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Resume & CV
Nov 26th 2021

How Long Should a Resume Be? - Ideal Resume Length, Guide & Tips

Created by CakeA resume is a professional business card. Not only should you take in hand the content and format but also the resume length. It is commonly suggested that resumes should ideally be limited to one or two pages, regardless of whose idea it was. This helps to ensure that the information presented is concise and to the point.But sometimes, we still see people with a 4-page long resume still successfully nail the job. So, suppose you have many experience to showcase, should you also break the rule? In this article, we will reveal how long your resume should be and some tips to guide you through. TABLEOFCONTENTS How Long Should a Resume Be? One-page Resumes Two-page Resumes Three-page (or More) Resumes 10 Tips to Keep Your Resume in the Right Length Common FAQs about Resume Length How Long Should a Resume Be?The right answer is not only about how many pages your resume should be but more about the content quality and readability. This means if your resume is hard to read or contains too much irrelevant information, your resume is more likely to get tossed into the bin. They don't just say "quality over quantity" for nothing, right?So let's talk a bit about the content quality: content quality means to be concise and on point, which often equivalent to "short". Let's take a look at these two examples: "Create overseas marketing strategies to boost brand awareness across different digital marketing channels" "Help company expand globally via brand awareness. To do this, I created marketing strategies for overseas marketing using different marketing channels such as SEO, social media, email and partnerships."Both of these sentences convey the same message, but the first is more concise. Recruiters already know what digital marketing channels are, so it's not necessary to mention them when applying for a digital marketing position. While one long and redundant sentence might not do much harm on its own, a resume full of them, combined with unnecessary design, could be detrimental. For this reason,it's often recommended that a resume should be around 1-2 pages long.Now let's talk about the exceptions; sometimes, the resume can be more than two pages; this can happen for two reasons: (1) the experience and (2) the job essence. Your resume can be a single page, two pages or even more under the right circumstances. There is not one-size-fits-all length.So, let's take a look at each resume length below and decide the most suitable one: One-page ResumesA one-page resume is the most generally accepted length. Recruiters often have to read tons of resumes so the briefer is almost always the better. Opt for one-page resume if: You are a recent graduate with limited experience regarding your target job.You are changing careers and your previous experience is not relevant to your new industry.You have less than 10 years of professional experience or less than four employers.🟢 ProsResume is easy and quick to read;Employer can take a closer look at every content;Resume is short and concise;❌ConsCandidates with additional strengths and qualifications might be omitted.Not everyone is a good writer, so when there is limited space, crucial details may be overlooked. Two-page ResumesIn some cases, individuals may possess numerous relevant experiences and skills that cannot be adequately highlighted in a one-page resume. Therefore, it is advisable to have a two-page resume if: You have more than 10 years of professional experience in your field.Your job requires technical or industry-specific skills and varying qualifications that not all candidates have.You are in a high management position with tons of responsibilities.You are a recent graduate with various internships, summer jobs, or extracurricular activities that could be tied to the job you aspire to.You are in a field that requires demonstration of achievement and specialized training, such as publishing and licensing.🟢 ProsMany consider a 2-page resume as standard length;Candidates can include relevant work history, skills, qualifications, etc.;More details about personal career development and path can be shown and highlighted.❌ConsResume may content unwanted content;Fitting everything into two pages can lead to formatting challenges like smaller fonts and cramped spacing;Longer resumes may dilute the focus, potential key details might get lost in the bulk of content 💡 Pro Tip: To save time, many companies useresume checkersor ATS (Applicant Tracking System) to screen job applicants. This means that your resume will only be read by recruiters if it passes the software check. If your resume is longer than one page, including more keywords from the job listing can increase your chances of passing the ATS.Three-page (or More) ResumesIn some cases, a three-page resume can be used. Let's take a look if you fall under this category:You have extensive work history, meaning a long and distinguished career with multiple relevant positions.You're in an industry where it's common for candidates to submit longer, more comprehensive resumes as part of the application process.You have a strong academic background with multiple degrees, certifications, publications, ore research projects may need additional space to highlight these accomplishmentsIf you have held numerous leadership roles or have a track record of significant achievements, a longer resume can help provide necessary context and evidence of your capabilities.When transitioning to a new industry or field, a longer resume can be helpful in connecting transferable skills and experiences.🟢 ProsA three-page or more resume allows ample space to provide a comprehensive overview of your work experience, skills, achievements, and qualifications;Candidates with long and diverse career paths can effectively showcase their professional journey;Without any constraints on the layout, you have more space to format and design your resume in a more appropriate manner.❌ConsRecruiters and hiring managers may have limited time to review a lengthy resumes;A longer resume can cause the employer to lose interest before reaching essential information;There is risk of including unnecessary or less relevant information to fill the spaceThe most critical information is usually expected to be on the first page, and a longer resume might make it harder to highlight key points effectively.💡 Pro Tip:If you're pursuing an academic career path, or want to apply for a higher education degree, consider a CV (Curriculum Vitae) instead, it will allow you to add more details about your course of life. 10 Tips to to Keep Your Resume in the Right LengthKeeping your resume in the right length can be one of the most difficult part in making a resume, so here are some techniques to maintain a resume in the right length: 💡 Keep role descriptions within 3-5 bullet points. Bullet points for each position you have been in the past should be on point showing duties and responsibilities, as well as achievements. Furthermore, you can combine it into a single statement so you do not go over 5 bullet points so your resume length is right. 💡 Only list experiences and skills relevant to the position.Having the right resume length consists in leaving out unnecessary information. Skills and experiences that are not relevant as this not only works against the length of your resume but also employers will find this negative.💡 Focus on recent experiences.Recruiters only mind your most recent roles. Expanding your resume length on older roles not only makes it long but also may come across as too long to read and irrelevant to recruiters. 💡 Try different spacings and margin sizes to make more space.Margin sizes and spacings make a difference in altering the length of a resume. Try experimenting with different spacings between lines and headings. Tweaking margins and spacings can help you attain the ideal resume length you are seeking for. 💡 Remove unnecessary graphics.Graphics only take up space and will work against your resume length. Also, do mind the ATS recruiters use, and graphics will work against passing the screening process. 💡 Remove the “references” section.References take more space and these can be provided by email or at the interview. Having this section will just increase your resume length, which may work against you. 💡 Remove the “hobbies and interests” section to reduce the resume’s length.Things you do during free time can be addressed when employers ask about them during the interview. Including them in your resume in often not necessary, more so if you do not have much space left and your resume is already too long. 💡 Use the right resume action words and keywords to keep your writing concise.Professionals may ask themselves: How many words should a resume be? While the recommended range lies between 400 to 600 words, it is vital that there are action words and keywords from the job posting to increase your chances of getting hired.💡 Use an efficient resume layout. The best resume layout relies on what format you use, which helps to keep it in the ideal resume length. There are 3 common types of resume formats and each fits different career backgrounds. 💡 Try out simpler font types and smaller sizes.Reducing font size and opting for other types may help reduce your overall resume length. Be careful not to make the font sizes too small that are hard to read.Cake provides the free online resume builderfor any job seeker to easily create a resume and find job.Job seekers can use our free resume templates to quickly craft a professional resume for their job hunt.Take your career journeyto new heights - create a resume online (free download) now!Create ResumeCommon FAQs about Resume Length 1. How long should my resume be?The length of a resume should be between 1-2 pages. If the most relevant information (e.g. skills, work experience, education) can fit a single page, that is even better. 2. How many pages should my resume be?Aside from not exceeding two pages, the length of a resume relies on your background. For experienced professionals with multiple roles, a 2-page resume works well. For freshers, career changers, or people with gaps in their background, a 1-page resume would be the ideal length. 3. How long should a professional resume be?The best practice is to not exceed two pages. 4. How many words should a resume be?The recommended word count range is 400-600 words. 5. How long should a federal resume be?A federal resume can be made of several pages. When applying for jobs in the private sector, the length of a federal resume can be three to five pages. 6. How many years should be on a resume?A resume does not need to exceed 10 years of relevant experience. Keep the number of years below 15 years. 7. How long should a resume summary be?A resume summary should not be a long paragraph, so stick to 4-5 lines. 8. How long should an objective be on a resume?An objective statement should not exceed 6 lines. Objectives tend to be slightly longer than resume summaries because it further shows what are your goals and how you will benefit the company.9. Is it ok to have a 2-page resume?Yes, as long as it only shows relevant skills and experiences.10. Is a 3-page resume too long?The best practice is to keep your resume length as short as possible. Resumes exceeding 1-2 pages are ok under certain situations, such as applying for a federal job or academia.11. How long should a CV (Curriculum Vitae) be?CVs are used in academic positions and scientific jobs, and there is no specific limit. It can be composed of several pages. It is important to note that job application CVs and resumes are documents that are interchangeably used in some parts of the world, therefore they are regarded as the same. Depending on where you are applying for a job, make sure to check which type of document they are asking for.ConclusionNow that you know everything about resume length, you can start create your resume with our resume writing guidelines. Remember, if there's anything we want you to take away from this article is that thebest length for your resume depends on your current status as a professional.Bookmark this article in case you might need it in the future! 🔑 Key Takeaways: The best resume length relies on your past work history and each length has its pros and cons.The best practice for anyone in job hunting is to keep the resume length as short as possible in order to not overwhelm the readers. 1-2 pages are enough for most types of jobs.Each section influences a resume’s length. Removing unnecessary sections and trying out different layouts, fonts, and margins can help you keep your resume short and concise.Resumes can exceed 2 pages under certain job types and situations, such as academia, scientific research, or federal positions. --- Originally written byJose J. Rosales ---
Resume & CV
Aug 26th 2025

What Is A CV? [Definition, Element, Writing Tips, and Examples]

What is a CV? During your job search, you may have wondered what a CV (curriculum vitae) is and how it differs from a resume. These two terms often cause confusion, depending on the countries and the position you apply for. Not understanding the difference between CVs and resumes can lead to the common mistake of using the wrong format when applying for a job, which can diminish your chances of being hired. In this article, we will guide you through the definition of a CV and the key points of creating an ATS-friendly CV. We also provide CV templates for different levels, so make sure to read until the end. Let's dive into the details of crafting an effective CV to start building one! Table of Contents What Is a CV? How to Write an Outstanding Academic CV 5 Extra Tips for Writing Your CV 3 Academic CV Examples Common FAQs about CV What Is A CV? A CV stands for curriculum vitae, comes from Latin and means "course of life." This translation is fitting because CVs are often associated with academic needs. However, in the professional world, even non-academic job postings sometimes ask applicants to send a curriculum vitae instead of a resume. Companies in Southeast Asia, in particular, usually prefer this type of requirement over asking for a "resume." The country that makes the bold distinction between a CV and a resume is the United States. This distinction is made to meet the needs of job seekers themselves. CV formats emphasize the depth of work experience, professional skills, and academic history (include your academic accomplishments) compared to resumes. A CV allows you to detail your entire history of education, courses, training, research, and certifications. For this reason, it is often referred to as an academic CV. CVs are mainly used for candidates who are applying for educational positions, not only for careers but also for scholarships and grants. When an employer asks a candidate to submit a CV, they specifically expect a comprehensive overview of your professional experience and skills. This is very different from a resume, which is usually limited to no more than three pages. Resumes are concise documents highlighting relevant work experience, skills, and achievements tailored to a specific job position. They are designed to be quickly reviewed by recruiters and hiring managers to determine if the candidate is a good fit for the role. However, in some other countries, the terms CV and resume are used interchangeably, and the expectations for the document content may differ. Here is a list of countries and how they typically refer to these documents: United States: Clear distinction between the two. CVs are used for academic purposes, while resumes are used for job applications.Canada: Similar to the United States, with CVs for academic roles and resumes for job applications.United Kingdom: The term CV is used more commonly for job applications, and it usually refers to a document that combines elements of both a CV and a resume.Australia and New Zealand: The term CV is used more frequently than a resume, but the document is similar to a resume in the U.S. context.India: The two terms are often used interchangeably, with CVs being slightly longer and more detailed.South Africa: CV is the commonly used term, similar to a resume in content and length.Europe (General): CV is the preferred term, and the Europass CV format is widely used, combining elements of both a traditional CV and resume. Understanding these regional differences can help you tailor your job application materials to meet the expectations of employers in different countries.Key TakeawaysCV is a comprehensive written list of your work experience (usually related to the field of education). It includes detailed information about your academic background, research, publications, and professional achievements. On the other hand, a resume is a brief, targeted document focused on your qualifications for a specific job. For more details on resumes, you can read more about them in this article.LengthCV: CVs can be longer than 3 pages long, depending on how much experience you have. Some say 10 pages long is the recommended maximum.Resume: The purpose of this is to make it easy for HR to select candidates quickly. Therefore, the recommended length of a resume is one page (three-page max).ContentsCV: A CV does not limit the information you can include as long as it relates to your professional life. If you've had a long career, limiting your list of experiences to the last 15 years is a good idea. 15 years is a long time to work in one field, providing more opportunities to gain accomplishments, attend various trainings, or obtain specialized certifications.Resume: The experience period is even shorter, with only the last 5 to 10 years being the best time to write about. Recruiters usually require candidates to include only information relevant to the position they are applying for.SectionsCV: A CV can contain 9 to 15 sections, including a list of publications.Resume: An average resume consists of 7 sections: personal information, summary, career objective, work experience, skills, education, and other information (languages, certificates, licenses). How to Write an Outstanding CV Crafting an outstanding academic CV requires a meticulous approach that highlights your scholarly achievements, skills, and professional experience in a clear and organized manner. Here's how to write your cv. Personal Information Start with your full name, contact information, and professional title. It's important to be easily reachable, so include your email address, phone number, and any relevant online profiles, such as LinkedIn or an academic website. Ensure this section is clear and easy to find at the top of your CV.Personal Information ExampleDr. Jane SmithEmail: [email protected] Phone: (123) 456-7890 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/janesmith Academic Website: janesmithacademic.com Personal Statement Write a concise summary that captures your research interests, career goals, and key achievements. This section should be brief (2-3 sentences) but impactful, giving the reader a quick overview of who you are as a scholar and what drives your academic pursuits.Personal Statement ExampleI am a dedicated researcher with a PhD in Molecular Biology, specializing in genetic engineering. My goal is to contribute to groundbreaking research in gene therapy and mentor the next generation of scientists. I have published extensively in high-impact journals and have secured significant grant funding for my projects. Education List your educational background in chronological order. Include the degree obtained, institution, location, and dates attended. Highlight any honors or distinctions received. This section should clearly demonstrate your academic progression and qualifications.Education Example PhD in Molecular Biology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK, 2015-2019: Dissertation: "Advancements in Gene Editing Techniques" Graduated with Distinction MSc in Biotechnology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK, 2013-2015 Thesis: "Applications of CRISPR in Modern Medicine" Dean's List BSc in Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK, 2009-2013 First Class Honors Research Experience Detail your research positions, including the title, institution, dates, and a brief description of your responsibilities and achievements. Focus on specific contributions, methodologies used, and the impact of your work. This section should highlight your research skills and published work.Research ExperienceExample Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, 2019-Present Leading a project on the development of novel gene therapy techniques for hereditary diseases Published 5 papers in peer-reviewed journals, including Nature and Science Secured a $200,000 grant from the National Institutes of Health Graduate Research Assistant, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK, 2015-2019 Conducted experiments on CRISPR technology and its applications in gene editing Presented findings at international conferences and symposia Co-authored 3 publications Teaching Experience If you are applying for an academic role, a teaching experience section is a must. Make sure to include your teaching roles, courses taught, institution, dates, and a brief description of your responsibilities to highlight your expertise. Don't forget to emphasize on any innovative teaching methods, student evaluations, and contributions to curriculum development.Teaching ExperienceExample Lecturer, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK, 2017-2019 Taught undergraduate courses in Molecular Biology and Genetics Developed and delivered lectures, laboratory sessions, and exams Received outstanding teaching evaluations from students Teaching Assistant, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK, 2014-2015 Assisted in the instruction of Biotechnology courses Graded assignments and provided feedback to students Conducted office hours and study sessions Publications List your publications in reverse chronological order. Include the title, journal, volume, pages, and year. Highlight any high-impact journals. This section should reflect your contributions to your field and your ability to communicate your research.Publications Example Smith, J., Doe, J. (2023). "Innovations in Gene Therapy for Hereditary Diseases." Nature, 579(7799), 123-128.Smith, J. (2021). "CRISPR-Cas9: Current Applications and Future Directions." Science, 374(6572), 112-117.Smith, J., Brown, A., Lee, K. (2019). "Advancements in Gene Editing Techniques." Molecular Biology Reports, 46(6), 987-993. Presentations Include your presentations at conferences and seminars. List the title, conference name, location, and date. Highlight invited talks or keynote addresses if applicable. This section showcases your ability to disseminate your research and engage with the academic community.Presentations Example "Novel Approaches in Gene Therapy," International Conference on Genetic Engineering, Berlin, Germany, June 2023"CRISPR-Cas9: Ethical Considerations and Future Implications," Annual Biotechnology Symposium, New York, NY, March 2022 "Gene Editing Techniques and Their Applications," European Congress of Molecular Biology, Paris, France, September 2019 Awards and Honors List your academic awards and honors also in reverse chronological order. Include the award name, granting institution, and date. This section should highlight your recognition and achievements within the academic community.Awards and Honors Example NIH Early Career Investigator Award, National Institutes of Health, 2022 Best Dissertation Award, University of Cambridge, 2019 Dean's List, University of Oxford, 2015 First Class Honors, University of Edinburgh, 2013 Grants and Fellowships Detail the grants and fellowships you have received. Include the grant name, granting institution, amount, and date. This section demonstrates your ability to secure funding and support for your research.Grants an Fellowships Example NIH Research Grant, National Institutes of Health, $200,000, 2023-2025 Marie Curie Fellowship, European Commission, €100,000, 2019-2021 Cambridge Trust Scholarship, University of Cambridge, £50,000, 2015-2019 Professional Affiliations List your memberships in professional organizations. Include the organization name and your role if applicable. This section shows your engagement with professional communities and ongoing professional development.Professional Affiliations Member, American Society of Gene and Cell Therapy, 2018-Present Member, European Molecular Biology Organization, 2015-Present President, Biotechnology Club, University of Cambridge, 2017-2018 5 Tips for Writing Your CV Created by CakeResume 1) Pay close attention to the design and layout of your CV Have you ever considered making your CV as flashy as possible to attract attention? If so, it's best to put that idea aside and put yourself in the shoes of the first person who will see your resume. A CV doesn't need a complicated design. In fact, the cleaner and simpler it is, the better recruiters will judge it. Therefore, a clean and simple design and layout is the way to go. You can start by: Ensuring that all text is justify-aligned.Ensuring that the use of fonts is consistent throughout each section. The most commonly used fonts are Arial, Times New Roman, and Calibri in font size 12.Be careful when using color in your CV. It's better to use bold colors to highlight information.The layout used must be consistent in each section.Use the header feature to highlight your name. A mistake beginners make is to use the header for the word 'CV' or 'resume,' which is not necessary.Make sure that there is not too much white space in each sentence. To make sure your CV’s design and layout are consistent and organized, you can use the preview feature in the Print section to see the entire CV. 2) Include numbers to highlight the experience / academic background As with the resume, the use of numbers in CVs also helps recruiters. Numbers serve to highlight your accomplishments and also reinforce your academic background. Use numbers in the summary section of your CV, for example, by mentioning the number of publications, total academic experience, and so on.In addition to numbers, you can use statistics to support the information in your CV.Don't go overboard with numbers or statistics to keep your CV readable by recruiters. 3) How you write your academic CV matters An academic career can vary from teaching to being a resource person for newspapers, magazines, or discussions. But clearly, all of these jobs are not far removed from the world of writing. Just like a scientist who presents his ideas or findings through writing, academics gain credibility in the same way. So if the CV of someone with an academic background is written in a chaotic manner, recruiters will certainly question his or her competence. When creatng your CV, keep the following points in mind: Use consistent grammar to reduce distractions in conveying information, clarify communication in your resume, enhance the recruiter's understanding of your position, and demonstrate your professionalism.Carefully choose the words you use to reinforce and detail your experience. You can use action verbs to avoid passive and weak word choices.Combining action verbs with quantifiable results to maximize their impact would be even better.To make it easier to read, use bullet points to highlight information. 4) Stop using repetitive words Imagine a hiring manager reading your CV and suddenly frowning because he or she feels that the information you provide is repetitive. The reason is that you use too many of the same words in each paragraph. In addition to distracting the reader who is trying to digest information about your background, repetitive words only make you look like an unprofessional academic. Doesn't an academic have to read a lot, from books to newspapers to journals, in order to gain new knowledge? The use of repetitive words in no way reflects the activities that should underpin the way an academic works. There is no other way to increase your vocabulary than to read more, start actively using a thesaurus, and of course, check out the CV online examples at Cake! 5) Tailor your CV document to the job description Tailor your resume by highlighting your experience based on the specific job listing. For example, if you are applying to be a lecturer at Campus A, focus on emphasizing your teaching experience, course development, and student engagement. You might include detailed descriptions of the courses you've taught, innovative teaching methods you've implemented, and positive feedback or evaluations from students. For instance, you could highlight a successful curriculum you designed for a course on Molecular Biology that received outstanding reviews from both students and peers. Additionally, you might mention any workshops or seminars you conducted to enhance student learning. 3 Academic CV Examples Academic CV example for Undergraduate Fresh Grad Pursuing Master's DegreeAcademic CV example for Undergraduate Fresh Grad Pursuing Master's Degree Academic CV example for a graduate student with extensive working experience who has a master's degree and now needs a CV to apply for a PhDAcademic CV example for a graduate student with extensive working experience who has a master's degree and now needs a CV to apply for a PhD Academic CV example for someone who has both a master's degree and a PhD and now is looking for a job at a universityAcademic CV example for someone who has both a master's degree and a PhD and now is looking for a job at a university Common FAQs about CV 1) When to use a CV? / Who should use a CV? The next question is when is the right time to use a CV instead of a resume? What kind of candidates are best suited to use a CV? The answer to this question is that it all depends on the context. Companies may ask applicants to send a CV instead of a resume, even if the job offered is not education-related. In this case, candidates with any background are welcome to use a CV.Use a CV if you are applying for a scholarship to pursue a Master's or Ph.D. degree.Your CV will meet the needs of those applying for positions as researchers, scientists, teachers, and lecturers.In international conferences, especially those related to academic matters, both the appointed speakers and the audience are also required to send CVs for the needs of the event committee.However, if you are still unsure whether the employer wants a shorter resume or a longer CV, it is acceptable to ask before submitting if they'd prefer a comprehensive CV or a resume consisting of highlighted information. 2) What should a CV include? Personal Information: This is basic information such as your name, email address, LinkedIn, GitHub, and so on. You can write this personal information the same way as the resume format.Professional summary: A brief statement of your experience, skills, and accomplishments.Education: A list of your education from highest to lowest. Don't forget to include information such as the name of the institution, the degree you earned, and the date you graduated.Work Experience: A detailed, chronological list of your work experience. For each job, be sure to include the job title, the name of the institution or company, and the dates of employment.Certifications and Licenses: Certifications and licenses are a form of validation of your competence. This information is useful for additional consideration by the institution to which you are applying.Awards and Honors: Awards and honors are achievements bestowed upon you by third parties. They can make your CV stand out.Volunteer Experience: This section is great for graduate students pursuing a master's degree; a list of volunteer experiences can be useful when looking for scholarships.Projects: Project experience is slightly different from work experience. A project is a job with a short duration (a few months), with a working system that is not as fixed as when you work for a company.Publications: The credibility of academics is measured by the number of publications and citations. Publications here are not limited to journals but also include newspapers, magazines, and websites whose credibility can be taken into account.Professional affiliations and memberships: Belonging to a professional organization shows your commitment to your profession. Don't hesitate to include them in your CV.Languages: English is the most common means of communication in academia. An academic needs to be able to communicate with other academics from around the world. So, the more languages you can speak, the better.Hobbies and Interests: This information can be included in the CV if you are a recent graduate to see how active the candidate is outside of work. However, this section is not required at the Master's or Ph.D. level. 3) How long should a CV be? There is no hard and fast rule on how long a CV should be, but some experts suggest that 10 pages is sufficient. It's also a good idea to limit the information you include to the last 15 years of experience. However, if the CV is being used to apply to fields outside of academia, it's best to keep it to no more than 3 pages. Such companies usually use AI engines to filter out suitable applications. A CV that is too long will only put you at a disadvantage. On the other hand, if you are applying for a scholarship, a research position, or even a teaching position, your CV should be comprehensive and include all the details. Logically, the number of applicants in academia will not be as high as in the corporate world, because the requirements are very specific. 4) Should I Put Keywords in My CV? The most frequently asked question is whether keywords are required on a CV. According to Scholarship Canada, it turns out that you still need to include keywordsin your CV, just as you would for a resume. The use of keywords is especiallyimportant if you are applying for a scholarship with hundreds or thousands of applicants. The same source also provides a list of the 7 most popular scholarship resume keywords: LeadershipVolunteerSchool of Community InvolvementAcademic AchievementAthletic AchievementFinancial needExtracurricular activities Meanwhile, you can minimize keywords for teaching positions (teachers, lecturers) and researchers because the competition is usually only in the tens. This is because these positions are very specific, allowing recruiters to read resumes one by one. Educational and research institutions tend to reduce the use of AI in the hiring process. So, whether your resume needs keywords or not, adjust them according to the estimated number of competitors and also the type of position you are seeking. 5) What else should I prepare besides my CV? First, you will need to prepare a motivation letter, which is often called a personal statement. The purpose of this letter is to convince the hiring manager or selection committee that you are the best candidate worthy of selection. There is no specific formula for writing a motivation letter. You just need to ensure that important information, such as work experience and a list of accomplishments, is included in the letter. To strengthen your cover letter, you will also need to include a letter of recommendation or referral from an influential person who is close to you and understands your accomplishments. If you are a recent graduate applying for a master's scholarship, you may request a letter of recommendation from your professor. Key takeaways In some countries, especially in Southeast Asia and parts of Europe, CVs and resumes are often used interchangeably. In fact, a CV is intended for academic purposes, such as applying to be a teacher or lecturer, seeking scholarships, applying for grants, and filling a position as a researcher.A CV has more sections than a resume. Sections in a CV consist of personal information, professional summary, education, work experience, certifications and licenses, awards and honors, volunteer experience (for recent graduates), projects, publications, professional affiliations and memberships, languages, hobbies, and interests (for recent graduates).The CV must be carefully written in a simple design and layout. Applicants should avoid the use of colors, unusual fonts, and grammatical inconsistencies.There is no limit to the number of pages in a CV, although most applicants will include only the last 15 years. The point of a CV is to present information about your professional activities comprehensively. We hope that by now, you will have the answer and all the information you need for the question, "What is a CV?". In addition to providing online CV samples, Cake also has hundreds of articles that can help you in the world of work. Join us now! Ready to give your resume the edge it needs? Try our AI-powered resume checker to identify gaps and optimize your content in seconds. Check My Resume — Originally written by Erika Rizqi —
Resume & CV
Aug 25th 2025

A Comprehensive Guide to Writing a CV [CV vs. Resume, Full Form of CV Definition]

Created by CakeResumeMany people often mistake the full meaning of a CV for a resume since they are both commonly defined as documents required for an application. While a resume is used for general job applications and is more common in the US, Australia, and Canada, a CV (Curriculum Vitae), on the other hand, is used for job application in academic, education, scientific, medical, or research fields. Hence, a CV is usually longer and includes more detailed information compared to a resume. There are more remarkable distinctions between these two documents - which will be explained further in this article. We'll walk you through everything CV in this article, from the full form of CV explanation to how to write aCVfor general and academic job applications.Without further ado, let's jump right in! TABLEOFCONTENTWhat Is a CV? – Full Form, Definition, Types, ExamplesWhat Is a Resume? – Definition, ExamplesCV vs. Resume – The Key Differences When to UseHow to Write an Academic CVHow to Write a CV for Job ApplicationsWhat Is a CV? – Full Form, Definition, Types, ExamplesThe full form of a CV is "Curriculum Vitae," a Latin term meaning "course of life." A CV is used to showcase a candidate's qualifications, experience, and accomplishments throughout their academic and professional career. By reading a CV, a hiring manager can determine whether or not an individual is qualified for the vacancy. In general, the term "CV" is used everywhere in the world, including the UK, New Zealand, the European Union, and Asia. A CV can also go under different names in different countries, such as biography, employment record, or "biodata" in India. There are two major types of CVs that you need to know: academic CV and job application CV. They are categorized based on the purpose of use. Let's have a quick look! Academic CV Anacademic CVis explicitly written for academic purposes and emphasizes your contributions to a particular field of study or practice. These contributions include publications, projects, achievements, awards, honors, etc.If you are applying for a position in education, science, medicine, or research, you must provide a comprehensive academic CV. And if you aspire to be a researcher or pursue higher degree programs such as a Master's or Ph.D., using this CV type is also advisable. Job Application CV A job application CV can be used for a job search and application in nearly all industries.It emphasizes the job seeker's work experience, skills, accomplishments, and educational background. This type of CV is particularly useful for executives and high-level professionals. What Is a Resume?The term resume is French for "summary," referring to a document used for summarizing one's experience that is relevant to the job they're applying for. A resume is usually paired with a cover letter to express motivation for the job and explain why the applicant is a good fit for the company. The purpose of resumes is to give your potential employer a brief overview of your competencies, work experience, and achievements in the field. In most cases, recruiters and employers prefer a concise resume without a lot of extraneous information. As they only spend approximately six seconds reading a resume, you should keep it short but still cover all necessary information.Read this article to learn more about resume. CV vs. Resume – The Key Differences When to UseNow that you understand the fundamental distinctions between a CV and a Resume, let's examine them in greater detail. Pay attention to the differences in content, length, and when they should be used.CVPurpose:Applying for academic positions.Content:Personal details, academic background, work experience, extracurricular activities, and accomplishments.Length:No limit, depending on the amount of information included in the CV.Design Layout: Minimal and simpleCountry Region:Globally, Asia, the EU, and New Zealand.ResumePurpose: Applying for jobs.Content: Information relevant to the specific position, such as areas of expertise, skills, and work experience.Length:1 to 2 pages.Design Layout: Vary from field to field with different resume formatsCountry Region:US, Australia, and Canada How to Write an Academic CV1. Contact Information The first thing you must include in a CV is your personal information and contact information. This includes your full name, mailing address, phone number, and email address. Additionally, you may want to include your LinkedIn profile or other professional social media accounts if they are relevant to your field. 2. Personal Statement A well-written personal statement is indispensable when pursuing higher education or applying for an academic position. It can help highlight the educational background and qualifications, personal traits, and other academic achievements in the first place. Personal Statement Example in a Master Program Application “Final-year law student at Florida State University with strong organizational skills and the ability to speak good English, Spanish, and French. Placed second in the Wayne Law 2020 Spring Moot Court In-House Competition. Eager to earn an LL. M. at Vermont Law School.” 3. Education This section is a crucial part of an academic CV, as school advisors and recruiters want to see whether you have obtained fundamental knowledge of the field or required courses. When writing this section, you should follow the standard format of anyeducation section on a resume. Another side note is that you should also include your relevant coursework or thesis title if related to the position you’re applying for. 4. Publications Here is the list of types of publications that you can include in an academic CV Research papersPeer-reviewed publicationsBooks/Book chaptersBook reviewsArticles For each type, provide all details, including the title, journal title, publication date, and page numbers (if relevant). 5. Awards Besides publications, you can also highlight your academic accomplishments from school to strengthen your position. A high GPADean’s ListScholarshipsHonor RollAwards won for a specific activity or course 6. Grants Fellowships It is important to includeresearch grants and fellowshipsin an academic CV since they are awards that graduate students and postgraduate scholars compete for. These awards are given based on their potential to make a positive and lasting impact in their academic field and can support graduate study, scholarly research, or professional development. Fellowships are available in all fields and for individuals at any career stage, from undergraduate study to executive leadership development programs. For these reasons, you can strengthen your CV with this section. Here's what to write in the grants and fellowships section in an academic CV: Program titleStart and end dateWhat you have done and accomplished 7. Conferences Presentations You can include a list of the presentations and talks you've given, includingposter presentations. Additionally, any conferences or panels you've organized can give you an advantage over others. 8. Experiences In your academic CV, you can include any relevant experience you have in teaching or research/lab work. When describing your teaching experience, highlight your skills and explain how they relate to the job you are applying for. If you are a science student or research scientist, showcase your knowledge and skills related to research or lab work in this section of your CV.You can refer to this teacher resume writing guideline to know what and how to write. 9. Non-Academic Activities In addition to academic experiences, sharing non-academic information can also showcase your capabilities. Here are some examples: InternshipVolunteer workPersonal projectsExtracurricular clubs/teams 10. Languages Other Skills In addition to providing a detailed CV, showcasing your language abilities is also helpful. Consider adding your proficiency level when mentioning your other language skills (intermediate, advanced, professional working, or native/bilingual).You can refer to this article for more details aboutlanguage skills and proficiency levels on your resumeand CV. When crafting a CV, it's crucial to highlight your computer skills and other transferable skills that you've gained through education, internships, volunteering, and previous work experiences. These highly valuable skills can be utilized in various job roles and industries.For more details on how to write an academic CV, we have a separate article to walk you through a writing guidelines onhow to write an academic CV.Now that you know everything about academic CV, let's move on to how to write a CVwhen applying for a job How to Write a CV for Job Applications 1. Contact InformationSame as the academic CV, you must include your contact information in a job application CV so that recruiters know how to contact you. Contact information must include: Full nameProfessional titleEmailPhone numberComplete address (optional)Social media page or personal website (optional) Make sure to provide accurate details and a professional email address to ensure a successful recruitment process. 2. Career Objective This can go by the name of a personal statement, career objective, or summary of qualifications. This part is placed at the top of your CV and provides a summary of your skills and qualifications relevant to the job opening. Think about it as a self-introduction to hiring managers in order that they want to read on to know more about you. 3. Work Experiences 4 basic elements to include in the work experience section are:Organization/company name and its locationJob titleYour employment periodJob responsibilities and accomplishments 💡 Tip: You could also include part-time, contract, and freelance work as long as you can illustrate your skills.Read this article to learn more abouthow to write a work experience section on your resume/CV. 4. Education If you're a fresh graduate, it's essential to include detailed information about your educational background, highlighting the key learning and skills you acquired during your education. Remember to put this part before the employment/work experience section. In this section, you should cover the following elements: School name (with location)Degree levelMajor minorGraduation yearGPA (recommended if it’s high)Relevant coursework (recommended if it’s beneficial for your application)Academic honors (award, scholarship, publication) And if you're an experienced professional, consider going brief on this section, especially if you have three to five years of experience.💡 Tip: Avoid listing your GPA unless you have 3.5 and above. 5. Awards Honors Awards and honors which you have earned for going beyond average either in your studies or on the job should also be mentioned. Here are some examples of career-related prizes that can make your CV stand out from the crowd:Employee of the Month/YearTop PerformerEmployees' Choice AwardStudent honors To make your CV even more specific and convincing, including measurable achievements/responsibilities that led to receiving the award or honor would be beneficial. 6. Publications When applying for academic, research, or science jobs, it is crucial to showcase your published papers and contributions. This will showcase your expertise and exceptional research and writing abilities.Learn how to list publications on resume with recommended formats and example. 💡 Tip: When listing publications in a CV, consistent formatting is key 7. Conferences Presentations As long as the presentations you've made or conferences you've attended are relevant to the job requirements, adding them to your CV is always a good idea. Here are some great examples of conferences and presentations listed on a CV:Constitutional Law Colloquium, Houston, TX, October 2021Business Analytics and Decision Sciences Conference, Chang Gung University, Taiwan, August 2020 8. Skills As a job seeker, it's important to showcase your skills on CV/resume to hiring managers. To increase your chances of being considered for a position, it's recommended to list both soft and hard skills. Aim for five bullet points for each category. There are also 3 ways to structure the skills section: Expanded bullet listIntegrated with work experienceCategorized skills sectionA job application CV is somewhat similar to a resume, if you want to know more, learn how to write a resume with our ultimate writing guide and tips! We also recommend you to look at this resume format to know which one to choose when creating a job application CV.So, we hope that this article has been helpful to you. Let's have a quick recap: 🔑Key Takeaways:A CV full form is "Curriculum Vitae";It focuses mainly on the academic aspect, but can also be use to summarize your whole career in detail;A CV and a resume differ in terms of length, content, and intended use.A CV is one of the most important application documents across the globe, including Asia, the UK, the European Union, and New Zealand.Don't let resume mistakes hold you back. Scan your resume with our AI checker and get personalized recommendations to land more interviews. Scan Resume Now--- Originally written by May Luong ---
Career Planning
Aug 26th 2025

How to Write a Professional Letter of Recommendation

At some point in your studying path and career, you've probably needed a recommendation letter, which may go by different names such as a letter of recommendation, recommendation letter, letter of reference, or job reference. Whatever the term may be, this formal document is commonly associated with employment and university applications. A recommendation letter is typically written by a candidate’s past or present professional contact. A recommendation letter serves as a detailed endorsement that allows companies and schools to understand a candidate better from the perspective of someone who knows or knew them. If you come across this article, it’s probably safe to assume you’ve been asked to write one. Whether it’s a recommendation letter for students or a recommendation letter for professionals, both types typically follow the same format as a regular letter. However, there is a slight difference between the type to use. In this article, we will share exactly what constitutes a recommendation letter, a letter sample, and how to write a professional one.TABLEOFCONTENTS What Is a Recommendation Letter Recommendation Letter Samples Recommendation Letter Components How to Format Them Recommendation Letter Template How to Write a Professional Recommendation Letter Conclusion In this article, we will share exactly what constitutes a recommendation letter, a letter sample, and how to write a professional one.What Is a Recommendation Letter? Though you’ve likely come across it before, let’s look at its definition again: a recommendation letter is a formal document in which you vouch for someone’s character or work ethic. This is usually done by briefly recounting examples, such as past performances, where an individual has exhibited certain characteristics or skills that organizations and institutions would be interested in. Recommendation letters are often requested by companies and schools to verify the accuracy of candidate applications, as they are typically written by past or present employers or professors. There are many possible situations where the need for recommendation letters may arise, such as in applications for: A new job.An internship.A new school, university, or program within higher education.A scholarship. In addition to the list above, recommendation letters are great for potential candidates to have at their disposal, particularly when wanting to strengthen their resumes. Whether it’s required for the job or not, a simple recommendation letter should always be in their arsenal. Wait a second. Isn’t a recommendation letter just a referral or reference letter? Can you use them interchangeably? To put it bluntly - no. When a referral letter acts as just an endorsement of someone’s character, a recommendation letter provides specific examples that discuss the candidate’s skills and abilities. Let’s check out some samples for more of an idea about what a recommendation letter looks like.Recommendation Letter Samples The two most common uses for recommendation letters are for new employment applications and university applications (including relevant internships, scholarships, and graduate school opportunities). This being the case, we’ve created two recommendation letter samples: Recommendation letter for job applicationsRecommendation letter for studentRecommendation letter for employee from managerRecommendation letter for students Components of a Recommendation Letter How to Format Them Let’s be real: writing a recommendation letter is much like writing a normal letter, except for the content. If you ignore that crucial caveat, a recommendation letter format is pretty much the same as your cover letter. Let's have a look at the components of a recommendation letter: Letterhead Perhaps the main similarity of any formal letter you’ve ever written is the letterhead for letters of recommendation. Taking up the top left-hand corner of the document, the letterhead is made up of the: DateRecipient nameRecipient title or positionRecipient addressGreeting When writing a greeting for a letter of recommendation, it’s advisable to steer clear of the classic and seriously overused opening address of ‘To whom it may concern.’ If the applicant doesn’t know who the recipient is, the greeting for a professional letter of recommendation should be: “Dear Head of Admissions for Swarthmore College” or “Dear Hiring Manager.” You can check the samples above for some more letterhead examples. Your introduction The introduction is the first of three sections that are included in the recommendation letter. For this opening section, it is imperative to: Express your sincerity in recommending the applicant.Introduce the candidate and the position they’re applying for.Introduce yourself: who you are, how you know the candidate and the length of your relationship. All of the above is key to setting the context and relevance of the recommendation letter. This part should ideally fit within two or three sentences. An optional sentence to fit into the introduction would be to highlight key strengths that pertain to why you feel the candidate is special. Recommendation Now it’s the main part of the recommendation letter, where you should strive to answer the question, ‘Why should the candidate get this role?’. No pressure. To properly answer this question, it’s advisable for you to mention at least two specific skills and qualities, as well as two characteristics that you feel would enhance the candidate’s application. This may involve outlining the candidate’s academic or professional proficiencies as well as the personality traits that would suit their proposed role or position. Examples After writing about the recommendation section, it’s time to reinforce your points with some examples in your recommendation letter. Remember that for any claim of skill, characteristic, personality, quality, etc., you should always provide an example - a justification, if you will. Closing The third section of any recommendation letter, also known as the conclusion or closing, is where you should offer some final thoughts about the candidate’s application, followed by reaffirming your support and briefly mentioning why the candidate is worthy of your recommendation. The closing part of a recommendation letter should also include your encouragement to accept the candidate and to contact you for further information should the need arise. The recommendation letter is then properly closed with a sign-off, usually with a ‘Best,’ ‘Best regards,’ or a ‘Sincerely.’ Your contact information Don’t forget to add your contact information before signing off a recommendation letter. Though it’s not compulsory, offering your contact information is a great way to show sincerity. You can add two contact methods in case the recipient wishes to discuss further. Recommendation letter contact information can be added in a paragraph all by itself, weaved into the closing, or placed below your signature. Signature Though some may consider this addition a little too fancy, providing your signature is actually expected in a professional letter of recommendation. The signature should go right after your closing sign-off, and above your full name, position, name of company/school, and any other contact information you might want to add.Recommendation Letter Template Now that we’ve seen two examples of recommendation letters, and have learned how to write a strong one, the next step is to craft your own.If this feels like a big step, go on and use our generic letter of recommendation template. Whether you’re writing a recommendation for a past employee or student, this recommendation template is sure to make the process easier.Recommendation Letter Template[Date: Month-Day-Year] [Recipient name][Recipient title][company/university name][Company/university address] Dear [Mr/Mrs/Ms.] [recipient name], It is my pleasure to recommend [candidate name] for [role/position] at [name of organization/institution]. For the past [duration of relationship, I have had the honor of [working with/teaching] [candidate name] as their [your position] at [name of company/university]. Throughout our time together, [candidate name] has performed exceptionally well at [company/school] and I am fully confident that they will be an invaluable asset to your [company/school]. Among [candidate name]’s many [professional/academic] accomplishments, their [list at least one quality or skill] have contributed greatly to our [department/company/school]. When [mention a relevant situation that arose], they [mention how they helped resolve it and the impact that had - could be mentally as well as economically]. Outside of the [classroom/office], [candidate name]’s [characteristics that have impacted the company/school culture] have greatly benefited our department. Their [example of this characteristic and the impact it had]. Throughout their [degree/time with company], [candidate name] has been a pleasure to [teach/work with]. Their [state one skill, characteristic, or quality that relates to what you’ve already mentioned] have been an incredible addition to our [team/department/school], and I strongly recommend you to accept them for this [program/role]. Should you wish to discuss [candidate name]’s application further, feel free to contact me by phone [your phone number] or by email [your email]. Sincerely, [your signature] [your name][your position][Company/university’s name] How to Write a Professional Letter of Recommendation Regardless of who your recommendation letter is for, let’s have a look at how to write a good letter of recommendation: Understand the purpose of the recommendation letter. Before even starting the process, you need to make sure you understand the purpose of the recommendation letter. Is it a work recommendation letter? Or perhaps a recommendation letter for a student applying for an internship or higher education? These are the sorts of things that will impact not only how you approach the recommendation letter, but also the tone and contents of the letter. Different purposes will also call for different skills and qualities to be highlighted. If it’s a generic letter of recommendation for a candidate to have in their arsenal and not for any specific position or application, this will also change what you may want to mention and discuss. In short, it is crucial that you understand the purpose of the recommendation letter before you start writing a recommendation. If you already know what it is, great. If not, ask for more specific requirements or instructions. Ask for any specific requirements/instructions. Writing a professional letter of recommendation for a former employee or student can be challenging, especially if you’re struggling to find adequate recommendations and examples to include. When the going is getting tough, it doesn't hurt to ask the candidate for more information, specifically what they might like you to mention. Most of the time, a candidate will have chosen you as their reference for a reason and are likely to have an idea in mind of what you should mention in your recommendation letter. If it’s proving difficult to figure out what that idea might be, ask the candidate to provide you with: Their resumeThe job description or academic programAdditional information about any skills, achievements, or qualifications With the above, you should be able to appropriately tailor the recommendation letter to their application. Just remember to avoid repeating anything unless it appears significantly important in creating the ideal applicant. Provide specific examples of your recommendation. When writing a recommendation, you should aim to provide at least two specific examples that reflect the candidate’s qualities and can attest to positive characteristics. Remember to make these relevant to the job position or academic application. For an idea of how to weave in examples, why not take a look at the letter of recommendation examples for jobs and students further up this article? Don’t be contradictory. This may seem self-explanatory, but it’s good to remember that a professional letter of recommendation has a clear line throughout and doesn’t make contradictory statements. An easy way to ensure this is to avoid extending the truth. Lying in a recommendation letter, or for any part of an application, is frowned upon anyway and won’t bode well for you or the candidate in the long run. Keep it simple concise. While the length of a recommendation letter isn’t really that important, the general consensus is that it shouldn’t exceed a one-sided page with a size 12 font. If you’re inching ever closer to two pages, that’s okay, just make sure that everything you’ve written is genuinely relevant to their application. If it’s not, cut it. Don’t be afraid to decline a recommendation request. It can be daunting to open your email and see “Request for a recommendation letter from professor” staring back at you, especially if it’s from a student you don’t feel you can provide sufficient commendations for, for whatever reason. If something similar happens to you, remember that there’s no harm in declining a recommendation request. Recommendation letters work best when their writers can provide positive feedback on someone’s work. If you’re unsure whether you can actually do that, it’s probably best to decline.Conclusion Writing a recommendation letter can sometimes feel like both an honor and a burden, but with the right format - cue our letter of recommendation template - this process can feel like a breeze. That said, in crafting a truly professional letter of recommendation, you’ll still have to adjust the tone for different purposes, as well as provide relevant examples for the recommended qualities and characteristics that link to those purposes - see our sample recommendation letter for employee, recommendation letter sample for job, and tips for a better idea on how to do this. Found this article helpful? Follow us for more details.Get recruiter-ready in minutes. Our AI resume checker reviews your resume for common pitfalls and suggests targeted improvements.Get Recruiter-Ready--- Originally written by EVA O'MARA ---
Resume & CV
Aug 26th 2025

20+ Investment Banking Resume Templates, Examples, and Writing Tips (Latest Updates)

The investment banking industry is one of the most complex and challenging jobs in the financial sector. As part of a universal or commercial banking division, investment bankers employed by banks are responsible for helping clients understand the current investment climate in order to raise capital. Before starting to write your investment banking resume, make sure to read Cake's complete guide on how to make it stand out. We also provided an example of an investment banker's resume and template.Table of Contents What Are the Responsibilities of an Investment Banker? Guidelines for Writing a Resume for Investment Bankers Tips for Writing Winning Investment Banking Resumes Investment Banking Resume Examples Templates Investment Banking Cover Letter Example What is the role of investment bankers? Understanding investment can be complex for the average person. Investment banking jobs primarily involve providing support for companies seeking to raise capital. This includes activities such as mergers and acquisitions, financial advisory services, underwriting, and managing the initial public offering (IPO) process. Read more about the role of investment bankers, their roles, salary and required skills. When writing an investment banking resume, understanding the job responsibilities is an absolute must. This advice is especially important for entry-level candidates, as the extent of your knowledge about the job you are applying for will actually be reflected in your resume. Guidelines for Writing a Resume for Investment Bankers Personal Information The first thing to fill out when creating an investment banking resume is personal information. There are limits to what you can and can't include. In recent months, there have been cases of recruiters being caught stealing candidate data and using it to defraud candidates. In the digital age, personal information is the new gold that must be carefully guarded.DO'sName: Provide your full name clearly. If you have two legal names, you can include both. Name is the primary identity that hiring managers need to identify applicants.Email address: Email is a tool for professional correspondence. Email saves all conversations in case they are needed someday.Phone number: Hiring managers usually use messaging apps when they need a quick response from a candidate.Your City: Include the city where you currently live. This information is used to help recruiters estimate the distance between your home and the office, or the possibility of relocating if necessary.LinkedIn account: Today, LinkedIn is a social media platform for showcasing your professional life. It also makes it easier for you to network. Recruiters can check your profile if they need additional references.Portfolio: You can include a link to your portfolio to make it easier to review your investment banking resume. For banking, this could be your work in a programming language or a list of certifications you've earned.There are a few caveats you need to keep in mind when creating your investment banking resume, which are: DON'TsList only your city of residence, not the entire page. This reduces the risk of a data leak.At the initial stage, companies never ask for insurance numbers or identity numbers. These are only requested when you are officially accepted as an employee.Whatever your beliefs are, they have nothing to do with the way you work. So it's best not to list them on your investment banking analyst resume. In some countries, it is illegal to ask for detailed personal information. Resume Summary An investment banking resume needs a summary, a concise statement that summarizes the entire content of your application. It should be only three to four sentences and need to summarize your background, work accomplishments, and other important information. The resume summary is the very first part that recruiters read. If the summary is not strong, the chances of your investment banking resume being read in its entirety are slim. You can start by listing your skills, then your measurable accomplishments and important information. After that, organize the information as densely as possible but still clearly. You can try stringing words together in a scrapbook or Microsoft Word. Read your sentences aloud. This method can increase your sensitivity to whether or not your summary is good enough. The next step is to ask someone else to read it for you. Then ask for feedback and suggestions for improvement. Here are some resume summary examples that can be on an investment banking resume:Detail-oriented and passionate fresh graduate in Economics with a 3.9 GPA from Gadjah Mada University. Has experience as an internal investment analyst at Macroindo, mainly assisting the senior team in analyzing financial risks and security of the company's assets. Pursuing a role as an Investment Banking Analyst at JP Morgan.A senior investment banker with more than 8 years of experience advising clients on best practices for mergers and acquisitions. Track record of project managing $50-$70 billion merger and acquisition transactions for international companies. Eager to apply my expertise as an investment banker at Kenney. A senior investment banker with 15 years of experience in global asset management, particularly in the design and structuring of new investment products. Successful track record with an average increase in client assets under management of 40-50%. Career Objectives New graduates sometimes find it difficult to distinguish between career goals and career objectives. They are both at the top of the resume if you are writing an investment banking analyst resume. However, the summary of investment banking resume is used for professionals who have at least two years of experience. Career objectives are used by fresh graduates or job seekers who are changing careers. Career objectives written in an investment banking resume contain your future goals. For example, you are applying for a job because you want to use your technical skills in banking. Fresh graduates with no work experience can include information about mastering skills critical to investment banking or non-technical skills that can help them communicate with clients.Career objective - Investment banking resume example #1A fresh graduate who is excited to join ABC Bank as a Junior Investment Banking Analyst where I can start my early career and hone my skills.Career objective - Investment banking resume example #2A data analyst looking to make a career change as an Intern Investment Banking Analyst by applying my skills as a strong researcher.Career objective - Investment banking resume example #3A highly motivated and hardworking fresh graduate seeking an Investment Banking Analyst position with key expertise in Mathematics and Economics. Work Experience This time we are going to focus on the most important part of an investment banking resume: work experience. Here are some tips on how to make your work experience section stand out: 1) Quantify your accomplishments The mistake many job seekers make is not being able to explain how they contributed to the company. Contribution is not just a list of responsibilities. Hiring managers understand the day-to-day tasks you perform more. Contributions that are referred to here are accomplishments that can be easily measured. Example: "Prepared financial analysis for more than 10 clients." This descriptive sentence doesn't explain what impact you had on the client. What if we changed it to: "Prepared financial analysis with 100% accuracy for more than 10 clients, successfully increasing their satisfaction rating to 99%. The second sentence is more powerful in explaining the impact of financial analysis jobs on clients. To build credibility and coverage, try to include numbers, percentages, and financial data as much as possible. 2) Use action verbs and bullet points Action verbs are words that show the process of the work you do. Action verbs are used in investment banking resumes to emphasize your role in the previous company. Some of the action verbs you can use are: Created Achieved Decreased Increased Performed Completed Presented Completed Adapted Collaborated Built Analyzed Duplicated Developed Improved Implemented Established Meanwhile, bullet points make your resume more organized and concise. The purpose of using bullet points is to make your investment banking resume easier to read.Work experience section - Investment banking resume#1Senior Investment Banking Associate atWells BankApr 2017 - Apr 2024Successfully developed and maintained financial models and investment strategies that increased efficiency by 45% for investment evaluations, projections, and valuations.Performed detailed financial statement analysis for over 250 clients to determine financial and operational scenarios.Established relationships with auditors, legal and other professionals to perform risk assessments.Monitored portfolio company performance on a regular basis, making information updates more effective.Work experience section - Investment banking resume#2Senior Investment Banking Analyst atWells BankJan 2013 - Dec 2016Performed scenario analysis and sensitivity testing that successfully reduced potential impact on investment decisions by up to 50%.Developed and maintained financial models used for investment analysis, discounted cash flow, etc.Evaluated risks associated with investment opportunities that influenced senior management decisions. Skills Skills can be divided into two categories: technical skills and non-technical skills. The list of skills in an investment banking resume is what differentiates you from other candidates. Technical skills are the specialization you have in certain tools. While non-technical skills are your interpersonal skills when communicating with others. Here are some of the most important skills you must have if you want to become an investment banker: Hardworking and Disciplined:Being an investment banker requires dedication and the ability to persevere. Investment banking has an intense work culture with long hours.This means that if you can't be disciplined and hardworking, you will be left behind and eliminated by your colleagues. Forging these two traits is not easy, so before you send your resume for an investment banker position, you need to understand the risks of working in banking.Intellect:An investment banker works like a machine because you have to calculate, analyze, research, and so on at the same time. According to Investopedia, the intellect of an investment banker is a core competency that must be possessed.Companies also need employees who maintain intellectual curiosity. This habit can accelerate one's understanding of the job and generate creative and smart ideas.Expert in Numbers:Financial reports, of course, contain numbers. Investment bankers who are numeracy experts automatically train their brains to think systematically and logically.When a problem arises, a trained investment banker can do accurate financial analysis and estimate what steps to take, what options are available, what risks are involved, and more.Meticulous:The end result of investment banking is to advise companies on the direction of their business. Inaccuracy in reading reports will have fatal consequences.An investment banker may miscalculate the price of a stock, resulting in a loss instead of a profit.Leadership and Client Relations Skills:It is naive to expect clients to have the same characteristics. Sometimes we meet clients who are easy to deal with, but there are also times when we have to deal with annoying clients. The ability to build a good relationship also means the ability to adapt to the characteristics of the client.It's time for you to showcase your leadership skills and client relationship-building experience as an investment banker. As well as the ability to communicate high-level financial strategies and concepts with executives.Open-minded:Investment banking is a broad job. Every day there is something new to learn. An open mind can lead to a deeper understanding of the profession, the opportunities it offers, and the paths to further development. Education History Education information is especially important for recent graduates submitting investment banking resumes. For those who already have work experience, you can also include this information, although the format will be different than for entry-level positions. List your education chronologically, starting with your most recent education. Include details such as the name and location of the university and the dates of attendance.Include your GPA if it's above 3. If it's below, it's best not to include it.For recent graduates, place this section under resume objectives. That way, recruiters can easily see your affiliations.Education section - Investment banking resumeBachelor of Science in Accounting Graduate in February 2024GPA: 3.8/4.0; SAT: 1500Relevant coursework:Investment Banking and Corporate Finance Bootcamp - Singapore Management University, 2023Undergraduate Wall Street Bootcamp, 2023Investment Management - University of Geneva (via Coursera), 2022Investment Banking: Financial Analysis and Valuation (via Coursera), 2022Education section - Investment banking resumeMaster of Science in Economics (Summa Cum Laude)National University of SingaporeJan 2006 - Nov 2008Bachelor of Science in Economics (Summa Cum Laude)University of IndonesiaApr 2000 - Apr 2004 Other Information Languages skills The use of English in today's working world is commonplace. The opening up of work-from-home and work-from-anywhere opportunities allows you to work in overseas companies without leaving your hometown. In investment banking, the clients you meet can be diverse. Mastering a foreign language other than English can attract more clients from around the world. This is a very beneficial move from a business perspective. Mandarin, Japanese, German, French, and Spanish are being studied. It seems to have something to do with the economic level of the country. Aside from being a banker, you can also find opportunities to become a translator for clients.Language section - Investment banking resumeLanguage skillsIndonesia (Native)English (IELTS: 6.5)Germany (C2)Mandarin (HSK 4) Certification For an investment banker, certification is a sign that his or her technical expertise is recognized by a trusted institution. It also enhances the banker's credibility and reputation. Some countries even prohibit an investment banker from practicing without certain certifications or licenses. In the United States, SIE and FINRA licenses are mandatory for bankers. CFA and FRM are professional certifications that signify that the banker has technical expertise and can apply it appropriately. These certifications and licenses also open up more opportunities for a banker. This means that the possibility of holding the highest position, that of managing director, is increasingly open. Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)Certified Public Accountant (CPA)Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA)Financial Risk Manager (FRM)Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst Association (CAIA)Chartered Institute Of Management Accountants (CIMA)Certified International Project Manager (CIPM)International Budget Partnership (IBP)Certified Financial Modeling Valuation Analyst (FMVA)Series 7 LicenseSeries 63 LicenseSeries 65 LicenseSecurities Industry Essentials (SIE) Tips for Writing Winning Investment Banking ResumesCreated by CakeResume Have you done your research? Research is a critical asset when building an investment banking resume. Job postings do not provide all the information about a company. In fact, a company's work culture may not be the right fit for you. There are several benefits to doing your research: You will know what kind of company you are applying to. This includes an overview of the work environment, the typical base salary offered, the employment contract, the career path, and the benefits offered.The research process will help you feel more confident. Hiring managers typically test how well you've researched their company. Your answers will show how enthusiastic you are about joining their team.Job descriptions show only a portion of the work you will be doing. Once you've explored the company's social media, you can at least get an idea of the additional work your employer will assign to you.Research will help you identify which aspects of your resume you need to strengthen. For example, you can include jargon or even specific terms that are commonly used in the company.Use your research to determine which skills need to be emphasized to meet the requirements. You can use the company's official social media or ask for testimonials from former employees through LinkedIn. For comparison purposes, you can also look at competing companies' social media. Do you know the difference between a resume and a CV? CVs and resumes are often interchangeable in countries such as the United Kingdom, New Zealand, some European countries, Australia, and some Asian countries, such as Indonesia and Malaysia. However, they serve very different purposes. A CV is a summary of all your professional activities, including your educational history, work experience, internship experience, organizational experience, and a list of skills. CVs can be up to 10 pages long (more if needed) and are intended for academic purposes, such as applying to be a researcher or lecturer, getting a scholarship, or seeking research funding. In the United States, where the two are strictly separated, when recruiters ask for a CV, they expect a comprehensive overview. But if you're applying to a company in Southeast Asia, for example, you might want to confirm the format first before sending it. A resume, on the other hand, is a condensed version. The length of a resume is no more than 3 pages. It includes all of your work experience relevant to the position you are applying for. If you are sending an Investment Banking Analyst resume, it would be more sustainable if it contains activities that you have done related to the world of banking and investment. For example, a candidate with more than 10 years of experience may omit some sections of the investment banking resume. Examples of sections that are not relevant for senior-level candidates with long tenure are education history and skills list. What type of resume will you use? Did you know that there are three types of resume formats? By choosing the correct investment banker resume format, you can increase your chances of getting noticed by hiring managers. Often, the most appropriate resume type is chronological. Here's the full explanation of each type: Chronological Resume: This resume lists all information chronologically, with the most recent experience at the top. Recruiters can easily see whether the candidate's recent activities are relevant to the company's needs. In addition to investment banking resumes, the chronological format works well for job seekers with a linear work history, such as from banking analyst to banking associate to vice president.Functional resume: Are you a recent graduate struggling to put together an investment banking resume? If so, you should know that the functional resume format is best suited for recent graduates. In a functional resume, instead of highlighting work experience, candidates can replace it with promoting their hard and soft skills.Combination Resume: This is the least appropriate format for an investment banking resume. Combination resumes are often used by freelancers and job hoppers who have a variety of work experience. Unfortunately, an investment banking resume is a rather strict job when it comes to background requirements for candidates. As a result, it is difficult for freelancers to break into this industry unless they are enrolled in a specialized investment banking program. How do you place keywords in your investment banking resume? Many companies use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to conduct the initial screening of candidates. The way it works is that the hiring manager enters keywords according to the qualifications needed by the company. These keywords are placed in the cover letter, resume summary, resume objective, work experience, and even letters of recommendation, if any. For example, the company needs an analyst whose primary skill is creating financial models. The ATS engine will scan which resumes contain the word financial model. The easiest way to find the right keywords is to understand the job description and requirements in the job posting. Companies usually emphasize the type of candidate they are looking for. For clarity, check out the sample job description below:Investment Banking Intern Job Description Assist in conducting TMT/Consumer industry and company research and analysis. Assist in the preparation of materials for internal and external meetings (e.g. pitch books, presentation materials, teasers, etc.) Assist in the development of financial models, investment strategies, valuations (e.g., DCF, sensitivity analysis, comparable), and due diligence. Act as a liaison between the team and other parts of the company Keywords you can find are pitch books, presentation, financial models, valuation, analysis, investment banking intern, TMT, and consumer products. Once the keywords are in place, you still have a job to do. You see, each company has different candidate requirements, even if the job is the same. Company A and Company B are both looking for banking analysts, but their requirements may be different. Using keywords in an ATS requires you to tailor each investment banking resume you create to the job description of each job. This will increase your chances of getting through to the interview stage.Investment Banking Resume Templates and ExamplesInvestment banking resume template (entry-level) AXEL WANGMobile: (+62)00-1174-89977Email: [email protected]Address: Jakarta, IndonesiaLinkedin: linkedin.com/in/axelwang RESUME SUMMARY Detail-oriented and passionate fresh graduate in Economics with a 3.9 GPA from Gadjah Mada University. Has experience as an internal investment analyst at Macroindo, mainly assisting the senior team in financial analysis and security of the company's assets. Pursuing a role as an Investment Banking Analyst at JP Morgan. EDUCATION Bachelor of Science in Economics, graduate in January 2023GPA: 3.9 / 4.0; SAT: 1200Relevant Coursework: Investment Banking and Corporate Finance Bootcamp - Singapore Management University, 2023Undergraduate Wall Street Bootcamp, 2023Investment Management - University of Geneva (via Coursera), 2022Investment Banking: Financial Analysis and Valuation (via Coursera), 2022 WORK EXPERIENCE Investment Banking Analyst atMacroindo, IncFeb 2024 - Now Managed the day-to-day operations of the treasury department, including cash management, investments, and funding strategies.Formulated and implemented financial policies and procedures that successfully improved efficiency and regulatory compliance by 50%.Performed financial risk analysis and developed mitigation strategies that impacted the company's asset security level by 100%.Coordinated and prepared financial reports, cash projections, and liquidity analyses for strategic decision-making by senior management.Assisted line manager in developing investment strategies when required.Participated in strategic initiatives and supported ongoing financial decision-making by providing recommendations based on in-depth analysis. Virtual Assistant (Self-employed)Jan 2021 - Jan 2024 Organized weekly and monthly meeting schedules for 30 clients.Managed 5 social media accounts (Instagram, Twitter, TikTok) for the client, including the creation of various videos.Created 50 presentations and documents for various business needs, maintaining a professional and consistent style.Organized incoming and outgoing emails daily to make it easier for clients to read urgent messages. SOFT SKILLS Attention to detailCommunication skillsAccuracyProblem-solvingStrong analytical skills HARD SKILLS MathematicsMicrosoft Office (Excel, Word)Financial analysisMarket analysisSQLPythonTableau LANGUAGE SKILLS Indonesia (Native)English (IELTS: 6)Japanese (NHK 4) REFERENCE Stella M.Senior Investment [email protected], IndonesiaInvestment banking resume template (mid-level)💡 Pro Tips: Use a strong summary statement to highlight achievements and experience. Quantify achievements wherever possible, using action verbs like “modeled,” “analyzed,” and “acquired.” CECILIA WANGMobile: (+62)11-74-89977Email: [email protected]Address: Jakarta, IndonesiaLinkedin: linkedin.com/in/ceciliawang RESUME SUMMARY Investment Banking Analyst with 6 years of experience at Wells Bank and Nero Bank. Expertise in attracting investment clients with over 50% target through in-depth desk research, leading the evaluation of investment opportunities, developing investment strategies, and collaborating with investment professionals. With these skills, I am interested in joining Mandiri Bank for the position of Investment Banking Senior Associate. WORK EXPERIENCE Wells Bank -Investment Banking AssociateApr 2020 - Apr 2024 Successfully acquired investment clients in excess of 50% of set targets through desk research, expert interviews, and coordination with the investment committee.Led financial modeling evaluations, management meetings, legal negotiations, and presentations to the Investment Committee that increased the effectiveness of investment opportunity strategies by 50%.Collaborated with over 10 investment professionals to support portfolio company performance. Nero Bank -Investment Banking AnalystApr 2016 - Dec 2019 Created financial models of 30 client companies to assess financial performance, valuation, and future prospects, which influenced clients' business decisions and management strategies.Translated complex financial analysis into clear, concise, and compelling insights for clients, improving communication efficiency and satisfaction rates up to 99%.Performed administrative tasks such as weekly meetings and recording activity reports on a regular basis.Support line manager in implementing investment strategies when needed. EDUCATION Master of Science in AccountingThe Australia National UniversityJan 2014 - Jan 2016Cum Laude Bachelor of Science in AccountingGadjah Mada UniversityJan 2009 - Jan 2013Cum LaudeSOFT SKILLS Customer relationship managementMeticulous detailNetworkingCommunicationOpen-mindedProblem-solvingDisciplineTeamworkResilienceLeadership HARD SKILLS Research skillsAnalytical skillsFinancial modelingFinancial servicesCRM systemsBloomberg TerminalFactsetMicrosoft Office (Excel, Word) CERTICIFATIONS Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), 2022Certified Public Accountant (CPA), 2021Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), 2020Financial Risk Manager (FRM), 2020Series 7 License, 2019Series 63 License, 2018Series 65 License, 2017 LANGUAGE SKILLS Indonesia (Native)English (IELTS: 6.5)Germany (C2)Mandarin (HSK 4) REFERENCES Danielle KimCEO (Chief Executive Officer)Wells [email protected], Indonesia Rendra AgustaCOO (Chief Operating Officer)Wells [email protected], IndonesiaInvestment banking resume template (senior-level) 💡 Pro Tips: Highlight relevant skills and experience using keywords like “investment banking,” “financial modeling,” and “developing investment strategies.” Use a skills section or weave skills into the experience section to showcase expertise. SANDY WANGMobile: (+62)11-74-89977Email: [email protected]Address: Jakarta, IndonesiaLinkedin: linkedin.com/in/sandywang RESUME SUMMARY Senior Investment Banking Associate with 15 years of experience. Proven track record in developing a financial model that increased the efficiency of investment evaluation and valuation by 45%. Extensive network of investment bankers, accountants, lawyers and potential investors from various countries. These skills and experience enable me to assume the responsibilities of a Director at Bloomberg, Inc. WORK EXPERIENCE Senior Investment Banking Associate at Wells BankApr 2017 - Apr 2024 Successfully developed and maintained financial models that increased efficiency by 45% for investment evaluations, projections, and valuations.Performed detailed financial statement analysis for over 250 clients to determine financial and operational scenarios.Established relationships with auditors, legal and other professionals to perform risk assessments.Monitored portfolio company performance on a regular basis, making information updates more effective.Established a communication system with teams, directors and external advisors that increased efficiency and effectiveness by 70%. Senior Investment Banking Analyst atCommonWealth BankJan 2013 - Dec 2016 Performed scenario analysis and sensitivity testing that successfully reduced potential impact on investment decisions by up to 50%.Developed and maintained financial models used for investment analysis, discounted cash flow, etc.Evaluated risks associated with investment opportunities that influenced senior management decisions. Investment Banking Analyst atNero BankJan 2009 - Nov 2012 Performed scenario analysis and sensitivity testing that successfully reduced potential impact on investment decisions by up to 50%.Developed and maintained financial models used for investment analysis, discounted cash flow, etc.Evaluated risks associated with investment opportunities that influenced senior management decisions.EDUCATION Master of Science in EconomicsNational University of SingaporeJan 2006 - Nov 2008Summa Cum Laude Bachelor of Science in EconomicsUniversity of IndonesiaApr 2000 - Apr 2004Summa Cum Laude SOFT SKILLS Interpersonal skillsProblem-solvingTime managementNegotiationPersuasionProactiveDetail-oriented TECHNICAL SKILLS Power BIPythonMicrosoft Office (Word, Excel)RTableauSQLHubSpotTrelloRapidMinerWrikeBalsamiqAbacus CERTIFICATIONS Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), 2010Certified Public Accountant (CPA), 2010Financial Risk Manager (FRM), 2009Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst Association (CAIA), 2009Chartered Institute Of Management Accountants (CIMA), 2009Certified International Project Manager (CIPM), 2008Certified Financial Modeling Valuation Analyst (FMVA), 2008Series 7 License, 2007Series 63 License, 2007Series 65 License, 2007Securities Industry Essentials (SIE), 2006 LANGUAGE SKILLS Indonesia (Native)English (IELTS: 8.5)France (C2)Mandarin (HSK 4) REFERENCES Danielle KimCEO (Chief Executive Officer)Wells [email protected], Indonesia Rendra AgustaCOO (Chief Operating Officer)Wells [email protected], IndonesiaInvestment Banking Cover Letter Example When applying for jobs, investment banker resumes aren't enough to prove your professional endeavors. A resume consisting of 2 to 3 pages cannot contain all the information about you; for example, you cannot explain the gap in your employment period in your resume. The only way to do this is to include it in a cover letter, or you'll have to wait until the interview to let the hiring managers know about these details. We understand if you are reluctant to write a cover letter assuming that no hiring manager will read it. Unfortunately, hiring managers spend an average of only a few seconds reading a candidate's cover letter. However, Forbes found that 72% of hiring managers expect candidates to write cover letters. In fact, cover letters cause 77% of hiring managers to read your investment banking resume in detail. So why spend time guessing that your cover letter won't be read? Cause the truth is, you don't know. Who knows, your cover letter could be the lucky star that lands you that investment banking job! A good cover letter is a well-written cover letter. Cake knows that writing from scratch is hard work, so we're here to help you understand the important parts of a cover letter. 1) Who are you? In any document you send to apply for a job, you should always include information about yourself. This information, written in the upper left corner, includes: Your full name.The city where you liveYour phone numberYour email addressLinkedIn AccountPortfolio account To make it easy for recruiters to find you, don't forget to include a link for each of these. 2) When did you write this letter? The purpose of including a date in a cover letter is to add a personal touch. The date also helps recruiters determine when you sent the application. 3) To whom are you sending this letter? In addition to the date, including the hiring manager's name can maximize your cover letter's potential for personalization. You can include the hiring manager's name, position, and office location (just as you would if you were writing a postcard). 4) Greet the recipient appropriately This time, greet your hiring managers to show your appreciation. It would be even better if you knew his or her name. You can use the format [Dear Ms./Mr. Insert Name]. But if you don't have that information, just use "Dear Hiring Manager”. 5) What is your opening sentence? As mentioned in the previous paragraph, the hiring manager only has a few seconds to read. That means you only have 3-4 sentences to explain your academic achievements, your contributions to your previous company, and your skills. To make it more interesting, always quantify your information! 6) What are your responsibilities? Do you still need to explain your job description and any awards you received from your previous job? The next paragraph can be your place to write a detailed explanation! 7) Why are you applying? Yes, employers really want to know what made you decide to apply. This part will be easy if you've done some research about the place you're applying to. Admiration for the company's work system, belief in the company's supportive work environment, or personal memories make great writing material. 8) Do you have any additional information? You can skip this section if you don't have anything important to say. But if you have a letter of recommendation, for example, and want to highlight it, this is your chance to make that clear. 9) Close the letter nicely. We've come to an end. It's time to end the letter with enthusiasm. Say that you appreciate their consideration of your cover letter and investment banker resume. Also, mention that you are available to discuss your skills and experience. Now that you've known how to write an impressive cover letter let's look at this investment banking cover letter example: Steven Park Jakarta, Indonesia (+62)00-0001-6688 [email protected] LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/stevenpark Portfolio: bit.ly/stevenp Jul 8, 2024 To:  Daniel Amstrong Human Resources Manager Wells Bank 321, BSD City Jakarta, IndonesiaDear Mr. Amstrong As an Investment Banking Associate for 4 years, I have a proven track record of building financial models that influence the accuracy of strategic and analytical decisions by up to 100%.The financial models I built contributed to MA strategy analysis, capital raising, financing analysis, and valuation analysis related to major clients. My experience and expertise have led companies to engage me in $50 billion MA projects for Raytheon and United Technologies and $100 billion MA projects for Heinz and Kraft. What sets me apart from other candidates is my ability to analyze data quickly and accurately, which impacts work efficiency. In addition, as someone who has worked in the investment industry for more than 6 years, I am a great network builder with potential investors and professionals. My decision to apply for the Senior Investment Associate position at Macroindo is because I have known your company since my days in the investment banking industry. Macroindo offers a supportive work environment with competitive salaries and a clear career path. From my research, Macroindo also provides support for employees who want to pursue training and education to support their work. I believe that the same opportunity will be given to me if I am accepted by Macroindo. Along with this cover letter, I am enclosing an investment banking resume that fully and clearly explains my achievements and contributions in the previous company. I am also enclosing a letter of recommendation from the CEO and COO regarding my performance. Thank you for your consideration of my application. If you have any questions about my abilities, please do not hesitate to contact me at the email and phone number provided. I look forward to hearing from you about the Senior Investment Banking Associate opportunity. Sincerely, Steven ParkKey Takeaways Investment banking provides assistance with merger and acquisition decisions, initial public offerings (IPOs), financial advice, financial analysis, and other investment-related decisions. Clients range from large corporations to governments.A good investment banking resume should highlight relevant skills that can be practiced on the job.When writing an investment banking resume, keywords, quantified achievements, and cover letters should not be forgotten. Hopefully, this article on investment banking resumes will help you get a job. If you are a beginner, always make sure there is no misinformation or typos when writing an investment banking analyst resume. Cake provides a bunch of resources about the world of work, opportunities to meet people, resume and cover letter templates, and job openings from companies in Asia. You don't have to pay to join. Just register your email, and you can start networking with people! Join now."Get recruiter-ready in minutes. Our AI resume checker reviews your resume for common pitfalls and suggests targeted improvements.Get Recruiter-Ready
Resume & CV
Apr 12th 2023

How to write a professional resume | Ultimate writing guide & tips 2023

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!
Cover Letter
Aug 26th 2025

Writing Letters of Support Guidelines [+ Templates and Examples]

Writing Letter of Support GuidlinesIn a competitive job market, the first thing you need to do is to do everything you can to make your application stand out. Extensive experience, in-demand skills, and a well-written cover letter are essential, but being endorsed by others with a letter of support is a powerful way to boost your applications. This endorsement works both ways, and a well-written letter of support can help you make moves or get expected outcomes in your proposed project. We provide you with guidelines and key points on how to write a persuasive letter of support, example as well as provide some templates to make the process easier. TABLE OF CONTENTSWhat is a Letter of Support?5 Elements to Include in a Letter of SupportSupport Letter TemplatesLetter of Support ExamplesTips for Writing Letters of SupportWriting a Support Letter FAQsKey Takeaways What is a Letter of Support? Letters of support are letters written by someone else who aims to persuade an employer or institution to hire or admit you into a job or program. Simply put, it will strengthen an application of yours. Letters of support are often requested as a way of validating someone’s character, capabilities, or personality in a concise way that a resume often can’t. It can allow candidates to stand out among others by receiving support and praise from someone who has first-hand experiences with them. Scenarios a letter of support might be required include: College or University Applications A letter of support is often needed and can benefit a university application as university admission boards aim to admit well-rounded and brilliant minds students into their program. A college or university letter of support often includes a testimony of a student’s academic capabilities, and personal traits such as being motivated, a leader, or as validation of certain experiences, responsibilities, or projects they had done. Job Applications or Professional References In the competitive job market, a letter of support is sometimes required by employers to validate a candidate's experiences or skills. A resume is written by the candidate, so employers use letters of support as a way of acquiring professional references in the screening stage. A letter of support is most often requested in specific roles like those in high-level positions. Scholarship or Grant Applications A supporting letter is often required by scholarship and grant applications, as a way of verifying someone's achievements. A letter of support for scholarships and grants is often written by academic references, such as a professor or lecturer in a relevant specialty. These letters also add credibility to a candidate’s grant application, especially when submitted by an institution or organization. Nominations for Awards or Recognition Award nominations require letters of support as a crucial component in persuading judges or voters. These testimonials are instrumental in highlighting a person's achievements and praising their character in ways the nominees may not express themselves. Such letters greatly benefit nominees by setting them apart from their peers in competitive processes, underscoring their potential impact on organizations. These letters play a pivotal role in positioning a candidate favorably for an award. Legal Matters In certain circumstances, such as when providing persuasive letters for a character reference in court, a third-party testimonial can greatly benefit the defendant's case. When individuals are called upon to defend themselves in court, they may enlist someone familiar with them to produce a persuasive letter as evidence. This presents a distinct opportunity to offer a personalized perspective on the defendant to the jury in the form of letters, potentially influencing their perception positively. However, it should be noted that these references hold the right to refuse if they choose to do so. If needed, additional details can be addressed in the letters to further explain the defendant's character and circumstances.5 Elements to Include in a Letter of Support Some elements are needed in every letter to ensure that they effectively persuade the committee to consider your application. To ensure you are assisting in their application, remember to include the following in each section: 1. Introduction In the first few sentences, use the introduction to give a brief description and identify your connection with the applicant. Mention the organization or institution you both worked together at, as well as how long you have known them. Addressing the specific job, promotion, or scholarship by name, and that you are supporting the candidate in their application for it. 2. Statement of Support The candidate has likely sent you an outline of the job, award, or scholarship they are applying to. Make sure you read it thoroughly then make a statement that directly supports the commitment, objective, or mission of the organization. Use some keywords from the application and state that you believe that the candidate is capable of achieving the commitment or mission mentioned in the application. 3. Personal Anecdotes Share one detailed personal anecdote that showcases the candidate's true passion and how it greatly benefited a particular project or endeavor. In this anecdote, emphasize the candidate's credibility and point out how their drive, motivation, and capabilities contributed to the success of the undertaking. By elaborating on these aspects, provide insight into why the applicant would be a valuable addition to their team or organization. 4. Provide Examples When drafting the letter of support, it is crucial to mention any concrete or objective skills, achievements, or awards that the applicant possesses, as these credentials enhance the credibility and importance of their candidacy. This is particularly pertinent for new initiatives, such as a university, scholarship, or grant application, where demonstrating tangible results can significantly impact one's position. 5. Closing Statement and Contact Craft a compelling conclusion underscoring the applicant's proficiency and integrity, aligning seamlessly with the criteria for funding, resource allocation, and addressing future needs. Express your firm belief that the applicant embodies the essence of the award, job, or scholarship, and unequivocally merits it. Extend an invitation for further inquiries by providing your contact details, including your email, and specify your job title and company to establish your professional connection with the endorsed individual for the organization to see.📚Further reading: How to End a Cover Letter Cover Letter Closing Examples Support Letter Templates Follow this outline below as guidelines to easily make letters of support that will provide value to the candidates' application: Letter of Support Examples To assist you with writing your letter of support, we’ve made some example letters for common scenarios that you should take into consideration, vary from the grant proposal, and partnership to fund projects, which might require letters of support for inspiration: Student College Application Letter of Support To the Jonestown University Admissions Committee, I am Mrs. Jane Teech, a mathematics teacher at Lanestoon Senior High School. I have had the pleasure of teaching Sabrina Edwards over the last two years, and strongly support her pursuit of an engineering degree at Jonestown University. Sabrina is a passionate, conscientious learner, who has developed her skills and confidence in mathematics over the past two years. She is inquisitive and motivated, asking insightful questions in every class. She also empowers and lifts her classmates, often taking time out of her day to assist others in understanding concepts from class. Sabrina is responsible for creating the mathematics study club, where older students volunteer to assist younger ones with their mathematics classwork and homework. I believe her qualities and passion are highly reflective of the Jonestown University Motto – “Empower, Achieve, and Inspire”. Aside from the passion Sabrina has, Sabrina is also a high achiever. She has consistently achieved the top scores in the mathematics cohort over the past two years and goes above and beyond to learn complex concepts and their applications in engineering. She has demonstrated a strong desire and commitment to become an engineer, as she has attended and done many mathematics and robotics competitions and projects, winning or placing in everyone. I strongly believe Sabrina is capable of achieving great things with an engineering career. She demonstrates the Jonestown motto not only in her character but in her achievements as well. I strongly encourage you to seriously consider Sabrina Edwards, as she will no doubt be one of the valuable resources for admission to the Jonestown Engineering Program. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you would like to discuss further. I am available at [email protected]. Thank you for your time, Jane Teech Lanestoon Senior High School Reference for Job Application Example Dear Hiring Manager, My name is Alice Manager, and I am writing on behalf of Tim Jobson for his application for the Senior Business Analyst role at SwiftTech. I have overseen Tim’s progress over the past 3 years, and I believe he is more than ready to step into a senior role. Tim is an incredibly results-oriented team player. Tim is intrinsically motivated to achieve set goals and finds great pleasure in motivating others to do the same. Tim can handle working under pressure, which is of great importance in an industry as fast-paced as finance, as he can think creatively and flexibly regardless of deadlines or changes. This became very beneficial to us during our restructuring phase, where he consistently uplifted team morale and allowed us to reach targets during a difficult time. Aside from Tim’s admirable character, Tim is also a strong analytical mind. Tim is capable of using Analytics software, and can quickly teach others as well. Tim is also a great presenter, leading many of our meetings, and has been praised by stakeholders for his public speaking skills. The reasons listed above are why I believe Tim is ready to take the next step in his career. Tim is looking for a new challenge, and I believe a senior role is what he needs. If you would like to discuss further, please contact me on [email protected]. Thank you, Alice Manager Team lead at Moneylitics Support Letter to Endorse a Coworker for a Promotion To Sarah Salaree, I am writing to support my coworker Aidan Travis for the promotion into the Team Leader role. I have had the pleasure of working with Aidan for the past year, and believe he would be a great fit for the role. Aidan has brought much success to the operations team at SwiftTech, as he is a fast learner who contributed valuable efforts to the team’s work. He is a great team player, who can easily take leadership in large tasks such as the pitch for a finance platform last quarter. Aidan’s initiative does not go unnoticed, with many of our coworkers turning to him for guidance. Aside from Aidan’s initiative and leadership qualities, he is also a valuable member of the team. Aidan has expertise in technology and product development, which would be an incredibly useful addition to the leadership team. Aidan is a great teacher, and would be capable of onboarding new staff in a structured and manageable way. It is for these reasons I believe that Aidan is a great fit for the Team Leader role. If you would like to discuss with me further, please email me at [email protected] Thank you, Damian Endawse Operations Member, SwiftTech Support Letter for a Scholarship or Grant Proposal To the Jonestown University Psychology Department, I am writing to endorse Lily Piaget for the Jonestown Research Grant in Psychology. Lily and I have worked together as research assistants for the past 2 years, and I believe her skills and expertise should be awarded with the Independent Researcher Grant from Jonestown. Lily is a fantastic researcher, who pours passion into every piece of work. Lily has contributed to over 10 publications under Professor Tyrone Seligman, coordinating the collaboration between Jonestown and other Universities. Lily’s insight and analytical mind are valuable to the team, as she does wide reading out of pure interest. This, I believe, is one of the key reasons why our department has produced so many publications in the past 2 years. Aside from Lily’s character, Lily has contributed greatly to the Psychology Institute at Jonestown. She is responsible for creating the student participant pool system, accelerating the speed of acquiring research participants by 120%. She also created all onboarding, debriefing and informed consent documents required for human research at Jonestown. It is for these reasons I believe Lily is a deserving candidate of the Independent Researcher Grant. Lily already possesses the skills of a great researcher, and her output will contribute greatly to the Jonestown Psychology Department. By providing funding through this grant, Lily will continue to achieve great research and contribute to the field of Psychology. If you would like to discuss further, please do not hesitate to contact me. Thank you, Delilah Skinner Research Assistant, Jonestown University Psychology Department Tips for Writing Letters of Support As you can see from the examples above, there are many ways to write letters of support. We’ve collected some extra tips, so don't need to do the research yourself, for ways you can make your letter of support stand out for the applicant: Highlight Strengths and Achievements Including the achievements and strengths of the applicant is the main focus of the letter. Always link these achievements to the goals or skills outlined in the application or scholarship. If there are objective or numerical data to back up these achievements, mention them as well. Positive, Sincere Tone Always write letters of support with a positive tone. Mention achievements and potential impact, and outline the applicant’s character genuinely and sincerely. To achieve this, use your personal experiences with the applicant to emphasize your points, and use emotional words to highlight the positive influence or how the applicant can be of good resources. A sincere tone sounds warm and genuine to discussing the applicant. For example: “Lily can motivate those around her and provides support, teaching, and guidance to her peers. It is for this reason I believe she deserves to be promoted to a Team Leader role, where she can influence others with leadership in the organization.” An average tone sounds distant and unfamiliar with the individual you are writing about and can come across as generic. For instance: “Lily is great at motivating others as she is always positive around the office. If she was promoted in the organization to be a Team Leader, she could do this to the whole team.” Employ Endorsement Language Use action words that emphasize your support of the candidate. Use words that project the candidate's credibility. Some endorsement words and phrases include: I strongly support…I implore you to consider…..is capable…possesses skills of..I believe....would be a great asset..would be of great resources Be Specific Use concrete anecdotes and examples to support your claims. If there is a concrete numerical or objective result or achievement, mention it as well. Mention a job, project, or scenario where the candidate shone, instead of making random and generic claims. Being specific involves providing useful detail about the candidate or situation, for instance: “Aidan used advanced analytics techniques, such as process simulation, to allow us to come up with a unique business plan for our biggest client. As a result, our client exceeded their target by 59%.” Being generic leaves out details, and does not show how the candidate provided value, for example: “Aidan is incredibly proficient for the position, and was able to analyze the complex data collected during Q2 outstandingly.” Writing a Support Letter FAQs Here are some common and up-to-date FAQs about writing support letters, and their answers! Should the person who writes the support letter be the one who submits it? Generally speaking, yes. For many academic applications, such as for university acceptance or scholarship awarding, there is usually a designated system for uploading support letters. For internal promotions or job applications, it should be sent by the person who writes it directly to the appropriate person’s email address. Should the letter of support be generic, or should it be customized for each occasion? Letters of support should be customized to the specific occasion. Every letter should include all of the essential elements, but the anecdotes and details of the applicant's character should be customized to reflect the application. What is the typical length of a supporting letter? Two pages are considered too long. Hence, it should be approximately 250 words or within one page. Should I allow the person being supported to read the letter beforehand? You can if you like. The candidate might want to check the letter before it is submitted to ensure that it reflects the objectives of the job, scholarship or promotion. Can I co-write the supporting letter with someone else, or should it be a single-author document? To avoid confusing the reader, it is best to write the supporting letter by yourself. A supporting letter should detail one specific anecdote and outline one point of personal connection with the candidate, instead of many different experiences.Key Takeaways Some final details before wrapping up: overall, a supporting letter serves as a means to endorse someone in their pursuit of a new job, scholarship, or promotion. Address all the required elements as mentioned in the guidelines above, and using a personal connection to back up your supporting statements, you can ensure the candidate will stand out in any programs he or she is applying for. Being sincere in your tone and avoiding generic language will persuade the reader even more, and if there is any objective or numerical data to back up your claims, don't forget to include them! Follow our templates outlined in the article or browse CakeResume for more!Ready to give your resume the edge it needs? Try our AI-powered resume checker to identify gaps and optimize your content in seconds.Check My Resume --- Originally Written by Bronte McNamara ---
Resume & CV
Aug 24th 2025

A Complete Guide: Difference Between Biodata, Resume, and CV

Differences between a Biodata, Resume and CVIn this article, you will read about:What Is a CV?What Is a Resume?What Is a Biodata?Differences Between Biodata, CV and ResumeHow to Make a CVHow to Make a ResumeHow to Make a BiodataA biodata, a CV, or a resume is an application paper that companies require when they are hiring new employees. It is a document that helps companies get a better understanding of their applicants and give a better evaluation. Although three of them are used for job application purposes, there are still some differences in the length, content, and format. Biodata is a document in which you list down more personal information that allows the company to get hold of your background information. A CV is a summary of your life events, which can be a few pages long to include all in-depth information. A resume is a summary of your working life where you include only relevant information to share with the hiring managers. Using the right document during a job application is important because different companies may require different kinds of documents. You should hand in the right document to showcase your capabilities and avoid letting the companies treat your document like mere paper because the information provided is not what they asked for.What Is a CV?A Curriculum Vitae or CV means “course of life”, which means a detailed summary of your life events. Some companies require a CV from their applicants because it has more detailed information about the applicant. It helps them understand their capabilities better. It sounds like a biography but it is made to focus on job application purposes. CVs are used around the world, including the United Kingdom, New Zealand, Asia, and the European Union. However, you should still follow the company’s requirements when submitting the documents.A CV is a comprehensive document that has no limit on the pages because you may have a lot of detailed information to incorporate.It has a few segments to separate the information like education, professional experience, skills, awards, honors, certificates, etc., making the contents clear and tidy for readability.A CV showcases one’s general talent but not specific skills for any specific positions.It is generally used by freshers, college students, and people who haven’t been working in the industry for a long time when applying for an internship or a job.It shows your understanding of your talent and skills, and how you use them.A CV can be written in a first, neutral, or third-person tone.What Is a Resume?The word resume comes from French, which means a summary in English. It is a professionally made one-paged document that summarizes all your work experience and skills. A resume is a tool that grants you the chance to have an interview with the hiring manager. If you are someone seeking a career change or a new job, you will need a well-written resume because it shows your professionalism in resume-making while also adding points for the first impression. Also, the terms “CV” and “Resume” are often interchangeably used for job applications in European countries, South America, and New Zealand. This means when a company asks for a CV in those countries, you should send a resume-formatted document. A resume is limited to one to two pages at maximum.Only include relevant work experience, skills, and capabilities but not details of educational background and personal interests.Does not incorporate personal information like gender, height, weight, and hobbies.There are three types of resumes, chronological, functional, and combination, which differ in their order of listing down the information.Can be designed according to the position/career that one is applying to stand out among others.Should be written in a neutral tone.Tailored specifically according to the company’s needs.What Is a Biodata?Biodata is a shorter term for “Biographical data”, and an outdated term for CV and resume for job applications. It is a job application document commonly used in India, Pakistan, and other South Asian countries. A biodata is commonly used when applying for government positions as employers need to have a detailed understanding of your background information. A well-written biodata tells everything about you to the employer before seeing him/her face to face in an interview. It contains your personal and sensitive information such as profile, name, age, gender, date of birth, religion, nationality, etc.Due to having some sensitive information, you should be careful if that information falls into the wrong hands.The limitations on the page counts depend on the requirements of the company.Work experience and educational background is not the main focus of a work biodata.A work biodata does not have a specific format when making one.A work biodata is relatively more simple when compared to a resume.It is used for marriage purposes or governmental positions.Differences Between Biodata, CV, and ResumeAlthough these three documents can be used for job applications, you still need to know their differences to avoid using the wrong document when handing them in. Here is a list of the differences between cv, biodata, and resume:DetailednessSince there are no page limitations for a CV, it should be written as detailed as possible.A resume’s information should only be included with relevant information but not as detailed as a CV.A work biodata can be more simplified compared to both of the above.LengthA CV has no limitations to the length. It is usually made 4 to 5 pages long.A resume can only be 1 or 2 pages max.A work biodata is limited to 1 page at most.ContentCV and resume have similar contents where they both have the name, objectives, work experience, skills, and education.Biodata is different where it has more focus on personal information.Order of listingIn a CV and a resume, the order of listing can be in these three - reverse chronological, functional, and combinational CV formats. If you are applying for a job, a functional format is recommended to focus on the skills you have.On the other hand, when writing a work biodata, you should incorporate the information chronologically starting from your profile, personal information, work experience, skills, then education.Purpose/usesA CV can be used for job and academic applications.A resume is widely used for job applications.A biodata is sometimes used for marriage purposes but it can still be used as a job application document. How to Make a CVAfter knowing the difference between a CV, resume, and biodata, here’s a go-through of what should be in a CV. ✍🏻 Basic information The first thing you need is basic information like your name and contact information. It is an essential part that tells the hiring manager who you are. ✍🏻 Personal Summary When making a CV, you should include a profile/summary to briefly explain and tell what you want to do with the CV. You may use 2 to 3 sentences to describe your work experience, and personal traits are more than enough. ✍🏻 Work history Then, you can start listing your work experience according to the oldest to the latest. Work experience is a good element that helps the hiring manager to know the things that you have worked on previously. ✍🏻 Education Your education is a very important element to include in a CV. You may start by the name of the institute that you have graduated from, then your graduation year. If you have a good GPA, don’t be afraid to show it to employers. ✍🏻 Skills Incorporating skills into your CV is not as limited as including them in a resume. You may make the most out of it by including your proficiency and a few explanations on how you got those skills. ✍🏻 Other optional sections If you have some other information that you think might add points to your impression, you should include them too.Here are the sections that you can also put into the CV:Hobbies and interestsReferencesPublicationsCertificationsAchievements 📄 CV example: Julian MaysonFreelance Writer[email protected] A self-motivated, imaginative, and hard-working writer who has been working from home as a freelancer, currently looking for new opportunities as a reviewer. Work Experience Self-employed - Online freelance writer|2018 - Present Creates outlines before writing online draftsWrites content for websitesManages work schedule to fully utilize the workload The writing company - Writer| 2016 - 2017 Researched and developed contentsWrote, edited, and proofread drafts before publishingCollaborated with customers to fulfill their needs Education Pace University | 2013 - 2016Bachelor in English Language and Literature GPA 3.8 Skills English writing skillsAttention to detailCommunicationPatienceOrganization skills Certifications The International English Language Testing System 8.5How to Make a Resume✍🏻 Basic information Just like creating a CV, you need a name and your contact information at the beginning of the resume as a header. This information should be located at the top of your resume for easy readability. ✍🏻 Career objective Then, you should include a career objective/summary to briefly introduce your background information while also showing that you have the intention to join the company. ✍🏻 Work history In this section, you should clearly state the company that you have been in, the position, the duration you worked with the company, and the responsibilities that you were in charge of. If you have a lot of work experience, only mention those that can be helpful for the new position. ✍🏻 Education Many specific positions like engineering or accounting depend on your educational level to evaluate if you are suitable for the position. Those companies would like to know if you have fully gained the basics of a specific knowledge before hiring you. Hence, never hesitate to include your education information. ✍🏻 Skills Including a good amount of relevant skills is important in resume making. This is because it tells the employer that you are qualified to take the position. Skills that you include can be soft or hard skills. ✍🏻 Other optional sections If there are more spaces that you intend to fill them up with, you include this optional information to make your resume more informative. CertificationsSide projectsCommunity service experience📄 Resume example: Sam Smithers678-1234567 | [email protected] 3+ years of experienced sales associate with excellent persuasive skills who help increase the net income of the previous company by 15% currently seeking new challenges as a sales managerWork Experience Tatung Furniture, Sales associate|2020 - 2022 Provides excellent service to help customers know about the productsConvinces customers of purchasesWelcomes customers with a positive attitude Bata Shoe Store, Sales associate|2018 - 2019 Directed customers to the products they have interests inManaged the cleanliness of the storeOperated cash register system Education Purdue University|2016 - 2018Bachelor in Business Management GPA 3.8 Skills Active listeningEnglish fluent speaking skillsTime management skillsPoint of Sales systemProduct expertise References Ms. Hunger, Sales manager of Tatung FurniturePhone num: (555) 456-1234Email: [email protected] Prof. Boston, Chairman of the Department of Business ManagementPhone num: (123) 456-7894Email: [email protected] How to Make a Biodata✍🏻 Photo Although having a photo included in a biodata is optional, you can still include one to show your professional attitude in the job application. However, you need to make sure that the photo is a professional portrait but not a daily selfie. ✍🏻 Objective Then, summarize your work experience, skills, and positive personality traits into one or two sentences as a brief description that would show that you are qualified. You can also include your goal to let employers evaluate if the company’s goal and yours align. ✍🏻 Personal details This personal details section is the most obvious point where it differs from a CV and a resume because it contains more personalized data that you wouldn’t normally mention in a job application document. Moreover, this is the information that the employer would want to know before evaluating you as the right person for the company. NameDate of birthAddressContact informationGenderReligionNationalityMarital status ✍🏻 Work history Now, don’t forget that you are still creating this document for your job application. Your work experience is relatively important as your personal information. The way you list your job experience in a biodata is the same as how you write them in a resume. Your professional title, name of the company, employment period, and your responsibilities in the company. ✍🏻 Skills After including your work history, you should also list down a few skills that you have gained. This helps the employer to understand your qualifications and evaluate if you fit the position because some positions require specific skill sets. ✍🏻 Education Education background is necessary information for the employer to determine if you are educationally qualified for the position that they are hiring. Regardless if you are applying for an entry-level position or a higher position, your educational background will be a big help in getting you the interview. You may include the education information in this format: Name and location of the schoolGraduation yearMajor(s) and minor(s)CGPARelevant courses or co-curricular experience ✍🏻 Other optional sections (if any) If your work biodata has a little more space that you want to fill up with information, you should consider including these and write a simple explanation on the side: CertificationsHonorsHobbies and interestsVolunteer experience📄 Biodata example: Name: Gaon ChenDate of birth: 4th of July, 1991Gender: MaleNationality: TaiwanContact number: (456) 789-5431Email address: [email protected]Mailing address: 26 Bridle St. Butler, PA 16001 I am Gaon Chen, a chef with 4+ years of chef experience who graduated from The Culinary Institute of America, currently seeking a Sous chef position as a career change. Work History Mary’s Steakhouse, Station chef|2018 - 2020 Developed new dishes for the seasonal menuManaged inventory and food costsEnsured food safety before serving customers Olive Garden, Junior chef| 2017 - 2018 Managed the workplace’s cleanlinessCompleted prep list every morning for kitchen crewAssisted the kitchen crew Skills Food prepping skillsSupply managementKnowledge of food trendsHygiene controlTeam working skills Education The Culinary Institute of America, Culinary Arts or Baking and Pastry Arts GPA 3.9 This is the bottom line of the difference between a CV, resume, and biodata. We hope that you have learned something today. If you plan to make one for yourself now, visit CakeResume to try out the free templates. Want to know how your resume stacks up? Our AI resume checker evaluates formatting, keywords, and content to help you stand out to recruiters.Analyze My Resume — Originally written by Ryan Goh —
Resume & CV
Mar 8th 2022

10 Steps for Writing a Pharmacist Resume (+ Example)

Created by CakeIn this article, you will learn about:Step 1: Pick the best layout for your pharmacistresume.Step 2: Choose the right format for your pharmacistresume.Step 3: Start with contact information and basic personal details.Step 4: Create an intriguing pharmacist resume headline.Step 5: Craft a pharmacistresume summary.Step 6: Include skills and abilities relevant to the job.Step 7: Highlight your best experience and accomplishments.Step 8: List educational qualifications and background.Step 9: Add an extra section to highlight personal traits.Step 10: Write a convincing pharmacist cover letter.Pharmacist resume sampleWithout any pharmacists around, we will be clueless on medication prescriptions and usages.Some of the duties of a pharmacist include: Instructing patients on the medication dosages, side effects, and suitability.Preparing patient prescriptions correctly and timely.Confirming with the patient on prescription accuracy to ensure no allergies.Answering any questions regarding medication prescription or patient health. With a very similar name, pharmacologists are often confused as pharmacists. Though both roles pertain to working with medication, a pharmacist works to distribute medicine accurately for usage while a pharmacologist handles the research side of testing and developing new drugs. To officially administer prescriptions for patients, you will need to plan out a professional pharmacist resume (often referred to as a pharmacist CV) for the drugstore or the employer.Step 1: Pick the best layout for your pharmacist resume.First of all, you need to know the basic layout of a CV to develop a successful pharmacist CV. The standard length of a pharmacist resume is one page long, and the ideal text font should be tidy, such as Arial and Calibri, in a 10 to 12 pt text size. Set the margins of your pharmacist CV to one inch on four sides and the line spacing between 1.2 to 1.5. Save your pharmacist resume as a PDF file before sending it out.Step 2: Choose the right format for your pharmacist resume.You will want to strategically choose a pharmacist resume format from one of the three below to display your background of experience and skills effectively. Chronological resume format:- the most preferred format for a pharmacist CV- not a recommended resume format for pharmacy freshers who lack experience Functional resume format:- suitable for a pharmacist CV with interrupted work history- not recommended for most pharmacy applicants Combinational resume format:- recommended resume format for pharmacists with both extensive work experience and broad skills- the resume can be quite lengthy and repetitiveStep 3: Start with contact information and basic personal details.In any pharmacist CV, whether a hospital pharmacist CV or a clinical pharmacist CV, you will want to include your main contact information: Essential:Your Full NameProfessional TitleEmail AddressPhone Number Optional:AddressLinkedIn URLPersonal Website Avoid:Date of BirthSexual OrientationRaceReligionMarital StatusSalary Step 4: Create an intriguing pharmacist resume headline.A well-made headline for your pharmacist CV can be the key to landing an interview, even in a CV for a pharmacist fresher.✅3 tips to keep in mind when creating a headline/title for your pharmacist CV: The title of your pharmacist CV should be concise and accurate, just like the label of a drug product.Capitalize the words in your pharmacist CV headline to catch the eye.Paint yourself in a positive light by featuring the most impressive qualities in your pharmacist CV title. Headlines Examples for a Pharmacist Resume:Friendly Retail Pharmacist Who Specializes in Aiding Patients with PrescriptionsHospital Pharmacist Skilled in Educating Medicine Usages for Patients and PhysiciansPharmacy Manager with 10+ Years of Experience Overseeing the Pharmacy Department Step 5: Craft apharmacistresume summary.A summary statement in a pharmacist CV can further explain to the employer what specialties and qualities you have that can support the pharmacist position. Although you will want to have an informative summary for the employer to review, try to feature just a brief portion of what will later be covered in your pharmacist CV. Make sure the contents in the summary of your pharmacist CV are relevant to the pharmacist job description. Also, create a flourishing summary for your pharmacist CV by starting with a fascinating adjective that accurately describes you. Alternatively, you can create a career objective for your resume if you are a fresher in pharmacy. The pharmacy resume objective explains your goals as a pharmacist while also providing a few of the best pharmacist skills in your CV.Example Resume Summary for a Retail Pharmacist:Goal-Driven retail pharmacist with 3+ years of pharmaceutical experience assisting concerned patients with effectual and understandable solutions. Proficient in drug specifics, FDA guidelines, and patient confidentiality details. Example Resume Summary for a Hospital Pharmacist:Fast-thinking hospital pharmacist with 7+ years of experience supporting doctors, physicians, and patients with medical questions and drug details. Example Resume Summary for a Clinical Pharmacist:Patient clinical pharmacist with 5+ years of experience maintaining positive relationships with patients and various departments within the healthcare sector. Skilled with pharmacy compounding and cost management programs. 💡Try featuring a career objective for a pharmacist if you are a fresher graduate and writing a pharmacist resume with little to no experience, a pharmacy student CV, or a pharmacy intern resume.Step 6: Include skills and abilities relevant to the job.The pharmacy skills for resume will show the employer a list of specific knowledge you have gained from past work experience, internships, or educational experience.✏️ Bullet lists: a brief overview of your pharmacy CV skillsets✏️Expanded bullet lists: a detailed overview of your pharmacy CV skillsets✏️ Integrating skills with work experience: showing the relationship between your pharmacy CV skillsets and work experience✏️ A categorized skill section: an organized overview of your pharmacy CV broad skillsets Example Pharmacist Skills for Resumes:Hard Skills:Medical TerminologyFDA Rules RegulationsInsurance CoverageDrug InteractionsDrug AlternativesPrescription FillingMedication GuidelinesDrug DosagesMedical RecordsDrugstoreOncologyPatient CareCritical CarePediatric CareSoft Skills:Attention to DetailCritical ThinkingOrganizedCommunicationLogicalTime ManagementEthicalProblem SolvingResponsibleTeamwork No matter if you're a seasoned professional or a fresher, you can create a powerful pharmacistusing Cake. Download free pharmacist resume in PDF and get the dream job with ease!Start NowStep 7: Highlight your best experience and accomplishments.The experience included in your pharmacist CV should help promote that you have a suitable background and exposure for the pharmacist position. ✅ Mention the following details when writing the work history section of your pharmacist resume:Title of the healthcare facility, hospital, retail, etc.Location of the healthcare facility, hospital, retail, etc. Your professional titleMonth and year of employmentExamples of your duties and work accomplishments ✅3 tips for adding work experience to your pharmacist CV: Pharmacist job postings can be completely different; therefore, you will want to tailor your pharmacist CV to the specific pharmacist position.Upgrade your pharmacist CV with measurable achievements, such as the number of prescriptions you handle daily.Polish your pharmacist CV by using action verbs to provide the employer with a refreshing application. Work Experience Examples for a Pharmacist CV:Retail Pharmacist CVS Pharmacy, North CarolinaMay 2019 - Sept 2021Managed, verified, and processed prescriptions for 80+ patients per day.Spotted a 5mg prescription error, which helped the patient avoid future health challenges and complications.Pharmacy Intern CVS Pharmacy, North Carolina Mar 2018 - Apr 2019Supported a group of 8 pharmacists in organizing and confirming medications for patients with various needs.Conducted label checks to ensure accurate drug information and patient information. Step 8: List educational qualifications and background.The education section of your pharmacist CV can help increase your chances of getting an interview, especially if you are writing a resume for a pharmacist fresher position. ✅Include the following information in the education section of your resume.Type of degree Major Month and year of education Name of university Additional information, such as awards or extracurricular If you are creating a student pharmacy resume, you will want to place your educational background after your objective statement section. Otherwise, you will want to promote your work experience by locating your education qualifications after your experience section in the pharmacist CV. In some situations, you may have a unique educational background that you will want to include in your pharmacist CV, similar to these examples below: High school education:- Omit high school if you have higher education.- Example: Wilson High School of Pharmacy (NC, U.S.) | 2005 - 2009Education in proces:- Include “in progress” or “expected to graduate in [year]”.- Example: PharmD Program, UNC School of Pharmacy (Expected to graduate in 2028)Incomplete education: - Include credits earned or experience earned.- Example: PharmD Program, UNC School of Pharmacy (2011 - 2013)Step 9: Add an extra section to highlight personal traits.Five items to incorporate into your pharmacist resume to stand out: Hobbies and interests:- Include in the “areas of interest” section.- Example: BloggingVolunteer work:- Include in the “work experience” section.- Example: Volunteer at American Pharmacists Association (APhA)Certification and awards:-Example: APhA Awards Honors Program Projects:- Example: Sustainable Pharmacy ProjectReferences:- Example: Ms. Kami Davis - Head of Department of Pharmacy ServicesStep 10: Write a convincing pharmacist cover letter.With the addition of a pharmacist cover letter, you can amaze the employer further, even if you are writing a cover letter for a pharmacist with no experience. Include the following necessary information in your cover letter. Contact Details:Full NameEmail AddressMobile NumberAddress Introduction: Begin your pharmacist cover letter with a polite greeting, such as dear, good afternoon, or good evening. Motivation: Allow the employers to understand the reason behind your application for this pharmacist job role. Qualification:Elaborate on the examples mentioned on your pharmacist CV and on what makes you a suitable applicant for the pharmacist job role. Closing: Conclude your pharmacist cover letter courteously by thanking the employer for their consideration and time. As an applicant within the pharmacy field, you will find these strategies and resources, such as our pharmacist CV tips, a pharmacist CV template, or our pharmacist CV sample, useful when developing your professional pharmacy CV.Pharmacistresume sample Layla Rolle Friendly Retail Pharmacist Who Specializes in Aiding Patients with Prescriptions 646 Liberty Rd., Chapel Hill, NC 27599(272)-777-9599[email protected]linkedin.com/in/lrolle Summary Goal-Driven retail pharmacist with 3+ years of pharmaceutical experience assisting concerned patients with effectual and understandable solutions. Proficient in drug specifics, FDA guidelines, and patient confidentiality details. Work Experience Retail PharmacistCVS PharmacyMay 2019 - Nov 2021 Managed, verified, and processed prescriptions for 80+ patients per day.Advised patients on proper medication instructions, answered any medication-related inquiries.Spotted a 5mg prescription error, which helped the patient avoid future health challenges and complications. Pharmacy Intern CVS PharmacyMar 2018 - Apr 2019 Supported a group of 8 pharmacists in organizing and confirming medications for patients with various needs.Conducted label checks to ensure accurate drug information and patient information.Assessed and managed inventory checks, patients’ healthcare plans, and quality checks. Skills Hard Skills:Medical TerminologyFDA Rules RegulationsData EntryInsurance CoverageDrug InteractionsDrug AlternativesPrescription FillingMedication GuidelinesDrug DosagesMedical RecordsSoft Skills:Attention to DetailCritical ThinkingOrganizedCommunicationLogicalTime ManagementEthicalProblem SolvingResponsibleTeamwork Education PharmD ProgramUNC School of Pharmacy 2015 - 2019 --- Originally written byJessica Sun---
Resume & CV
Feb 7th 2022

Building a Team Leader Resume Like A Pro

Created by CakeYou'll learn: How to write a team leader resume? What to put on a resume for a team leader position? Tips for writing the best team leader resumeHow to write a team leader cover letter?Technical ream leader resume sampleWhat does it mean to be a team leader? The main career objective for team leaders is guiding team members and monitoring progress towards a shared goal.A few teams lead duties and responsibilities include:Coaching team members to achieve goalsIdentifying and developing strengths of the teamStrategizing team objectivesResolving conflicts within the team. However, being a team leader is not to be confused with being a supervisor. Although both team leaders and supervisors are responsible for leading a team, team leaders are often specialized with specific field knowledge, while supervisors do not necessarily have in-depth knowledge in the field. Owing to the differences between a supervisor and a team leader, it is therefore imperative to understand how to build a team leader resume. In our previous article, we have highlighted the importance of a resume in a job application. In this article, we will walk you through how to build a resume for a team leader position, as well as to provide a sample resume for a team leader position at the end of the article. Additionally, we will provide relevant team lead resume points, such as writing up a team leader’s job description for resume, team lead roles and responsibilities in the resume, and resume format for a team leader.How to write a team leader resume?Step 1: Knowing the difference between CV and resume Team Leader CV:Detailed information of the applicant’s professional experienceOften submitted for jobs in academia, medical and scientific fieldsJust over two pages by length and can get extended as professional experience increasesSimple layout Team Leader Resume:Higher emphasis placed on a specific job/sectorRequirement for regular job applicationsWithin two pages by length and is tailored towards a specific jobVersatile layout depending on the industryIn general, a resume presents key facts of a person's professional experience, including educational background and skills. When building a resume for a team leader, highlighting the relevant team leading experience can help the application stand out. On the other hand, a CV is a longer document with a detailed history of a person's career path.. Step 2: Using the correct team leader resume format There are several resume formats to be adopted when writing a team leader resume, including chronological format, functional format, and hybrid/combination format (for details, readtypes of resume formats). In the case of building a team leader resume, make sure to highlight your soft skills, as these soft skills often make an excellent team leader. 👍Tip: Use a hybrid resume formats when writing a team leader resume will help the application stand out as it helps highlight transferrable skills and professional experience. Step 3: Using team leader resume examples as a reference It is normal not to have any clues on how to write the perfect team leader resume. Fortunately, Cake offers many built-in resume templates to use as a reference, from entry-level to experienced ones, a variety to choose from. Step 4: Tailoring towards a team leader resume The most important factor of having a good team leader resume is to tailor an applicant’s professional experience to his/her current career goals. It is easier to stand out to the recruiters when the focus of a team leader resume is placed on highly relevant experience. Step 5: Crafting a cover letter for a team leader position Writing an appealing cover letter next to a team leader resume will often surprise the recruiters, it helps shape the story of why your team handling experience in the resume makes the application a compelling fit for the role. Step 6: Proofreading No recruiters like to read a resume with grammatical errors. Making sure the resume has coherent content and accurate descriptions will make the team leader resume a pleasant read.What to put on a resume for a team leader position?As mentioned previously, the main goals of being a team leader are to resolve conflicts within the team, guide the team members toward a shared goal, and make strategic choices to achieve the goals. However, the question remains how to put these team-leading skills on the resume. Worry not!Cake is here to help guide the writing process of the team leader resume. 1. Resume Profile The first section of building a team leader resume is to provide essential information about the applicant. ✅Essential personal information to include on a team leader resume includes:Full nameProfessional title: for example, “Seasoned Teach Sales Professional” in a sales team leader resume)Email address: don’t forget to double-check the email address, as it is a crucial way for recruiters to make contactsPhone numberAddress: It is suggested to only put the applicant’s city, state, and country on the resume.LinkedIn URL (optional)Social media accounts(optional) Personal website(optional) ❌ Information that should not be included on your team leader resume profile are:Current salary: however, some recruiters may still ask for this information in a separate application form, to which you can choose not to state your salary informationNational insurance number/social security number: be aware of fraud!Other personal information such as sexual orientation, marital status, race, gender, date of birth, nationality, religion, and a photograph. 2. Team Leader Resume Headline Writing a team leader resume headline is like getting customers’ attention for a new flavored cake in seconds. It should be concise and short, yet it does not lose the gratifying focus of the team leading experience. It can also be imagined as writing a profile summary for the team leader, while it should be kept in one brief line. To write a catchy headline for a team leader resume, make sure to hit these three golden steps:Outline the biggest achievementsUse catchy words and phrasesPosition the headline on top of the resume Examples of the team leader resume headlines:Experienced IT team leader with excellent leadership skills.Highly empathic logistic team leader who excels in fast-paced environments .Dedicated operations team leader with 8 years of customer service experience 3. Team Leader Profile Summary Writing a professional summary for team leaders can be as tempting as showing off a new flavored cake. A resume summary highlights relevant skills and experience that are geared toward the specific position, in this instance, a team leader position.3 steps to writing a professional summary for team leaders:Read through the job descriptionPick out relevant experience and skillsPut together important qualifications Example summary from a sales team leader resume:Highly empathic regional sales team leader with 5+ years of international experience. Possesses marketing, management, and sales skills. Always seeking to create solutions for the team effectively and efficiently, highly cooperative and enjoys challenges. 4. Career Objective for a Team Leader Resume A resume objective is an outline of the career, it should be 2-3 lines long and should be placed on top of the resume to maximize its visibility. It is not a requirement to write an objective, but it would help candidates get more attention from the recruiters.5 key points to add in team lead resume objective:Showcasing personality traits (e.g., extraverted, passionate, goal-oriented)Highlighting career goals of team lead (e.g., fostering a healthy relationship between service providers and customers)Specifying previous experience (e.g., experience in developing strategic plans to make bigger sales)Personalizing team lead objective (e.g., motivating the sales team to achieve sales targets)Including the hiring company’s name Team lead resume objective example:Goal-oriented and passionate technical team leader, with years of experience in fostering a healthy relationship between service providers and customers. Seeking new tech team leading opportunities in A company. 5. Skills for a Team Leader Resume The skills section is the highlights of a team leader resume. In this section, relevant skills for the position will show the hiring manager whether the job is a good fit for the candidate. This section should be relatively easy to complete, and if the skillsets fit the job description, it can be listed easily as bullet points. Here are some examples of team leader skills in a resume:LeadershipManagement skillsCustomer relationship managementSales managementSales supportAdministrative supportMicrosoft office 6. Team Leader Experience in a Resume Next to skills, another important aspect of the team leader resume is a candidate’s experience from the past. Previous experience not only shows whether the candidate qualifies for the role but also entails a personal story to the prospective employer. To keep the resume one page or two pages long, it is important to only put the “relevant” experience in the team leader resume. 📝Reminder:A candidate should include the following details per job experience - the name of the company/organization, start and end period of the employment, brief description of key responsibilities from the previous roles, and specific titles held from the former position. Example of experience in leading a team on a resume:Senior technical lead at X Los Angeles, CA 02/2011 - 10/2014Provided senior IT technical lead services, including software, middleware, and hardware on a single platform.Provided technical guidance for team members (e.g., Java, SQL, WAS).Established good working relationships with both RD and marketing departments. 7. Educational Background Providing an educational background on a team leader resume helps recruiters see whether the candidate obtained relevant degrees to the position, but it is not always the most influential factor of the hiring process.Essential information to be included in the education section:Obtained degrees (whether bachelor level or graduate level)MajorYear of graduationName of the university/schoolSpecial honors and awards earned during the educational training Since a team leader can come from any educational background, a bonus would be to highlight team leader experience within the university setting in the resume.Team leader education example:Columbia University| 2012 - 2015Bachelor of science (BSc): AccountingGPA: 3.8/4.0Special award: Winner of team lead in sustainability and solutions competition. 8. Additional Information to Include in a Team Leader Resume Additional information can create an impact on recruiters' selection process. Being an outstanding team leader indicates being an excellent problem solver, and this can be showcased in volunteer work. For example, leading the climate change crises for the community, and/or leading a local school committee for organizational changes. Moreover, having a few referees to testify team handling skills in the resume is always a good bonus. It is recommended to have at least 3 but no more than 5 referees.Team leader additional information example:Volunteer for X institute as the lead of climate change crises for Y communityReferences: John Doecoordinator of X institutejohn.doe@cakeresume.com John is the coordinator of project Z for climate change crises in community Y, we worked together on delegating tasks for local cleanups Cake provides the right team leaderresume templates for you to showcase your skills and experiences. Sign up to create and download the bestteam leaderresume now for FREE!Create Resume Tips for writing the best team leader resumeHere are some useful tips in writing an excellent team leader resume:👍 Tip 1. Customize the team leader resume.Put relevant professional team leader experience for the specific role. 👍 Tip 2. Quantify team-leading experience.Includingnumbers and statistics in your achievements, for example, “coordinated 7 team members in multiple business processes”. 👍 Tip 3. Use an ATS-friendly team leader resume format.If it is difficult to decide on which templates or formats to use, please go ahead and check Cake’s templates for writing a good team leader resume. 👍 Tip 4. Write with action verbs.Using action verbs such as “directed”, “proposed”, and “coached” sounds like putting a cherry on top when writing a team leader resume. 👍 Tip 5. Emphasize on soft skills.Many team leaders often possess important soft skills such as teamwork, leadership, empathy, interpersonal communication, and strong personal motivation. Therefore, listing how these soft skills for team leading impact the work can help highlight the uniqueness of the candidate.How to write a team leader cover letter?Writing a cover letter helps demonstrate to the recruiters why the candidate would be a good fit for the role. It often highlights the candidate’s former experience, motivation, and personality traits. Important information to include in a cover letter for team leader positions:Contact details: such as full name, email address and contact number should be placed on top of the team leader cover letter. Introduction: usually addressed to the hiring manager, a simple greeting such as “Dear ... “ or “To whom it may concern…” would suffice. Motivation: Addresses the question to “why do you want to become the team leader of this specific role?”. It usually entails the intrinsic and extrinsic reasons why a candidate can make a good team leader.Qualification: similar to what has been listed in the team leader experience of resume, describe important skills and experience suitable for the position. It can be addressed by emphasizing the top few accomplishments that make the candidate unique. Closing statement: Sets an appreciative tone to thank the hiring manager for reading the cover letter.Team leader resume sampleJohn DoeExperienced technical team leader with excellent leadership skills Address: 7385 Milliken Ave Suite 110, Rancho Cucamonga, CAPhone number: +1 909-989-3786 Professional Summary Goal-oriented technical team lead with 6+ years of developing informatic strategies to optimise IT systems. Compassionate and good at teamwork, seeking challenges to bring positive values in IT-management. Work Experience Senior AnalystX Cooperation | Los Angeles, CA02/2015 - present Provide progress reports and metrics to Systems Support ManagerImplement workstation automation effortsResponsible for short- and long-term FTE planning Technical Team LeadY Group | San Francisco, CA05/2010 - 08/2014 Assisted project manager on designing and implementing project milestonesMonitored and guided 10 other developers in the teamDeveloped IT information system Education Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose UniversityBachelor’s Degree in Computer Science2006 - 2010 GPA: 3.6/4.0 SkillsHard skillsKnowledge of BPM systemsDatabase and spreadsheets managementMachine operationJava scriptCSS Soft skillsTeamworkProject managementLeadershipInterpersonal communicationsExcellent multi-tasker --- Originally written by Diana Shih ---

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