In today's competitive job market, a well-written cover letter can be the difference between landing an interview and getting lost in the pile of applications. Studies show that 83% of hiring managers consider cover letter examples in their hiring decisions, and 45% of hiring managers prioritize reading cover letters before reviewing resumes. Consider your cover letter as the first ticket; it's your chance to grab the hiring manager's attention, introduce yourself, and highlight why you're the perfect fit for the position. It's more than just summarizing your resume; it's a chance to tell your story, connect with the company, and demonstrate your enthusiasm. Learning how to write a cover letter effectively can significantly improve your chances. To help you craft a great cover letter, we have provided cover letter examples that are highly regarded by human resources professionals.Table of ContentsIdeal Components that Make Your Cover Letter StandoutRecent Graduate Cover Letter ExampleEntry-Level Position Cover Letter ExampleMiddle-Level Position Cover Letter ExampleExecutive-Level Position Cover Letter ExampleInternship Application Cover Letter ExampleFreelance Cover Letter ExampleCareer Change Cover Letter ExampleRelocation Cover Letter ExampleReturning to Workforce Cover Letter ExampleTechnical Profession Cover Letter ExampleMarketing Profession Cover Letter ExampleSales Profession Cover Letter ExampleHospitality Profession Cover Letter ExampleFinance Profession Cover Letter ExampleTeaching Profession Cover Letter ExampleResearch Profession Cover Letter ExampleCreative Profession Cover Letter ExampleGovernment Profession Cover Letter ExampleEnvironmental Profession Cover Letter ExampleNonprofit Profession Cover Letter ExampleThe Dos and Don’ts of Cover LettersConclusion Ideal Components that Make Your Cover Letter Standout So, what are the key ingredients that make a good cover letter stand out? A cover letter includes several essential components that catch the employer's attention and highlight your qualifications. Let's dive into the main components: 1. Introduction Hook: Start with a strong opening paragraph that grabs the recruiter's attention. This could be a relevant achievement, a statistic related to the industry, or a personalized statement about the company.Warm it up: Briefly introduce yourself, highlighting your relevant skills and experience.Your target: Mention the specific job title you're applying for and how you discovered the job posting. 2. Body Why You: This is where you shine. Explain why you're the perfect fit for the role, using specific examples from your past experiences and achievements. Quantify your accomplishments wherever possible to make your case stronger and create an impactful cover letter.Why Them: Show your genuine interest in the company and the position. Research their mission, values, and recent projects to demonstrate your understanding and passion. This research is crucial for an effective job search and helps you tailor your application to stand out.Building: Address any potential gaps in your experience or qualifications, framing them as opportunities for growth or showcasing transferable skills. This approach can turn perceived weaknesses into strengths, further enhancing your cover letter.Passion is key: Express your genuine enthusiasm for the opportunity and highlight what motivates you. Showing your passion can set you apart from other candidates in your job search. 3. Conclusion Take Action: Clearly state your desire for an interview and express your enthusiasm for the opportunity. This is your call to action, urging the reader to take the next step.Thank You and Contact: Conclude with a polite thank you and your complete contact information. Ensure it's professional and easily accessible. This final paragraph should leave a positive impression and make it easy for the reader to reach out. Remember, this is just the first step. With the right approach, your cover letter can become the key that unlocks your dream job. Still need more instructions? Let us introduce to you 20+ cover letter samples for many different industries and jobs Recent Graduate Cover Letter Example To those who are recent graduates, crafting a well-crafted cover letter plays an important role in delivering your message and enthusiasm to the recruiter. Following these tips can help you reach employers: Highlight your academic achievements and relevant skills that match the job description. For example, mention your GPA, awards, internships, projects, or extracurricular activities that demonstrate your accounting knowledge and abilities. Tailor your message by researching the company and position. Show genuine interest by mentioning something specific that excites you about the opportunity or the company's work. Provide specific examples of how you applied your skills and knowledge in academic or professional settings. Use your well-crafted cover letter to expand on your most relevant and impressive qualifications and experiences.Recent Graduate Cover Letter ExampleEntry-Level Position Cover Letter Example For entry-level positions, showing your enthusiasm for work is a necessity. Additionally, listing some recent experience related to the position is also a way to attract employers. Besides, you can consider following these tips: Write a strong and professional opening paragraph that grabs the attention of the hiring manager and introduces yourself as a qualified candidate. Using a professional cover letter template can help you structure this effectively. Use specific examples of projects, tasks, or accomplishments that showcase your skills and abilities in action. This approach is particularly effective in an entry-level cover letter. Explain how you can contribute to the company or align with them, focusing on their values, working culture, or product spirit.Entry-Level Position Cover Letter Example Middle-Level Position Cover Letter Example For a middle-level position, you now have 2-3 years of experience, and depending on the nature of the job, you can aim to become a leader or manager. Therefore, what you need is to specifically cite your work results as proof of your experience. You can consider the following tips: Demonstrate your value and impact as a professional by using numbers, percentages, or awards to quantify your accomplishments and show how you contributed to your previous employers’ goals. Reviewing job cover letter examples can inspire how to effectively present these achievements. Showcase your leadership and management skills that match the level of responsibility and authority you are seeking. Highlighting these skills in your application can set you apart, and looking at job cover letter examples can help you understand the best ways to frame your experience.Middle-Level Position Cover Letter Example Executive-Level Position Cover Letter Example At the C-level position, evidence that you are a visionary will be important. Therefore, in the management cover letter, besides mentioning the experiences/items accomplished, you can: Showcase the impact on financial results, growth, or efficiency gains you've achieved in previous roles. For instance, provide specific examples that illustrate these achievements to make your case stronger. Demonstrate strategic thinking by highlighting instances where you implemented successful strategies or solved complex problems, showcasing your ability to think ahead and navigate challenges. Reviewing a management cover letter example can give you an idea of how to structure these points effectively.Executive-Level Position Cover Letter Example Internship Application Cover Letter Example For intern positions, most candidates often do not have much work experience, so presenting their experience can be a challenge. Therefore, you should focus on showing the employer how your research and study process is relevant to the position you are applying for. This can be effectively done through an internship cover letter. For example, some tips are: State the exact role you are applying for and how you learned about it. This shows that you are interested in the specific opportunity and have some knowledge and experience in the field. A simple cover letter can be very effective in conveying this information clearly. Demonstrate your skills and qualifications for the internship by including relevant coursework, projects, or extracurricular activities. Ensure that you align these with the job requirements to highlight how you meet the employer's needs.Internship Application Cover Letter Example Freelance Cover Letter Example For freelancers applying for projects or piece work, projects performed or demonstrating their expertise in a specific field are the ideal "passport". Here are some tips you might consider including in your cover letter: Showcase relevant skills and achievements that match the project requirements and demonstrate your value as a freelancer. You can use specific bullet points to highlight specific examples of projects, tasks, or accomplishments. Express your expertise for the project topic or field, explaining how you can help them achieve the project outcomes. Referring to professional cover letter examples can help you structure your content effectively. Focus on the specific project and client you are applying for, and keep it concise and clear. Using clear bullet points will make your cover letter easy to read and understand.Freelance Cover Letter Example Career Change Cover Letter Example Writing a career change cover letter and resume for someone whose career has changed is truly a challenge. If you are not skillful, employers can easily ignore your CV just because they think you are not suitable for the new position or wonder about your stability at work. Therefore, use a career change cover letter to help you remove the above bottlenecks by: Addressing your transferable skills and achievements that are relevant to the new occupation. Explaining why you are interested in changing careers and how the new occupation fits your goals and values. Avoiding a focus on your lack of experience or qualifications in the new field. Instead, emphasize your willingness and ability to learn and adapt. To get more insights when you intend to change jobs, refer to the following sample cover letter:Career Change Cover Letter Example Relocation Cover Letter Example When you plan to relocate—live and find a job in a new place—convincing the employer that you are ready and adaptable for the new job plays an important role. To show them that you have a specific plan, you can refer to the following tips for crafting the perfect cover letter: Mention your relocation plans and timeline in your cover letter, and highlight what attracted you to the company, the position, and the new location. Explain how you can contribute to their goals and culture. Demonstrate that you are flexible, adaptable, and committed to both the job and the move to the new location. This approach will help you convey your enthusiasm and readiness to take on the new opportunity.Relocation Cover Letter Example Returning to Workforce Cover Letter Example When you have a gap in your work history, employers will surely wonder about this aspect. Instead of being passive about the situation, proactively address it in your perfect cover letter with the following tips: Acknowledge the gap and explain the reason for it briefly and honestly, providing a clear and concise explanation for the gap in your employment. Emphasize your relevant skills and achievements that are pertinent to the position you are applying for. Highlight any previous work experience that demonstrates your value and potential. Don’t apologize or express regret for your gap. Be confident and show employers that you are ready to return to the workforce and contribute effectively.Returning to Workforce Cover Letter Example Technical Profession Cover Letter Example For technical roles, when you are already an expert in the field, writing a cover letter is usually not too difficult. Here are some tips to help your cover letter stand out: Showcase technical projects you're proud of, especially those demonstrating problem-solving skills and results. Highlighting these projects can illustrate your expertise and impact in the field. Mention relevant projects or technologies the company uses to show you understand the company's specific needs. This demonstrates that you are not only knowledgeable but also prepared to contribute effectively to their objectives.Technical Profession Cover Letter Example Marketing Profession Cover Letter Example For a guru in the field of marketing, successful campaigns or conversion numbers are achievements that speak to your capabilities. Cleverly include them in your cover letter with the following tips: Use data and metrics to highlight achievements. For instance: improve website visitors by 12% or increase conversion rates by 5-8%. Showcase relevant campaigns you led. Mention the target audience, strategies used, and the quantifiable results achieved. Emphasize relevant skills in marketing such as social media marketing, content creation, or email marketing.Marketing Profession Cover Letter Example Sales Profession Cover Letter Example Professionals in the field of sales are often straightforward, proactive, and energetic people. Convey that through your cover letter with the following tips: Quantify achievements by using specific numbers and metrics. For example, "Exceeded sales quota by 120%, resulting in $1 million in additional revenue." This makes your sales cover letter stand out. Showcase how you apply problem-solving skills and soft skills during your work. Describe a sales challenge you faced and how you creatively resolved it. Referencing a sales representative role can provide a strong context. Mention the company's specific products or target market that interests you, and express genuine interest in their offerings. Reviewing a sales cover letter example can provide insights on how to tailor your message effectively.Sales Profession Cover Letter Example Hospitality Profession Cover Letter Example For industries like hospitality, a professional needs to have a mindset focused on customer service and comfort. Some tips you can apply when writing a cover letter to win the employer's heart include: Express your passion and genuine enthusiasm for creating positive guest experiences. Highlight your ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues and build rapport with guests. Showcase your teamwork and communication skills. Emphasize your keen observation and attention to detail, which are crucial in the hospitality industry. This demonstrates your commitment to providing exceptional service.Hospitality Profession Cover Letter Example Finance Profession Cover Letter Example With a finance expert, the data and practical problems you solve will determine your value. Therefore, when writing a cover letter, consider the following tips: State specifically, with data, the effectiveness you achieved. For example, mention how you improved financial accuracy from 3% to 8% or reduced operational costs by 12%. Numbers speak volumes in finance! Focus on the specific financial area of the job. Finance is a broad industry with many different positions and roles. Highlight your strengths and expertise, such as Budgeting and Planning, Forecasting, or Accounting. Showcase your analytical prowess by briefly describing a complex financial problem you solved and the steps you took to reach a solution. This demonstrates your problem-solving skills and adds significant value to your application.Finance Profession Cover Letter Example Teaching Profession Cover Letter Example For teaching work, the ability to communicate and connect is one of the factors that a teaching expert needs. Therefore, cleverly include these points to create a highlight for your teacher's cover letter. Share an example of how you built connections with students and fostered a positive learning environment where all feel valued and supported. For instance, mention a specific incident where your approach made a significant impact. Describe a specific strategy you used to address a learning challenge. You can lead through your own learning process, demonstrating your adaptability and problem-solving skills. Show your enthusiasm in imparting knowledge as well as your continuous efforts in improving your expertise. Highlight any professional development courses you’ve taken or innovative teaching methods you’ve implemented. For further inspiration, refer to a teacher cover letter example to see how these elements can be effectively integrated.Teaching Profession Cover Letter Example Research Profession Cover Letter Example As an expert in the field of research, you likely have published research articles. Besides listing these articles in your cover letter, use some of the following tips: Adjust your letter to the specific research area of the job. Emphasize relevant methodologies you've mastered, such as statistical analysis, data visualization, or specific lab techniques. If you collaborate with a team for research, describe a situation where you worked closely with colleagues or communicated complex research findings to a broader audience. Highlight your ability to work collaboratively and convey intricate information effectively. Research Profession Cover Letter Example Creative Profession Cover Letter Example "Personal identity" is what makes a person working in the creative field stand out. With the creative campaigns you have participated in, cleverly include them in your cover letter by: Using your writing style to reflect your creativity and personality. Starting with a captivating hook or anecdote that grabs the recruiter's attention, setting the tone for the rest of your cover letter. Showcasing your most impressive creative work and projects. Mention the project's goals, your specific contributions, and the achieved results. Highlight how your unique perspective and skills contributed to the success of these projects.Creative Profession Cover Letter Example Government Profession Cover Letter Example For government-related jobs, dedication, compliance, and execution are essential qualities required of individuals in this position. Therefore, focus on these elements to reveal your capabilities and responsibilities through your cover letter: Express genuine enthusiasm for serving the public and contributing to the greater good. Share what motivates you to pursue a career in government service and how it aligns with your values. Quantify your achievements, even if they are not directly related to government work. This demonstrates your compliance and responsibility in daily life, showcasing your ability to meet and exceed expectations in various aspects of your professional experience. By highlighting these aspects, you can effectively convey your suitability for a government role and your commitment to public service.Government Profession Cover Letter Example Environmental Profession Cover Letter Example Jobs related to the environment and green areas require a lot of passion and dedication. In your cover letter, consider noting the following points: Express genuine enthusiasm for environmental sustainability and protecting our planet. Briefly mention what motivates you to work in this field and contribute to a greener future. In addition to dedication, the professional aspect is also crucial. Highlight your expertise in environmental or chemical handling and any relevant experience. Show employers your commitment and qualifications through your cover letter.Environmental Profession Cover Letter Example Nonprofit Profession Cover Letter Example For nonprofit jobs, impress your recruiter with cover letters that demonstrate: Express your enthusiasm for the organization's mission and mention what inspires you to support their specific cause. If you have experience working with nonprofits, volunteering, or advocating for social change, share your journey. Highlight your contributions and your commitment to continue making a positive impact. Let the recruiter know about the value you bring and your dedication to their cause.Nonprofit Profession Cover Letter Example The Dos and Don’ts of Cover Letters Remember, a well-written cover letter can make a positive impression on the employer and increase your chances of getting an interview. To avoid common mistakes when you write a cover letter, follow some basic rules such as: Conclusion Crafting a strong cover letter can significantly enhance your job application. Remember to tailor your letter to each position, showcasing relevant skills and achievements using strong action verbs and specific examples. Keep it concise, professional, and free of errors. Demonstrate genuine interest in the company and the role, and quantify your impact whenever possible. For more valuable career advice and tips on crafting impactful resumes and cover letters, visit Cake. Job seekers can take advantage of our cover letter builder and explore our extensive cover letter resources to create a compelling application. Additionally, you can choose modern resume templates from our platform to create a resume that stands out. Visit us now and start your professional application journey!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 by Andrea Do ---

APractical Guide for Global Job SeekersWorking abroad can be an exciting and rewarding experience for anyone who wants to broaden their horizons, learn new skills, and explore different cultures. However, working in a foreign country also comes with its own set of challenges, such as visa and legal issues, language barriers, cultural differences, and homesickness. In this article, we will share some tips on how to work abroad, tips that will help you prepare and plan for your international career, from choosing the right country, visa and legal considerations, cultural and language preparation, global job search, networking, and overcoming homesickness and culture shock. TABLE OF CONTENTSChoosing the Right Country for Your International Career​​Visa and Legal Requirements for Working AbroadHow to Learn and Adapt to the Culture and Language of Your Host CountryFinding and Applying for Jobs in the Global MarketConnect and Network with Expatriates and Global ProfessionalsHow to Cope with Homesickness and Culture Shock When Working AbroadConclusion Choosing the Right Country for Your International Career One of the first steps to working abroad is choosing the right country for your career goals, personal preferences, and lifestyle. There are many factors to consider when selecting a country for work.Choosing another country to work abroad requires consideration based on many factors such as:Demand and availability of jobs in your field of expertiseCost of living and quality of life in the countrySafety and security situation in the countryClimate and weather conditions in the countryCulture and values of the country and its peopleLanguage and communication skills required in the country You should also consider your own motivations and expectations for working abroad, such as: Duration and type of work you want to do: short-term or long-term, full-time or part-time, freelance or contract, etc.The level of challenge and adventure you are looking forThe degree of flexibility and independence you needYour career planning: the opportunities for personal and professional growth and development Working abroad can also mean digitally working for a foreign country, without having to physically relocate. This is an option for those who want to enjoy the benefits of working in a global market, while staying in their home country or traveling the world as a digital nomad. However, this also requires a high level of self-discipline, time management, and communication skills, as well as reliable internet access and equipment. Nowadays, you can easily find pages or groups sharing Digital Nomads experiences on social platforms such as LinkedIn, Facebook, etc. One of the first simple steps for you to become a global citizen in your job search journey is to "transform yourself" into a person working according to the "digital nomad" trend. In this way, you can somehow experience the working style, working methods, cultural exchange as well as have the first stepping stones in finding and working abroad.Visa and Legal Requirements for Working Abroad Another important step to working abroad is looking at the visa requirements and legal preparations you need to make if you want to move to another country. Depending on the country and the type of work you want to do, you may need to apply for a specific visa, such as a work visa, a business visa, a student visa, a tourist visa, or a working holiday visa. You should also check the eligibility criteria, the application process, the fees, and the validity period of the visa you need.You should also be aware of the legal implications of working abroad, such as:The tax laws and regulations in both your home country and the host countryThe labor laws and employment rights in the host countryThe health insurance and social security coverage in the host countryThe currency exchange and banking options in the host country The case might be different for those who work remotely, but you should still understand the legal considerations for your home country, such as the tax issues, the registration of your business, and the contracts and invoices you need to issue. Each type of Visa in each country will correspond to different purposes, so the corresponding issuance time will also be different. As in Taiwan, you can apply for a visa based on your intention to work, short-term visit for work purposes or long-term stay and work. For instance, if you want to work in Taiwan, you will need to obtain a work permit and a resident visa, which are issued by the Ministry of Labor and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, respectively. You will also need to apply for an Alien Resident Certificate (ARC) and a National Health Insurance (NHI) card, which are issued by the National Immigration Agency and the National Health Insurance Administration, if you have plans and intentions to work long-term in Taiwan. For more information, you can find more information about the visa and legal requirements for working in Taiwan here.How to Learn and Adapt to the Culture and Language of Your Host Country Working abroad also requires a high level of cultural and language proficiency and communication skills. You will need to understand and adapt to the culture and language of the country you are working in, as well as the work culture and etiquette of your employer and colleagues. This will help you avoid misunderstandings, conflicts, and frustrations, and build trust and rapport with your co-workers and clients. Some tips for cultural and language preparation 1. Learn the basics of the language of the country Greetings, introductions, numbers, dates, directions, and common phrases.💡Pro tips: Online courses, apps, books, podcasts, or videos to learn the language, or enroll in a language school or find a language partner in the country. 2. Research the culture and history of the country The values, beliefs, customs, traditions, norms, and taboos.💡Pro tips: You can use online resources, books, documentaries, or blogs to learn about the culture, or ask your local friends, co-workers, or mentors for advice and insights. 3. Observe and respect the cultural differences and similarities between your home country and the host country Communication styles, the work ethics, the dress codes, the social norms, and the etiquette.💡Pro tips: You can also learn from your own mistakes and experiences, and be open-minded and curious about the culture, rather than judgmental or critical. Finding and Applying for Jobs in the Global Market Finding a job abroad can be challenging, but not impossible, if you know how to utilize the international job search platforms and resources available to you. Some of the ways you can find a job abroad are: Use online job boards and websites Online platforms that specialize in global or regional job opportunities, such as Cake, Indeed, Monster, LinkedIn, Glassdoor, or Jobbatical. You can also use niche job boards that cater to specific industries, fields, or skills, such as Stack Overflow, AngelList, or Remote.co. Social media and professional networks An ideal way to connect with potential employers, recruiters, or referrals, such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or Meetup! You can also join online communities and groups that are relevant to your industry, field, or skill, such as Reddit, Quora, or Slack.📚Further reading: How to Find Recruiters on LinkedIn - Unlocking Your Career Connections [+ Tips] Take advantage of good references Use personal contacts and referrals to get introduced to or recommended by someone who works or knows someone who works in the country or company you are interested in. You can also attend events, workshops, seminars, or conferences that are related to your industry, field, or skill, and network with the attendees, speakers, or organizers.📚Further reading: How to Ask for a Job Referral: Guide, Tips and Examples Appreciate each small project or opportunity Use freelance platforms and websites to find short-term or project-based work opportunities, such as Upwork, Fiverr, Freelancer, or Toptal. You can also use online marketplaces and websites that offer services or products that are in demand in the country you are interested in. When applying for a job abroad, you will also need to tailor your application materials for a global audience, such as your resume, cover letter, portfolio, or website. You can visit here for more tips for preparing your application documents.Connect and Network with Expatriates and Global Professionals Working abroad also means building connections with foreign expatriate communities and global professionals, who can offer you support, guidance, and opportunities for your international career. Networking in international communities can help you learn more about the culture, language, and work environment of the country you are working in, and get tips and advice from people who have been in your situation before. Besides, it also helps you find potential mentors who can help you grow and develop yourself. By this way, you can discover new job opportunities just through expanding your professional network and exposure. Make new friends and socialize with people who can relate to your experiences, challenges, and aspirations, and provide you with emotional support, companionship, and fun. Some tips for networking in international communities 1. Join online or offline groups, clubs, or organizations Take the chance to join the community that are relevant to your industry, field, or skill, or that cater to expatriates, foreigners, or travelers in the country you are working in. For instance, some online platforms that can help you are: Meetup, InterNations, or Couchsurfing. 2. The more the merrier Reach out to people who work or have worked in the country or company you are interested in, or who have similar backgrounds, interests, or goals as you, and introduce yourself, express your interest, or ask for advice. 3. Maintain your relationships with your connections Follow up and maintain your relationships with the people you meet or connect with, and show your appreciation, interest, or support. You can use online platforms such as email, Skype, or Zoom, to communicate and keep in touch with these people, or send them thank-you notes, feedback, or recommendations. 📚Further reading: Looking to Become a Networking Expert? 10 Pro Tips How to Cope with Homesickness and Culture Shock When Working Abroad Working abroad can also cause homesickness and culture shock, which are common emotional challenges that many expatriates face when moving to a new country. Homesickness is the feeling of missing one’s home, family, friends, or familiar environment, while culture shock is the feeling of confusion, stress, or anxiety that results from encountering a different culture, language, or way of life. Some of the symptoms of homesickness and culture shock are: Feeling lonely, isolated, or depressedBeing nostalgic, sentimental, or regretfulEasy to become frustrated, angry, or resentfulFeeling bored, restless, or dissatisfiedPhysical problems: having difficulty sleeping, eating, or concentrating and headaches, stomachaches, or allergies To deal with homesickness and culture shock, you can learn from some coping strategies as: Stay connected Keep in touch with your friends and family, and share your feelings and experiences with them. Create a familiar environment in your living space Surround yourself with things that remind you of home, such as photos, souvenirs, or music. You can also cook or order familiar foods, or watch or read familiar media, such as movies, shows, or books. Healthy routines help It gives you a sense of structure and normalcy, and helps you cope with stress and uncertainty. You can also set goals and plans that motivate you and keep you focused, such as learning a new skill, taking a course, or traveling to a new place. Professional guidance Seeking professional help if you feel that your homesickness or culture shock is affecting your mental or physical health, or interfering with your work or personal life. Anyone else who can provide you with emotional support, guidance, or treatment.Conclusion Working abroad can be a life-changing and rewarding experience, but it also requires careful preparation and planning, as well as adaptation and resilience. By following the how to work abroad tips we shared in this article, you can choose the right country, visa and legal issues, cultural and language preparation, job search, networking, and coping strategies for your international career. If you are ready to take the leap and work abroad, visit Cake’s job search portal and follow our blog for more insightful career advice. Wish you all the best in your global journey!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 ---

You’ve made it through the first round of the application process, and then you see this in your inbox: Reservation for Technical Interview. You might wonder what a technical interview is? What happens in a technical interview? Is a technical interview difficult? Before your brain implodes, you should know that a technical interview is just another stage of the application process. It’s an important stage too, often being the make-or-break for candidates applying to jobs within the tech sector. In addition to being a chance for candidates to communicate their skills and experiences, a technical interview is an opportunity for employers to see what you’re really capable of by testing your hard skills, ie. you said you were proficient in Python in your resume, can actually you prove that by writing this code? Sounds challenging? Want to find out what happens in a technical interview and how to prepare for one? Let’s get started! Table of ContentsWhat Is a Technical Interview?How to Prepare for a Technical Interview As a Job SeekerHow to Prepare for a Technical Interview As an EmployerCommon Types of Technical Interview QuestionsConclusion Preparation Steps for Jobseekers Facing a Technical Interview What Is a Technical Interview? Technical interviews are usually a part of the software engineering interview process, but they can also be asked for jobs in computer science, data analysis, product management, and design. In other words, a technical interview is just another way for employers to assess candidates. However, technical interview questions do have a particular emphasis on “technical fit”, realized by testing hard skills and technical abilities, as well as problem solving and communication skills. This is unlike other types of interviews, such as technical screens, which are just behavioral interviews that assess your soft skills while asking about technical experience. A technical interview is therefore an easier way for employers to see if you actually know your stuff (ie. technical abilities), all while getting a good look into your thought process. While they might not be the end-all in the application process - some companies like to add another round of “company fit” interviews - technical interviews can be the deciding factor for you getting the job. Which is why it’s so important to prepare.How to Prepare for a Technical Interview As a Job Seeker Acing a technical interview takes a lot of preparation and will hardly ever be achieved through last minute anxiety-inducing cramming.So, here’s how to prepare for a technical interview. Three steps to prepare for a technical interview Step #1: Research the specific technical skills and knowledge required for the job. In other words, whip out that job description and start reviewing. Without this step, there’s no way for you to know what technical interview questions to expect during the interview. Step #2: Build a strong foundation of your hard skills by reviewing the fundamentals. For computer science related jobs in particular, make sure you have a strong foundation in coding, data structures, algorithms, and system design. It may also help to review past coursework if it’s relevant. Step #3: Gather resources from books, online courses, and practice platforms. Self-study and taught classes can catch you up on skills you may be lacking or need a refresher course in. They can also give you tips on how to talk about the skills and experiences you have, as well as how to practice for certain tests you may need to take during the technical interview.Strategies for success Strategy #1: Time management What happens in a technical interview? If you’re doing a test for one of the technical interview questions, keep an eye on the time. Strategy #2: Communication What makes a good technical interview? In addition to flaunting your technological prowess, a good technical interview shows your effective communication skills. When recalling a past experience, clearly communicate your thought process and be concise in your recount (aka no rambling). Strategy #3: Remain calm Why do I fail technical interviews? Like all interviews, the best performance you can give is when you’re calm. Practicing tests, brain teaser questions, and potential technical interview questions with friends and family during your preparation should help you handle unexpected challenges and stress during the interview.On the interview day The early bird gets the worm. Or in this case, the formal attired punctual candidate is more likely to get the job. Make a good first impression by showing up on time and by not wearing tight white skinny jeans. What to do if you can’t answer a technical interview question? First, stay calm, then be honest with the employer. While you may not know the answer, you can always flip it in a way that shows your willingness to learn and grow. Remember that this is your chance to express your passion for the position. Keep calm and carry on! How to Prepare for a Technical Interview As an Employer Now we know what happens in a technical interview for job seekers, but what about employers? As an employer crafting a technical interview, its difficulty, length, and content is entirely up to you. That’s because the spectrum of questions to ask is fairly broad, as is the variety of different tests. But what makes a good technical interview? Here’s a few pointers on how to prepare for a technical interview as an employer. Define clear job requirements. Start by clearly defining the technical skills, qualifications, and experience required for the position. This will form the basis for your interview criteria, as well as help candidates know what is expected of them and what to prepare for the technical interview. Create a structured interview process. Develop a well-structured interview process that includes specific technical questions, coding challenges, or problem-solving scenarios relevant to the job role. You should ideally link these technical interview questions to the specific skills that you’re looking for. Select a competent interview panel. Choose interviewers who are knowledgeable in the technical domain related to the position. Although there may be a few non-technical behavioral questions throughout the technical interview, you need interviewers who understand the job requirements and can effectively assess candidates’ technical abilities. Review the candidate’s resume. Review each candidate's resume thoroughly to understand their background, skills, and experiences before the interview. This will help tailor your questions for the technical interview. Prepare technical questions. Craft a set of technical questions that evaluate a candidate's knowledge, problem-solving abilities, and practical skills. These questions should align with the job requirements. For example, if you were interviewing for a Product Manager position, one of the technical product manager interview questions could be: ‘What product management system do you most often use? What’s the best for scalability?’ Another example of a technical interview question, for a UX designer this time, could be: ‘What design software do you know? Which do you prefer?’ Consider adding behavioral questions to technical interview questions. In addition to technical questions, a technical interview should also include some behavioral and “toe dipping” questions. These are useful to assess a candidate's soft skills, thought processes, teamwork abilities, and cultural fit within the organization. Use realistic scenarios. Incorporate real-world scenarios or case studies that the candidate may encounter in the role to help assess their ability to apply technical knowledge. This also helps see if the candidate is a good fit for your organization. Provide a clear interview agenda. Share the technical interview agenda and format with candidates in advance, so they know what to expect during the interview process. This is key to getting candidates to perform to the very best of their ability and for you to appear in a positive light. Set up the interview environment. Ensure that the interview environment is conducive to the technical assessments that you’ve chosen to go with. If necessary, provide access to relevant tools, a quiet space, and any other equipment required to complete the technical interview tasks. Training for interviewers. Train your interviewers on how to conduct an effective technical interview. You should offer guidance on evaluation criteria and scoring. Standardize evaluation criteria. Establish clear evaluation criteria and scoring rubrics to ensure consistency in assessing candidates across different interviews. Review legal and ethical considerations. Familiarize yourself with the legal and ethical guidelines related to interviewing, including following anti-discrimination laws and privacy regulations. Please additionally be aware of, and take care to avoid, these illegal questions to ask during an interview. Gather feedback and debrief as a team. Encourage interviewers to provide feedback promptly after each technical interview. This helps in making informed hiring decisions. You could additionally hold debriefing sessions with the interview panel to discuss candidate performance, share insights, and collectively decide on the next steps in the hiring process. Continuously improve and update. Continuously assess and refine your technical interview process, based on feedback from interviewees and candidates, and the effectiveness of your evaluations. You should also strive to stay updated with industry trends and technologies to ensure that all the technical interview questions remain relevant.Common Types of Technical Interview Questions In addition to direct questions, candidates may also encounter testing questions. Although the interview may be conducted over the phone, online, or in person, forms of tests in technical interviews, such as whiteboard interviews, timed assessments, and take-home exams, are more commonly held online and in person. Technical interview questions are dependent on the form of technical interview, which may, among many other possibilities, require candidates to: Write out code or perform a live coding test;Complete an individual or group PowerPoint presentation;Design features for an app;Manipulate example data structure and algorithms;Complete a set of brain teaser questions. Less testing and more verbalizing questions are another form of interview technical questions that candidates may encounter. They are especially important for showing a candidate’s problem-solving and critical thinking skills.Here are a few examples of different interview technical questions:IT technical interview questions:What is the difference between a firewall and a proxy server?Technical interview questions software engineer: What is Agile? Have you ever used it?Technical product manager interview questions: What is your favorite product of ours and how would you improve it?Python technical interview questions: What is Python?Data analyst technical interview questions: Can you describe the difference between data mining and data profiling?SQL technical interview questions: What is the difference between SQL and MySQL?Technical business analyst interview questions: What is the project life cycle and which models can you apply to it?Data engineer technical interview questions: Describe a difficult data engineering problem you recently encountered and how you solved it.QA technical interview questions: What is ad-hoc testing?Javascript technical interview questions: What coding language are you most comfortable with? Conclusion While being invited for a technical interview may seem daunting, this is the opportunity for candidates to strut their stuff, and for employers to really see the extent of the candidate’s technical abilities. Whether it be through whiteboard interviews writing out code, a take-home app-building assignment, or simply a sit-down interview, the variety of technical interview questions is endless. Regardless, both employers and candidates should ensure that their technical interview and interview prep remains relevant and tailored to the job that’s being offered - when in doubt, check the JD. With all of these strategies in hand, there’s no doubt that you’ll excel in your technical interviews (and crafting them), but if you want more information on how to ace your next job interview, check out the Cake blog! It’s packed with loads of helpful interview tips for job seekers and employers, plus guides on how to get hired for jobs in tech. With Cake, the best free resume builder, we provide you with hundreds of free resume templates download and various resume examples that help showcase the best you. Landing your dream job will be a piece of cake!Create Resume — Originally written by Eva O'Mara —

Your resume is the most important tool you have for landing a job. A good resume conveys your competency, skills, social ability, and resilience.Chronological resumes are the most traditional, and they portray your accomplishments from most recent to oldest.For those who lack experience, they may use a functional resume that focuses on your skills. Combination resumes use elements from both chronological and traditional to make up for a lack of experience in an industry. Chronological and combination resumes have their uses but should be seen as niche options. Traditional resumes are still the mainstream way of creating a resume. According to Zety, over 98% of recruiters like chronological resumes more than ones than functional resumes. If you are trying to break into a new industry, obtain a promotion, or simply learn how to create a traditional resume, you can apply the tactics here to do so. Table of Contents What is a Traditional Resume? Why opt for traditional resume templates? Who Should Use Traditional Resumes? Examples of Resumes Watch Out for These Common Pitfalls When Writing a Traditional Resume Template Key Takeaways What is a Traditional Resume? Traditional resumes are written in chronological order. The most recent job goes at the top of the resume, and the reader progresses deeper into the applicant’s past as they continue reading. Traditionally, resumes have four main sections. Objective: What is the applicant trying to accomplish in their career?Experience: The prior companies, job titles, and professional tasks an applicant has had.Education: Diplomas and focus of study that the applicant has earned.Skills: Specific talents that the applicant has shown proficiency in. These four sections are displayed in simple black-and-white text. Only a limited number of fonts are viable, mainly Times New Roman, Arial, and Calibri, at sizes 10-12. Traditional resumes have minimalist design elements that eliminate graphics and photos. This provides a simple, clear, professional ambiance. Why opt for traditional resume templates? 1) Highlight Your Experience What makes traditional resumes work is that they focus on your work history. Less traditional resumes tend to highlight skills and attributes instead, which on average, is not as influential to recruiters. In order for recruiters to get the most out of your work history, focus on describing your work experience utilizing 2-4 bullet points. To get the most out of bullet points, you need to use concise language. Consider that the person reading your resume has to read many resumes per day, and thus, you want to portray as much relevant information to them as efficiently as possible. This is why structuring your resume in the traditional way is so important. When you use a more modified design for a resume, recruiters might not know where to skim for relevant information. Using familiar formatting makes it easier for the recruiter to digest the information in a quick amount of time. Traditional resume templates will structure your resume in chronological order. A skills section will take up a smaller portion of the resume, and usually be placed closer to the bottom. The most important information on a resume is typically placed at the top. A traditional resume adheres to this principle, ensuring that key details are prominently displayed in a clear and predictable manner. 2) There is Still Room for Customization Not every resume is exactly the same, even if they adhere to traditional formatting. Academia has changes in its variation due to what academia values. Academic resumes are longer and more comprehensive, similar to a CV (Curriculum Vitae). Experience in chronological order is valuable, but due to the nature of the industry, the information is demonstrated through research opposed to jobs. There is also a much larger emphasis on educational accomplishments, and the education section may go on top of the resume because of this. Other sections like the objective sections may be tweaked and replaced with a summary section. In this scenario, you may opt to add a summary if you have a lot of relevant experience and want to quickly demonstrate what you bring to the table. An objective may be more useful for those who are switching industries or are applying for an entry level job. More trendy resumes will have a strong emphasis on eye popping colors, sleek graphics, and attractive ways to categorize skills. However, these types of resumes can come off as unprofessional, especially when you are applying for jobs that are not associated with trendiness or innovation, like administrative work for a Mayor's office or joining the HR department of a hospital. Who Should Use Traditional Resumes? These industries you should stick to traditional choices when crafting your resume: LawGovernmentFinanceHealthcareEducation If you noticed, all of these fields have compliances and regulations in common. Due to how much bureaucracy is involved in these careers, it has made them more conservative in their work culture and hiring processes. They strongly contrast with more dynamic and faster sectors like entertainment, e-commerce, tech, and digital media. Even if you have a job that is not typically associated with the field, you should lean toward using a traditional resume. For instance, if you are a graphic designer or social media manager but you are applying for a law firm's in-house marketing team, you should stick to a traditional resume even if you are not practicing law. Conversely, if you’re in a less traditional industry but you’re looking to apply for a higher position then a traditional resume will be more appropriate. Regardless if you are in entertainment or biotechnology, managerial and senior positions will value professionalism which is tied to the traditional resume’s familiar style. Playing it safe with a traditional resume is wise if you’re coming out of college. There is always a question if freshers have the maturity to work alongside others, and having a traditional resume protrudes that poise. Likewise, even internships will benefit from a traditional resume, especially in sectors like finance where they are highly competitive and entrenched in tradition. So while you’re transitioning from a sector that may be more on the creative side, like animation, design, or fashion, you should heavily consider modifying your resume. If your role is still creative, but you are breaking into a conservative industry, you can show your creative prowess with a link to your portfolio. It may seem daunting and uncomfortable to modify your aesthetically pleasing resume for a dry one that lacks flair, but it is what employers are looking for for government jobs, medical companies, and law firms. Consider Regional Customs Startup culture has greatly affected larger corporations, and in turn, regions that are influenced by the tech industry are more lenient on the type of resumes you create. A traditional resume will go further in Chicago, Boston, and New York City than San Francisco, Seattle, and Austin. Furthermore, certain international companies may retain the work culture of their country of origin. It is common for a Japanese company to have more traditional values than a Canadian company, and thus, you should stick to using a traditional resume. When applying for jobs abroad, make sure to research their work culture. Typically speaking, traditional resumes are expected in most of Asia. The biggest difference between traditional resumes in the West and the East is that it is considered socially acceptable to put a picture on your resume in Asia. More progressive companies in the East are phasing this out, and you should never use a picture on your resume when applying for a job in a Western company. Still confused about the differences between a traditional resume and another resume template? Here's a cheat sheet for you:Traditional Resume TemplatesStructure:Often a combination format blending chronological and functional elements.Content:Highlights skills, achievements, and experience. Provides a timeline of employment but emphasizes abilities and accomplishments.Best For:Those with varied experiences, career changers, or those with gaps in employment history.Chronological Resume TemplatesStructure:Lists work experience in reverse chronological order, starting with the most recent job and moving backward.Content:Focuses on job titles, companies, dates of employment, and detailed job responsibilities and achievements.Best For:Candidates with a stable career path and a consistent work history in one field.Functional Resume TemplatesStructure:Focuses on skills and qualifications rather than a chronological work history. Skills are grouped by category, and specific achievements are highlighted.Content:Emphasizes what you can do (skills and accomplishments) rather than where and when you did it.Best For:Those with gaps in their employment, career changers, or individuals with a diverse range of skills not easily tied to specific job roles.Combination Resume TemplatesStructure:Merges elements of both chronological and functional formats. Typically starts with a summary of skills and achievements, followed by a chronological list of work experience.Content:Provides a detailed account of skills and accomplishments upfront, followed by a reverse chronological work history.Best For:Candidates who want to highlight their skills and achievements while also showcasing a solid work history. Examples of Resumes Education Industry Traditional Resume Template FinancialIndustry Traditional Resume Template Legal Industry Traditional Resume Template Watch Out for These Common Pitfalls When Writing a Traditional Resume Template While structuring your resume is important and a key element to making a traditional resume, you can still mitigate its impact with other poor decisions. Writing Too Much: Do not make your resume an autobiography. While it is tempting to list every thing you’ve done, many recruiters are skimming your resume. This means that it is disadvantageous to put anything other than the most pivotal things you’ve accomplished.Not Adjusting Your Resume for your Application: Every job listing you encounter has its own set of unique words and phrases to describe what they are looking for. To make your resume seem like the best fit for the job, use the same keywords that the job listing has on your resume. Both recruiters and ATS systems will hone in on your resume, as you’re providing them exactly what they are looking for. You can use sites like Jobscan that will compare your resume with the job description and rate its compatibility for ATS systems.Using Odd Fonts: While some industries and careers related to the arts may invite an opportunity for a flamboyant looking resume, it’s safer to go with the more traditional design choices. Eliminate any distracting graphics and stick to common fonts. Using traditional fonts will leave the focus on your work experience and reduce the chances of offending your employer by looking unprofessional.Neglecting to Check for Mistakes: Forgetting to proofread your resume is undoing all the hard-work you put into creating your resume. Read your resume out loud to see how it flows. Keep an eye out for punctuation and grammar errors. Getting a second set of eyes for your resume can be helpful, have a friend read it. There are AI programs that can help spot errors like Grammarly, but they’re not perfect so you will still need to look over your resume yourself. Both CareerBuilder and TopResume have surveys that show over 75% of hiring managers consider typos and bad grammar to be unacceptable. Key Takeaways Ultimately, you will have to analyze whether traditional resumes are the right choice for you. You may lack relevant work experience, and may want to experiment with an alternative style of resume to stand out from the crowd. In industries characterized by strict bureaucracy and hierarchy, such as pharmaceuticals and law, adhering to a traditional resume format is generally advisable. These companies typically prioritize consistency and reliability over trendsetting or innovation when evaluating candidates. Following a clear, consistent, and predictable format that condenses your work experience into readable bullet points is the best way to break into many industries. You should analyze the vibe of the company you want to work for and determine how to fit in with their culture, and use that same level of observation to make your resume match with their job description. Cake provides resume templates for specific industries and articles that can help you visualize how resumes for jobs like accountants, teachers, and physicians should look like.Create your free resume today with Cake's online resume builder. Create My Resume — Originally written by Chris Grudge —

Personal details are arguably one of the most important elements in the resume. The basic information about you gives the recruiter a quick overview of you as a candidate and provides the essential contact details should the recruiter wants to invite you to further discuss your application. The necessary personal information to be put in a resume includes your name, job title, contact details and so on. It would help to create a dedicated personal information section in your resume at the very top of your resume so the recruiter can easily spot it. But what personal information should be on a resume? And, equally importantly what personal information should be put in your resume?In this article, we'll provide answers to those questions and walk you through on how to write the most informative personal info in a resume.Table of Contents:Should I Put Personal Details in a Resume/CV?What to Write in Personal Details in a ResumeWhat Not to Include in Personal Info in a ResumeHow to Format Personal Detail on a ResumePersonal Information in a Resume SamplesShould I Put Personal Details in a Resume/CV? The short answer is yes. Personal details are necessary in a resume or CV. Theyprovide the recruiter with essential information about you. Including your personal information in the resume/CV gives the recruiter an easy access to your contact details and makes their job easier. It shows that you are a thoughtful person and can think from their perspective.Another benefit of putting your personal details in the resume/CV is that it helps the hiring company to great a talent pool. With identifying information available on the resume, the recruiter can easily organize and maintain their qualified candidate database. This would in turn increases your chances to be considered for other opening at the company in the future.In short, having personal information in your resume makes the recruiter's job easier and highlights your professionalism and ability to think from others' perspectives. The real question you should be asking iswhat to include in personal information in a resume/CV. What to Write in Personal Details in a Resume Personal details that are suitable for a resume or CV can sometimes be hard to determine. On one hand, you want to include personal information in your resume that will help you stand out; on the other hand, sometimes too much detail can backfire.Your resume personal details must include the primary information about who you are. This part is crucial in your resume and plays a significant role in the job application process.Here we've provided lists of essentials and optional personal details for your resume/CV. 5 Essential Personal Details to be Included in a Resume:Full nameYour name is arguably the most important personal information to be included in the resume. This is how the recruiter identify you and know whose resume they are reviewing. Without the name in the personal information section, the recruiter wouldn't know who to contact even if the resume is perfect.Professional titleA professional job title on your resume indicates who you are at a professional level and how experienced you are. The recruiter can quickly decide if your experience matches the position with this personal detail on your resume.Email addressYour email address is the most crucial contact detail you will present in your resume. It is the most common contact method and the easiest way for your potential employer to reach you.Phone numberYou must include your phone number in your resume's personal information section as well. Sometimes employers prefer to make phone calls. Make sure you list your phone number in the personal info section in your resume.LocationWhether or not to put your address in the resume is open for debate but including your location is always a good idea. Include the city, the zip code and the country would suffice. These are the essential items you must include in personal details in a resume. They help the recruiter to identify you and provide them with means to contact you, which is the basic function of personal information in a resume/CV. Besides the essential resume personal information, there are also five optional personal details that you can include in a resume to make your resume a stronger one. 5 Optional Personal Details to be Included in a Resume:LinkedIn URLA LinkedIn profile in the personal information section in the resume can help elaborate your experience. It also shows that you're a professional and spends time developing your personal brand.Personal websiteSome people make a personal website to display their work achievements or portfolio. Including the link to your website or portfolio in your personal info section on the resume strengthens your application as they provide visual evidence of your achievements.Social mediaBy listing your social media accounts in your resume's personal details section, you showcase your personal traits, which is crucial for certain roles. Make sure the socials you put in the resume as part of personal information are semi-professional and don't hurt your professional image.Complete addressInclude your full address in the personal information section in your resume if it's specifically required. If not, you can decide whether you want put it there.Relevant personal infoRelevant personal information for the job you are applying for can be included in your resume's personal details section to tailor your resume for the role. Find out what is the core ability they are looking for and write it as part of your personal details, for instance, the language or certificate that is specifically required in the job posting. These optional details act in support of your personal introduction on the resume. Pick the ones that will help you highlight your skills and qualifications to your potential future employer. But do not overdo it and write irrelevant personal information in your resume. Make sure the items you pick speak to your advantage in your resume.What Not to Include in Personal Info on a Resume Personal information in a resume is important but you should be careful with it too. It's a common mistake to include personal details that would do your application a disservice. Learning what not to write in personal details is therefore of great importance. Do not forget that at the end of day, the resume is a professional document. You need to take that into consideration when you write personal information for your resume/CV.Below is a list of personal details that don't belong in your resume:Current salaryYour employer does not need this information. There will be time for this negotiation at your interview, and leaving this in your resume's personal details section may be seen as unprofessional and lower your chances of getting a satisfactory salary.National Insurance Number/Social Security NumberYou will need to supply your National Insurance Number or Social Security to your employer after you are hired. But putting this in your resume personal details can expose yourself to identity fraud. Never divulge your National Insurance Number or Social Security Number. This piece of information is usually needed after you're hired. However, note that some government jobs may insist on providing it for vetting purposes.Sexual orientationWhile workplace diversity is taken more seriously by many organizations, disclosing this particular information about yourself in the resume can result in hiring discrimination. You are also likely to come across unprofessional.Race/ethnicityLikewise, specifying your race or ethnicity may open yourself to discrimination.Marital status and dependencyThis is another piece of information that may also result in discrimination by your potential employer. Whether you are married and/or with children should not be a factor to your employment criteria.PhotographDo not give a prospective employer any excuse to disregard your skills and expertise just because of your appearance. Only provide a photo of yourself in the resume as part of personal info when it is specified in the job posting or when you are applying to companies in country it is customary to do so.Date of birthThe age of the applicant should not reflect on their professional skill. Some employers may be partial to older or younger applicants.NationalityThe job advertisement may specify that you must be living in a particular state for work purposes, or have a right to work in a specific country. Still, your nationality is in most cases irrelevant.GenderIn most countries, it is illegal for an employer to ask your gender, even if they may infer it by your name.ReligionYour religion or religious beliefs are not relevant to your employment and thus don't belong in the personal info part of your resume. There are laws in many countries that stipulate that an employer is not allowed to discriminate against individuals based on their beliefs and religion. You should avoid these 10 personal details when you write your resume; however, the job search culture is different in different countries. Make sure you do proper research and include the required and necessary personal details in the resume/CV when you are apply for roles in particular countries.Cultural differences in job hunting Job seekers should note that cultural differences also exist when it comes to resume writing and job hunting. For example, most countries in the EU require applicants to send their CVs using the Europass format. This generic formatting, however, requires you to include gender, nationality, and date of birth on your resume's personal information section. In Asian countries, photos are encouraged to be included in resume personal details. Personal information such as marital status, ethnicity, gender, and date of birth are more common but not a requirement in Europe and Asia. How to Format Personal Details on a ResumeTo make sure the recruiter sees your personal information in the resume, you have to format it properly. Depending on what you want to emphasize in the personal detail section on your resume, you might want to arrange each piece of personal information in different ways. For instance, an experienced front-end developer might want to highlight their professional title “Sr. Front-End Developer” by capitalizing the first letter of every word and putting the title next to their name. A fresher graphic designer writing their resume might, on the other hand, make space for the link to their portfolio in the personal detail section. To write your personal details in a resume format, you must know the key information about how to write it. However, to write personal information in a resume that catches the eye, you need to consider your strengths and carefully format your personal details. Below is a list of factors that you should take into consideration while putting personal information in your resume. 1. Name Of all the personal details for your resume, your name is the most important one. It’s the key identifying information. With an eye to the overall design of your resume, write your first name and surname in bold and large size the top of your resume.💡 Pro tip:It is not recommended to put "Resume", "CV", or "Curriculum Vitae" on the top of your personal details. When you place your name on the top of the CV, it becomes the focus. This will help catch the recruiter's attention. 2. Professional Title Your professional title should reflect these two different things: what you do and the level of experience you have in that role. 3. Phone Number The next important personal detail that belongs in your resume is your phone number. Make sure it is your personal mobile number that you can pick up anytime the recruiters call. If you are applying for jobs internationally, do not forget to include your country's dialing code and highlight that your number can be reached on Whatsapp, or include a Skype ID. 4. Email Address It is essential to include an email address in your personal details in your resume as it is the preferred mode of communication. Writing your email address as part of personal information for your resume sounds simply enough but there are some mistakes you should avoid: Don’t use your current work email address.Don’t use email addresses that look unprofessional.Ideally, a good personal email address is one made up of your full name or your first name and one letter of your last name. If both options are not available, you can add one or two numbers in your email address. 5. LinkedIn and social media accounts LinkedIn accounts are generally safe to include in the personal information section of your resume, but it is a good idea to log in and check the information is up to date and matching your resume. If there are significant differences, your potential employer may lose confidence in your trustworthiness. Social media accounts such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, and Pinterest, depending on the role you are applying for, can be included in the personal information section on your resume. For instance, if you are looking for a job as a social media marketer, they should be included to showcase your expertise.💡 Pro tip:Make sure you do not have a series of posts that give the wrong impression about your values and personality, if you've decided to include social media accounts in resume. Remember to include your account as a link – see the examples at the end of this article as reference. Personal details in resumes for freshersAs a fresher, you may have little work experience. The personal information section for your resume can include your personal website or portfolio so that you can showcase your skills and experience.Personal details in resumes for experienced job seekersFor experienced workers, personal information in a resume may differ slightly from that of a fresher. As the space for personal information in the resume is limited, you can only pick one or two most impressive aspects of your career to write in it. For instance, you can write the number of years of experience you have along with your professional title. Personal Information in a Resume Samples Writing a resume or CV might be slightly hard for fresh graduates. Even experienced people sometimes find it hard to adjust their resume to suit the recruiter's needs. It is only natural if you want to check out some personal details in resume samples. Having good personal information in resume examples will help you to write a better resume, so here are a few personal details examples for various positions, from personal details in resume for freshers to the most experienced job seekers.Graphic DesignerCreated via CakeResumeMarketingCreated via CakeResumeCEOCreated via CakeResumeVideo EditorCreated via CakeResumeGeneral ManagerCreated via CakeResumeSoftware EngineerCreated via CakeResumeAdministrative AssistantCreated via CakeResumeFashion DesignerCreated via CakeResume Your process of looking for a job starts with creating a resume, and personal information is at the top of it. See how important it is? These are the basic necessities you need to include in your personal information in a resume. Space on your resume is precious. Pen your very own personal details and impress the recruiters.Wondering if your resume is working against you? Our AI-powered tool identifies weak spots and shows you exactly how to fix them.Fix Now--- Originally written by Jonathan ---

Created by CakeIn this article, we’ll cover: What is a Job Description?How to Write a Job DescriptionHow to Write a Job Description: ExampleHow to Write a Job Description: TemplateTips for Writing a Good Job DescriptionAttracting the ideal candidates to your job opening comes down to writing a strong job description. Having an honest and upfront job description which highlights the responsibilities and perks of the role will help candidates make informed decisions on whether they should apply. Writing a good job description will help both applicants and you as a hiring manager to streamline the process, avoiding misunderstandings and non-serious applicants. Likewise, a job description is the perfect opportunity to build employer branding, where you can describe the employment experience, lifestyle and opportunities the company can offer, attracting job seekers scrolling through endless job openings. What is a Job Description?A job description details the responsibilities and duties of an open role, and the skills, education or experience of the ideal applicant. A job description should have adequate information on the job’s requirements, as well as showcase the day-to-day life within the role. The best job descriptions are: Clear: There is no room for misunderstandings of the responsibility, working hours or candidate requirements within the job description. Clear job descriptions are concise, but not brief and do not overload on details. Positive: Ultimately, you are using the job description to attract candidates, so having an overall positive tone is necessary. If the job is high-stress or high-pressure, include a positive spin in the job description which outlines how the company counteracts this. Non-discriminatory: Although jobs have skill, experience or education requirements, a job description should not use discriminatory language which excludes applicants based on gender, age, sexual identity, disability or otherwise. Ultimately, a job posting is open to all applicants, regardless of their characteristics. How to Write a Job DescriptionBefore using the job description to advertise the role and promote employer branding, you need to know the essential information that should be included in it. Missing out on standard information might make your job description seem suspicious, or deliberately hiding negative aspects. Make sure to include these essentials when creating job descriptions:Job TitleJob SummaryDuties and ResponsibilitiesRequirementsSalary and BenefitsBrief Introduction of the Team“About You” 💼 Job Title Think of a short phrase which best defines the role, and use it as the title of the job description. These days, many companies have innovative spins on job titles, but it's best to avoid ambiguity. Try to include the role, experience level and working hours to make sure it shows up in as many job searches as possible, for example:Senior Project Manager (Full Time) 💼 Job Summary Start of your job description with a brief overview of the position's role in the company. Include basics about the industry, dynamics and type of work involved in the job summary, as many job seekers will use this information to determine if it's relevant to them. For example, a job summary could include:Great opportunity for a senior project manager to support large-scale expansion of our business. Central location, high-profile clients projects across the construction industry. 💼 Duties and Responsibilities Use this section of the job description to outline exactly what the role entails. Explain how small responsibilities add to the big picture of the team or company. Don't assume job seekers know what the role involves – include everything, no matter how mundane or overwhelming it may seem in the job description, such as: Day-to-day tasksSize of the team working with or managedStaff, stakeholders, investors or collaborators interacted withDeliverables such as reports, presentations or drafts 💼 Requirements State the must-have requirements for the role in the job description. Include education, experience, software, skills, licenses and industry-relevant criteria in the job requirements section. There might be mandatory job requirements needed to fulfill the role; however avoid going overboard with explicit must-have requirements, as it might deter many qualified people from applying. An example job requirements section could include: Years and type of experience requiredUniversity degree or other educationSkills essential to the roleLicenses, qualifications or background checks needed 💼 Salary and Benefits Salary is a deciding factor for job seekers thinking of applying to your job posting. Don’t omit or try to vaguely explain the salary range in your job description, as it's not worthwhile for job seekers to take a gamble, go through the interview process and find that the salary is subpar. If you can, include the hourly rate, monthly or annual salary in the job description, or if it can vary, a salary range that includes both the highest and lowest possible income. Likewise, include the benefits that the company offers, such as salary packaging, insurance, company cars, food or beverages provided, or other assets that employees can utilize when writing your job description, for instance: Base salary rangeBonuses and commission (if applicable)Any pension or superannuation includedPTO and sick leave balanceAny company perks included 💼 Brief Introduction of the Team To build employer branding and let prospective employees understand the company better, use this section of the job description to describe the team, management structure and lifestyle of the company. This way, prospective employees can imagine themselves in the role and evaluate if it's the right fit for them when reading the job description. You can include aspects such as: Skillset or industry diversity of the teamCollaborative nature of work and available support networkOpportunities for career expansion through training 💼 “About You” To help job seekers really evaluate if they are qualified for the job, you can include your expectations of your ideal candidate in the job description. Since you’ve already mentioned the requirements in experience and skills earlier in the job description, use this section as an opportunity to further characterize the type of person who would suit the team and company culture. Avoid generic buzzwords and think of attributes that would ensure success in the role – such as: Goal-oriented, driven, outcomes-focusedResponsible, diplomatic, assertive communicatorTeam-player, fair, advocates for your team’s success How to Write a Job Description: Example Senior Project Manager (Full Time) Great opportunity for a senior project manager to support large-scale expansion of our business. Central location, high-profile clients projects across the construction industry. Duties and responsibilities involve: Develop and plan the implementation of strategies throughout the projectManage the project team and oversee meetingsDevelop strong relationships with clients and your teamSubmit progress reports, project reports, strategy blueprints and financial spreadsheetsCollaborate with key stakeholders to strategize project goals, scope, budgets, schedules and deliverables Job Requirements: 5 years working experience as a project manager or co-ordinatorExperience working with varied stakeholders across many industriesAbility to work independently when managing a project team, including resolving project issues and troubleshooting IT issues.IT skills, including in CRM software, project collaboration softwareRelevant industry knowledge, including tertiary education or qualifications in project management, IT, finance or human resources Salary Benefits: $160k - 170k package per year3 weeks PTO per year, 8 days of sick leaveA rapidly expanding industry, where you can collaborate and learn with every projectFree lunch, tea coffee in the officeWFH permitted when not needed in the office About the team: A diverse and uniquely skilled team from a variety of industries, all with the common goal of delivering projects on time and of high qualityEncourages career expansion by offering guidance and training for many skillsSociable! We have weekly office lunches and monthly happy hours! About You: Driven, goal-oriented and ready to apply your skills to any contextAbility to handle deadlines, communications and updates from multiple stakeholdersPrioritize team cohesion and encourage collaboration within teamsCan appropriately converse with stakeholders and team during times of sub-optimal progressAre ready to join our team and build relationships through office-wide lunches and social hours How to Write a Job Description: Template [Job Title – Hours] Job Summary: [Include overview of job position, industry and company profile. Optional: include brief description of perks such as location/salary] Responsibilities Duties: Reporting to the [relevant senior employee], a [job title]’s responsibilities and day-to-day tasks involve: List basic day-to-day dutiesInclude projects such as reports, drafts, designs or blueprintsInclude the size of the team managed or department managed (if applicable)Avoid stereotyped language when describing tasks Qualifications: Possess a [degree level] in [academic field]Has [number]+ years of experience in [relevant industry or roles](Optional) Has [certification/qualification/license]Proficient in [IT skills/software/applications] Salary Benefits: Base salary of [range]Available for bonuses or commission [if applicable][number] days of PTO and [number] days of sick leaveFree office lunch/company car/WFH or other company benefits About the team: Describe team experience and diversity of industriesCharacterize the team's attitude towards workInclude benefits or social aspects of work About you: Personal characteristicsAttitude towards work How to apply: Email resume or CV to [email address] by [date]. Tips for Writing a Good Job DescriptionDrafting a job description can be tricky, as you need to describe the role, company and ideal candidate in a way that encourages people to apply. However, since you are more familiar with the role than job seekers, you might be getting in your own way by writing the job description based on your opinion. To create a job description that communicates the job clearly, consider these tips: 💡 Don’t use internal terms: Although you might think that terms within your industry are straightforward, avoid using internal terms when creating job descriptions. Using terms which are specific to your team or company lack context in your job description, and should be replaced with generic industry terms. You should especially avoid them for junior or entry-level roles, where fresh graduates might be put off by your confusing job description! 💡 Speak directly to the candidate: A job description should be written in a way that the candidate can envision themselves in the role. Using distant language in “about you” sections does not allow candidates to mentally check off requirements, and makes the job description seem cold. 💡 Use bullet points: Job seekers look through hundreds of job postings when looking for a job. Seeing a wall of text will likely put them off, as it will take too long to decipher the details and requirements of the job. Bullet points neatly arrange the job description into sections, where candidates can quickly look at the summary and job requirements to see if applying is worth their time. 💡 Indicate required and preferred qualifications: make a clear distinction between mandatory requirements and preferred ones in the job description. Although we can dream of our ideal candidate, it's unlikely that many will fit the description perfectly. Separate required and preferred qualifications in the job description, so that job seekers do not think they are not qualified due to a lengthy list of requirements. 💡 Include growth and development for the role: Every job counts as experience, but offering opportunities to develop a career within the job description will attract candidates. Mentioning opportunities for promotions, progress or gaining skills and qualifications is invaluable, and will give your job description the edge. 💡 Ask current employees for insights: The best people to ask about company culture and job requirements are current employees. Discuss with the team or department you’re hiring for what exactly their team is missing, in terms of skills, qualifications or character to help you hire employees who will easily blend in with the team. 🔑 Key TakeawaysRemember to mention essential details and introduce company culture in your job description. Deliberately omitting information will seem untrustworthy, so be realistic about the experience, salary and job requirements when creating a job description. Use the job description to improve employer branding, advertising company culture and benefits when hiring. Knowing how to write a good job description will make the hiring process easier, as you can avoid misunderstandings and find serious candidates. Make sure you consider existing employees' opinions and use bullet points to neatly format your job description!With Cake, you can easily create a resume online, free download your resume in PDF, and utilize ATS-compliant templates to create a resume. Land your dream job, create your resume online (free download) now!Create resume --- Originally written by Bronte McNamara---

Resume writing guideline and tips in 2023 Crafting a professional resume is crucial to make a good first impression on potential employers. However, job seekers may need guidance to create an impressive resume that captures recruiters' interest. Fear not, as Cake — thebest resume builder, is here to guide you through the process of writing a professional resume in 2023. In this blog, we'll cover everything you need to know to write and create an astounding resume that can help you land your next career move. 📌 TABLE OF CONTENT What Is a Resume? Resume Writing Do's and Don'ts 9 Must-Have Resume Sections The Best Resume Builder What Is a Resume?A resume is a brief summary of skills, experience, and education. Its purpose is to impress potential employers and lead to an interview. While it won't guarantee employment, a well-crafted resume can convince potential employers of suitability for the job. In order to do so, you'll need to have 9 essential key sections on your resume. Keep reading to find out what they are!It's important to note that a resume and a CV serve different purposes. While a resume is typically used for job applications, a CV is usually used for academic pursuits such as post-graduate or PhD programs.You can create a resume using many different tools, like the traditional Microsoft Word,design tool like Canva, or resume builder like Cake. Later one, we’ll instruct you to choose the best online resume builder that is not only free but also help you with all you need! 📖 Further reading: What is a resume? [Definition, elements, writing tips, and examples] Resume Writing Do's and Don'tsWhen writing a resume, there are two common issues that bother us all. Whether you’re a seasoned employee with years of work experience or a fresher who just graduated with no work experience. They are: “What to include in a resume?” and“What NOT to include in a resume?” A professional resume should be able to serve its ultimate purpose, which is to help you land interviews. After reviewing your resume, recruiters and hiring managers should at least be able to learn the three following information:Is the candidate qualified for this job position in terms of skills, knowledge, and experience?What can the candidate contribute to the company based on previous work experience and achievements?How to contact the candidate if they’re qualified? In order to do so, there are five fundamental sections you must include in your resume in order for it to be deemed as “good.” They are:Contact InformationWork ExperienceEducationSkills (technical soft)Achievements and Awards While you can skip sections such as interests and hobbies, some jobs might require it. So you can read this article to know about theoccasions when it's suitable to mention hobbies and interests. What to Include in a Resume:Contact InformationProfile Summary / Career ObjectiveEducationWork ExperienceSkills and QualificationsAwards and AchievementsWhat to Exclude from a Resume:Marital statusPhoto (headshot)Religious preferenceIrrelevant ExperienceHobbies and InterestsComplete mailing address 📙 Further reading:5 Essential Steps to Build A Convincing Resume | Resume Building Guideline 9 Must-Have Resume Sections 1.Resume headline/title A resume headline which is located in the header section of a resume, summarizes your working experience, strengths, and qualifications. It is often used to show recruiters that you’re a perfect fit for the vacancy. To quickly catch the recruiters’ eye, remember to carefully tailor your resume headline/title according to the job applied Here’re some tips for you to refer to while writing a resume headline/title:Utilize keywords: You can refer to the job post and read the description carefully. What are the required qualifications or skills? If you have any of the skills or experience the employer’s looking for, include them in the headline.Keep it concise: A resume title should be short but concise. An ideal headline should be within 10 words.Customize: It is necessary to customize the headline for each resume when you are applying for different job positions since every company has diverse job requirements (even when they’re hiring for the same profession!).Capitalize: In order to catch a hiring manager’s attention quickly, it’s suggested to capitalize the headline. 💡 TIPSWhile adding certain details, such as a profile picture or personal background, may enhance your resume, they can also become a deal-breaker in some cases. As a rule of thumb, only include information that is directly relevant to the job requirements. Adding photos or personal details are typically unnecessary unless specifically requested by the employer. If you still have no idea how to write a professional resume title, here are 2 easy formulas for you: Resume headline writing formulas: 📍 [An adjective describing your personal trait] + [Job title] + with + [Experience] 📍 [An adjective describing your personal trait] + [Job title] + Skilled in/Specializing in + [Skill/Qualification] Resume headline examples:Creative Digital Marketer Specializing in SEODetail-Oriented Baby Sitter with First Aid TrainingMultilingual Translator Skilled in Website TranslationChartered Accountant with Analytical and Interpersonal SkillsGoal-Oriented Sales Representative with 5 Years of Experience in FMCG 📚Further reading:Resume Headline｜Examples, Templates, Writing Guide 2. Resume summary/Resume career objectives A professional resume objective can be seen as an extension of your resume headline, more like a resume summary statement. Initially, a career objective on a resume was used to express a job seeker's professional aspirations. Nowadays, the purpose of a resume objective has evolved to become a concise summary of a candidate's qualifications and achievements, highlighting what they can bring to the table. On the other hand, a resume summary is a brief paragraph consisting of 2 to 3 sentences that encapsulate the candidate's relevant qualifications, career objectives, and desired job title. It should emphasize the candidate's skills, experiences, current job search status, and career vision to grab the attention of potential employers. 💡 TIPS It is suggested that freshers and career changers include a career objective or summary in their resume. Like resume titles, resume summaries, and objectives are not strictly required for a resume. However, a good summary/objective can spice up your resume and catch the attention of recruiters. A good resume summary and objectives should be concise, eye-catching, and, most importantly, should be closely related to the job position and the culture of the company you’re applying for.  Concise, eye-catching, and most importantly, it should be closely related to the job position and the culture of the company you’re applying for. How to write a summary/objective for a resume?Keywords: Read through the job post carefully and collect keywords of required skills, experience, and personal traits that match yours. Use them wisely in the personal statement to catch a recruiter’s (or an applicant tracking system’s!) attention.Growth (optional):State your career goals and how the job/company can help you achieve them.Value: Instead of only gabbling about what you can gain from the company, an employer cares more about how you can add value to the company.Accomplishment: Remember to include your accomplishment at work to beef up your objective statement. It can be certification, license, and award that’s relevant to the position. If you would like to highlight any outstanding work performances in the past, don’t forget to utilize numbers!Place at the top: Depending on the format, a career objective should be placed under the resume title or contact information. Here are 2 simple formulas for freshers and career changers to write a good resume objective/summary:  Resume objective writing formula for freshers: 📍 [Your major] graduate with [required skills for the position] skills.Currently seeking a position as a [job title] at [company name], to [career goal].Gained [required experience or ability] experience at [academic/extra-curricular activities], receiving/achieving [achievements or awards]. Career objective example for freshers: Computer Science graduate with proven front-end coding skills. Currently seeking a position as a Frontend Developer at Amazon to leverage coding UX skills to help improve user experience and conversion rate. Gained application development experience at Tata Consultancy Services in internship programs, receiving Best Intern Award for excellent performance.Marketing graduate with outstanding analytical skills. Currently seeking a position as a Marketing Strategist at Facebook to apply my passion knowledge for content writing and marketing strategic planning. Gained social media and offline marketing experience at the student association as Marketing Lead, receiving Student Organization Leadership Awards for outstanding performance. Resume summary writing formula for career changers: 📍 [Previous job title] with [required skills for the position] skills.Currently seeking a position as a [Job title] at [company name], to [career goal].Built [required experience or ability] experience at [work experience], receiving/achieving [achievements or awards]. Resume summary examples for career changers: Patient and detailed-oriented customer service agent with proven communication organization skills. Currently seeking a position as a Product Manager at SoFi, to enhance customer loyalty and user experience. Built problem-solving UX research experience at Delhivery as a Customer Care Specialist, achieving a 30% increase in user retention rate in 3 months.Elementary education teacher with lesson planning classroom management skills. Currently seeking a position as a Classroom Teacher at Merion Elementary School to apply my 10 years of teaching experience to create better educational content. 💡TIPS A professional summary/objective for a resume should be around 30 to 50 words. A summary/objective with more than 100 words is considered too lengthy. 3. Personal details When crafting your resume, it is important to avoid including any irrelevant personal information. Instead, focus on including key details that will help you stand out as a qualified candidate. These details should include:Full nameEmail addressMobile numberCountry and city you’re currently in(Optional) Active links to your portfolio(Optional) Active links to your LinkedIn profile However, there are certain personal details that should never be included in your resume. These details are:AgeMarital statusSexual orientationReligious preferenceSocial Security numberComplete mailing addressIrrelevant social media links 📕 Further reading:Personal Details in Resume｜Samples, Formats, Writing Guide 4. Skills (personal skills/technical skills) When it comes to listing skills on your resume, it's essential to tailor them to the job you're applying for. You should categorize your skills into bullet-point lists based on different skill sets and highlight the ones most relevant to the job requirements.There are generally two types of skills to include in a resume: technical skills (hard skills) and personal skills (soft skills). When selecting which skills to include, refer to the job description and highlight the skills that are particularly critical for the position. For instance: hard skills are especially important in a technical job. However, for jobs with no specific hard skills required, like teachers or baristas, you might consider adding computer skills or language skills to your resume.If you have gaps in your employment history, consider using a skill-based resume format (functional resume), which focuses on your skills and qualifications instead of your work history. Remember that it’s not about the number of skills you list but rather the quality and relevance to the position/industry. Ensure that the skills you include can answer the following questions:How are they relevant to the job requirements?How can they make you qualified for the work?How can they add value to the company? 💡TIPS Another point to keep in mind is that listing skills are a way to showcase your strengths, so there's no need to include weaknesses unless it's explicitly requested. When organizing your skill section, group them into categories based on the qualifications required for the job. Here are some examples of skill categories for software engineers and designers:Created via CakeCreated via Cake 💡 TIPS It's not suggested to use bars, charts, or ratings to display skill proficiency. These methods lack credibility and are not compatible with Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). Instead, list skills in bullet points and include objective proof such as licenses, certifications, awards, or accomplishments. 5. Educational qualification An education section can be a vital factor in your resume, especially if you just graduated from college. How to list education on a resume? Educational qualifications should be listed in reverse chronological order, starting with your highest level of education. Usually, it is not recommended to include high school education on resumes. However, if it is your highest degree, it should definitely be included. What do I put for education on a resume? School nameSchool locationDegree levelMajor minorGraduation year (Optional) GPA(Optional)Relevant coursework(Optional)Academic honor (award, scholarship, publication) The content and placement of the education section can be adjusted accordingly to a job seeker’s seniority. Freshers with no or little work experience should make the most of the education section to highlight their achievements and knowledge learned. Some of you might wonder whether it is ok to leave education off your resume. If you’re a career changer with more than 5 years of work experience, simply state the school name, major, and graduation year of your highest level of education. Also, for experienced employees, placing the education section after the work experience section is suggested. How to list education in progress on a resume? If you’re currently in college, you can still list the in-progress degree on your resume with relevant coursework you’ve done. Simply note the expected graduation date beside the starting year.Should I include education on my resume if I didn't graduate? If you did not complete the degree (and you're not going to), it is not suggested to include it on your resume, unless you don't have any other education or training.To list an incomplete degree, you can include the name of the school and program and also relevant coursework you finished. Do note that you should not mislead employers in believing that you've graduated. 📖 Further reading:Education on Resume｜Examples, Templates, Writing Guide Created via Cake6. Work experience Work experience is the most important section of a resume. It can fully demonstrate your competency, qualification, and experience in a proper manner. In this section, full-time/part-time/contract/freelance work and internships can all be included as long as they are relevant to the position. How do I write my work experience on a resume?List the past work in a format of reverse chronological order, with 3 - 5 bullet points for each experience to indicate the skills learned and goals accomplished.Use past tense while describing work and goals you’ve achieved, no matter if they’re in your past or current jobs. It is allowable to use present tense for current jobs, but do notice to keep the tense consistent under each item.Make use of action verbs to construct strong statements. Also, adopt active voice instead of passive voice to write sentences, which can create a positive image. Here are 5 tips to keep in mind when writing the work experience sectionCustomize:Tailor-make the resume work experience section for different positions and companies. Read the job description carefully and do research on the corporate culture and industry trends to select the experiences and accomplishments that will help you stand out from other candidates.Consistency:Make sure your work experience appears to align with your career goals or path. “Should I include irrelevant work experience on a resume?” Since there’s a length limit for resumes, it’s only wise to exclude experiences that stray from the current career path. Trial and repeated job duties should also be removed.Keywords: To catch recruiters and Applicant Tracking System’s attention swiftly, insert keywords (e.g., specific skills, qualifications, and requirements) from the job post directly in the sentences.Quantify:Numbers can be eye-catching among a pile of words. Quantifying your achievements and experiences enables employers to understand your value more quickly and precisely.Explanation:Since recruiters can’t be experts in all fields, try further to explain some abbreviations, proper names, and statuses when necessary. Besides, if the resume is meant for a foreign company, do utilize further explanation to highlight your experience. How many years of work history/experience should be on a resume? It depends on the candidates’ seniority levels. Generally speaking, there should be 3 - 5 relevant work experiences (jobs) included on a resume, which can be traced back to 10 - 15 years ago for some senior-level job seekers. 💡TIPS If you are a fresher just out of college, you can include your academic, extra-curricular, volunteer, and internship experiences in college. However, it’s not suggested to add high school experiences on resumes if you’re a college graduate. How to include work projects in resume? Cake is the best online resume builder. Users are able to include maps, links, videos, images, and slides in their resumes to showcase skills and profession. Adding projects and portfolios can make your resume more appealing and professional, especially for designers, software engineers, and marketing professionals. Created via Cake Created via Cake 📖 Further Reading:Work Experience on a Resume｜Samples, Formats, Writing Guide7. Declaration in resume Resume declaration is a statement where job applicants assure their potential employers that everything included on the resume is accurate and without any misleading information. It usually comes with the writer’s signature and the date. Declaration for resumes is common during the job application process in India, and it can also be found in companies or organizations with formal application processes (e.g., Traditional enterprises, government agencies, and academic institutions). 💡TIPS Keep your resume declaration statement short and genuine. It's not necessary to have a lengthy statement. Being honest and authentic is key to securing an interview. How to write a declaration in resume? Here’s the resume declaration sample and format.Resume declaration sample and format I, [You Full Name], solemnly declare that all the details above in my resume is true and accurate. I take full responsibility for the correctness of the information mentioned.[You Formal Signature] [Date] 📖Further reading:Declaration in Resume｜Formats, Examples, Writing Guide 8.References on resume Reference on a resume is not strictly requested in general cases. Adding references in resumes used to be common in the past, but the trend is now fading out. However, it doesn’t necessarily mean that references are not important during the job search process anymore. When should I put references on a resume?If the recruiters specifically request applicants to add references to resumes, or it is clearly indicated on the job posting, you should for sure put references on your resume or attach a reference page/sheet in the mail. How to put references on a resume? It is appropriate to list 1 - 3 references on a resume with the following information:The referee’s full nameThe relationship between you and the refereeThe referee’s current job titleThe company at which the referee’s current workingThe referee’s contact information (e.g., Email, phone number)(optional) A short description of the projects you worked together on 💡 TIPS Remember to start the reference list with the one you had the best working relationship with and to previously confirm the referees’ willingness. If you’ve decided to write references in your resume, your next question might be, “Where to add references in resumes?”. Here are some suggestions:Add a reference section at the end of the resumeAdd a reference page/sheet with the resumeAttach another reference page/sheet with the cover letter mail Since the ideal number of references is around 3 (it’s not suggested to list more than 5 referees considering the quality), simply adding a reference section in a resume would be adequate. 📕 Further reading:References on Resume｜Formats, Samples, Templates 9.Hobbies This is one of the most common questions asked by job seekers, “Should I put hobbies on a resume?” Generally speaking, it is not suggested to include hobbies in resumes since usually, they can’t directly prove you’re qualified for the job. However, the following 2 conditions can be the exceptions: Your hobbies and interests are highly related to your profession or the position you’re applying for.For example, writing, blogging, and podcasting can be attractive hobbies on resumes for Brand and Marketing specialists; volunteering and community service can be good hobbies on resumes for people applying for jobs at NGOs; and sometimes, even playing video games can be the best hobby if you’re trying to get into the gaming industry!Your resume is less than a page, and you have nothing else to put on it.If you’re writing your very first resume, and you don’t have any skill, work experience, or major achievement to write in it, the section on hobbies for a resume can be your savior. Due to the lack of experience, the only things you can leverage are your personal traits, characters, and personalities, which can also be associated with your soft skills. Make the most of the hobbies and interests section in your resume to show your future employers that you’re a responsible person, a self-starter, a fast learner, a team player, and even a leader! 📒 Further reading:Hobbies and Interests in Resume｜Examples, Formats, Writing Guide What are good hobbies to put on a resume?Here is a list of hobbies and interests to write in resumes:Hobbies InterestsPosition/Company/IndustryPet CarePet industryChild CareTeacher position / Child Care Services IndustryPhotographyPhotographer positionCooking, BakingRestaurants and Food Services industryArt, Sketching, PaintingDesigner positionHistory, Culture, TravelingTour guide position / Tourism IndustryReading, Writing, BloggingWriter position / Publishing industryNetworking, Public speakingSales position / Business development positionLanguages learning, TravelingTourism IndustryWriting, Blogging, PodcastingMarketing positionComputer games, Video gamesGaming industrySports, Exercising and healthcarePersonal trainer position / Fitness industryVideo production, Filming, MoviesVideo editor position / Film and Television IndustryVolunteer work, Community involvementSocial enterprise / NGOsListening to music, Making music, Playing an instrumentMusic industryThe Best Resume BuilderCake is the best free resume builder tool that can help you build an attractive and professional resume in just 10 minutes. With Cake, you can easily create a custom resume that reflects your skills, experience, and achievements. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting out in your career, Cake provides a range of customizable templates and formatting options to ensure that your resume stands out from the crowd. By using the best free online resume builder, you can be confident that you're presenting your best self to potential employers and increasing your chances of landing your dream job effortlessly.Start your Cake journey today!

Created by CakeResumeNote titleMollit nostrud incididunt ex excepteur.Quote...Author Attribution When people begin working on writing their resumes, many put emphasis on their previous working experience and career history. However, little do they know that extracurricular achievements, from both extracurricular activities and co-curricular experiences, in a resume could also have positive impacts. The extracurricular activities on resume show not only the potential and transferable skills of the applicants, such as leadership skills, communication skills, and language ability, but also their personality traits. But what does it mean to have extracurricular activities on a resume? Do you really need to include extracurricular activities in a resume? And how to present them on the CV? In this article, we'll cover all things extracurricular activities on the resume and show you some extracurricular activities examples. TABLE OF CONTENT What Does Extracurricular Mean?Extracurricular Activities vs. Co-Curricular ActivitiesThe Best Extracurricular Activities for a ResumeHow to Put Extracurricular Activities on ResumeWhere to Put Extracurricular Activities on a ResumeTips on How to Include Extracurricular Activities on a Resume Resume Example with Extracurricular ActivitiesWhat Does Extracurricular Mean?Extracurricular activities refer to various activities outside of regular school hours, curriculum, or courses that aim to cater to learners' interests. Since extracurricular activities are non-mandatory events, programs, and activities that are affiliated with the school, people choose to participate in them out of interest. It is often advised to leave the extracurricular activities out of your resume, but this only applies to experienced job hunters. For freshers with little to no professional experience, extracurricular activities on a resume/CV are a great way to showcase the required skills and relevant experience.Extracurricular Activities vs. Co-Curricular Activities Sometimes, extracurricular activities and co-curricular activities can be used interchangeably; they are both related to the school and can both be included in a resume/CV. While it is a good idea to also add co-curricular activities to your resume/CV, they are different from extracurricular activities. Co-curricular activities and experiences are more closely related to your chosen field of study, for example, sports, musical activities, debate, art, drama, debate, writing competition, etc. The Best Extracurricular Activities on ResumeHaving extracurricular activities on your resume/CV can be very helpful, but you have to do it right. So consider carefully what curricular activities to add to your resume. While there are numerous extracurricular activities to put on a resume, some extracurricular activities tend to interest the hirers more than others. The following is a list of good extracurricular activities examples to put on resumes for freshers and entry-level job seekers: Great examples of extracurricular activities for your resume/CV:Student CouncilClubs/SocietiesMulticultural OrganizationsForeign LanguagesStudy Abroad ExperienceSports TeamsTutoringVolunteer Activities/Organizations(Non-)Academic CompetitionsGovernment-Related Activities 1. Student Council Student council experiences will provide students with abundant skills since participating in student council comes with great responsibility, and they need to work well with a group of students. Student council experiences are a great extracurricular activity example to be included in the resume. Engaging in student council could help students develop: Engaging in student council could help students develop:Teamwork skillsLeadership skillsOrganizational abilityEvent managing skillsTime management 2. Clubs/Societies Clubs or societies could be fun and rewarding when you get to share your passion, talent, and knowledge with others, as well as to observe and learn from others. On top of that, skills gained in clubs and/or societies activities will look good on your resume. Having clubs and/or societies as extracurricular activities on resume/CV can be a great way to show your unique personality and stand out among candidates. By joining clubs or societies, you could:Improve on teamwork skillsHave better time controlImprove on communication skillsWork on Self-improvementSharpen creative thinking 3. Multicultural OrganizationsCross-cultural communities allow students to connect with people from different backgrounds and develop a better understanding of the world. As businesses increasingly value diversity and inclusion, soft skills you acquire from participating in multicultural organizations and events will come in handy when you mention this as an extracurricular activity on your resume or prepare for a job interview.Joining a multicultural organization shows that you have:Interpersonal communication skillsForeign language abilityCultural awarenessSolidarityOrganizational skills 📚 Further reading:Tackling Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Interview Questions4. Language Skills Language skills are another highly recommended extracurricular activity example that you include in your resume. The recruiter values communication skills and language skills to guarantee smooth communication. By writing language skills in the extracurricular section, you will also have a better chance among fellow applicants. Participation in a foreign language extracurricular will also equip you with: Participation in a foreign language extracurricular will also equip you with:Foreign language proficiencyCross-cultural communication skillsThe persistence and hard work in learningHigh awareness towards a different cultureHighly engaged in self-development 5. Study Abroad Experience Studying abroad might be a game-changing experience for some students. They will be tested on their ability to get outside of their comfort zone and will be faced with the chance to solve problems on their own. Writing your exchange program in the extracurricular activities section in your resume can help demonstrate those qualities. Having a study abroad experience could provide students with:Strong adaptabilityHigh cultural awarenessGood stress resistanceForeign language abilityIndependence 6. Sports Teams Sports is an activity where a high amount of hard work, teamwork, communication, and dedication are emphasized. These are qualities that most hirers are looking for. Sports team experiences are also good extracurricular activities on resume. Engaging in sports could also show:Time managementLeadership skillsWorking ethicSell improvementActive 7. Tutoring Including tutoring experiences in your resume will show the recruiter that you are knowledgeable and sharing and have excellent communication skills. These can also be good examples of extracurricular activities for a teacher's resume. Other skills that could be shown by tutoring include: Other skills that could be showed by tutoring include:FlexibilityCritical thinkingPatientCommunication skillsSubject knowledge 8. Volunteer Activities/Organizations Having volunteering activities/organization experience is almost the same as having work experience. The only difference is volunteering is often unpaid. By including these experiences, you can show the recruiter how dedicated and committed you're to learning and achieving some goals. The recruiter can also learn your personality traits and passion, which can help you to stand out from other candidates. Volunteering comes with the images of having: Volunteering comes with the images of having:Teamwork abilityOrganizational skillsWorking ethicStrong motivationInitiative 9. (Non) Academic Competitions Participating in non-academic competitions could present yourself as being ready for challenges. Considering this extracurricular activity example for resumes as they can also showcase good interpersonal and soft skills. Taking part in competitions could also demonstrate: Taking a part in competitions could also demonstrate:MotivationGoal-orientedHard workAbility to withstand pressureCreative thinking 10. Government-Related ActivitiesGetting involved in government-related activities could imply: Getting involved in government-related activities could imply:Organizational abilityCommunication skillsActive and motivatedWorking ethicTime managementHow to Put Extracurricular Activities on ResumeNo matter what resume format you're writing, a resume for freshers or teachers, extracurricular activities can be very helpful for your application. However, they will only be helpful if you properly write extracurricular activities on the resume. Now that you know what extracurricular activities mean and some extracurricular activities examples, the next step is to learn how to list extracurricular activities. Follow the steps below to list extracurricular activities on your resume for your job applications. 🖋Step 1. Mention the name of the organization.Mentioning the name of the organization in the extracurricular activities section in resumes will increase the credibility of your experience. If you are serving in some well-known governmental organization or volunteering in some international NGO, this information might bring the extracurricular activities in your resume to another level.🖋Step 2.Mention your position in the organization. By including the position in the organization, the hirer will have a clearer idea as to the scale and how closely involved the applicants are in the organization. Being a leader will also provide you with leadership qualifications that might put you with more advantages compared to other applicants.🖋Step 3. List the dates you participated in the activity. Showing the dates of participation will allow the hirer to have a brief idea of how recent and former your experience is. The duration will also show how much effort and dedication you have put into this extracurricular on your resume.🖋Step 4.Describe your major responsibilities, accomplishments, or awards. This section is very important and should be wisely customized according to the job opening. You should include the responsibilities that might help you to procure the position and whether you have any transferable skills or experience for the current job. Including accomplishments or awards in bullet points will also show how dedicated and hard-working you are in the field.🖋Step 5.Add testimonials or references. You could also include testimonials from your boss, teacher, leader, or even classmate, as they could provide first-hand information about working with you. A generous and honest review will also improve your credibility and qualification considerably.Transform your resume from good to great. Our intelligent resume analyzer spots improvement opportunities you might have missed.Improve My Resume Where to Put Extracurricular Activities on a ResumeThere are many places on a resume where you can write your extracurricular activities, and the ideal place to put them depends on the job and the relevance between the job and extracurricular experience. Below are four different sections on your resume where you can put extracurricular activities: 1. Work Experience Section You could include those extracurricular activities in the work experience section on resume if the roles and responsibilities you have during the extracurricular activities are closely related and relevant to the job you are applying for. Showcase your relevant skills in order to be qualified for the job even without professional experience. Example of the experience section:ExperienceVolunteer |Animal Rescue Center | Frazier Park, CA10/2019 - 10/2020Treated wounded wild street cats and dogs that were administered into the shelter.Promoted wild animal care in booths across California. 2. Education Section Briefly include the extracurricular activities in the education section when you only have subordinate roles but are still relevant to the job opening. Example of the education section:EducationBachelor of Business AdministrationUniversity of Pennsylvania2016 - 2020Member of Student CouncilOrganized school charity events. 3. Achievements Section You could enrich the achievement section on your resume by including extracurricular activities in it. Also, make sure to be confident, converse in an active voice, and include quantifiable results. Example of the achievements section:Led the 2019 University of Minnesota New International Students completed enrollment registration.Helped to organize the 2018 The Voice of University of Minnesota Competition and reached more than 10,000 audiences. 4. Extracurricular Activities Section You could create a single section specifically for extracurricular activities in your resume if you have several different extracurriculars that are related to the job. The section could be labeled as “Extracurricular Activities” or “Leadership Experience” to make them stand out a little bit more than the education section. Example of the extracurricular activities section:Leadership ExperiencePresident of CMYK Choir of 58 members and performed in California Cultural Art Expo.Vice President of Korean Student Association and annually submitted visa renewal application forms to the Korean embassy. Tips on How to Include Extracurricular Activities on a Resume💡 The activity should be relevant to the position you are applying for. Make sure that the list of extracurricular activities for the resume is relevant to the position you are applying for. For example, if you are applying for a position in a Spain-based company, the extracurricular activities in the Spanish club might increase your qualifications in terms of language as well as culture. If you are trying to become a teacher, extracurricular activities like tutoring experiences and student council experience would be helpful on your resume. 💡 Mention the details of the extracurricular activity (name of organization, title, etc.) to increase credibility. List the information of the extracurricular activities in your resume as completely as possible to make your extracurricular activities resume look more professional. You could include details such as the name of the organization, the title of roles, the responsibilities, the achievements, and even the duration of serving. This way, the extracurricular activities on your resume will have more credibility and look more competent in the eyes of the recruiter because they are something that can be verified. 💡 Take advantage of soft skills gained from sports activities. If you are including sports as extracurricular activities in your resume, it would be best to highlight the soft skills that are acquired. Leadership skills and the ability to perform well under pressure, for example, are sought after by many companies. Achievements such as the number of goals might not have great importance in this case.Resume Example with Extracurricular ActivitiesExtracurricular activities on your resume are pretty useful, especially if you have inadequate working experience to support your qualification with. The skills and the experience that is attained during extracurriculars might make up for the absence of not having working experience, exclusively if they are pretty much related and have practical, transferable skills that might come in handy in the position. Here is an extracurricular activity on a resume: Jean Milly 880 Mulberry CrestSan Clemente, CA 92672(333)-333-3333[email protected] Professional Summary A Foreign language graduate, fast learner with excellent verbal language ability, and proficient in Spanish, Latin, and Japanese. EducationBachelor in Foreign LanguagesUniversity of Minnesota2015-2019 Extracurricular Activities English Debate Club PresidentUniversity of Minnesota - Minneapolis, MNJanuary 2019- January 2020 Led English debate club into 2019 state championship Member of Chess ClubRainbow College - Minneapolis, MNAugust 2017 - December 2018 Won second-place in 2017 Minneapolis Chess Competition Volunteer in Mexican Refugee CampCamp Sunshine - Texas, TXJuly 2015 - September 2015 Helped set up tents and foods for child refugee Skills LeadershipCritical thinkingProblem-solvingHospitalityCultural awareness AchievementCompleted annual city tours for international students in the University of Minnesota for 3 consecutive yearsCertifications IOFM Accounts Receivable certification NACPB Quickbooks certification Interests PhotographyCreative writingWild animal carePublic speakingLatinConclusionCakeResume is the best online resume builder that allows users to create professional online resumes and portfolios, which can also serve as personal web pages. Its simple and intuitive interface allows users to build their professional online resumes and portfolios and showcase their skills and accomplishments to potential recruiters and employers. CakeResume also offers tonnes of simple resume templates that are ready to use. You can have a look at templates and simply drag and drop any elements into the live editor screen, customize your resumes and portfolio layout, and add or remove any sections as needed. You can also upload images or other multimedia content. Additionally, our online resume-building platform offers various pre-built templates and design themes.Want to know more about our solution? Check out our blog or talk to one of our consultants! --- Originally written by Fedrik Hansen---