Created by CakeResumeAlthough the project section isn't the main section of a resume, it can be helpful sometimes, especially for freelancers, designers, and software engineers. In this article, we will show you how to mention your projects on your resume effectively.TABLEOFCONTENTSWhy You Should List Your Projects on Your ResumeTypes of Projects to List in a ResumeHow to Include Projects in a Resume (+ Samples Template)Tips on How to List Projects on a ResumeResume Projects Section Examples Why You Should List Your Projects on Your Resume Adding projects in your resume can help catch the recruiter's attention as it provides additional information about your skills and expertise. Hiring managers can evaluate if your abilities and approach align with their company's vision and needs.Personal projects can also showcase your passion for the field. For candidates lacking work experience, such as students or recent graduates, projects on a resume can make up for that deficiency. Career changers with impressive projects in their resume can be highly valued as they bring knowledge and skills from various areas of the industry.📖 Further reading:What is a Resume? [Definition, Element, Writing Tips, and Examples]Types of Projects to List in a ResumeIf you’re not sure where to start with, consider the types of projects and related details that are suitable for your resume. There are three major types of projects to include in a resume. 1. Work ProjectsProjects you have participated in from your previous workplace are ideal, since they showcase your ability to communicate with real clients, meet real problems and needs, and achieve KPI goals. However, do notice that you should avoid listing projects that are confidential in the resume.2. Personal ProjectsPersonal projects that you’ve initiated proves your passion for the work in the resume. In addition, personal projects in a resume present your growing ability and skills. The topic you choose to work on also shows your traits that could be wanting in the hiring manager’s organization.3. Academic ProjectsAcademic projects accomplished at school in a resume show your competency. Technical skills or soft skills such as teamwork and leadership are valuable talents to gain with each experience. Including academic coursework projects in your resume is especially ideal for students.💡 Reminder:Categorize your projects and strategically choose which to list in your CV. Dumping your projects without appropriate organization and explanation is dangerous for job applicants.How to Include Projects in a Resume (+ Samples Template)When listing projects in a resume, whatever is most relevant to the job role comes first. If you are a fresher or student writing freelance or academic projects, list it in the education section in the resume. For career changers or project-focused positions such as IT, engineer, or Project Manager, you might consider adding a dedicated additional “Related Projects” section in your resume to emphasize different expertises. 1. Replace the Work Experience Section with a Project Section. When a project-focused resume demonstrates your skills better than other layouts, replacing the work experience with a project section is a good idea.Here's an example of replacing the work experience section with a project section on resume: PROJECTS Food delivery Explainer ad |Manhattan AgencyJune 2020Project manager and producer for a team of 5 motion designers.Produced a 2-minute explainer animation for a food delivery company within 3 weeks.Completed the animation 7 days earlier than expected, help the agency cut $1k expense.Digital Banking app for CitiBank |ABA CreativeJuly 2017User experience researcher for a $30k project.Collaborated with Scrum team to develop information architecture, prototype, and finalizing digital bank app that attracted 100k users with 97% satisfaction rate.2018 Red Dot communication design winner.Conducted thorough research on young segment investing habits to gain valuable insight on demands and needs. 2. Include a “Key Projects” Subsection under a Work Experience Description. Another way to list your projects in a resume is to highlight “Key Projects” under a work experience section. Crucial projects for big clients are always eye-catching. Small projects that are experimental or insightful are informative as well.Take a look at this example of listing key projects in the resume work experience section: WORKEXPERIENCE Operation Data Analyst |Nevins SolutionsJan. 2020 - Jul. 2021Key Projects: Logistic report for SpeedyExtracted failure rate, time, location, and transportation from clients to generate valuable reports for suggestions and helped clients cut 30% customer compensation expense.Utilized MS, SQL, Python to visualize data reports monthly and transform them into actionable insights for clients, stakeholders, and PMs. 3. Include the Projects in the Resume Education Section. When listing academic projects in a resume for freshers or students, place it under the education section. Creative coursework or final year projects in a fresher resume are welcoming.Here's an example of listing projects in the education section of a resume: EDUCATION University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MichiganB.S. in Computer ScienceRailway Rerouting System, TokinLineJan 2021Responsible for Field Study, interactive prototype, crowdedness detention development.Apply Wise PaaS and security camera IoT to capture motion recognition.Use YOLO image recognition to calculate numbers of passengers and categorize into 4 levels of crowdedness.Food Delivery Chatbot,Food GeniusMay 2020Developed chatbot in Python for a school restaurant and invited 200 students to train quality optimization.Gained 93% accuracy feedback and positive encouragement from restaurants and local students.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 NowTips on How to List Projects on a ResumeNo matter how your projects in a resume are structured, there are 5 crucial tips and principles. These are the aspects you should consider when you list and describe projects on a resume. 1. Provide Project Detail and Quantified Description in theResume Aside from the basic information such as name and date, you should also include enough details such as quantifiable results and key insights. Namely, list details that can be measured or anything that sharpen your skills in the projects. 2. Be Concise with the Descriptions Since you are listing your project in a resume rather than a portfolio, your description should be strong and concise. Make your descriptions short and cut directly to the point.When choosing adjectives and describing your accomplishments for projects in a CV or resume, go for the keywords that are used in the job description. 3. Be Consistent with the Format of the Projects List Consistent format makes your resume easier to read and more appealing visually. Stick with the same font style, size, and color in each heading in your CV or resume. 4. Use Descriptive Language and IncorporateAction Verbs The nuances of your description can bring different effects. For example, action verbs such as “led”, “developed”, “created”, “accomplished”, and more can demonstrate your initiative.To make your project description in the resume more appealing, relate it to the applying industry or position. 5. Consider Including the Link to Your Online Portfolio. If you have a personal website that includes the essence of your projects, including academic, personal, or work, be sure to include the link in your resume. A personal portfolio or website is a great way to think out of the resume and present your personal styles and more process details during each project. Resume Projects Section ExamplesResume Projects Examples: Python ProjectsAWS ProjectsWeb Development ProjectsTableau ProjectsDevOps ProjectsEcommerce ProjectAcademic ProjectsPersonal Projects 1. Python Projects Highway Accident Data Analysis Scraped data from governmental sources to analyze and visualize accident types, location, seriousness, and time on the map.Sharing results on Medium, acquiring 100+ claps within a day. 2. AWS Projects Airline Booking web application Worked with a team of 5 people to create a flight reservation app that provides flight search, flight payment, flight booking, and loyalty points that include end-to-end testing and CI/CD.Deployed automation and monitoring using AWS systems. 3. Web Development Projects Interactive website for designer agency Created Awwwards “Sites of the Day “Winning interactive website for a local design agency in 2 months.Used JavaScript, Processing, and Python in projects to incorporate motion graphics. 4. Tableau Projects Stock Returns Heatmap Data Visualization Extracted stock data using Google Finance to build Heatmap, Treemap, and stock returns dashboard with Tableau.Published step guides video on Youtube and gained 1k views. 5. DevOps Projects Financial and Tax Preparation Service app Set up CI/CD pipelines using Jenkins.Developed monitoring reports automation in a team of 5 developers.Maintained 50+ Unix servers with 97% up-time. 6. Ecommerce Project Fitness Studio E-commerce Website Built website and visual identity for local fitness studio client.Increasing sports and fitness product sales by 50% by rebranding color scheme, logotype, and studio visual marketing materials. 7. Academic Projects Senior project, New York University, 2019 Researched local broadway troupe and interviewed 10 real audiences to illustrate 3 personas and customer journey map.Designed service streamline prototype to expand community and fans loyalty. 8. Personal Projects Hunter City, Interactive Augmented Reality Game Developed an online multiple player interactive AR game that allows the player to explore their local city.Use Unity, photon server, and MySQL to develop a fast prototype.Gained SUS 93 score in usability testing and 97% positive feedback. 🔑 Key Takeaways:For freelancers, a project-focused resume is a great way to demonstrate your style and skills.Connect your projects in the resume with the applying job role to show technical and soft skills for the job role.Add academic projects under the education section if you’re a studentAdd personal projects section in your resume if you have a handful of projectsHighlight “Key projects”: the most relevant, unique, or thorough projects in your resumeAdding a personal portfolio website link to document thorough details and processes.Find this article helpful?Follow our blogfor more!Originally written by Wu Chao Min ---

In today’s world, there are many ways to submit a job application: in-person, job-search platforms such as CakeResume and LinkedIn, and the company's official website. Despite that, email to send resume is still relevant as many recruiters require job-seekers to email job applications and documents.As you send your resume by email, the content of email with a resume is exceptionally important since it is the first thing that recruiters will see. So, if you’re wondering what to write in an email when sending a resume, in this article, we will guide you to write an effective job application email that is eye-catching and convincing. Table of ContentsWhat to Write in an Email When Sending a ResumeSimple Job Application Email SamplesTips for Writing an Email to Send a Resume for Job Applications What to Write in an Email When Sending a ResumeWhen Considering what to write in an email when sending a resume, think of the elements that need to be included in it. Each element plays a role and conveys a different message. We compile the following list for you to format your mail properly as you email your resume.Here are the 7 key elements for a resume mail format: 1) A Clear Subject LineThe subject line is the first things recruiters look at and determine whether they will open your job application email or not. So when sending your job application email, ask yourself if the subject line is clear enough. You can use this format to write your subject line: [Application] + [Job Position You're Applying For] at [COMPANY NAME] + [Your Name]. Let’s take a look at this simple job application email sample:Example of an email subject line for sending a resume #1[Application] Marketing Manager at ABC Company — Frank Davies Keep in mind that some job vacancies ask applicants to use specific guidelines when sending resume via email, so make sure to follow that. 2) Greetings There are various ways to greet when sending an email with a resume. While you can be creative, it's better to be direct and professional. Find out who you’ll send this email to, and if you don’t know the name of the recipient, you can simply use “hiring manager” or “Recruitment Department at XYZ company. 3) Self Introduction and Objectives Start off your email by stating who you are and why you are writing the email. The job application email sample is indicated at the bottom of this article, but to summarize, the opening statement(s) of your email should be a brief presentation of your application. Here are some examples of how to write a self-introduction and email objectives when sending your resume via email: Examples of introduction when emailing a resume:“My name is Roger Jones. I’m writing this email to express my interest in the job vacancy at Valcor”“My name is Roger Jones, and I am submitting my application for the current job opening as Financial Analyst at Valcor.”“My name is Roger Jones. I came across Valcor's job ads on CakeResume, and I am keen on applying for the Marketing Specialist position."The first section/paragraph of your job application email should not be more than three sentences. Keep it short and straight to the point, and remember to avoid using possessive pronouns when referring to the company you’re applying for (e.g., “your company”); you should use the company names instead.It is also important to come up with a universal introduction if you are going to use a bulk email sender to send your resume. 4) Reasons for Applying and Your Accomplishments After the greeting and the introduction, your next paragraph should talk about your qualifications and why you are interested in working for them. You can also let them know what’s the job description that makes you want to apply for the position. Here are some guidelines for you: AccomplishmentsRelevant work experienceQualifications directly related to the job description’s requirements You can also include your most outstanding license or certification or even extracurricular activities like relevant internships, achievements in uni, and relevant courses. However, don’t go in-depth! You want to write a brief summary of your relevant accomplishments to catch the attention of recruiters as well as intrigue them to open your resume. 5) Proposal to Meet in Person This part is the last section before closing and signing your name. A proposal to meet in person is a sign of enthusiasm and work-ready. Simply state that you’re willing to meet to have further discussion about the vacancy and qualifications. You can also let them know that you welcome any questions they have about your resume or experience. 6) Attached Resume Employers usually require you to send your resume in either a Word or pdf format via mail. If they don't specify their preference for the format of your resume files, send your resume to the HR in PDF format to avoid technical issues. 7) Professional Signature with Contact Details Finish your job application email with a professional e-signature, name, and contact details like phone number and email address. You can also add your digital business card, which has quick access to all your contact information.This gives a personal and professional touch to your email to which your resume is attached.Simple Job Application Email Samples Created by CakeResumeNow that we have discussed the important elements to include in a job application email, let's review three sample emails for reference. These examples can guide you not only on the formatting of the email but also on what sentences to write when you send your resume. Job application email sample #1 Subject: Job Application - Operations Manager, Job ID #27423 - Michael WilsonDear Mr. Adams,My name is Michael Wilson, an experience operation manager with three years of experience. I came across Vallo's job post on CakeResume and am interested in applying for the vacancy. I have attached my resume and cover letter to this email for your consideration. For the past 10 years, I have handled many capital projects, operations management, and process improvement. I want to be part of a team that will make the mission of Vallo Inc. a reality. Moreover, I believe Vallo has the financial strength and stability to allow me to gain more expertise. I welcome the opportunity to have a one-on-one meeting with you to learn more about the opening position. I can be reached at michael.wl@cakeresume.com. Thank you for your time and considerationSincerely,[Signature]Michael WilsonOperations Managermichael.wl@cakeresume.com(+81) 0000-2382 Job application email sample #2 Subject: Marketing Assistant Application - Frederick WaltersDear Hiring Manager,I am interested in applying for the position of marketing assistant at Tello Inc. My resume and cover letter are attached to this email for your consideration. For the past eight years, I have been responsible for creating marketing plans for various companies. Moreover, I have executed marketing plans on my own and have provided marketing advice to clients. I believe these qualifications will benefit Tello’s short-term and long-term goals. I appreciate you taking the time to review my resume and my cover letter. Looking forward to hearing from you. Sincerely,Frederick WaltersMarketing Specialistfwalters@cakeresume.com(+15) 0000-3219 Sample email when mailing a resume #3 Subject: [APPLICATION] Graphic Designer Internship at Be Creative - Lester WilliamsDear Mr. Adams,My name is Lester Williams. I graduated from the Georgia Institute of Technology with a bachelor's degree in Graphic Design. As I came across your job posting on CakeResume, I’m really keen on being a part of your company. I have recently worked for Eternal Publishing, and I am very eager to apply my skills and knowledge acquired from this internship to contribute to Be Creative. I have attached my resume and portfolio for your review and consideration Thank you for reviewing my application. Looking forward to hearing about any steps or procedures. Lester Williamslester_williams@cakeresume.com(+4) 0000-4657www.linkedin.com/in/lester_williams 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 Tips for Writing an Email to Send a Resume for Job ApplicationsPut your cover letter in your email when sending your resume.While you can use your cover letter as a job application email, in most cases, you just need to send a short message to notify the recruiter about your application. Hence, it’s recommended to add a cover letter to your email when sending a resume to help companies understand your work experience and aspirations in a more comprehensive way. Use a professional-looking email address.While what to write in the mail when sending a resume is important, so is the “who,” and that is your email address. Using your first and last name as an email address is a safe practice. If you need to include numbers, try to use a few digits and make sure these don’t have inappropriate associations (e.g., 666). Address the hiring manager by their name.For better results, it is best to write the recruiter’s name in the greeting while sending your resume. If you can’t find their name, stick to writing “Hiring manager.” Be straight to the point and concise.As shown in each job application email sample, your body text should be concise and clear. Remember that what you say when emailing a resume is to introduce yourself and briefly state your motivation and qualifications. Use the correct resume file format.Before you attach your resume to the email and send it out to HR, make sure your resume is in the correct format. Some companies specify what file format they want, but when there is no such requirement/instruction, sending in your resume in PDF format is the safest option. Proofread.Thoroughly check your mail, including the subject line, the email body, and your signature, for any mistakes when you are about to send out your job application email. Send a test email message to yourself.An excellent practice is to have a preview of how your email looks to the receiver, so send a test email to yourself to see if your resume mail and its format are on-point.Add a LinkedIn URL, personal website, or portfolio link.Knowing what to say when emailing a resume is important, but if you have a presentable and eye-catching portfolio, recruiters will surely take your application into consideration. So don’t be shy away from including them.Key TakeawaysWhen sending your resume via email, the email is like a ‘preface’ of your application, so knowing what to say in every part of the email and how to format it is important to get your application reviewed. Make sure to format your email properly when sending an email, the best practice is to follow any format recruiters ask for when submitting your application. If there are no specifications on formatting, follow the rules for general business letters when you send your resume via email.Remember, job application emails sent to HR for your job application should highlight your strengths and qualifications like a cover letter but shouldn't be as long as one, don’t forget to include a properly formatted resume as an attachment.Your resume can be made with a free resume builder like CakeResume, which also provides you with thousands of ready-to-use resume templates. With simple drag-drop action, you can create an eye-catching and compelling resume. Found this article helpful? Follow us for more! --- Originally written byJose J. Rosales---

Created by CakeProfessional references on a resume are a list of people who will provide information about you and your work to potential employers. Employers prefer a list of professional references because they can receive a second view of the value you'll bring to their team from a 3rd party.Each professional reference can affirm recruiters when it comes to your character, abilities, and work performance. Recruiters want to utilize your references to double-check what you've put on your resume. References on your resume are utilized to verify facts of your job experience and to confirm many of the excellent traits they noticed throughout the interview.Professional references vs. Character references First and foremost, it is important to distinguish these two types of references on a resume.Professional reference This can come from people you have worked with. When putting professional references on your resume, make sure those people or contacts can provide a positive outlook on your work performance. A potential employer can contact them to ask about your performance, your tasks within a company, or your qualities in previous jobs. A list of professional references can be from former employers, colleagues, or advisors.Character reference This type of reference in a resume includes people who are familiar with the candidate's character and abilities. A character reference in a resume tends to not come from the employer. These references on a resume can be from friends, business acquaintances, or professors. Table of Contents: Should You Put References on a Resume?Where Do You Put References on a Resume?How to Write References on a ResumeHow to Format Reference on a ResumeResume Reference Examples Should You Put References on a Resume?According to resume experts, references should not be included on a resume unless specifically requested by the recruiter. HR departments have many important tasks than going through each candidate's list of resume references, and they typically request professional references only when a candidate is being considered for a job offer. However, this isn't a strict 'no. Certain job descriptions require their candidates to provide references or testimonials. Notable among them are consulting firms that require candidates to provide testimonials of their performance from their previous firm(s). So, job seekers are allowed to include their references in their resumes in cases like this. References on a resume should only be included when requested. Otherwise, you should consider them to be excluded or kept in a separate document. To make it more clear, adding references to a resume is accepted in the following situations: The recruiter specifically asks for a reference list If the recruiter demands a reference list or page for a resume, make sure you include it in your application. You are applying for jobs in the legal field If you're applying for a job in the legal field, you can include your reference list in your resume. This helps the recruiter gain insight into the cases you've worked on and the skills you've developed.Law firms are usually very competitive, so having a list of professional references that shows a high profile of contacts, firms, and skills you've acquired can certainly help you secure the job more quickly. You are still a student You can include references on your resume from people such as professors or advisors. It is advisable nowadays that students seek internship opportunities while in school to further boost their employment chances. You can also include the professional networks you established during this time in the reference list on your resume. This is beneficial as you won't solely rely on your university or college for references. You just graduated Just like students, fresh graduates can also include their references on a resume. Many students and fresh graduates often lack substantial work experience and may not have professional contacts who can provide recommendations. As a result, most recruiters are open to allowing this group to include a mix of contacts in their reference list. These could include a favorite professor, a past leader they worked with during school, or a member of a group they led You still have plenty of space left in your resume Keep in mind that every word on your resume should hold value and quality. Every bit of free space matters, so you should include a professional reference section or list if necessary. Where Do You Put References on a Resume?There are some common ways of listing references on your resume. Here are some things to take in mind when writing references for a resume: Writing “References available upon request” This common way of mentioning references on your resume is something you should avoid. Employers already know this and besides, this takes up space in your resume. Don't waste a resume line by saying something that's obvious. A separate references section at the end of the resume You can list your references under a separate section on your resume, just like other resume parts (e.g. work experience, skills). When listing references on a resume, make sure to place this section at the end, since other sections are more important. Remember, references on your resume are typically only considered if employers wish to inquire further, such as before proceeding to a job interview stage. Here is an example of a resume references section: PROFESSIONAL REFERENCES Steve Halloway - Business Consultant at SX Solutions8912 East Lane Miami, FL, 33177[email protected]305-300-7891Carl Johnson - Senior Strategist at VX Technologies2812 Bellman Avenue Miami, FL, 33129[email protected]305-300-7891Larry Stewart - Human Resources Director at GlobalVision3820 West Road Atlanta, GA, 30305[email protected]404-300-8492 A separate sheet of reference list You can dedicate a page for your professional references only if necessary. Here is an example of a resume reference page:Created using CakeHow to Write References on a ResumeHere are some steps to keep in mind when listing references on a resume: 1. Decide on the number of references to include in the resume reference list If you make a section for professional references, you may provide 2 or 3 references, depending on how much space you have on your resume. You can provide up to 5 references if you are using a reference sheet. Refer to the resume reference list examples in this article for guidance. 2. Think about networks who can be good references for you Suitable references for your resume are colleagues, employers, mentors, or professors with whom you had positive relationships. Additionally, think of contacts with whom you established a strong bond and who have praised you for your past accomplishments at work. In contrast, avoid using references with whom you had conflicts or feel are not close enough. 3. Reach out to the people who you want as references Ask your contacts if they are willing to be listed as references on your resume and request their contact details, including email, phone number, and address. 4. Determine how you want to list the reference on your resume Lastly, it is up to you if you want to make a section on your resume or provide a separate sheet exclusively for your professional references. How to Format Reference on a ResumeWhen listing references in your resume, it is vital to have the following elements: NameThe most basic detail that cannot be missed out on when putting references on a resume. This is how employers know who your contacts are and thus can address them properly (if they want to contact them). Position and companyFor this element, the company name alone is sufficient. Any other details can be shown in the brief description part. AddressList details such as street address and ZIP code to be clear on what branch or office you were employed in. Phone numberIt's your choice whether to include the office number or your contact's cellphone. Ensure that your chosen references are comfortable with this. EmailInclude the work email of your professional references to maintain a professional touch. Brief description of the referralGive details of who the referee is and what was your relationship with them in your references on your resume.Here is an editable resume references format you can freely use: REFERENCES [Name of referrer] | [Title/Position of referrer] [Company where referrer works][Referrer’s contact address][Referrer’s phone number][Referrer’s email] [a sentence describing your relationship with the referrer]. Resume Reference ExamplesIn this section, here are some more examples of references on a resume. Please take a look at each sample for a better understanding. Reference in resume for freshers Here is a resume reference list example for freshers: REFERENCES Sally Harrison | Professor of Organizational ManagementUniversity of Texas110 Inner Campus Drive Austin, TX (800) 923-7650charrison@cakeresume.comSally was my professor in three courses and my faculty advisor for my business administration degree.Timothy Jackson | Director of HRKelko Company4234 West Street Austin, TX(323) 323-1270tjackson@cakeresume.comTimothy was my supervisor during my internship at Kelko Company as an HR assistant.Darren Kelly | Academic AdvisorUniversity of Texas110 Inner Campus Drive Austin, TX (800) 923-7650dkelly@cakeresume.comDarren has been my advisor throughout my 4 years as a business student at the University of Texas.Michael Torretto | Senior AssistantKelko Company4234 West Street Austin, TX(800) 829-3821mtorretto@cakeresume.comMichael was a colleague whom I worked closely with during my 6-month internship at Kelko. Reference in resume for students Make sure each reference in your resume contains relevant details. Here is an example for students: REFERENCES Richard Gawkins | Professor of Big Data Analysis University of FloridaGainesville, FL 32611(600) 932-7812rgawkins@cakeresume.comRichard was my professor during my junior year at the University of Florida.Fernando Argueta | Dean of Student’s OfficeUniversity of FloridaGainesville, FL 32611(600) 654-0861fargueta@cakeresume.comFernando has evaluated my academic performance and extracurricular activities during my time on campus.Nelson Anderson | Academic AdvisorUniversity of FloridaGainesville, FL 32611(600) 980-3281nandersion@cakeresume.comNelson has been my academic advisor at the university from 2010 to 2014. Reference in resume from co-workers The last example provided displays professional references from co-workers. REFERENCES Yasmina Sara | Marketing DirectorCornwall Lex3074 Despard Street Atlanta, GA(800) 290-3820ysara@cakeresume.comYasmina is the director I work with during my time on Cornwall Lex and is familiar with all the tasks and responsibilities I was involved in.Terry Nimat | Director of Business and DevelopmentCornwall Lex3074 Despard Street Atlanta, GA(800) 290-3855tnimat@cakeresume.comTerry is a colleague whom I communicated with while doing cross-department campaigns at Cornwall Lex.Gunder Lambert | Social Marketing SpecialistCornwall Lex3074 Despard Street Atlanta, GA(800) 290-3870glambert@cakeresume.comGunder is a friend and former colleague who is familiar with my work experience and performance at Cornwall Lex.Bevis Geoff | Performance Marketing SpecialistSkye Corporations2194 Mount Olive Road Atlanta, GA(800) 680-2810bgeoff@cakeresume.comBevis is a colleague from Skye who worked with me on various marketing projects from 2011 to 2014.Marianne Hedvig | Marketing AssistantSkye Corporations2194 Mount Olive Road Atlanta, GA(800) 680-2820mhedvig@cakeresume.comMarianne is a colleague whom I supervised and worked with at Skye during my last year working there.Key TakeawaysHere are some important points to keep in mind when adding references to your resume: Employers value references on a resume, but usually, it is not mandatory to provide them when applying for jobs.Professional references may be required in specific circumstances, such as when applying for a job in the legal field, when a recruiter requests them, or when you are still a student.You can decide between using a reference page for your resume or making an extra section just like the other parts of a resume (e.g. skills, work experience).People who are suitable for your references are those who can vouch for you and give a positive second opinion about your character and capabilities. People who are not suitable are those with whom you may have had conflicts or disagreements. Lastly, reach out to people you want to include in your professional references and see if they are comfortable with it.Each reference shall have the following elements: name, position, address, phone number, email, and a brief description.With Cake's resume website, you can easily create your resume online, download your resume format in PDF file for free, and utilize ATS-compliant free resume templates. Let us help you land your dream job – create your resume online and download it for free now!Create Resume--- Originally written by Jose Joaquin Rosales---

These transferable skills are your secret weapon for career pivots and advancement. With 70 percent of companies using AI-based screening systems, knowing how to strategically highlight these versatile abilities can be the difference between landing interviews and getting overlooked. Your dream job posting just went live. The role looks perfect, but there's one problem—you don't have direct experience in that industry. Before you hit "back," consider this: the skills that made you successful in retail, healthcare, or finance are exactly what employers want in marketing, tech, or consulting. In this guide, you'll learn how to identify your most marketable transferable skills, strategically position them throughout your resume, and present them in a way that resonates with both ATS systems and hiring managers. Key Takeaways Transferable skills like communication, problem-solving, and AI literacy are more valuable than role-specific technical skills because they apply across different jobs and industries.Employers now prioritize skills-based hiring over formal degrees, focusing on what candidates can do rather than their job history.Successfully showcasing transferable skills requires identifying them through past achievements, matching them to job descriptions, and presenting quantified results.Career changers can overcome lack of direct experience by emphasizing transferable skills with concrete examples that demonstrate value to new employers. Table of Contents What Are Transferable Skills? How to Identify Your Transferable Skills How to Showcase Transferable Skills on Your Resume Gaining Competitive Edge Via Transferable Skills Frequently Asked Questions What Are Transferable Skills? Transferable skills, also called portable skills, are the currency of modern careers. Think of them as versatile abilities that travel with you across jobs, industries, and career stages. Unlike hard skills or technical attributes that are tied to specific roles, these competencies remain evergreen. These skills typically include: Analytical skills: Help you evaluate situations and make informed decisions. This includes problem-solving, data analysis, and critical thinking skills.Communication skills: Enable meaningful connections and help build rapport. This includes written, verbal, non-verbal, and interpersonal abilities.Leadership skills: Support collaboration and guide teams toward a shared vision. This includes team management, motivation, and conflict resolution.Project management skills: Allow you to manage resources, time, and tasks efficiently. This includes planning, organizing, and assigning tasks.Adaptability: Helps you manage change, tackle new challenges, learn new tools, and adjust to new environments effectively. This includes quick learning, open-mindedness, and active listening.AI literacy: Enables you to work effectively with artificial intelligence tools and understand their applications. This includes prompt engineering, AI tool integration, and understanding AI capabilities and limitations. 💡 Tip: Transferable Skills vs Soft Skills Transferable skills encompass both hard and soft skills that apply across multiple industries and roles—think Excel proficiency, foreign language fluency, or project management.Soft skills, however, are specifically interpersonal skills like emotional intelligence and teamwork that influence how you collaborate and communicate. While all soft skills are transferable, not all transferable skills are soft skills. The Importance of Transferable Skills for Employers Employers and top recruiters consistently prioritize transferable skills when evaluating talent. Forward-thinking companies are moving toward skills-based hiring. This approach focuses on what candidates can do rather than just their job history, allowing organizations to expand their talent pools by over 6 times. In today's job market, transferable skills have become increasingly important for several reasons: Rapid industry evolution: As technology, automation, and the economy continue to change, individuals who can apply their skills across different roles or industries have a stronger chance of long-term success.Increased job mobility: As more professionals transition between careers, transferable skills—like communication and problem-solving—help them succeed in new environments.Employer priorities: Employers are shifting their focus from formal degrees to practical skills, prioritizing candidates who can adapt to change and contribute across a variety of projects. How to Identify Your Transferable Skills Identifying your transferable skills requires more than listing past job titles. The key is to distinguish between your job duties and the valuable competencies you used to accomplish them, then showcase these abilities thoughtfully throughout your resume.Here's a systematic approach to uncover and articulate your most marketable capabilities. Step 1: List Past Roles and Projects Start by cataloging your complete professional experience. Include full-time positions, part-time work, volunteer efforts, educational projects, and personal initiatives. Your goal is to create a comprehensive inventory that tells your professional story from where you started to where you are now. Step 2: Break Down Achievements Next, dig deeper into each role you've listed by analyzing your specific accomplishments and identifying the transferable skills that drove your success. Ask yourself these questions for clarity: What specific abilities enabled this success?What challenges did I overcome?How did I collaborate with others?What tools or processes did I use? This reflection helps uncover patterns in your strengths and the consistent impact you create across different environments. Whenever possible, focus on quantifiable results that provide concrete evidence of your capabilities. Step 3: Match Skills to Job Descriptions Finally, connect your abilities directly to employers' needs by carefully reviewing job postings for your target positions. Note both explicit requirements and implied capabilities, then cross-reference these with your skill inventory. Pay particular attention to terminology. Using the employer's specific language creates immediate recognition and aligns your experience with their needs. Example: Retail to Marketing Career Change Step 1: Sarah creates a comprehensive list using a spreadsheet with columns for role, organization, dates, and key responsibilities. She includes: Store Manager at Fashion Plus (2020-2024)Volunteer Fundraising Coordinator for Animal Shelter (2019-2023)College Event Planning Committee Member (2018-2019) Step 2: For her holiday promotion project, Sarah breaks it down systematically: What enabled success: Used project management skills to create detailed timelines, applied creative thinking to design eye-catching window displays, leveraged analytical skills to track daily sales metrics, and utilized communication skills to negotiate with 12 vendors for promotional materials.Challenges overcome: Managed a 40% budget cut by finding cost-effective alternatives and coordinating with limited staff during peak season.Collaboration: Led cross-functional team meetings with sales associates, visual merchandisers, and district managers.Tools used: Excel for budget tracking, Canva for promotional materials, and POS system for sales analysis.Quantified result: Increased holiday sales by 23% through strategic promotional campaign management. Step 3: Sarah finds a marketing coordinator job description mentioning "develop promotional campaigns," "analyze customer engagement data," and "coordinate with vendors." She creates a matching document showing: Holiday promotion experience = promotional campaign development, Sales tracking with POS system = customer data analysis, and Vendor negotiations = vendor coordination. She then rewrites her resume bullet point as: "Developed and executed promotional campaigns that increased seasonal revenue by 23% through strategic vendor coordination and customer data analysis." How to Showcase Transferable Skills on Your Resume After you've identified your transferable skills, the next step is strategically presenting them to capture hiring managers' attention and demonstrate your value during the job search process. Here's how to effectively showcase transferable skills across every section of your resume. Professional Summary A powerful resume begins with a focused summary or objective statement that immediately highlights your most relevant transferable skills. This opening provides context for your professional journey while positioning you as a valuable candidate, especially when changing careers or entering a new industry. Example Healthcare administrator transitioning to digital marketing with 6+ years managing patient engagement campaigns and analyzing data to improve service delivery. Increased patient satisfaction by 35% through targeted communication strategies and cross-departmental project management. Strong analytical skills and problem-solving abilities that can drive marketing success in the tech industry. Skills Section Your skills section should focus on hard and technical skills that directly demonstrate your capabilities to hiring managers. Analyze the job description carefully and prioritize key skills that align with the employer's needs. Create maximum impact with these strategies: Organize skills into clear categories that guide the reader's eyePrioritize specific skills mentioned in job descriptionsFocus on 6-10 relevant hard skills that can be easily verifiedInclude technical skills, software programs, and measurable competencies Examples Project management (PMP Certified)Data analysis (Excel, Tableau, SQL)Foreign language proficiency (Korean - TOPIK 6)Technical writing and documentationBudget management and financial analysisSoftware programs (CRM, Adobe Creative Suite)Digital marketing tools (Google Analytics, HubSpot)Prompt engineering Experience Section Transform your past roles into compelling evidence of your transferable skills by using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result). This approach demonstrates how you've successfully applied relevant transferable skills across different professional settings. Begin each bullet point with strong action verbs that clearly communicate your transferable leadership skills and management skills: Leadership positions: directed, empowered, motivated, supervisedCommunication skills: articulated, persuaded, negotiated, presentedProblem solving skills: resolved, improved, streamlined, optimizedProject management skills: coordinated, executed, delivered, implemented Before: Answered customer questions and solved customer problems After: Resolved 50+ customer inquiries daily through active listening and critical thinking skills, identifying root causes and providing timely solutions that increased customer satisfaction scores by 20% over six months This approach helps you complete tasks more efficiently while showing hiring managers exactly how your transferable skills translate to their new challenges, making you a compelling candidate even without direct experience in their specific industry. Gaining Competitive Edge Via Transferable Skills Switching careers or industries can be challenging, especially for mid- to senior-level professionals who have spent years honing their technical competencies. However, by focusing on transferable leadership skills—and highlighting them smartly with concrete, real examples—you can compensate for a lack of direct experience and make your job search more productive. Focus on your professional story to showcase transferable skills effectively. Analyze, identify, and highlight instances where you applied these skills to fulfill your responsibilities. Key skills like analytical thinking, problem-solving skills, and leadership act as your toolkit for navigating complex industries and career paths with confidence. Need help building a strong resume for your next career switch? Try our Resume Builder and take one step closer to your dream job today. Switch With Confidence Frequently Asked Questions How do I effectively showcase transferable skills on my resume? To highlight transferable skills: Tailor your resume to the job descriptionInclude a dedicated skills sectionProvide specific examples of how you’ve applied these skills in past positionsQuantify your achievements whenever possible What are some common examples of transferable skills that employers value? Key examples of transferable skills employers consistently seek include: Communication and interpersonal skills: Written/verbal communication, active listening, relationship building, conflict resolutionProblem-solving skills: Critical thinking, data analysis, decision making, creative thinkingLeadership and management skills: Project management, team leadership, time management, organizationTechnical skills: Data analysis tools, digital literacy, and AI literacy Adaptability: Learning new tools, adjusting to change, and flexibility in dynamic environments How can I identify my transferable skills? To identify your transferable skills, review your past positions and projects, break down your achievements, and match your abilities to job descriptions. Consider using a self-assessment worksheet to systematically evaluate your skills across different categories like communication, leadership, and problem-solving. How do I explain transferable skills in a job interview? Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to provide specific examples of how you've applied your transferable skills. Connect your past experiences to the requirements of the new position, and emphasize how your skills will contribute to the company's success. Can transferable skills compensate for a lack of direct experience in a new field? Yes, transferable skills are especially valuable when changing careers or entering new industries. They demonstrate your adaptability and versatility, which can offset a lack of direct experience. Focus on how these skills apply in different professional settings and how they’ve contributed to your success in previous roles and leadership positions.

Created by CakeResume"How would you describe yourself?" is one of the most common questions asked in a job interview, requiring you to come up with unique and suitable words to present yourself positively in a matter of seconds. The best way to describe yourself during a job interview is to provide concrete examples of what you have done in your previous roles and highlight your accomplishments. The words you use should allow you to showcase your personal traits, setting you apart from other candidates. Before a job interview, you likely have already worked on how to describe yourself, carefully selecting words for your resume to attract the HR's attention. Describing yourself, or self-introduction or tell me about yourself question, is never an easy task, especially when applying for a job. Crafting the best words to describe yourself on a resume is even harder, as you must avoid accidentally choosing adjectives or phrases that are not positive or professional or talking too much when asked to describe yourself in just a few words.But, worry no more - we’ve got you covered! Table of Contents:How to Choose the Best Words to Describe Yourself Good Words to Describe Yourself in Different Situations“Describe Yourself” – Example for Resumes“Describe Yourself” – Sample Answers for a Job InterviewWords Not to Use to Describe YourselfHow to Choose the Best Words to Describe Yourself1. Know your audience To determine what words to use to describe yourself, whether on a resume or during a social gathering, consider your context and your audience. Are you describing yourself to secure a job, or are you introducing yourself on social media? Each scenario involves a distinct audience, and, consequently, different words should be used. When describing yourself on resumes or in cover letters, choose descriptive words that emphasize your skills and achievements. How about describing yourself in a job interview? You might be asked to tell the interviewer about yourself, or sometimes, you might be asked to describe yourself in one, three, or five words. In an interview, you are allowed to elaborate on your answers. First, pay attention to the question and answer exactly what is asked. Before you start speaking, think of the most desired skill or trait for this role. Pick a word or start a short sentence that showcases that you have that skill. Lastly, if you're writing a professional bio on your social media to attract recruiters, the words you choose can be more casual but still best define yourself and the career path you're taking. Tailor the words in the description about yourself to demonstrate professionalism and abilities by thinking about the general skills and personal traits deemed necessary for your career. 2. Know how you want to present yourself Next, once you have a clear audience in mind, decide how you would like to present yourself to them and attract them effectively. For example, if you are being interviewed for an engineering role where debugging is crucial, choose words that emphasize your analytical or problem-solving skills to describe yourself. Then, provide a real-life example to elaborate. If you want to effectively demonstrate your leadership skills in a job interview, choose words to describe yourself such as 'encouraging,' 'mentoring,' and 'strategic thinking' to directly address the 'describe yourself' question. Similarly, if you aim to impress the audience with your communication skills, provide an answer containing adjectives like 'confident,' 'approachable,' and 'persuasive'. To present yourself as a creative thinker, try to include these phrases in your answer for describing yourself: Open-minded to other people's ideasKeep eyes on the latest industry trendsSee things from diverse perspectives 3. Note that different words can create different impressions Be cautious when selecting adjectives to describe yourself, as many words can have similar meanings but create different impressions. For instance, 'ambitious' and 'aggressive' can both denote a desire to achieve a lot, but 'aggressive' might convey an unintended impression in certain contexts. Therefore, it's crucial to prioritize the impression a word conveys, not just its meaning. Additionally, if possible, research the company you're applying to or interviewing with to understand their culture and choose words that align well with their values when describing yourself—whether on a resume or in an interview. Good Words to Describe Yourself in Different SituationsJust as it is important to "do the right thing at the right time and in the right way," you need to choose the best way to describe yourself in a particular situation. Check out the list of words to describe yourself for four different scenarios, as shown below. Words to describe yourself for job interviewsAdaptableAdventurousAmbitiousCourageousDisciplinedDynamicEnergeticEnthusiasticFriendlyHumbleIndependentMeticulousMotivatedOpen-mindedPassionatePatientReliableResourcefulSincereSociable Words to describe yourself for resumesAccomplishedAttention to detailCompassionateCreative thinkerDedicatedDeterminedDiligentExperiencedExcelGoal-drivenIntuitiveLeaderProblem-solverProficientResults-orientedSelf-confidentSelf-motivatedSelf-taughtSkillfulSympathetic Words to describe yourself for college applicationsActive listeningAdaptiveCheerfulCooperativeCreativityCritical thinkingDeterminedDutifulEagerEnthusiasticFast learnerGo-getterHard-workingOrganizedPatientPro-activeTeam playerResponsiveSkillfulWell-planned 📚Further reading:Best College Application Resume/CV with Examples [Resume Writing Guideline]Words to describe yourself for networking eventsApproachableCalmCaringCollaborativeConfidentConsiderateDiplomaticEasy-goingEncouragingEntrepreneurialExtrovertedFlexibleGood listenerHumorousMultilingualOpen-mindedPeople-personPersonableSociableStoryteller “Describe Yourself” – Example for ResumesWhile writing your resume, carefully choose words to describe yourself. The words used on a resume to portray you should be impactful and concise, considering the limited space available. Recruiters typically spend limited time on each resume, so simple adjectives are often sufficient. Another effective way to describe yourself on a resume is through statistics. Numbers speak volumes and can help recruiters quantify your abilities and accomplishments.Although the entire resume is technically a document that describes you professionally, there are sections where you can incorporate one or two words to help you stand out among a group of candidates. These sections are:Resume profileResume summary or objectiveWork experienceSkillsA resume profile is a short bio. You can describe yourself with words that demonstrate the most wanted personal traits in your resume profile, for example, analytical data analyst or passionate leadership.A resume summary or objective professionally presents you in a couple of sentences, utilizing descriptive words to provide the recruiter with a clear picture of your abilities and accomplishments. For example, incorporating phrases such as 'proven track record' allows you to elucidate the level and scope of your professional achievements.Work experience is an excellent section to incorporate descriptive words that portray yourself, enhancing the appeal of your resume. This is where you can articulate your achievements with sentences. For instance, when detailing your success, you can use words such as "undertake thorough reviews" or "wisely manage".In the skills section of your resume, the words used to describe yourself should enable the recruiter to assess your skills. Simply listing various skills can be insignificant if you don't describe how well you perform each skill. In this case, words like "advanced programming" can be helpful.“Describe Yourself” – Sample Answers for a Job InterviewIf you're going to have a job interview, be prepared for self-introduction and personal trait questions. Below are four sample answers for the "describe yourself" question that will help you nail your job interview. Q1: Describe yourself in one word Answer: I would say I'm a great team player. I feel very comfortable working with people and always bring positive energy to the team. I also understand the dynamics of working in a group well to ensure productivity. As a digital marketing specialist, I frequently collaborate with people on both cross-team and inter-team projects. I believe that I have always been able to perform well and connect with every person in my team. 💡Pro tip: When asked to define yourself in one word, avoid simply stating the word. Instead, be sure to demonstrate that characteristic through a clear explanation or specific examples. Q2:What are three words that describe you? Answer: The first word I would use to describe myself is curious. I love exploring the world out there and researching new things, especially technology. That’s why I decide to pursue a career in IT. I'm also quite flexible. I can multitask with ease and go with the flow even when a situation is out of my control. Lastly, I am very determined and don’t give up easily. 💡Pro tip: Keep in mind not to describe yourself with three words that contradict each other. For instance, it doesn't make sense to define yourself as both an introvert and an extrovert. Additionally, choose three attributes that are most suitable for the job you're applying for. Q3: Describe yourself in 5 words Answer: If I have to describe myself in 5 words, I would say I am detail-oriented, enthusiastic, self-motivated, creative, and reliable. I love fashion and beauty since I was a kid. So, I never mind putting in some extra effort and even money to make sure the makeup works by me turn out flawless, unique, and deliver a seamless customer experience. 💡Pro tip: In this case, it's not necessary to explain all the things that describe yourself since it may take a lot of time. However, interviewers would expect to hear words that best embody your personal brand. Q4: Describe yourself in one sentence Answer: I would say I am innovative, adaptable to change, and goal-driven - someone who is willing to take on difficult challenges and can be relied upon to help an organization achieve its goals.💡Pro tip: If the interviewer asks you this, it means they don't have a lot of time for this question. Therefore, keep your answer for describing yourself as concise and impressive as possible. It's also fine if you mention either only one or a variety of qualities.Q5:How would you describe yourself?Answer: I would describe myself as a persistent person. I don't give up easily when Iam faced with challenges. Quite the contrary, Ilove challenges as Isee them as puzzles and solving puzzles is what Iam passionate about.💡Pro tip: If asked this question, you can either choose a single word to describe. Words Not to Use to Describe YourselfUsing incorrect phrases and inappropriate ways to describe yourself can hurt your chances of getting the job. Read on to learn about the sets of words you need to avoid when talking about yourself. ❌ General traits The following words are commonly picked by most candidates: CalmCarefulEthicalHard-workingHonestIntelligentLoyalPatientPunctualSerious You can derive many benefits from having such traits in your daily life, not just at work. While these adjectives are good for describing yourself, they may not be suitable answers for questions like 'describe yourself' in an interview. These traits are basic and general, and they may not help you showcase unique qualities that will resonate with the interviewer and set you apart from the competition. ❌ Negative things that describe yourself It's always great to be honest and stay true to yourself. That said, some words, while not inherently negative, may give off the wrong impression during a job interview. Check out the list of words to describe yourself that the audience may not want to hear: AggressiveEasy-goingIntrovertedFastImaginativeOutspokenPerfectionistRisk-takerStraightforwardStubborn ❌ Words to avoid in a professional setting As a job seeker, it is essential to choose professional words to describe yourself. This allows hiring managers to assess whether you will perform well and be a cultural fit in the workplace. Below are some words that are not suitable for job applications and interviews: AthleticBraveChilledCouch potatoDay-dreamerFamily-orientedFunnyGenerousReligiousSpeedy 🔑 Key Takeaways:Now that you may see it is not too hard to find the right words to describe yourself, let us recap the key points that help you stand out as the best candidate: Stay honest, positive, and be yourself.Describe yourself with professional words that are appropriate to use in relevant settings.Match your answer with the job description of the job you're applying for. Good luck with your job hunting! Not getting the responses you deserve? Let our AI resume checker reveal what's keeping your resume from getting noticed.Reveal Issues Now--- Originally written by May Luong ---

Created by CakeA resume is a document that lists your qualifications. Besides professional experience, education, and skills, volunteer experience can also convey your professional competence in your resume/CV.Listing volunteer experience on your resume helps the hiring manager to understand your interests, passion, and is beneficial for a resume with limited experience. Table of Contents:Benefits of Adding Volunteer Work to ResumeHow to List Volunteer Experience on a ResumeWhere to Put Volunteer Experience on a ResumeTips on How to Include Volunteer Experience on your ResumeImpressive Volunteer Work Examples to Include in Your ResumeBenefits of Adding Volunteer Work to ResumeSome applicants might wonder whether to list their volunteer experience on a resume. While it is not necessary to list them, volunteer work on a resume will certainly not be harmful. Moreover, if your professional experience is already abundant, taking a little space to add volunteer work on the resume/CV will show that you are willing to perform out of your job duty. Several reasons for a candidate to list their volunteer works on their resume:Unrelated volunteer experience on your resume/CV explains the career gaps.Related volunteer experience on your resume is ideal to express that you’re zealous for the industry.Volunteer experience as a whole demonstrates your transferable skills, such as being willing to help others, positivity, and communication. For different candidates, adding volunteer work experience to a resume may serve different purposes.It’s notably precious for people who have long unemployment periods, fresh graduates and students who have limited professional experience, and those who are considering a career change. Should you put volunteer work on your resume?Most employers agree that volunteer work experience on a resume, if related to the job position, can be an important factor for selecting a candidate. Here’s the basic idea: If you have “related” volunteer experience, there’s no doubt that you should list some volunteer work on your resume.If you have relatively unrelated volunteer experience, reflect on the skills that you have learned during the process such as project management, fundraising, or interpersonal skills on your resume. You can list these unrelated experiences into applicable skills in the workplace, but don’t sacrifice your work experience section for irrelevant volunteer experience on your resume. How to List Volunteer Experience on a ResumeNow that you’ve decided to add volunteer experience on your resume, here is how you can format the section: Step 1: Mention the volunteer work organization on your resumeStraightforward enough, list the organization or institution that you’ve worked as a volunteer for on your resume, especially if it's renowned or prestigious. Step 2: Mention your volunteer work position and durationNext, list your position title as well as the time you’ve served. Don’t just list it as “volunteer”, instead, specify the volunteer work responsibilities on your resume. Step 3: Describe your volunteer experience and achievementsSimilar to writing a work experience section, describing your volunteer experience by giving examples of accomplishments would be ideal on your resume. To make it more expressive, use qualified results to back up your performance.Volunteer experience example 1:ConnectionHunSoftware Engineer Volunteer, 06/2017 - 01/2018Built and maintained an online campus for different platforms to provide education and training for vulnerable people in crisis and conflict contexts Volunteer experience example 2:Faith for AnimalsMarketing Coordinator, 05/2018 - 04/2019Organized 300k fundraising campaign for dog spaying non-profit that reached 50k audience in 4 months and exceeded the initial goal by 700% Where to Put Volunteer Experience on a ResumeBased on the type of your volunteer experience, there are several ways to put them on a resume: 1. In the professional experience section on your resume Consider listing your volunteer work with your work experience on your resume, if your volunteer experience is: (1) highly relevant to the job position, (2) you have very limited work experience, or (3) you had a career gap on your resume.Take a look at an example below, which blends related volunteer experience with other paid work, placing it in the professional experience section of your resume.Example of the professional experience section:MD BlissGraphic Designer, 01/2020Created logo and visual identity system for 15 clients’ projects worth up to $300,000Managed rebranding project for 10 clients that enhanced client sales by an average of 200% in 6 monthsEstablished robust relationships with clients to develop long-term cooperation SC Rescue OrganizationGraphic Design Volunteer, 01/2019 - 12/2019Monitored and assessed printing brochures and posters for color correctionDesigned online materials for media exposure and funding presentationsDeveloped organization website and increased monthly traffic by 288% 2. In an additional “volunteer experience” section on your resume If your volunteer experience is scarcely related to the job you’re applying for, but you have plenty of volunteer work to list, you should add an additional section on your resume.Suppose that you are applying for a sales executive role, and your volunteer experience is not related:Example of the volunteer experience section:Hakka History MuseumTourist Guide, 12/2016 - 12/2017Guided 200 museum visitors to provide explanations on museum exhibitions and Hakka historical artifacts on SaturdaysAwarded for the Best Volunteer Guide for consecutive six months National Animal Shelter Management SystemPhotographer, 01/2016 - 09/2016Took pictures of stray animals to establish files and upload data to the online adoption management systemOptimized work-flow to improve image quality and document accuracy 3. In the hobbies interest section on the resumeIf there’s only one or limited experience, there’s no need to add a “volunteer activities” section on the resume. Instead, you can merge your volunteer experience with other hobbies or interests in the same section on your resume.Example of the hobbies interests section:California Native Plant SocietyCommunity Volunteer, 2018 - 2020Participated in Native Garden Volunteer Day for 3 consecutive years, pruning, weeding, watering, and collecting seeds to help in conserving native species Tips on How to Include Volunteer Experience on your ResumeIf you’re still not sure about how to describe your volunteer experience on your resume, here are 3 fundamental principles: 1. Highlight volunteer works that are relevant to the job description Seeking a suitable candidate is their primary concern for every hiring manager. An applicant fitting the job role surpasses someone outstanding but incompatible.Therefore, when listing your volunteer experience on the resume, highlight the ones that are related to the job description, either by listing it upfront or giving it a special title such as “Software Engineer Volunteer Experience”. 2. Use keywords from the job posting to describe your volunteer experience When describing your volunteer experience, apply the keywords used in the job posting. You not only want to catch the attention of the employer but also pass the ATS (Applicant Tracking System) too. Adopting the exact same keywords as used in the job posting ensures that your content is related to the job position. 3. Tailor your volunteer work content on your resume for each job application You are probably applying for several companies simultaneously. However, there isn’t a “one-size-fits-all” resume. There is always a little difference between each job position, even if they share the same title. As a result, be sure to tailor the content in every resume you’re sending out. Amend and edit the volunteer experience on your resume to better match the qualifications of a job description. I know that it may be more time-consuming since you have to customize how you describe your volunteer work but trust me, it's worth doing so! Impressive Volunteer Work Examples to Include in Your ResumeHere are 20 impressive volunteer work examples for you to refer to if you have a hard time describing your volunteer experience on your resume. Church Volunteer WorkLed a team of 10 young volunteers to raise 10k funds for homeless Christmas food delivery in Detroit.Nursing Home VolunteerHeld entertaining events and talked to 15 elderly Alzheimer patients and residents regularly for 4 hours on Sundays.Greenpeace Research Assistant VolunteerUsed Python and Illustrator to visualize data collected from research on student groups environmental awareness in Pittsburgh.Teach for India English and Math Teaching VolunteerAccumulated over 1,000 hours in helping 200 Delhi children learn English and math online.Children’s Hospital VolunteerAssisted in the playroom, bedtime storytelling, and reading for children patients from 18:30 to 22:30 on weekdays for 6 months.Philadelphia Animal Rescue Center, Fundraise Project ManagerDeveloped a crowdfunding project for dog neutering in Philadelphia and surpassed the original goal by 650%.Virtues International, Fundraising Consultant VolunteerImplemented fundraising program, conducted research to analyze potential profit and loss, and managed email marketing appeals to reach 100k subscribers.Church Volunteer Work, Training InstructorDesigned training program for 100 volunteers in the church to ensure newcomers workflow and project work distribution performs smoothly.United Now, Project Manager AssistantProvided logistical support and prepared materials to use in workshops, seminars, meetings, and field trip documents.WildLife Associate, Social Media VolunteerManaged and outlined Instagram post agenda and increased followers by 20k.DonateCode, Software EngineerDeveloped and worked with 7 team members on a health educational game app for NowHealthy using C# with Unity.Barthes Cancer Foundation, Front-End Web DeveloperManaged, updated, and tested function feasibility web server software using Linux, PHP, and JavaScript for Cancer Awareness organization for 1 year (8 hours monthly).Food Rescue Lisbon, Grocery Bagging VolunteerBagged and distributed 200 pounds of surplus groceries every week for 6 months to serve communities in need.Homeless Support, Gardening Training VolunteerProvided gardening training lessons to support 128 homeless in which 80 of them earned certification after the course.After School Support, Tutor VolunteerInitiate age-appropriate entertaining activities with 30 children in grades K-5 and ensure program procedures are followed throughout.Hope For The Day, Suicide Prevention VolunteerStarted a SMART (Students Mobilizing and Reducing Tragedies) program in 5 high schools in Chicago and encouraged more than 1,400 teens to reach out.Sustainable Farming VolunteerEngaged with migrants, refugees, asylum seekers in farms to helped marginalized groups develop professional skills and produce ecological produce.Modern Women Empowerment, Graphic Design VolunteerDesigned and set up visual design systems, website interface, E-mail DM, and event posters.CareKids, Childcare Medical VolunteerConducted hospital rounds and shadowed the doctors to assist procedures such as suturing wounds, giving vaccinations, etc. Routine patient check-ups for 1,490 bedridden children. Disabled Soldier’s Angels, Event Representative VolunteerOrganized events to boost morale and provide mental care for disabled, ill, and wounded veterans.🔑 Key Takeaways:If your volunteer experience demonstrates skills mentioned in the job ad and showcases outstanding accomplishments, consider listing them together with your "Work experience" section on the resume.Include a dedicated "Volunteer" section on your resume if you have ample experience to list.If your volunteer experience is limited or irrelevant, consider adding in a "Hobbies" or "Activities" section.Give examples of your achievements by using numbers to describe and backup your volunteer work. Whenever possible, establish connections to the role you're applying for by emphasizing relevant aspects on your resume. Cake providesfree resume builder tool free resume templates download to help you create the perfect resume for your job hunt. Take your career journey to new heights - create a resume online now!Create Resume--- Originally written byWuChaoMin ---

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

How Many Jobs Should You List on Your Resume?When it comes to writing a resume, one of the most common questions is: how many jobs should I list? The art of resume writing lies not only in what to include but also in the strategic omission of the extraneous. The most important thing is to make your resume as relevant and clear as possible for the employers and the position you are aiming for. In this article, you will be provided with useful information about the number of listed jobs on your resume to attract employers and make you more professional! TABLE OF CONTENTS:How Many Years Back Should Your Resume Go?How to List Jobs on Your Resume?Guide on Resume LengthUseful Tips when Listing Jobs on Your ResumeConclusion How Many Years Back Should Your Resume Go? One of the factors that determines how many years back your resume should go is your career stage. Depending on how much work experience you have, you may need to adjust the number of jobs you list on your resume. Here are some guidelines for different career stages: Recent Graduates/Freshers For the fresh-faced graduate stepping into the career stage, career experience is often not diverse. As a fresher, you may not have much work experience to include on your resume. In this case, you should focus on highlighting your skills, education, and any relevant projects or internships that demonstrate your abilities. You can focus on your skills rather than your work history when showing your capability on your resume. 💡Pro tip: To freshers, skills and certifications related to the targeting position is a good idea to show on a resume that reflects how you are suitable and dedicated to the job. Mid-level Professionals On the other hand, if you are a mid-level professional, you should have enough work experience to showcase your achievements and qualifications on your resume. However, you should not list too many jobs on your resume, as this could make you look like a job hopper who lacks commitment and stability. A good rule of thumb is to list no more than 5 jobs on your resume, and only include those that are relevant to your current career goals. 💡Pro tip: A chronological resume format, which highlights your work history and shows your career progression, is an effective way to help you "show off" your resume achievements. Senior-level Professionals A selective showcase of the most relevant and impactful chapters in the career saga becomes the seasoned professional signature move. However, when you have a lot of work experience in a variety of fields, your resume should list only the jobs that highlight the most relevant and impressive achievements to apply for the next position. 💡Pro tip: A combination resume format, which combines your skills and work history to show your expertise and value, is preferrable. Another factor that determines how many years back your resume should go is the relevance of your previous jobs to the job you are applying for. Here are some tips for listing job on your resume: Read the job description carefully and identify the key skills, qualifications, responsibilities and highlight the experiences you have that match what employers are looking for.Clear and practical with appropriate evidence of compatibility and metrics for each job with bullet points, keywords and phrases.Use action verbs to start each bullet point, such as ‘manage’, ‘improve’ or ‘implement’, to show your skills and abilities.How to List Jobs on Your Resume? There are different strategies for listing jobs on your resume, depending on your career stage, work history, and relevance to the job you are applying for. Here are some of the most common and effective ways to list jobs on your resume: Grouping similar roles If you have held multiple jobs that are similar in nature, such as Customer service, Sales, or Teaching, you can group them under a common heading and summarize your roles and responsibilities. You can avoid repetition and save space on your resume with the tip. Highlighting key achievements With showcasing achievements through work, you can list them separately and highlight your key achievements and contributions for each job on your resume. This is a useful tip to showcase your skills and value to the employer and demonstrate your career progression. Focusing on recent experience If you have a long work history, you should focus on listing your most recent and relevant experiences and emphasize the last 5 to 10 years of your jobs on your resume. This will help you highlight your current skills and qualifications and show that you are up to date with thelatest trends and best practices in your field. Briefly mentioning earlier roles If you have some jobs that are not relevant to the position you are applying for or that are too old, you can briefly mention them when listing on your resume without going into details. This will help you avoid gaps in your work history and show that you have some work experience.Guide on Resume Length Another aspect to consider when deciding how many jobs to list on your resume is the resume length. The general guideline is to keep your resume as short and concise as possible, while still including the most relevant and important information. Here are some tips for choosing the right resume length: One-page vs Two-page Resume The most common resume length is one page, as it allows you to present your skills and qualifications in a clear and focused way. A one-page resume is ideal for recent graduates, entry-level professionals, or those who have a short or consistent work history. A two-page resume is also acceptable for some industries or fields that require more details, such as academia, research, or engineering. However, when crafting jobs listed on a resume you should avoid going beyond two pages, it could make your resume too long and tedious to read. Industry Standards Some creative industries, such as graphic design, advertising, or media, may prefer a shorter resume that showcases your portfolio and samples of your work. On the other hand, some technical or scientific industries, such as IT, engineering, or research, may prefer a longer resume that includes more details about your projects, skills, and publications. CV vs Resume Another factor to consider is the difference between a CV (curriculum vitae) and a resume, as these terms may mean different things in different countries. A CV is a comprehensive document that includes your education, work experience, publications, awards, and affiliations. A resume is preferable to a concise document that summarizes your skills, qualifications, and achievements that are relevant to the job you are applying for. For more resume tips, you can reach out right here.Useful Tips when Listing Jobs on Your Resume Writing a resume can be a challenging task, especially when you have to decide how many jobs to list on your resume. You want to showcase your skills and qualifications, but you also want to avoid making your resume too long or too cluttered. Here are tips to follow: Tip 1: Customizing your resume for each job application Tailor it to the specific job and employer you're targeting, highlighting relevant experiences and achievements. Additionally, align your resume with the job requirements by using keywords and phrases from the job description to show that you're a good fit for the role. Tip 2: Showcase relevant skills and achievements for each position Using bullet points to describe your contributions with numbers, percentages, or other metrics to highlight your impact. Exclude irrelevant experiences from your resume, focusing on your most recent and relevant roles from the last 5 to 10 years to avoid clutter and maintain conciseness. Tip 3: Enhance readability through optimized formatting Use a consistent format and layout for each job listing to ensure readability and ease of comprehension, making it easier for recruiters to navigate through your work history.Conclusion Writing a resume can be a daunting task, especially when you have to decide how many jobs to list on your resume. You want to showcase your skills and qualifications, but you also want to avoid making your resume too long or too cluttered. Explore Cake’s blogs for additional resources on resume writing, career development, and job search. We provide you available resources to effortlessly customize your resume with various templates, designs, and features, enhancing your portfolio and work samples.Cake is afree resume makerandportfolio builderthat provides hundreds ofresume templates (free download)and variousjob resume examplesto help showcase the best you. Landing your dream job will be a piece of cake!Create Resume --- Originally Written by Andrea Do ---

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

Skill levels for resume Build Up Your Resume: A Guide to Listing Skill Levels for Resume Effectively When searching for jobs, your skills and experience act as your secret weapon; hence, putting skill levels for your resume helps you stand out from the competition. By clearly highlighting your proficiency in each skill, you not only showcase your capabilities but also demonstrate a clear understanding of your strengths. Whether you're an expert, proficient, or have basic knowledge, specifying your skill levels allows employers to assess how well you align with their needs quickly. Moreover, detailing skill levels can help tailor your resume to specific job descriptions, making it easier for hiring managers to see that you have exactly what they're looking for. It also provides a structured way to present your expertise, making your resume more organized and impactful. This approach ensures that your resume not only reflects your qualifications but also aligns with the expectations of potential employers. This article will delve into the levels of skill listed on resume, from beginner to expert, and how they can be effectively displayed. Table of Contents What are Skill Levels on a Resume? How to Clearly Show Your Resume Skill Levels? Let's Look at Some Skill Levels Examples for Different Occupations Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Resume Skills Conclusion What are Skill Levels on a Resume? Skill levels on a resume are a way to quantify and communicate your skill proficiency with hiring managers. Some people like to display using a skill-level bar graph; some prefer a skill-level scale. Either way, when doing it correctly, display resume skill levels will provide a snapshot of your abilities, allowing employers to quickly assess whether your skill set aligns with the job requirements. Another reason to mention your skill proficiency levels is to pass the Applicant Tracking System (ATS). In today's digital age, many companies rely on ATS software instead of manual screening. Clearly defining your skill levels with relevant keywords and appropriate terminology increases your chances of being flagged by the ATS as a strong match. Last but not least, consider skill levels a powerful self-marketing tool. By confidently showcasing your expertise, you project a professional image and demonstrate your value to potential employers. You'll have to display skill levels for both your hard skills and soft skills sections. Not sure what are those? Here's a brief definition: Hard Skills or Technical Skills are core skills related to your expertise in the field, with evidence of what you have learned. These are the specific, teachable abilities that can be defined and measured, such as proficiency in a foreign language or the ability to use software programs. For examples: Software Engineer: Proficiency in programming languages (Python, Java) Designer: Mastery of design software (Adobe Creative Suite) Financial Controller: Expertise in financial modeling (using ERP system). Project Management: Abilities such as budgeting, risk analysis, and scheduling. Soft Skills are non-technical and harder to quantify but are critical for professional success. They encompass your ability to communicate effectively, build relationships, work collaboratively, and solve problems. Take instances about soft skills: Communication and building a network: The ability to connect and strengthen relationships with others. Problem-solving and analytical thinking: Reflect on how you can work independently with critical thinking. Time management and organizational skills: To ensure that you can manage your time and work effectively. By effectively presenting both hard and soft skills with their respective levels on your resume, you create a comprehensive profile that can significantly enhance your job prospects. With the above knowledge base, we will move to the next section on how to list skill levels on a resume effectively. How to Clearly Show Your Resume Skill Levels? 1) Group Your Skills Based on Proficiency Levels Organize your skills section into categories based on your level of proficiency. Common categories include "Expert," "Proficient," "Intermediate," and "Beginner". Putting the skills into groups as suggested provides a clear hierarchy of competencies. This allows employers to quickly grasp your strengths and identify areas where you excel. 2) List Your Most Procifient Skill First The stronger it is - the more it is brought to the forefront. Recruiters prioritize the information at the top of your resume. Capitalize on this by prioritizing the skills you're most proficient in. List your "Expert" and "Proficient" skills first, followed by your intermediate and beginner-level skills. This prioritization ensures that your key qualifications are not overlooked and aligns with the natural reading pattern of left to right, top to bottom. 3) Tailored Approach - List Your Hard Skills Before Your Interpersonal Skills While a general rule of thumb suggests listing technical skills before soft skills, consider tailoring this approach slightly. Always prioritize the skills most relevant to the specific job description. By listing them first, you cater to positions that prioritize these hard skills, while still showcasing your interpersonal abilities that are essential for team dynamics and leadership roles. 4) List the Skills Based on the Job Description Requirements Carefully review the job description and identify the key skills and qualifications they seek. It shows that you have thoroughly read and understood what the employer is looking for and that your skills align with the specific needs of the position. More importantly, this strategy increases your chances of getting past Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) during the initial screening. Remember, the goal is to make your skills easy to find and evaluate at a glance, which in turn, can significantly boost your chances in the job market. In the next section, we will talk about the "Do's" and "Don'ts" when you list skills on your resume. Here are some dos and don'ts to follow when display proficiency levels on a resume:Dos Quantify your skills whenever possible: Instead of simply stating "Proficient in Microsoft Office," specify "Expert in Excel pivot tables and data analysis." Numbers and quantifiable achievements showcase the impact of your skills. Tailor your skills to the specific job and job description: Analyze the job description and prioritize the skills they explicitly mention. Use the same keywords throughout your resume to optimize your chances of passing ATS screening. Use clear and concise language: Avoid jargon or overly technical terms that a recruiter might not understand. Opt for clear, action verbs and easily understood descriptions. Demonstrate your skills with achievements: Don't just list skills; demonstrate their value. Use bullet points with quantifiable results to showcase how you've applied your skills to achieve success in previous roles. For example, "Increased website traffic by 20% through effective SEO strategies." Proofread meticulously: For a professional impression, avoid typos and grammatical errors. Double-check your spelling and ensure your skill levels are listed consistently and accurately. Don'ts Over-inflate your skill levels: Be honest about your proficiency. While it's important to showcase your strengths, claiming expertise in an area you're unfamiliar with can backfire during an interview. List irrelevant skills: Focus on the skills directly related to the job you're applying for. A laundry list of generic skills will clutter your resume and distract from your most valuable qualifications. Use vague descriptions: Avoid generic terms like "good communication skills" or "team player." Instead, use specific examples that demonstrate your strengths. For instance, "Effectively communicated complex technical concepts to a non-technical audience." Lie about your skill experience: Be truthful about your skill level and experience. Recruiters can easily identify inflated claims during the interview process. Forget to update your skill level: If you haven't used a particular skill in a long time, it might be best to omit it or highlight your proficiency level as "Refresher needed" if you're actively working on regaining expertise. Through the "Do's" and "Don'ts", you can see that using clear and concise language is an important skill in preparing a resume. To optimize Language Skills Proficiency Levels on Resume, you can refer to more useful tips here. Besides, to help you more easily visualize setting up and listing skill sets on your resume, let's go to some reference examples in the next section! 💡Pro Tips: Include a certificate to prove your skill levels instead of using bar graph. Let's Look at Some Skill Levels Examples for Different Occupations Frontend Developer Expert: HTML5, CSS3, JavaScript (React, Angular), Git version control Proficient: UI/UX design principles, Responsive web design, Accessibility best practices Intermediate/Beginner:Node.js, Python (basic scripting), Ruby on Rails Want to be a frontend developer? Read our guide to write a frontend developer resume! Teacher Expert: Classroom management, Lesson planning and delivery, Curriculum development Proficient: Differentiated instruction, Technology integration in the classroom, Assessment and evaluation methods Intermediate/Beginner: Online Teaching Platforms, Grant writing Want to be a digital marketer? Read this guide to write a teacher's resume! Digital Marketer Expert: SEO/ SEM optimization, Content marketing strategy, Social media marketing (paid organic) Proficient: Google Analytics, Email marketing automation, Conversion rate optimization (CRO) Intermediate/Beginner: Pay-per-click (PPC) advertising, Video editing, Influencer Outreach Want to be a digital marketer? Read this guide to write a digital marketing resume! Doctor Expert: Patient Diagnosis, Emergency Care, Surgical Procedures Proficient: Medical Research, Healthcare Management, Clinical Training Intermediate/Beginner: Health Informatics, Biostatistics, Healthcare Administration Lawyer Expert: Litigation, Contract Law, Intellectual Property, Legal Research Proficient: Corporate Law, Mediation, Compliance Regulations Intermediate: International Law, Environmental Law The key to effectively listing skills on a resume is to maintain honesty and relevance to the position, ensuring that your potential employer gets an accurate and concise picture of your capabilities. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Resume Skills After reading all the tips above, are you still wondering about listing your skill levels on your resume? If the answer is "Yes," let's explore the discussions and FAQs below Should I use a visual chart to demonstrate my skills? Visual charts like bar graphs or pie charts can be an eye-catching way to showcase your skills. However, proceed with caution. Resumes should be clear and easy to read for both humans and Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). Here's what to consider: Simplicity is key: Complex charts with too many details might overwhelm recruiters. Opt for a clean and straightforward design. ATS compatibility: Ensure your chosen format is ATS-friendly. Some ATS might struggle to parse information within charts. Focus on impact: Charts should complement your skill descriptions, not replace them. Use bullet points with quantifiable achievements to truly demonstrate the impact of your skills. Should I use percentages when demonstrating my skills? Using percentages can be a powerful way to highlight skill levels, especially technical skills, but may not be as effective for soft skills. You can follow some tips: Base your percentages on experience: Quantify your skill level based on years of experience or the complexity of projects you've handled. For example, "80% proficient in Adobe Photoshop (used for 5+ years on professional design projects)." Be specific and honest: Avoid generic statements like "90% proficient in Excel". Specify your proficiency in specific functions or features. Consider alternatives: If percentages feel subjective, use strong action verbs and quantifiable results to showcase your expertise. How should I decide which skills to include on my resume? Prioritize the skills directly relevant to the job you're applying for. Here's how to make informed choices: Analyze the job description: Identify the key skills and qualifications they explicitly mention. Focus on a targeted skillset: Don't overwhelm your resume with a laundry list of generic skills. Highlight your strengths: While it's okay to include relevant skills you're developing, prioritize the skills you excel in. Can I include skills I'm currently learning? Absolutely! Demonstrating your eagerness to learn and upskill yourself is a positive attribute. You can refer to some tips to approach it: Be transparent: Indicate your skill level as "Learning" or "Beginner skills." Highlight your learning initiatives: If you're actively learning a new skill, mention relevant online courses, certifications you're pursuing, or personal projects where you're applying this skill. Focus on relevant skills: Only include skills that are demonstrably relevant to the job you're applying for. What if my skill levels don't match the job requirements exactly? Don't be discouraged! Below are some ways that you can transfer: Highlight transferable skills: Focus on transferable skills that demonstrate your adaptability and ability to learn quickly. Showcase your eagerness to learn: Emphasize your willingness to learn new skills and adapt to new challenges. Quantify your achievements: Demonstrate your accomplishments in a relevant area, even if the specific skill isn't a perfect match. This showcases your problem-solving abilities and potential to succeed in the role. Is there a preferred format for showcasing skill levels? There's no single "perfect" format. However, a common and effective approach includes: Skills Section: Create a dedicated "Skills" section within your resume. Categories or Bullet Points: Organize your skills by category (e.g., Technical Skills or Soft Skills) or list them in bullet points. Action verbs and proficiency levels: Use action verbs to describe your skills and consider including proficiency levels (Ex, Expert, Proficient, Intermediate). Remember, clarity and conciseness are key. Why does an ATS-friendly resume matter? Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) are software programs used by many companies to screen resumes electronically. An ATS-friendly resume increases your chances of getting noticed by a human recruiter. Here's why you must pay attention to ATS when listing skill levels on resume: Keywords: ATS systems scan for keywords mentioned in the job description. Arranging your skill levels and descriptions with relevant keywords optimizes your resume for these systems. Formatting: Maintain a clear and consistent format throughout your resume. Avoid fancy fonts or graphics that can confuse ATS software. Conclusion In conclusion, understanding and effectively presenting skill levels on your resume is a pivotal step in your job search journey. We’ve explored the significance of skill levels, the distinction between hard and soft skills, and the strategic listing of these skills to enhance your resume’s impact. Remember, honesty in your skill representation, alignment with job requirements, and a clear, organized format is key. Besides, Cake can help you navigate the professional world and attract job opportunities. Visit us to further your career prospects and unlock your full potential with career advice, tips, and tricks! Tired of sending resumes into the void? Our AI resume checker ensures your resume is optimized for both ATS systems and human reviewers. Optimize My Resume