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