this can beef up your resume.📚Further reading: How to Put Relevant Coursework on Resume? (Tips Examples) What NOT to Put on a Resume - Things to Avoid1. Irrelevant job experiences The key difference between a resume and a CV is that a resume focuses on what is related to the position only. Recruiters and employers spend an average of 7 seconds reviewing an individual application. Thus, you may not want to waste his time going over irrelevant details. 2. Misspellings grammatical errors Keep in mind not to submit your resume without checking the spelling, grammar, and vocabulary carefully. A resume with typos and grammatical errors will lead employers to think that you’re unprofessional and lack attention to detail. 3. Unprofessional pictures You could hurt your chances of landing the job interview by adding an inappropriate picture, for example: A quick selfie taken at home or when you’re hanging out.You don’t dress professionally.The quality is low and the photo can’t be seen clearly.📚Further reading: Photo in Resume: Capturing Attention or Causing Controversy? [+ Tips Examples] 4. Unprofessional email address Strange as it sounds, many recruiters and hiring managers have warned of this as a common problem with job applicants. Email names are deemed unprofessional when they include nicknames and numbers instead of your real name. 5. Cursive or decorative fonts Even when you’re seeking a creative job, it’s recommended you go for standard fonts which are easy-to-read and ATS-friendly. Below are the best fonts for a resume:Times New RomanArialCalibriHelveticaCambria 6. References Applicants were advised to include references on their resumes/CVs. However, this is outdated and inappropriate nowadays.Employers have doubted the veracity of the feedback, so they think it’s unnecessary to include references unless specifically requested. 7. Lies exaggerations Honesty and reliability are what all employers look for in a candidate. As they haven’t met and worked with you, the first way to verify this is based on what you put on your resume. Other Tips on What to Include in a Resume🖋 What are good skills to put on a resume? It's important to list out hard skills, a.k.a. technical skills so that employers can see whether you are capable of performing a specific task or series of tasks to complete a job. Besides that, you also need to highlight necessary soft skills such as teamwork, problem-solving, time management, communication skills, etc. 🖋 What to put on a resume as a teenager? As a student, you can emphasize your achievements at school like a high GPA or any academic awards. Hiring managers might consider these as a good indicator of success on the job.If you have taken courses related to the job opening, list those on your resume as well. 🖋 What interests to put on a resume? Examples of good personal interests to highlight on a resume: Volunteer workWriting blogsReadingPhotographyLearning languages 🖋 What to write in the hobbies section in a resume? Below are some hobbies to include in a resume: Artistic activitiesCommunity serviceCookingExercisingPlaying an instrument. 🖋 What are good strengths to put on a resume? If you have several good personal traits, list those in a separate section aside from “Skills Qualifications”, for example: Working well under the pressureWilling to take on challengesConsistently meeting deadlinesA fast learnerA can-do attitude🔑 Key Takeaways:What to include in a resume: Personal profile, personal statement, work experience, education, skills. In addition to these 5 key sections in a resume, you can add extra if you have more to show, like accomplishments, certifications, personal projects.What not to include in a resume: Details unrelated to the job opening and/or unprofessional information that are not suitable for the work environment.What to put on a resume with no experience: Focus on academic accomplishments, soft skills, internships, and personal projects. Cake provides the best resume builder free resume/CV templates to help you create the perfect resume for your job hunt. Take your career journey to new heights - create a resume online (free download) now!Create Resume--- Originally written byMay Luong ---

Created by CakeTABLEOFCONTENTSWhat Are Time Management Skills for Resumes?10 Examples of Time Management Skills for ResumesWhere to List Time Management Skills on a Resume/CVTips on How to Describe Time Management Skills on a ResumeHow to Improve Your Time Management SkillsIn today's fast-paced society, time has become a rare resource that people are expected to manage effectively. Research done by Zippia showed that an average corporate employee normally spent 51% of their daily work on low to no value tasks. It is therefore important to include time management skills when crafting a resume. As multitasking becomes more prevalent today, hiring managers seek candidates who possess good time management skills to handle tasks in an organized, productive, and effective way. According to LinkedIn, time management skill is one of the top five most sought after soft skills. Let’s discuss what time management skills are in more detail. Time management skills come in different forms and structures, but they emphasize the process of taking conscious control over time spent on specific tasks, particularly to enhance effectiveness, efficiency, and productivity. Let's also take a closer look at the importance of time management in two cases. Both time management skills in a workplace and time management skills for students are important as time management skills can be seen as an asset in terms of learning, solving a problem, and conducting tasks. When time management skills are incorporated in a resume, it can especially boost both professionals and students in both career and academic applications.What Are Time Management Skills? By definition, time management skills refer to a wide range of skills that allow you to manage your time and work effective. They are valuable skills as more often than not you need to handle more than one taskat the same time. Time management skills are not easy to master, but once you do, they can benefit you substantially both in and out of the office.Below are four ways good time management skills can help you: ☑️ Better concentration When you manage your time well, you'll always be able to determine which task/project to focus on at any given time. There will be no distractions from everything else on your mind. ☑️ Highly-organized and clear-minded With the increased focus/clarity summarized above, you will have more mental power to carry out your daily tasks. You'll also have well-structured thoughts because you've planned your time effectively. ☑️ On track Proactive time management at work requires systematic planning and scheduling to help you stay on track, make appointments, and meet deadlines. ☑️ Low level of stress You can easily become overwhelmed when you have so much going on at once. Acquiring good time management skills will bring structure to the chaos, subsequently helping you to feel less stressed. 10 Examples of Time Management Skills for ResumesAs mentioned before, time management skills are difficult to say on a resume. It is mostly because there's no universal way to measure them and time management skills encompass more than keeping an eye on the clock. We break them down into 10 skills that you can put on your resume to show the recruiter your time management ability and provide examples for your reference.1. Planning Good time management starts with strong planning skills. Without a good schedule of which tasks should be completed, it can be very difficult to manage your day or week.For example, you have a pile of research to hand in on an early Monday. By planning your energy and time accordingly, you will be able to finish the task in a timely manner. Time management skills resume phrases related to planning that you can put in your resume are:SchedulingMemoryDelegationSummarizingOptimization 2. Prioritizing Prioritizing is an essential time management skill where it allows you to identify what needs to be done based on limited time and energy. For example, your pile of research comes in various levels of importance and urgency. It is possible to use the priority matrix where you allocate your tasks according to urgency and importance. By this simple approach, you understand what tasks to focus on and what things to put behind.Prioritizing-related time management resume phrases that you can include are:Team-mindedMonitoringGoal settingMultitaskingAccountability 3. Goal Setting No matter what target you are setting - short-term or long-term - goal setting is a fundamental time management skill where it pushes you forward with concrete motive, method, and direction. Also, having goals when managing a task provides a shared recognition of small victories which help to build momentum towards big achievements. As an example, a product manager may set attainable and measurable milestones such as KPI or performance targets to acknowledge small victories throughout a long-term project. 4. Problem Solving Problem solving often demands good time management skills.The ability to manage and solve problems in a given time is an important quality when hiring managers assess job candidates.The ideal candidate has the ability to mix analytical thinking with creative problem-solving. They are comfortable in making decisions, and they can handle challenging situations in the workplace. 5. Multitasking Multitasking is a time management skill where candidates switch focus between tasks so effortlessly that it appears as though they are doing several things at once. For example as the head of the hospital’s emergency department, you must manage your time between various incoming patients, while making accurate decisions at the same time. 6. Delegating Effective time management skills also involve prioritizing and managing tasks according to one's expertise and that of others. For instance, a good product manager assigns tasks like market research, cost structure analysis, and quality control to subordinates where he or she concentrates on analyzing a market entrance strategy towards a new product. By utilizing time and energy wisely, the goal can be achieved efficiently with minimal stress. 7. Breaking Down Tasks This time management skill is important when it comes to a huge and complicated task where different factors and decisions affect one another. Therefore the ability to break down tasks into milestones will help you simply visualize your ultimate goal, thus allowing for easy monitoring of progress. Imagine yourself managing a one-month project proposal where your goal is to increase the user rate of an app. You might need to break down the project by weeks, followed by days and milestones to get the job done on time. Your small objectives in a timeline might start with a focus group interview, followed by problem identification, customer analysis, product research, etc, then coming up with a proposal that fits the needs of the consumer, to increase the usage rate. This example shows effective time management skills where you break tasks down into smaller parts. 8. Scheduling People may get confused between scheduling and prioritizing. Scheduling centers on the skill of managing time between various tasks, which is quite different from prioritizing. For example, as a marketer, you are required to conduct several interviews and focus group studies before you can determine your marketing strategy. The results 1ision-making process, so it is important to schedule the work flow accordingly. Good time management skills are vital in these situations. 9. Decision Making Another key time management skill is the ability to make a quick decision. That's because second guessing may lead to a waste of time, resources and energy. For example, as a business manager, you are required to make decisions upon a MA case. Those decisions involve complex evaluations under a certain amount of time pressure and is where decision making skills come into play. 10. Managing Stress Stress management as a form of time management skills in the workplace can prevent mental breakdowns and burnouts. Although crunch times and emergency situations are unpredictable, having a certain amount of skill in managing stress will eliminate unnecessary tension when delivering results.For example, you can cultivate good time management skill by :Creating realistic deadlines and making a plan to meet themEliminating long hours workingAllocating time and resources appropriately to goalsIncluding risk management and contingency plans Where to List Time Management Skills on a Resume/CVNow that we've looked at individual skills that are part of time management skills, we can move on to where you can put them in your resume. There are three major sections on your resume where you can include descriptions of your time management skills1. Resume Summary/Objective You can also incorporate your time management skills in your resume summary and objective section. By doing so, you immediately catch the attention of the hiring manager. Using effective phrases on a resume will highlight your time management skills.Example of time management skills in the resume summary/objective section:"Objective: To obtain a position at ABC company as a product manager, with effective time management skills in delegating and prioritizing.""Product Manager looking to put my excellent time management skills to good use at BPW Company." 💡 Tip:To show you have good time management skills, tailor the resume statement with the right time management skills resume phrases to ensure you are effective in communicating with potential employers. 2. Work Experience Section The primary way to mention good time management skills is to incorporate them into your work experience section, in which you describe your past accomplishments and experiences.Take a look at this time management skills on resume example for a project manager resume: Product Manager | OSIM Integrated Technology2018 - 2020Averaging 10% under budget, completing projects within deadlines on 15 products.Assisted in restructuring the product development process to meet deadlines for all critical projects.Maintain team's on-time schedules throughout 3 high-priority launches, completing all deliverables before deadlines. 💡 Tip:Mentioning past experiences that show your time management skills will give the hiring manager a more comprehensive picture of your capabilities. 3. Skills Section Another effective method to show time management skills on your resume is to assign an independent section where skills are highlighted. It is best to customize for each job application to demonstrate how time management skills correspond with job requirements.The first step is to identify keywords from the job description and create a checklist of time management skills. Using the identified keywords, you now can elaborate and give specific details on your time management skills.Example of how to demonstrate time management skills:Planning and Scheduling:Implemented a deadline incentive scheme that offered a bonus based on the article fee if writers submitted articles early. As a result, additional days were available for editing and layout, which greatly reduced error rates and boosted morale in the company.Delegating:Delegated tasks to team members according to their expertise, facilitated weekly 30-minute meetings to review progress and reevaluate direction, reducing the amount of time spent communicating mutual goals and updating.Cake provides the best resume builder with many templates examples for talents to demonstrate your qualifications. Let us help you land the dream with a strong resume (free download)!Create ResumeTips on How to Describe Time Management Skills on a Resume 💡 Describe your time management skills using descriptive resume keywords. Include strong and compelling action words like enhanced, achieved, influenced, etc. to describe relevant time management skills that draw attention to your strengths and show an employer why you deserve the job.💡 Look for the skills that your employer is looking for in the job description.As mentioned before, it is vital to identify relevant time management skills according to the job description. So let us examine how to accurately identify the skills.First, most managers will list down relevant soft skills (time management skills in this case) necessary for the position. All you need to do is to take note of all your skills and make sure to include them in your resume.However, some employers do not mention skill requirements for job positions. In this case, you have to imply relevant time management skills required from the job position, qualifications, duties, and so on. 💡 Be very precise on your capacity to manage time. As we all know, time management is a transferable and unmeasurable skill.Therefore, when writing time management skills on your resume, make sure you show your skills in a measurable way, whether it's by statistics, numbers orany concrete results. How to Improve Your Time Management SkillsYou can improve your time management skills in order to be a more competitive candidate for new positions. Here are some tips on how to do so: 1. Establish short-term and long-term goals. You can learn time management through setting goals on a daily basis and by assessing short and long-term objectives. There are online and offline tools available such as Notion and Trello that help you visualize goals in an organized way. In addition, SMART principles allow you to set specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound goals.2. Keep a calendar. A calendar is a simple way of visualizing and managing your tasks according to dates, weeks, and time frames. By keeping a calendar while you manage your everyday tasks and jobs, you will gradually gain knowledge and control over time. 3. Optimize and find the best way to manage your time. There are tons of ways to develop good time management skills, whether it's by forming a to-do-list or setting a countdown timer. Keep in mind that whatever you choose, find and develop the best approach where you can keep on track effectively according to your preference and suitability. Don't worry about trying other time management tools as time management skills require practice through trial and error. 🔑 Key Takeaways:To conclude, time management is an essential skill that hiring managers value in the workplace. Keep in mind the required time management skills on a job application so that you understand what employers expect to see on your resume. Moreover, offering a structured and detailed explanation that makes you stand out. Identify a suitable section on your resume where time management skills can be included. Then, you're more than ready to showcase your time management skills on your resume. --- Originally written by Vivian Chen ---

How to Put Cum Laude on ResumeAre you wondering what a recruiter will pay attention to when looking at your resume, besides work experience and relevance? While experience and skills are crucial factors, what truly catches hiring managers' eye are those little details that showcase a candidate's dedication, drive, and academic excellence. According to Ask Manager, the things listed in the resume education section include cum laude, reflected in GPA, awards, etc., helping to show that the candidate is really serious in the learning process and demonstrates their abilities. Including academic honors on a resume can significantly enhance your credibility and set you apart from other candidates. In this article, we’ll explore how to effectively present cum laude honors on your resume, providing valuable guidance for impressing prospective employers and landing the jobs that you aspire to. Table of ContentsUnderstanding the Latin Honors TermWhere to Include Cum Laude on Your Resume?How to List Cum Laude on Your Resume?Building a Stronger Academic Profile Beyond Cum LaudeConclusionUnderstanding the Latin Honors Term Cum laude, a Latin phrase translating to 'with praise,' is a prestigious academic honor bestowed upon graduating students who demonstrate exceptional academic performance. It signifies that you've achieved a level of academic excellence that places you among the top scholars in your graduating class. Including laude on a resume can showcase this achievement effectively. However, cum laude isn't the only Latin honorific used in academia. There are actually three tiers of Latin honors you can list on your resume, each signifying a progressively higher level of achievement. Cum Laude This is the most common Latin honor, typically awarded to students in the top 20-30% of their graduating class. Specific GPA requirements vary by institution, but it generally falls within the 3.5 to 3.7 range. Magna Cum Laude A step above cum laude, magna cum laude recognizes a smaller group of top performers, often the top 10-15% of the graduating class. The required GPA is usually higher than cum laude, sometimes exceeding 3.8 or 3.9, depending on the institution. Summa Cum Laude The pinnacle of academic honors, summa cum laude is reserved for the most exceptional students, often the top 1-5% of the graduating class. The required GPA is typically very high, often exceeding 3.9 or even reaching 4.0 (a perfect score). These Latin honors appear on diplomas and transcripts, serving as a testament to a student’s dedication and hard work. While GPA is a common criterion, some institutions may consider additional factors, such as honors theses or early graduation. Latin honors are a mark of distinction that graduates proudly include on their resumes, signaling their success in higher education. Where to Include Cum Laude on Your Resume?Once you understand the weight of your cum laude honor, the next step is presenting it strategically on your resume. The most impactful location is undoubtedly within the Education section of your resume. Let’s explore where and how to effectively include this academic honor: Education Section One common approach is to list cum laude alongside your degree in the resume's education section. Here are some tips on how to integrate cum laude into your education section: This approach is ideal for recent graduates or those with limited work experience. Recent GraduateBachelor of Arts in Psychology (cum laude), May 2020, University of California, Los Angeles If your GPA falls within the top of the cum laude range for your institution, you can consider including it alongside your honor. This further emphasizes your academic prowess. Focusing on GPABachelor of Science in Computer Science, December 2022, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (GPA: 3.85, cum laude) Depending on the job you're applying for, you might tailor how you present your cum laude honor. With Business-Oriented RoleMaster of Business Administration (cum laude), 2022, Harvard Business School (Dean's List all semesters) Awards and Honors Section If you want to create a distinct section for awards and honors, consider listing cum laude there Awards and HonorsPresident of the Marketing Club (2016-2020)Top 30 Future CEO Competition hosted bythe University in 2019.Bachelor of Business Administration (cum laude), 2020, International School of Business. Besides, here are some additional examples showcasing cum laude for different career paths: Fresh Graduate Targeting Tech Industry Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering (magna cum laude), 2022, Stanford University (Relevant Coursework: Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence) Mid-Career Professional Seeking Management Position Master of Arts in Public Administration (cum laude), 2020, Columbia University(GPA: 3.9, President of Public Administration Student Association) Career Changer Emphasizing Academic Background Bachelor of Arts in English Literature (summa cum laude), 2018, Yale University(Relevant Skills: Excellent Research Writing Skills, Proficient in Several Languages) By strategically placing your cum laude honor and potentially adding relevant details, you create a compelling narrative that highlights your academic excellence and sets the stage for your professional achievements.How to List Cum Laude on Your Resume? Now that you know where to place your cum laude honor, let's delve into the specifics of how to present it effectively. Here are key strategies to maximize its impact: 1) Including the Term The first decision is whether to list "cum laude" in its original Latin form or translate it to "with honors". Both options are acceptable, but the choice depends on the context and your target audience. When adding your cum laude distinction to your resume, follow these guidelines: Latin or Translated You can choose to include it in Latin (cum laude) or translate it to English (with honor). Formal Setting If applying to highly academic or research-oriented positions, using "cum laude" maintains a sense of tradition and prestige. ExampleBachelor of Science in Physics (cum laude), 2022, California Institute of Technology General Audience For broader applications, translating it to "with honors" might be more easily understood. ExampleMaster of Arts in Education (with honors), 2019, University of Chicago Modern Twist For a more modern touch, "graduated with honors" might be a good alternative. ExampleBachelor of Arts in Graphic Design (graduated with honors), 2020, Rhode Island School of Design 2) Providing Context While "cum laude" itself holds weight, adding context can further emphasize your academic achievement. Here are some ways to do this: Highlighting GPA If your GPA falls within the top of the cum laude range for your institution, including it showcases your exceptional academic performance. ExampleBachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering (GPA: 3.92, cum laude - Top 10%) Mentioning Percentile Rank Some institutions might not disclose GPAs publicly. If you know your percentile rank within your graduating class, including it provides a strong alternative metric. ExampleBachelor of Fine Arts (cum laude, Graduated Magna Cum Laude List - Top 5%) Adding Relevant Achievements For competitive programs, consider mentioning additional academic honors or awards received alongside cum laude. ExampleBachelor of Arts in History (cum laude, Dean's List all semesters, History Department Award for Outstanding Research) 3) Formatting Tips Presentation matters! Here's how to ensure your cum laude honor stands out on your resume: Bold or Italics Use bold or italics to slightly differentiate your cum laude honor from the rest of your academic information. Maintain consistency throughout your resume. ExampleBachelor of Arts in Political Science (cum laude), 2024, Duke University Placement Position your cum laude honor strategically. Ideally, it should be listed after your degree name but before the graduation date and institution name. 💡Pro tips: Remember that consistency is key! Maintain the same formatting style for other academic achievements like scholarships or dean's list mentions. Building a Stronger Academic Profile Beyond Cum LaudeWhile cum laude is a prestigious academic honor, complementing it with other achievements can strengthen your resume. Highlighting Other Academic Honors and Awards Earning cum laude is impressive, but including other academic accolades further strengthens your resume. Here are some examples: Dean's List Recognition: Being on the Dean's List consistently signifies outstanding academic performance throughout your studies.Scholarships and Grants: Receiving scholarships or grants demonstrates academic merit and financial responsibility.Subject-Specific Awards: Awards recognizing excellence in specific disciplines showcase your passion and in-depth knowledge. ExampleBachelor of Science in Biology (cum laude, Dean's List all semesters, National Institutes of Health Undergraduate Research Fellowship) Demonstrating Acquired Skills Through Coursework Academic achievements go beyond grades and honors. Mentioning relevant coursework, especially those aligned with the desired job, showcases the skills and knowledge you gained during your studies. Here's how to strategically integrate coursework: Focus on Industry-Relevant Skills Identify key skills sought after in your target field and highlight coursework that directly addresses them. Example(Data Science Role): Bachelor of Science in Mathematics (cum laude) - Relevant Coursework: Machine Learning, Data Analysis, Statistics (using software like Python and R) Highlight Capstone Projects or Thesis Work If you completed a capstone project or thesis, mention it briefly, emphasizing the skills you developed (ex: research, problem-solving, communication). Finding Inspiration - Popular Online Courses Many online platforms offer high-quality courses valued by professionals across various industries. Consider including relevant courses you've completed to enhance your academic profile. Here are some well-regarded examples: Machine Learning (Stanford University - Coursera): A foundational course for aspiring data scientists, covering machine learning algorithms and their applications.Business and Financial Modeling Specialization (Wharton School - University of Pennsylvania - Coursera): Develops expertise in financial modeling and valuation techniques used in investment banking and corporate finance.Probability - The Science of Uncertainty and Data (MITx - edX): Provides a solid introduction to data science concepts, including data wrangling, analysis, and visualization. 💡Pro tips: showcasing your commitment to learning and highlighting relevant skills gained through coursework positions you as a well-rounded and highly qualified candidate. ConclusionGo beyond just listing Latin honors like 'cum laude.' Include additional academic awards, relevant coursework, or online courses demonstrating your commitment to learning and the valuable skills you've acquired. By presenting a well-rounded picture of your educational background, you set yourself apart from other candidates and position yourself for success in the job market. For further resume-building guidance, especially for a recent graduate, visit Cake to explore online resources from career development centers to professional resume-writing platforms. Remember, a strong resume is just the first step. Stay confident and prepared to showcase your full potential throughout the job search process with these key takeaways in mind!Take your resume to new heights with Cake’s free resume builder – showcase your skills effortlessly. Personalize your resume with drag-and-drop simplicity, and it's completely free. Start crafting your standout resume now.Create Resume — Originally Written byAndrea Do—

How to Put Freelance Work on Your ResumeNowadays, it is no longer uncommon for an individual to be an expert in their field while simultaneously working a 9 to 5 job at the office and outside personal projects as a freelancer. Therefore, the need to skillfully put freelance work on a resume is gradually gaining popularity among talented freelancers. Whether you're a graphic designer who has shaped brand identities or a writer who has crafted compelling stories, each freelance project is a chapter in your career story. When you know how to tailor freelance work items and include them in an attractive way on your resume, it makes you an irresistible prospect to potential employers. TABLEOFCONTENTSWhat is a Freelancing Resume?How to Write a Freelance Resume?How to List Freelance Work on your Resume?Freelance Resume Sample What is a Freelancing Resume? Many employees engage themselves in freelance work at various points in their careers. Whether it's a strategic career change, filling a gap between jobs, or simply pursuing a side hustle, freelancing has become a ubiquitous part of many professional journeys. But when it comes to representing this experience on a resume, many are left wondering how to effectively showcase these freelance endeavors. This is where a freelancing resume comes into play. A freelancing resume is not just a list of experience; it is a carefully crafted document that highlights your diverse skill set, adaptability, and professional growth. Unlike a traditional resume, which typically focuses on long-term employment in specific roles, a freelancing resume provides a platform to showcase the varied experiences and unique skills you've gained through freelance work.Putting freelance work on your resume is pivotal for several reasons:Highlight Diverse Skills: Freelance projects often require a jack-of-all-trades mentality. Whether you're a writer, designer, consultant, or any other type of freelancer, you've likely worn multiple hats and developed a broad skill set. This diversity is showcasing your ability to adapt and excel in various roles.Showing Adaptability: The world of freelancing work is unpredictable and demands a high level of adaptability. By demonstrating how you've successfully navigated the challenges of freelance work, you're also showing potential employers your resilience and flexibility. These are highly sought-after traits in today's ever-changing work environment.Demonstrate Professional Growth: Freelancing often involves continuously learning and evolving to meet the demands of different projects and clients. This ongoing professional development is a testament to your commitment to growth and can be highly appealing to employers looking for self-motivated and progressive candidates. As you structure your freelancing resume, remember to keep these points in mind. By doing so, you'll not only illustrate your rich, varied experience but also demonstrate how these experiences make you an invaluable asset to potential employers. 📚 Further reading: How to Set Career Goals Effectively [Plus 120+ Career Goal Examples] How to Write a Freelance Resume? Creating a freelance resume that effectively showcases your skills and experiences requires understanding its structure and components. Unlike traditional resumes, a freelance resume emphasizes varied skills and independent project experiences. Let's break down the essential sections and how to optimize them. Contact Information and Header This section is your introduction. It should include your name, phone number, email, and professional website or LinkedIn profile. It is crucial to make this information easily accessible, but remember to leave out personal details like gender, age, or home address for privacy and relevance. Professional Summary/Profile While optional, a professional summary can be a powerful tool. It’s a brief statement that puts your key freelance achievements and skills at work. Incorporate relevant keywords to enhance visibility and alignment with the roles you're targeting. Skills Section In a freelancing resume, the skills section is paramount. Here, list the relevant skills you've honed through your freelance work. Think broadly – include technical skills, soft skills, and any specialized knowledge pertinent to your field. This section is your opportunity to showcase the unique abilities you bring to the table. Work Experience Structure your freelance work experience clearly and effectively. Follow this format: Title: Start with "Freelance [Your Profession]"Timeframe: Specify the durationNature of Freelancing: Briefly describe your freelance nicheNotable Clients or Key Achievement: Highlight any high-profile clients or significant projects. Example:Title: Freelance Graphic DesignerTimeframe: June 2020 - PresentNature: Specializing in digital marketing and brand identity design.Key Achievement: Designed a successful social media campaign for ABC Tech, leading to a 20% increase in their online engagement within three months. How to List Freelance Work on your Resume? For professionals who are not full-time freelancers but have engaged in freelance work, incorporating this experience into a standard resume can greatly enhance your job application. The structure for listing freelance work is similar to what's used in a dedicated freelance resume, with a focus on relevance and impact. Firstly, it's essential to select freelance work that is relevant to the job you're applying for. Unless the job description calls for a wide array of skills, prioritize freelance experiences that align with the specific role or industry. This strategic selection demonstrates your applicable skills and experiences directly to potential employers. Here are some practical tips to effectively put freelance work on your resume: Tip 1: Add a Key Projects Section If you have multiple freelance projects, consider creating a 'Key Projects' section. This can be a part of your work experience section or stand alone. Here, highlight significant projects that showcase your skills and achievements relevant to the role you’re applying for. Tip 2: Group Similar Freelance Projects Together Gather the projects you have worked on by similar nature and categorize them in groups. For example, if you have worked on many small projects related to Business Development Associate, you can put them on your resume as "Business Development Associate - Projects (2021-2023)". You can list the smaller projects as bullet points and add some outstanding descriptions. The most important thing is that you can show your achievements such as sales or KPIs results. If any, the new skills you learned from that project are also a factor that will make your resume stand out by putting in those freelance work. Tip 3: Link to Your Portfolio Create a portfolio of freelance work you've done and add a link to it on your resume. Providing a link will make it easier for employers or people interested in your work to access your experience more directly and intuitively. This is especially useful when you do work related to media and content creation. Published content such as content, articles, images and videos are vivid evidence that reflects your skills. You can also refer to some more detailed instructions on creating a freelance portfolio here. A link to a portfolio will provide the employers more information to evaluate your freelancing experience. 💡 Pro tips: Remember to tailor your resume to each job application, putting the freelance work that best aligns with the job requirements. By following these tips, you can effectively showcase your freelance experience on a traditional resume, demonstrating the diverse skills and adaptability you bring to potential employers.Freelance Resume Sample Creating an impactful freelance resume is key to showcasing your skills and experiences. Below is a sample resume for a “Freelance Graphic Designer”, illustrating how to effectively incorporate freelance work.Through this sample, you can refer to additional information related to Skills, Key Projects and Achievements based on the nature of your freelance work Conclusion Effectively putting freelance work on your resume is a powerful way to showcase your diverse skills and adaptability in today's dynamic job landscape. We've covered the essentials, from understanding the importance of a freelancing resume to structuring it with precision. Whether you’re a full-time freelancer or blending freelance projects with traditional roles, the key is to tell your professional story compellingly. For more tips on resume crafting and career development, don't forget to explore Cake. We offer a wealth of resources that can guide you further in your career journey. Remember, your freelance experience is more than just work; it's a narrative of your growth and capabilities. Let your resume reflect that story, and step confidently into your next career opportunity. Cake is afree resume makerandportfolio builderthat provides hundreds ofresume templates (free download)and variousjob resume examplesto help showcase the best you. Landing your dream job will be a piece of cake!Create Resume — Originally Written by Andrea Do —