Write for Us
Resume
Cover letter
Thank you letter
Job search
Career
Resume & CV
Aug 25th 2025

Mastering Personal Details in a Resume: What to Include and Exclude

Personal details are arguably one of the most important elements in the resume. The basic information about you gives the recruiter a quick overview of you as a candidate and provides the essential contact details should the recruiter wants to invite you to further discuss your application. The necessary personal information to be put in a resume includes your name, job title, contact details and so on. It would help to create a dedicated personal information section in your resume at the very top of your resume so the recruiter can easily spot it. But what personal information should be on a resume? And, equally importantly what personal information should be put in your resume?In this article, we'll provide answers to those questions and walk you through on how to write the most informative personal info in a resume.Table of Contents:Should I Put Personal Details in a Resume/CV?What to Write in Personal Details in a ResumeWhat Not to Include in Personal Info in a ResumeHow to Format Personal Detail on a ResumePersonal Information in a Resume SamplesShould I Put Personal Details in a Resume/CV? The short answer is yes. Personal details are necessary in a resume or CV. Theyprovide the recruiter with essential information about you. Including your personal information in the resume/CV gives the recruiter an easy access to your contact details and makes their job easier. It shows that you are a thoughtful person and can think from their perspective.Another benefit of putting your personal details in the resume/CV is that it helps the hiring company to great a talent pool. With identifying information available on the resume, the recruiter can easily organize and maintain their qualified candidate database. This would in turn increases your chances to be considered for other opening at the company in the future.In short, having personal information in your resume makes the recruiter's job easier and highlights your professionalism and ability to think from others' perspectives. The real question you should be asking iswhat to include in personal information in a resume/CV. What to Write in Personal Details in a Resume Personal details that are suitable for a resume or CV can sometimes be hard to determine. On one hand, you want to include personal information in your resume that will help you stand out; on the other hand, sometimes too much detail can backfire.Your resume personal details must include the primary information about who you are. This part is crucial in your resume and plays a significant role in the job application process.Here we've provided lists of essentials and optional personal details for your resume/CV. 5 Essential Personal Details to be Included in a Resume:Full nameYour name is arguably the most important personal information to be included in the resume. This is how the recruiter identify you and know whose resume they are reviewing. Without the name in the personal information section, the recruiter wouldn't know who to contact even if the resume is perfect.Professional titleA professional job title on your resume indicates who you are at a professional level and how experienced you are. The recruiter can quickly decide if your experience matches the position with this personal detail on your resume.Email addressYour email address is the most crucial contact detail you will present in your resume. It is the most common contact method and the easiest way for your potential employer to reach you.Phone numberYou must include your phone number in your resume's personal information section as well. Sometimes employers prefer to make phone calls. Make sure you list your phone number in the personal info section in your resume.LocationWhether or not to put your address in the resume is open for debate but including your location is always a good idea. Include the city, the zip code and the country would suffice. These are the essential items you must include in personal details in a resume. They help the recruiter to identify you and provide them with means to contact you, which is the basic function of personal information in a resume/CV. Besides the essential resume personal information, there are also five optional personal details that you can include in a resume to make your resume a stronger one. 5 Optional Personal Details to be Included in a Resume:LinkedIn URLA LinkedIn profile in the personal information section in the resume can help elaborate your experience. It also shows that you're a professional and spends time developing your personal brand.Personal websiteSome people make a personal website to display their work achievements or portfolio. Including the link to your website or portfolio in your personal info section on the resume strengthens your application as they provide visual evidence of your achievements.Social mediaBy listing your social media accounts in your resume's personal details section, you showcase your personal traits, which is crucial for certain roles. Make sure the socials you put in the resume as part of personal information are semi-professional and don't hurt your professional image.Complete addressInclude your full address in the personal information section in your resume if it's specifically required. If not, you can decide whether you want put it there.Relevant personal infoRelevant personal information for the job you are applying for can be included in your resume's personal details section to tailor your resume for the role. Find out what is the core ability they are looking for and write it as part of your personal details, for instance, the language or certificate that is specifically required in the job posting. These optional details act in support of your personal introduction on the resume. Pick the ones that will help you highlight your skills and qualifications to your potential future employer. But do not overdo it and write irrelevant personal information in your resume. Make sure the items you pick speak to your advantage in your resume.What Not to Include in Personal Info on a Resume Personal information in a resume is important but you should be careful with it too. It's a common mistake to include personal details that would do your application a disservice. Learning what not to write in personal details is therefore of great importance. Do not forget that at the end of day, the resume is a professional document. You need to take that into consideration when you write personal information for your resume/CV.Below is a list of personal details that don't belong in your resume:Current salaryYour employer does not need this information. There will be time for this negotiation at your interview, and leaving this in your resume's personal details section may be seen as unprofessional and lower your chances of getting a satisfactory salary.National Insurance Number/Social Security NumberYou will need to supply your National Insurance Number or Social Security to your employer after you are hired. But putting this in your resume personal details can expose yourself to identity fraud. Never divulge your National Insurance Number or Social Security Number. This piece of information is usually needed after you're hired. However, note that some government jobs may insist on providing it for vetting purposes.Sexual orientationWhile workplace diversity is taken more seriously by many organizations, disclosing this particular information about yourself in the resume can result in hiring discrimination. You are also likely to come across unprofessional.Race/ethnicityLikewise, specifying your race or ethnicity may open yourself to discrimination.Marital status and dependencyThis is another piece of information that may also result in discrimination by your potential employer. Whether you are married and/or with children should not be a factor to your employment criteria.PhotographDo not give a prospective employer any excuse to disregard your skills and expertise just because of your appearance. Only provide a photo of yourself in the resume as part of personal info when it is specified in the job posting or when you are applying to companies in country it is customary to do so.Date of birthThe age of the applicant should not reflect on their professional skill. Some employers may be partial to older or younger applicants.NationalityThe job advertisement may specify that you must be living in a particular state for work purposes, or have a right to work in a specific country. Still, your nationality is in most cases irrelevant.GenderIn most countries, it is illegal for an employer to ask your gender, even if they may infer it by your name.ReligionYour religion or religious beliefs are not relevant to your employment and thus don't belong in the personal info part of your resume. There are laws in many countries that stipulate that an employer is not allowed to discriminate against individuals based on their beliefs and religion. You should avoid these 10 personal details when you write your resume; however, the job search culture is different in different countries. Make sure you do proper research and include the required and necessary personal details in the resume/CV when you are apply for roles in particular countries.Cultural differences in job hunting Job seekers should note that cultural differences also exist when it comes to resume writing and job hunting. For example, most countries in the EU require applicants to send their CVs using the Europass format. This generic formatting, however, requires you to include gender, nationality, and date of birth on your resume's personal information section. In Asian countries, photos are encouraged to be included in resume personal details. Personal information such as marital status, ethnicity, gender, and date of birth are more common but not a requirement in Europe and Asia. How to Format Personal Details on a ResumeTo make sure the recruiter sees your personal information in the resume, you have to format it properly. Depending on what you want to emphasize in the personal detail section on your resume, you might want to arrange each piece of personal information in different ways. For instance, an experienced front-end developer might want to highlight their professional title “Sr. Front-End Developer” by capitalizing the first letter of every word and putting the title next to their name. A fresher graphic designer writing their resume might, on the other hand, make space for the link to their portfolio in the personal detail section. To write your personal details in a resume format, you must know the key information about how to write it. However, to write personal information in a resume that catches the eye, you need to consider your strengths and carefully format your personal details. Below is a list of factors that you should take into consideration while putting personal information in your resume. 1. Name Of all the personal details for your resume, your name is the most important one. It’s the key identifying information. With an eye to the overall design of your resume, write your first name and surname in bold and large size the top of your resume.💡 Pro tip:It is not recommended to put "Resume", "CV", or "Curriculum Vitae" on the top of your personal details. When you place your name on the top of the CV, it becomes the focus. This will help catch the recruiter's attention. 2. Professional Title Your professional title should reflect these two different things: what you do and the level of experience you have in that role. 3. Phone Number The next important personal detail that belongs in your resume is your phone number. Make sure it is your personal mobile number that you can pick up anytime the recruiters call. If you are applying for jobs internationally, do not forget to include your country's dialing code and highlight that your number can be reached on Whatsapp, or include a Skype ID. 4. Email Address It is essential to include an email address in your personal details in your resume as it is the preferred mode of communication. Writing your email address as part of personal information for your resume sounds simply enough but there are some mistakes you should avoid: Don’t use your current work email address.Don’t use email addresses that look unprofessional.Ideally, a good personal email address is one made up of your full name or your first name and one letter of your last name. If both options are not available, you can add one or two numbers in your email address. 5. LinkedIn and social media accounts LinkedIn accounts are generally safe to include in the personal information section of your resume, but it is a good idea to log in and check the information is up to date and matching your resume. If there are significant differences, your potential employer may lose confidence in your trustworthiness. Social media accounts such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, and Pinterest, depending on the role you are applying for, can be included in the personal information section on your resume. For instance, if you are looking for a job as a social media marketer, they should be included to showcase your expertise.💡 Pro tip:Make sure you do not have a series of posts that give the wrong impression about your values and personality, if you've decided to include social media accounts in resume. Remember to include your account as a link – see the examples at the end of this article as reference. Personal details in resumes for freshersAs a fresher, you may have little work experience. The personal information section for your resume can include your personal website or portfolio so that you can showcase your skills and experience.Personal details in resumes for experienced job seekersFor experienced workers, personal information in a resume may differ slightly from that of a fresher. As the space for personal information in the resume is limited, you can only pick one or two most impressive aspects of your career to write in it. For instance, you can write the number of years of experience you have along with your professional title. Personal Information in a Resume Samples Writing a resume or CV might be slightly hard for fresh graduates. Even experienced people sometimes find it hard to adjust their resume to suit the recruiter's needs. It is only natural if you want to check out some personal details in resume samples. Having good personal information in resume examples will help you to write a better resume, so here are a few personal details examples for various positions, from personal details in resume for freshers to the most experienced job seekers.Graphic DesignerCreated via CakeResumeMarketingCreated via CakeResumeCEOCreated via CakeResumeVideo EditorCreated via CakeResumeGeneral ManagerCreated via CakeResumeSoftware EngineerCreated via CakeResumeAdministrative AssistantCreated via CakeResumeFashion DesignerCreated via CakeResume Your process of looking for a job starts with creating a resume, and personal information is at the top of it. See how important it is? These are the basic necessities you need to include in your personal information in a resume. Space on your resume is precious. Pen your very own personal details and impress the recruiters.Wondering if your resume is working against you? Our AI-powered tool identifies weak spots and shows you exactly how to fix them.Fix Now--- Originally written by Jonathan ---
Resume & CV
Aug 24th 2025

What to Write in an Email When Sending a Resume [+ Examples & Tips]

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---
Resume & CV
Jan 28th 2022

Best Freelance Resume: Examples & Templates

Created by CakeYou'll learn: Step 1: Pick the best layout for your freelance resume. Step 2: Adopt the right freelance resume format. Step 3: Start with personal details and contact information. Step 4: Create an intriguing freelance resume title. Step 5: Craft a freelance resume summary.Step 6: Include key skills relevant to the freelance job. Step 7: Highlight your best experience and accomplishments. Step 8: List educational background. Step 9: Add an extra section to highlight your qualifications. Step 10: Craft a convincing cover letter for the freelance job. Freelance resume sampleFreelancers are considered “contractors" as they take on contract work for companies and organizations instead of being employed as company staff. It’s common for them to work on multiple jobs or projects at one time, but some may be restricted to one certain project. The fields that hire the most freelancers may include computer IT, writing editing, translation, design, marketing, etc. As a freelancer, you get to be your own boss and set your own hours. No wonder the idea of becoming a freelancer is very appealing and makes this job type highly competitive in recent years. The key to landing your desired freelance job is to build a winning freelance resume that showcases your core competencies, experience, and skills.Step 1: Pick the best layout for your freelance resume.Regardless of what field of freelance work you're in, e.g. you're preparing a freelance photographer resume, a freelance translator resume, or a freelance video editor resume, the top priority is conciseness and readability. 5 standards you might consider to secure a great layout for your freelance resume:1. Resume length:Ideally, the resume for freelance work should be one page long, especially for fresh graduates and freelancers with below 10 years of experience. Note that if you’re required to submit a freelance CV, the length can range from 2 to 8 pages.🔎Read about the key differences between a CV and a resume to make sure you don't mix up these two terms.2. Letter font size:You may find it confusing to determine the best font for your freelance resume among a lot of options. Some of the best fonts for resumes recommended by resume experts and recruiters include Arial, Cambria, Calibri, Times New Roman, and Helvetica. It'd be fine to adopt any font or style that you think can make your freelance resume and your personality traits light up if you’re working in a creative field.Just keep in mind to use a professional and easy-to-read font with the standard size of 11-12pt, and use bold font styles to highlight section headings.3. Resume margin:Don't overlook this standard because setting the margins correctly can determine whether your freelance resume looks professional or not. Most employers prefer ½”–1″ margins, depending on the amount of information you include on your resume.4. Resume spacing:The proper spacing for a freelance resume is 1.0 or 1.15 between text and double lines after subheadings. Feel free to adjust this accordingly based on the white space of your resume as well as the freelance resume format and the letter size you adopt.5. Freelance resume format:Sending a resume as a Word file may have been the best practice of earlier years. However, with many advantages, PDF is being commonly opted for by both applicants and recruiters nowadays. We don't have to worry about formatting errors, optimization for ATS, or edit permission.🔎ATS (Applicant Tracking System) is a software application that provides recruiting and hiring tools for companies, such as collecting, screening, and filtering job applications. 👍Note: If you're seeking a creative freelancing career, exhibit your creativity and uniqueness in your freelance fashion designer resume or freelance musician resume to get you noticed by the reviewer.Step 2: Adopt the right freelance resume format.Here comes the next important and challenging step - opting for the right freelance resume format among 3 types of resume formats to best fit your professional level. Now you may find your own answer below.🏷️ Chronological resume formatFor this resume format, work experience is greatly emphasized and arranged chronologically, starting with the most recent job and then gradually dating back to the earliest one. Who should use this?-Professionals with considerable freelancing experience- Freelancers without career gaps Example:-02/2019 - Present: Freelance copywriter | NHA Books- 11/2010 - 10/2018: Freelance copywriter | Copify Blog 🏷️ Functional resume formatThe main focus is your skills and achievements rather than each work experience. Who should use this?-New grads (Entry-level freelance resume or freelance resume with no experience)- Freelancers with employment gaps or in the middle of a career transition 🏷️ Combinational resume formatWith this format, you can showcase both your skills and freelancing experience in reverse chronological order. Who should use this?-Career changers (from office staff toward a freelancer)- Professionals with some freelancing experience Example: Check out the freelance graphic designer resume in the last part of this article. No matter if you're a seasoned professional or a fresher, you can create a powerful freelanceresume using Cakeand get your dream job with ease!Try It Now Step 3: Start with personal details and contact information.Obviously, the personal information (or resume profile) section is your first opportunity to introduce yourself. Get it wrong at this early stage and you can miss the chance of getting an interview. So, what personal details should or should not be included in your freelance resume?✅ ShouldFull nameEmailPhone numberPersonal website (optional)LinkedIn (optional)❌ Shouldn'tDate of BirthIdentifying information (weight, height, gender, ID number)ReligionMarital status Further reading:10+ Personal Details in Resume SamplesStep 4: Create an intriguing freelance resume title.Labeling yourself with a well-branded title can mark you as a strong candidate. How? By stating your professional level and expertise in the field. This way, you are starting on the right foot and properly introducing yourself to the client/employer. Examples of resume titles/headlines for freelance jobs:Freelance marketing resume: Content Marketing Freelancer adept at strategic marketing planning and digital marketing on social mediaFreelance architect resume: Freelance Architect skilled in both residential and industrial constructionFreelance interpreter resume: Experienced Remote Spanish and French Interpreter Step 5: Craft a freelance resume summary.This part is well-worth your time and effort as the reader can find it more convincing to dive into your freelance resume after reading the summary statement.What to put in a professional freelance resume summary:The summary of freelancing experience you've obtainedOutstanding accomplishmentsFreelancing skillsRelevant certifications Examples of well-written resume summary for maintenance jobs:Freelance translator resume: Freelance Translator with a track record of success in translating documents and spoken words. Converses efficiently in Chinese, Korean, and English.Freelance video editor resume: Creative and detail-oriented Video Editor with 8 years of hands-on experience in editing videos for business and individual clients. Adept at pre- and post-production editing and visual effects application with excellent time management and writing skills.Freelance musician resume: Freelance Musician Composer with a strong love and working-knowledge of music and music theory. 10+ years of extensive experience in orchestra, band, and theater settings, as well as teaching all age groups and ability levels. 💡If you are writing a freelance resume with no experience and not sure what to write in the summary statement,this comprehensive resume summary guide will help you out!Step 6: Include key skills relevant to the freelance job.Your freelancing core skills are divided into three basic types:Hard skills are technical knowledge or training that can be taught and measured, such as how to use certain software or tool.Soft skills are personal traits that make you a good member and colleague in the workplace, such as behaviors, communication, leadership, etc.Others: They can be any linguistic ability, knowledge, and hobbies you have. Below are key skills to put in a freelance software developer resume:Hard skillsJavaScriptHTMLCSSAdobe InDesignAdobe PhotoshopSoft skillsAttention to detailActive listenerCommunicationResult-drivenCritical thinkingLanguagesEnglish (native)French (professional) 👍Reminder: Only list the skills that are beneficial for the freelance job you're targeting.Step 7: Highlight your best experience and accomplishments.When listing freelance work on a resume, note the following things:Provide an accurate but brief description of what projects you worked on (job title, client name, date of starting and ending, and job duties).Quantify the results that you've achieved in your last jobs.Mention and tailor relevant work experience to the specific job.Use action verbs and keywords from the job description.Include references or testimonials to gain trust from the clients/recruiters. Example of writing freelance work and accomplishments on freelance content creator resume:Produced 5 SEO-friendly articles on Ragic blog on a weekly basis, generating approximately 130 new readers per month.Managed the daily content creation on Ragic Instagram, gaining 3000 followers after 2 years. Step 8: List educational background.Does your freelance resume need an education section? Of course, it does! But don't panic if your educational background is irrelevant to the freelance job you're applying for. You can also add any relevant training and online courses.Your education section in a freelance resume should include:School/university nameDegree typeMajors minorsGraduation yearStep 9: Add an extra section to highlight your qualifications.Go the extra mile to make your freelance resume stand out from the competition by adding any of the extras: Linguistic abilitiesCertificationsHobbies and interestsVolunteer workAwardsSide projectsReferences 📝Reminder:Remember to only feature what is related to the job you're applying for.Step 10: Craft a convincing cover letter for the freelance job.At its most basic, the cover letter for freelance work is no different from a generic one.You will need to cover the following information in your freelance cover letter:Contact information: Full name, email, personal website (if any)Introduction: Who you are and what freelance job you're seekingMotivation: Why you intend to apply for this freelance workQualification: What skills and work experience you have that make you qualified for this jobClosing: Express an appreciation for the reader's time. Further reading:Dos Don’ts of Writing a Cover Letter Freelance resume sampleKaylie HanesFreelance Graphic Designer with Extensive Experience in Print Design, Multimedia, and Photography. [email protected](+890)-890-8900Upwork: Kaylie Hanes Professional Summary Highly creative and performance-driven Freelance Graphic Designer with 5+ years of work experience in a variety of industries, including education, fashion, cosmetics, tourism, and automobiles. Able to set up unique trends and visual strategies that revolutionize corporate branding. Committed to delivering the most satisfactory performance in deadline-driven and fast-paced environments. Work Experience Freelance Graphic Designer Photographer2/2015 - PresentClients: Fashion Nova, Merzy Beauty, Gopedia, Vinfast Group Created logo and business cardDesigned printed and non-printed materials for company eventsDeveloped websites on different CMS platformsCreated and increased social media channelsHandled product photography and edited 6000+ raw photographs and videos Key achievement: Rated 4.8/5* by clients on Upwork. Web Graphic DesignerUniversity of Maryland, Baltimore County09/2012 - 12/2014 Redesigned web design standards for 5 departments within the campus; achieving 87% overall satisfaction from students and ProfessorsAssisted with the modification of the UMBC logoDesigned web interface and printed materials for 20+ events such as Opening Convocation, TEDxUMBC, Summer Camp, etc Education BA in Graphic DesignUniversity of Maryland Baltimore CountyClass of 2010 Skill setPrint designBusiness cardCompany logoPoster flyerBrochuresMultimediaSocial media postVideo editingVideo photomontagesWebsite designPhotographyProduct photoshootBW photographyRetouchingPhotographic storytelling Certifications Graphic Design Certification by Cal Arts (Coursera), 2015 --- Originally written by May Luong ---
Resume & CV
Aug 25th 2025

How to Include Projects in Resumes (Samples, Tips, Templates)

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 ---
Portfolio
Apr 15th 2022

Personal Websites - A Guide With Examples

In this article, you will learn:Why You Need a Personal Website20 Best Personal Website ExamplesHow to Create a Personal WebsiteTips for Creating a Personal WebsiteHaving a personal site is a super interesting aspect when working in the communication, marketing, journalism, design, architecture, or similar sectors where visual works reign. These are environments in which it is necessary to be able to demonstrate the work carried out and a personal web page is a perfect channel for this. If you have been considering designing a website for a long time, you are in the right place. There are many websites for job searching such as LinkedIn and Glassdoor. Nonetheless, these have their limitations and your profile may not be adequate to display your skills. As useful as these tools are, it creates a one-size-fits-all presentation that you may need to post more content than usual to make it look good. This is where personal websites come to the rescue. Personal websites give you the edge and chances of impressing your potential employers in a unique way, making you stand out from the rest.Your personal website is your greatest ally when it comes to showcasing your uniqueness and character, as well as going into further detail about how you handled an assigned task. This is shown through your personal website design. Your personal website can characterize who you are. That being said, a personal web page will help you distinguish yourself from other individuals when building your personal brand. Why You Need a Personal WebsitePersonal websites provide many uses. They can be used as a portfolio, as a resume, as a blog, or for both job search and personal branding purposes. If your creativity is a major asset you can offer, show it off with an attractive personal website design that displays your visual prowess. Moreover, visuals such as photographs or graphics can aid in showing your results on projects you undertook in the past, making it easier for your audience to understand you by looking at your personal web page. You can attach multiple links all in one place on your personal homepage. This serves as a convenient way for employers to check any relevant social media accounts or other relevant work when browsing through your personal web page. Nowadays, making a personal website isn’t difficult as there are many tools and ways to develop one. Everyone can have their own personal website to build their personal brand and online presence, giving you a kickstart during job interviews. Let’s cover all the possible uses of a personal website to have a better idea of why creating a personal website will benefit you. 🖋 As a portfolio Personal portfolio websites showcase your talents, expertise, projects, and even your personality to potential clients and/or employers in an organized manner. Having a personal portfolio site boosts your credibility by allowing employers to see proof of what you say on your CV or during an interview. This type of personal web page can help clients or employers visualize what it might be like to work with you, which may be more exciting and compelling than just stating your qualifications on paper. 🖋 As an online resume Creating an interactive online resume is an easy approach to stand out from other candidates. There are several ways to demonstrate your knowledge with a resume online. Many examples of online resume websites contain the relevant elements a resume has (contact information, work section, skills, etc.) but with an interactive way of displaying this along with content such as images or videos. There are so many ways to make accessible customization for these websites that will prevail over a generic PDF resume file. 🖋 As a blog A personal blog website is a good way to show what you have to say out there. This type of personal site is ideal if you have something meaningful to say and you would like to express it to your audience. When combined with good SEO practices, a personal blog website can also become means of income. A lot of bloggers make profit off reviewing products on their blog sites. With a good online presence, a personal blog website can improve your personal branding as well. 🖋 For branding purposes A website aiming to deliver personal branding is necessary if you want your personal brand or service to thrive and be set apart from the rest of the competition. Remember that you are also your own brand. Thus, knowing how to present a personal website is important when it comes to promoting yourself and/or your service or product. 20 Best Personal Website ExamplesDo you want to build a personal website and need some design ideas? Well, you’ve come to the right place! Personal websites vary depending on your background and what you are showing or offering on your website. Here are several personal website examples for different purposes. Once you look at these, you’ll have the inspiration you need to make a personal website now! Student personal website examplesPersonal trainer websiteMarketing personal websiteSoftware engineer personal websiteWeb developer personal website examplesPersonal website examples using HTMLDoctor’s personal website examplesGraphic designer personal website examplesPersonal brand website examplesTeacher personal websiteSocial media influencer personal websitePersonal blog website examples Student personal website examples Kimberly HortonStudent personal website by Kimberly Horton Horton’s student personal website is pretty straightforward in showing who she is and what her passions are. Her minimalist personal website is easy-to-read and is not filled with several pages.2. Nikolos SirmpilatzePersonal web page by Nikolos Sirmpilatze Similar to Horton's site, this PhD student personal web page is simple in its presentation of the student and his interests. Sirmpilatze’s personal website is simple to navigate and does not have a lot of pages. You can either check the tabs or scroll down to know more about his academic background, competencies, and papers he published. Personal trainer website 3. Matt RobertsPersonal trainer website by Matt Roberts This personal trainer website is straightforward and the bulk of its content is on the main page, such as services and information about the staff. Alternatively, you can also use the 3 tabs on the right corner instead of scrolling down. Marketing personal website 4. Sean O’ConnorMarketing personal website by Sean O’Connor O’Connor only uses two contrasting colors and keeps his personal website as simple as possible. He is involved in marketing and the latest technological trends in the business world. He keeps his personal website with a handful of links and fewer gadgets and features for better simplicity. Software engineer personal website 5. Garry ShengSoftware engineer personal website by Gary Sheng Gary Sheng's one-page interactive personal website is flawless, showcasing the software engineer's work, ideas, and passion. The website's descriptions are casual, fresh, and welcoming, with a few personal anecdotes luring the reader in. Web developer personal website examples 6. FlamyWeb developer personal website by Flamy Fla.my is a personalized website created by two professionals who share a passion for web design and development. They do a solid job in showing top-notch animations and images that may vary from time to time. Their website displays what their intentions are: offering their services. You can scroll down or navigate through their tabs to see their past works, services, and contact information. 7. Iuri de PaulaFrontend developer personal website by Iuri de Paula Iuri de Paula is a front-end developer, designer and illustrator who has built one of the most cool personal websites out there. De Paula displays his selected works in his personal homepage in an interactive way whilst detailing his past experiences and accomplishments in his career. Personal website examples using HTML8.Nikoleta ŽiškováPersonal website example by Nikoleta Žišková Žišková is a content writer and editor has a simple personal website that is based on a slideshow presentation. It also works as an interactive resume. Creating a personal website can be a simple slideshow rather than trying to impress with extravagant animations and designs.9. Ana SantosUX consultant personal website by Ana Santos Santos is an UX consultant who offers coaching and workshops. Her personal website is a prime example that shows that you can't go wrong by including references on your personal website that speak about your professional competencies and highlight your skills once you've established a job history. Doctors personal website examples 10. Dickson General PracticeDoctor’s personal website by Dickson General PracticeThis doctor's personal website does an excellent job in its call to action and showing they care for the people, who are their clients. On its homepage, they display why you should seek their services, a good approach in separating themselves from other clinics. This personal website uses simple color combinations, such as white background and their pictures aren’t flashy or too colorful.11. Michael Chen, MDDoctor’s personal website by Michael Chen Michael Chen is a medical professional with vast experience in Neurology. His personal website has characteristics other doctors have in their pages, such as testimonials, doctor’s background, contact information, and types of treatment they offer. You can book an appointment right away under the “Conditions” tab. Graphic designer personal website examplesHere are two examples for a graphic designer's personal website. Both are straightforward and minimalistic, but amazingly interactive that both designers show their creativity to the max. The key distinction is Martin Pyšný’s homepage requires the viewer to click the left buttons to scroll down. On the other hand, Onimiya’s personal website can be scrolled down with ease.12. Ojieame OnimiyaGraphic designer personal website by Ojieame Onimiya13.Martin PyšnýGraphic designer personal website by Martin Pyšný Software developer personal website 14. Daniel SpatzekPersonal website by Daniel Spatzek Spatzek creates a dynamic four-direction navigation website by masterfully blending his two disciplines: Web development and design. Personal brand website examples For personal branding, here are two examples from entrepreneurs Mel Abraham and Marie Forleo. Both cater to their audience by inspiring them to live a better life. Both provide training services for clients. On one hand, Abraham’s personal website is more animation-driven and colorful, while Forleo follows a simple white background and keeping it simple with the color palette.15. Mel AbrahamPersonal brand website by Mel Abraham 16. Marie ForleoPersonal brand website by Marie Forleo Teacher personal website 17. Alex BurchmoreTeacher personal website by Alex Burchmore Burchmore is a social science professor who has a basic personal website containing all that a university educator has to show: publications, public appearances, research projects, and awards. His homepage is not full of extensive information, and it is up to the reader to go in deeper by clicking any of the sections displayed in Burchmore’s personal homepage. Social media influencer personal website18. Chloe PlumsteadInfluencer personal website by Chloe Plumstead Plumstead does an excellent job in blending image colors with her personal web page. She includes several built-in features in her website without making it messy or unorganized. To make things simple, this personal site has a few tabs in the corner, where you can contact her or see more blog entries. Personal blog website examplesEmma Gannon and Kisty Mea, who both are bloggers, show two things in common: Displaying what they love to do. Both Gannon and Mea use light colors and avoid using multiple colors, especially Mea, who follows a minimalist approach in her personal website.19. Emma GannonPersonal blog website by Emma Gannon20. Kisty MeaPersonal blog website by Kisty Mea How to Create a Personal WebsiteLet’s now take a closer look at some of the most popular website builders out there. Nowadays, there are plenty of tools and sites to develop personal websites. We'll go through the major advantages and disadvantages, thus helping you decide whether they are ideal platforms for making your personal web page. Cake Cake is a resume builder where you can also build a personal website. Here are its relevant features for making a personal site: User-friendly interface.Link your personal website to your digital resume.Create your user profile, where you can highlight different projects and highlights all in one place.Pros:Cake website builder is user-friendly and easy to use. There is no limit to the amount of media you can use, whether for a personal website or a portfolio. Moreover, it’s a free platform for creating a personal website. Cons:There’s a limited number of font types available for text tools, as also a limit for file uploads (5 MB). Also, it may not be fully customizable if you desire to add animations that require a blend of CSS and coding.Develop your online presence and personal branding by creating your personal website. Check out these creative online portfolio designs and portfolio examples, and create your very own online portfolio for free on Cake!Create Personal Site Wix Wix is a website building tool that has the following main features: No coding is required for making a personal website.Runs on independent servers, thus hosting is free.No need to install any external software. Pros:Wix provides hundreds of templates for personal websites. Their templates provide a smooth and high-quality presentation when implementing photos and videos to your personal website design. Moreover, you can search their image library, which has free images to use on your personal website. Cons:One disadvantage you need to know about Wix is that once you pick a template for your personal site, you cannot change this later. Regarding pricing, a simple personal website does not need premium features compared to complex sites. The problem with their pricing is how they have pricing levels for storage, requiring you to need to pay more for more storage. Other website builders don’t have storage restrictions like this. Squarespace Squarespace is a website builder that allows anyone to create their own website and showcase their work. Here are some of its key features: Custom color palletsHigh-quality images from UnsplashFlexible templates that can adapt on mobile devices.Pros:The Squarespace mobile app allows you to make changes to your website's pages, blog articles, and eCommerce features while on the road. Also, you can restore any posts or pages deleted within a month.Cons:Squarespace is not the fastest builder to develop a personal website mainly because it is not beginner-friendly. Another disadvantage is you are requested to save your work after each modification, but it doesn't save automatically. Tips for Creating a Personal Website💡 Include your contact information. Without this, visitors won’t be able to reach you. You can either have a “contact” tab at the top or have all contact information details at the end of your personal homepage. 💡 Include an “About me” page. Regardless of how amazing your personal website looks, employers will be interested to know you as an individual. 💡 Consider including your resume. You can attach a PDF file so recruiters can take a closer look. Alternatively, if you want to incorporate an online resume for your personal site, you can create an interactive display of your career as viewers are navigating your personal website (refer to the personal website examples in the previous section). 💡 Frequently update your website. The best personal websites are under constant check and undergo maintenance when necessary. Make sure your personal website is left out there with outdated content and information. 💡 Make your personal website user-friendly. Rapid navigation, fast loading time, concise content, and well-structured use of visuals are some characteristics high-quality personal websites have. Be sure your website is easy to use and is compatible with mobile devices. 🔑 Key Takeaways:To conclude all that you need to know about personal websites, here are the key takeaways:Personal websites are used for job searching, as well as personal branding. They can be a personal portfolio website, an online resume, a simple blog, or a website aimed to brand yourself.Personal websites can have many features and there are tons of ways to make it eye-catching and stand out from the rest, as shown with the examples provided for different fields.There are many online personal website builders out there and it is important to try and see which one is a good fit. Outweighing their pros and cons can help you decide which website builder suits you.Remember to make an “About Me” section, include your contact information, and try to make your personal website user-friendly to cast a good impression on viewers. --- Originally written by Jose J. Rosales---
Resume & CV
Jun 24th 2024

7 Steps to Create a Standout Personal Brand Statement in 2024 (+Examples)

Personal brands are like a quick introduction to your professional identity. It tells people what you're good at and what you're all about, kind of like a snapshot of your work self. In 2024, with lots of competition for jobs, having a clear and strong personal brand can really help you stand out. But do you know how to create powerful personal brand statements? These statements can be visible on your professional social media profiles and even on your resume. Let's learn how to create a good personal brand statement that is effective, attracts employers, and helps you expand your network. Here are the 7 full-proof steps to achieve it. Check it out!Table of Contents Reflect on Your Core Values and Strengths Analyze Your Professional Experiences Determine Your Career Goals and Aspirations Research Your Target Audience Draft Your Unique Value Proposition Refine and Perfect Your Statement Integrate Your Brand Statement into Your Resume and Online Profiles Reflect on Your Core Values and Strengths First, you need to recognize that creating an effective personal brand statement is about looking inward. It's about figuring out what you stand for and what you bring to the table. Think hard about what matters to you most and the strengths that have got you nods and high-fives at work. This isn't about the skills you can list off on a resume; it's the values and traits that make you, well, you. Ask yourself what gets you out of bed in the morning, what parts of your job you love, and when you've felt proudest. Jot these down. They're clues to your unique mix of talents. Chat with friends or colleagues about what they think sets you apart, or think back on compliments you’ve received. These conversations can shine a light on the cool stuff you might have overlooked. It’s like putting together pieces of a puzzle to reveal the big picture of who you are in the working world. To truly nail your personal branding statement, consider these probing questions: What work projects make you lose track of time?Recall a work crisis you handled well. What skills did you use?What do colleagues say is your superpower?When have you felt a strong sense of achievement at work?What are the values you would never compromise on? Here's a personal brands discovery worksheet for you to refer to: Category Details Examples My Core Values List the top five values that resonate with you deeply. Integrity, Creativity, Dependability, Innovation, Compassion My Strengths and Skills Write down five skills or strengths that define your professional approach. Problem-Solving, Team Leadership, Strategic Planning, Empathetic Communication, Technical Expertise My Passions Identify three aspects of your job that excite you the most. Building relationships, Creating innovative solutions, Mentoring others My Proudest Moments Reflect on three achievements that made you feel proud and explore why. Leading a successful project, Overcoming a significant challenge, Receiving positive feedback from clients Feedback Reflection Note down three positive pieces of feedback you've received and the skills or attributes they highlight. "You're a natural at public speaking," "Your designs always hit the mark," "Your strategic thinking saved the project" My Differentiators Think about what makes you different from your peers. Write down three differentiators. Your unique combination of tech skills and creativity, Your experience in a niche market, Your ability to connect with diverse teams Analyze Your Professional Experiences To shape your own personal brand, reflecting on your past roles, projects, and achievements is crucial. This step isn’t just about listing what you’ve done; it’s about understanding how these experiences contribute to who you are professionally. Start by mapping out your career journey, noting down significant roles, projects you’re proud of, and milestones you’ve achieved. For example, did you lead a project that displayed your knack for innovation, or did your strategic planning lead to a breakthrough? Aligning these insights with your ambitions is key. If leadership is your goal, spotlight those moments when you took the helm. This approach makes personal brands authentic and acts as a roadmap for your career path. Analyzing your journey helps underscore not just your achievements but the unique blend of skills and vision you bring to the table, making your personal brand resonate more powerfully. Some reflection questions to create your personal branding statement: Questions for Reflection Example Response What skills did I utilize or develop in each role/project? In my role as a project manager, I developed strong organizational and team coordination skills by leading a cross-functional team to meet tight deadlines. How did this experience align with my core values and strengths? Working on a sustainability project aligned with my core value of environmental responsibility, allowing me to leverage my strength in innovative problem-solving to reduce waste. What achievements am I most proud of, and why? I am particularly proud of spearheading a digital marketing campaign that increased our lead generation by 40%. This achievement stands out because it was a direct result of my creativity and data analysis skills, showcasing my ability to drive tangible business outcomes. How did each project or role allow me to showcase my unique skills (e.g., creativity, strategic planning)? As the lead designer for a new product launch, my creativity was front and center. I utilized user feedback and competitive analysis to create a design that stood out in the market, reflecting my strategic planning in understanding and targeting customer needs. In what ways have I demonstrated leadership or other qualities I want to be known for? I demonstrated leadership by mentoring junior team members, leading by example, and fostering a culture of continuous learning within my team. This not only helped in their professional growth but also established me as a supportive and effective leader. Here's a quick exercise to start building your personal brand: Create a Career Timeline: Draw a simple timeline of your career and Mark each significant role, project, and achievement along the timeline.Detail Each Experience: Next to each marker, write down the skills you used or developed and any milestones achieved.Assess Alignment with Values and Strengths: For each experience, note how it aligns with your identified core values and strengths.Highlight Key Impacts: Identify which experiences best showcase your desired personal brand qualities (e.g., creativity, leadership).Connect to Career Aspirations: Draw lines or make notes on how these experiences collectively steer you toward your career goals.Summarize Your Findings: Based on your timeline analysis, write a brief summary that encapsulates your professional essence, focusing on how your experiences demonstrate your unique strengths and align with your aspirations.Determine Your Career Goals and Aspirations It's crucial to outline clear, realistic goals that guide your professional aspirations. These objectives make personal branding tasks easier by providing direction and purpose, ensuring that your efforts align with your desired career path. Here are some personal branding questions and exercises to determine your career goals and aspirations: Question Example Exercise Where do I see myself in 5 years? Leading a marketing team at a tech company that values innovation and creativity. Write a detailed narrative of your ideal professional day five years from now, including the kind of projects you're managing, the team you're working with, and the impact you're making. What impact do I want to have in my industry or field? To be recognized as someone who brought digital accessibility to the forefront of web design. Create a vision board that represents the legacy you wish to leave in your field. Include quotes, images, and symbols that resonate with your desired impact. What skills or roles am I aiming to develop or take on? Mastering data analytics to drive strategic business decisions. List down skills you aim to develop and identify at least two online courses or resources that can help you acquire each skill. Set a timeline for completion. What professional values are most important to me in my career? Fostering a culture of continuous learning and innovation within my team. Reflect on moments when you felt most fulfilled at work. Identify the underlying values in these moments and how they can shape your future career path. How do I want to be perceived by colleagues and industry peers? As a collaborative leader who champions creative problem-solving. Write down three adjectives you would like others to use when describing you professionally. For each adjective, think of an action or behavior that exemplifies it and how you can incorporate that into your current role. Here are some personal branding statement examples"To complete a professional certification in project management within the next year to enhance my organizational and leadership skills." "To become the Chief Operating Officer of a sustainable energy company, driving impactful environmental changes through innovative business strategies.""To speak at an international conference about the intersection of technology and education, sharing my insights and promoting global learning initiatives." Research Your Target Audience Many people think that building a personal brand is solely for oneself, but in most cases, it serves a larger purpose, such as job-seeking or networking. To effectively build your personal brand, research your target audience by understanding what potential employers are looking for. Focus on their requirements, desired skills, and values. Align your personal brand with these elements by referring to job descriptions, company websites, and industry trends. This ensures your brand is tailored to industry standards and matches what employers seek, making you a more attractive candidate. Here are some exercises for you to do: Questions Examples Exercises Who is my target audience in the job market? Hiring managers in the tech industry looking for innovative problem-solvers. Research top tech companies, study their job postings, and make a list of the most sought-after skills and qualities. What are the key needs and expectations of my potential employers? Employers need strategic thinkers with a strong digital skillset. Analyze recent job descriptions in your field to pinpoint recurring requirements and preferences. How can my personal brand meet the industry standards? Aligning my brand with the latest digital marketing trends. Compare your current skill set with industry standards and identify any gaps or areas for improvement. What specific job descriptions resonate with my personal brand? Job roles that emphasize creativity, leadership, and tech-savviness. Collect a variety of job descriptions that align with your personal brand and identify common keywords and themes. How can I tailor my personal brand statement to appeal to my target audience? Crafting a statement that highlights my expertise in driving user engagement through innovative technology. Draft multiple versions of your personal brand statement, each tailored to a specific aspect of your target job market, and seek feedback from industry peers. After figuring out who your personal brand is for, let's take time to decide your personal brand focus and take some actions toward it. Here are some examples: Personal Brand Focus Example Action Innovative Problem-Solver Develop a portfolio that showcases successful projects where innovative solutions were crucial. Include testimonials that highlight your problem-solving skills. Share case studies on LinkedIn or your personal website that detail how you approached complex problems and implemented solutions. Strategic Thinker with Digital Skills Obtain certifications in digital tools and strategies relevant to your industry. Highlight these certifications in your resume and online profiles. Participate in webinars or online discussions that demonstrate your strategic thinking in a digital context. Alignment with Current Trends Regularly update your online profiles to reflect your knowledge and application of the latest trends in digital marketing or other relevant fields. Write blog posts or articles that discuss new industry trends and how you have applied them in your work. Creativity and Leadership Share stories of how you led a team to success by thinking outside the box or by inspiring creative solutions to problems. Host a workshop or a webinar that showcases your leadership in driving creative projects. Tech-Savvy Professional Create an online tutorial series that teaches others how to use the latest technology in your field, thus demonstrating your expertise and willingness to help others. Engage with tech communities online and contribute to open-source projects or tech forums. User Engagement Expert Illustrate your expertise in user engagement by sharing metrics from past campaigns or projects that show significant user growth or improved engagement. Develop and share an in-depth case study on a successful user engagement strategy you designed and executed. Draft Your Unique Value Proposition Drafting your unique value proposition (UVP) involves a clear personal brand statement describing your offer, how you solve your employer's needs, and what distinguishes you from the competition. Here’s a step-by-step guide to crafting your UVP:List What You Do Best: Write down your top skills or the things you're known for professionally. This could be anything from being great with numbers to being a whiz at coding.Know What Employers Need: Think about the problems or challenges companies in your industry are facing that you can solve.Spot What's Special About You: Consider what you offer that's hard to find elsewhere. Maybe you have a rare certification or you've won an award.Connect Your Skills to Their Needs: Make a simple sentence that shows how your special skill helps solve the employer's problem.Be Clear and Straightforward: Use simple language that anyone could understand. Avoid technical terms or buzzwords.Show Your Character: Add a personal touch that reflects who you are. Maybe you're always upbeat, or maybe you're known for being very organized.Make It Fit: Adjust your statement a little bit for different jobs, but keep the main message about your unique skills the same.Ask for Opinions: Show your UVP to friends or colleagues and see if they think it's clear and represents you well.Use It Everywhere: Put your UVP on your resume, your LinkedIn profile, and talk about it when you meet new professional contacts. Here are some good personal brand statement examples:Example of a personal brand statement for a sales executive"I excel at connecting with customers and understanding their needs, which allows me to not only meet but exceed sales targets consistently. With a knack for building lasting relationships and a deep knowledge of industry trends, I provide solutions that add real value to the customer and drive growth for the company. My hands-on experience with CRM tools and data analysis ensures I bring a strategic and results-oriented approach to sales, distinguishing me in the competitive marketplace." Why is it good? This UVP emphasizes the sales executive's strong customer relationship skills, successful sales track record, and strategic use of tools and data to drive sales and growth.Example of a personal brand statement for a teacher"I inspire young minds by making learning personalized and exciting. My strength lies in adapting to each student's learning style and integrating creative methods to make lessons memorable. With a commitment to educational excellence and a compassionate approach, I nurture a love of learning and critical thinking skills. By incorporating technology and collaborative projects, I prepare students to thrive in a connected world. My dedication goes beyond the curriculum, building a foundation for students to succeed in life." Why is it good? This UVP highlights the teacher's ability to tailor education to individual needs, foster engagement through creativity, and prepare students for future challenges through the use of technology and collaboration. It also emphasizes the teacher's role in promoting personal growth and lifelong learning.Example of a personal brand statement for a Marketing Specialist"I create marketing campaigns that resonate with audiences and drive brand loyalty. My expertise in digital analytics and content creation results in targeted strategies that increase engagement and conversion rates. With a keen eye for market trends and consumer behavior, I adapt quickly to the digital landscape, ensuring that marketing efforts are always ahead of the curve. My collaborative spirit and commitment to measurable results support a dynamic team environment and contribute to the company's bottom line." Why is it good? This UVP is effective because it conveys a clear, results-driven approach to marketing, showcasing the specialist's ability to not only understand and utilize digital tools but also to work as part of a team to achieve common goals. It demonstrates adaptability, a data-driven mindset, and a focus on achieving tangible outcomes.Example of a personal brand statement for a Project Manager:"I lead projects to success by blending a strategic vision with meticulous execution. My ability to navigate complex challenges and coordinate cross-functional teams turns potential chaos into structured progress. I am committed to delivering projects on time and within budget while maintaining high-quality standards. With strong communication and risk management skills, I ensure stakeholders are aligned and informed, fostering a collaborative environment that drives innovation and results." Why is it good? This UVP effectively showcases the project manager's core competencies: strategic planning, team coordination, and execution precision. It emphasizes their ability to manage complexity and communicate effectively, which are key in maintaining project alignment and success. Additionally, it highlights their focus on meeting deadlines, budget constraints, and quality requirements, which are critical benchmarks for project success. Refine and Perfect Your Statement Refining and perfecting your personal brand statement is crucial for making a lasting impression. Here's how to polish your statement for maximum clarity and impact, along with insights on the strategic use of language and tone. Prioritize Clarity:Your statement should be immediately understandable to anyone who reads it. Remove any jargon or complex language that might obscure your message. The goal is to communicate your value as straightforwardly as possible.Emphasize Your Unique Selling Points (USPs):Clearly highlight what sets you apart from others. This might be a unique combination of skills, experiences, or a particular approach you take in your work. Make sure these USPs are front and center.Use Active Voice:Active voice makes your statement more dynamic and engaging. For example, instead of saying, "Results were achieved," say, "I achieved results." This change gives your statement more energy and directness.Be Concise but Comprehensive:While brevity is key, ensure you include all critical aspects of your personal brand. Every word should serve a purpose, contributing to a fuller picture of who you are and what you offer.Incorporate Feedback:Show your draft to trusted colleagues or mentors and ask for their honest feedback. Sometimes, an external perspective can help you see aspects of your statement that could be improved.Refine for Audience:Consider the primary audience for your brand statement. The language and tone you use might vary slightly depending on whether you're addressing potential employers, clients, or a broader professional network.Iterate as Necessary:Don’t be afraid to revise your statement multiple times. With each iteration, you'll likely find new ways to sharpen and enhance your message.Be Mindful of Language Choices:The words you choose can significantly impact how your message is received. Opt for powerful, action-oriented verbs and clear, descriptive language that paints a vivid picture of your capabilities and achievements. Avoid overly technical terms that might not be universally understood.Tone Setting:The tone of your personal brand statement should reflect your professional personality and how you wish to be perceived. Depending on your target audience and personal style, it can range from authoritative and serious to more approachable and friendly. The right tone will make your statement not just heard but felt. Here are some personal branding statements refining examples:Before Refinement"I am a professional with extensive experience in digital marketing, specializing in developing strategies that enhance brand awareness and engagement. I leverage a variety of digital tools to monitor and analyze market trends."After Refinement"I boost brands' online presence and engage audiences with cutting-edge digital marketing strategies. Through insightful analysis and innovative tools, I transform market challenges into growth opportunities." Why is it better? This refined statement is clearer, more direct, and uses active language to convey a dynamic and impactful personal brand. It emphasizes unique skills (insightful analysis, innovative tool use) and outcomes (transforming challenges into opportunities), making it more compelling and memorable. Integrate Your Brand Statement into Your Resume and Online Profiles After finishing with your personal brand statement, it's time to put it in your resume and online profiles. You can put this statement in your resume headline, resume summary, or as your career objectives. Highlight your core strengths, skills, and values throughout your work experience descriptions. Update your LinkedIn profile and other professional networks with your personal brand statement, ensuring it aligns with your career goals and resonates with potential employers. This cohesive presentation of strong personal brand enhances your visibility and attractiveness in the job market. Here are some personal branding statement examples:Personal Branding Statement of an Entry-Level Software Developer "Passionate about creating intuitive web applications with a foundation in computer science and experience in JavaScript and Python." Shows eagerness and relevant technical skills. Personal Branding Statement of a Mid-Career Marketing Professional "Over 10 years crafting brand stories and driving engagement through digital marketing strategies and data analytics." Highlights experience and results-driven approach. Personal Branding Statement of a Senior Project Manager in Construction "Two decades leading construction projects, ensuring quality, time, and budget adherence with strong team coordination skills." Emphasizes vast experience and leadership capabilities. Personal Branding Statement of a Freelance Graphic Designer "Creative in translating messages into visual stories, specializing in brand identity and digital illustrations." Focuses on creativity and client collaboration. Personal Branding Statement of a Non-Profit Organization Leader "Driving social change through strategic leadership and a passion for social justice, aiming for community impact." Combines strategic leadership with passion for social causes. Personal Branding Statement of a Financial Analyst "Detail-oriented, uncovering insights for business strategy and profitability through financial modeling and analysis." Showcases analytical skills and strategic contribution. Conclusion Crafting a compelling personal brand statement involves identifying your unique strengths and skills, understanding your target audience's needs, distinguishing yourself from the competition, and articulating how you can solve specific problems or add value in a concise and impactful way. Taking the time to develop a statement that truly reflects your professional identity is crucial in today’s competitive job market. It's an investment in your future that can set you apart and communicate your worth effectively to potential employers or clients. You can start building your personal brand with tools like Caketo help you refine and promote your professional brand. Whether you're just starting out or looking to elevate your career, the right support can make all the difference in crafting a personal brand that resonates and achieves your career goals.With Cake, you can easily create a CV online, free download your CV in PDF formats, and utilize ATS-compliant templates to create a CV. Land your dream job, create your CV online (free download) with the best resume builder now!Create a Free Resume
Resume & CV
Nov 17th 2020

50+ Hobbies and Interests in Resume for Freshers [2023 Latest Update]

Created by CakeIncluding a hobbies and interests section on your resume is often discouraged by career coaches and experts. But did you know that if done correctly, this section can help you stand out from the crowd and land you an interview? This is especially true, especially for freshers who have little or no work experience. In this article, you will learn about how to craft a compelling hobbies and interests section for your resume as a fresher. We have also compiled a comprehensive list of 50+ examples for ten different professions for your reference. Eager to find out? Continue reading to know more!TABLE OF CONTENTS What's a Hobbies and Interests Section on a Resume? How to Properly List Hobbies and Interests on a Resume Tips to Turn Hobbies and Interests More Interesting for Freshers List of 50+ Hobbies and Interests for Different Professions Conclusion What's a Hobbies and Interests Section on a Resume Now before going to the details, let's first understand the definition of a hobbies and interests section on a resume. What are Interests?Interests are subjects that captivate you and pique your curiosity, leading you to learn more about them. They are usually centered around exploring ideas, concepts, and knowledge, such as history, animal behavior, or pop culture.What are Hobbies?Hobbies are activities done for enjoyment and relaxation rather than professionally or for monetary gain. They typically include collecting stamps, engaging in creative and artistic endeavors, playing sports, or exploring ideas and knowledge. If you notice the pattern, hobbies, and interests are often pursued outside of work and have nothing to do with your bottom line; hence, it's generally recommended not to place too much emphasis on them when presenting yourself professionally (recruiters are also advised not to pay too much attention to this section). However, things are changing now. Many companies now seek employees who fit in with their culture and values rather than just having relevant work experience. For example, Google looks for open and playful people, suggesting that including your hobbies and interests on your resume could enhance your chances of landing a job there. So, does that mean the hobbies and interests section is a must on a resume now? The answer to this question is a bit tricky. The answer is not a simple yes or no, but rather depends on your work experience, background, and the specific job you're applying for. Ultimately, the decision to include this section should be based on careful consideration of these factors. For example, if you're an experienced professional applying for a buttoned-up law firm, it may be best to skip this section as it is often deemed irrelevant and unprofessional. However, if you're a fresh graduate seeking jobs in the creative industry, it's advisable to add relevant hobbies and interests to make you stand out from the crowd. This is particularly true if your hobbies or interests are unique and can bring you a competitive advantage.What Are the Advantages of Adding Hobbies and Interests to Your Resume?Created by CakeThere are multiple good reasons why you should consider adding hobbies and interests on your resume, especially if you're a fresh grad, some of which are:Showcase Personality and Well-Roundedness:This section provides a glimpse into your personality and interests outside of work, allowing employers to see you as well-rounded. It can help you stand out and create a more memorable impression than a purely professional resume. For example, mentioning interests like volunteering, painting, or playing musical instruments can indicate qualities such as creativity, teamwork, or a commitment to giving back to the community.Conversation Starter:Your interests and hobbies can serve as excellent conversation starters during interviews. Employers often use this section to break the ice and engage in a more casual and personal discussion. Sharing common interests with the interviewer can establish a positive rapport and make the interview experience more enjoyable, potentially increasing your chances of being remembered and hired.Highlight Relevant Skills and Attributes:Some hobbies and interests can demonstrate valuable skills or qualities that are transferable to the workplace. For instance, participation in team sports may highlight your teamwork and leadership abilities, while a passion for blogging or photography can showcase your communication and creativity. The key is to tailor your hobbies and interests to align with the job you're applying for. It can help you emphasize skills and attributes relevant to the position, making you a more appealing candidate.Pro Tip 💡 If you're a freelancer working in the creative industry, it's highly recommended to add hobbies and interests to your resume and portfolio. Where Should the Hobbies and Interests Section Locate? The "Hobbies and Interests" section of your resume should be placed at the end. This is because the recruiter's primary interest lies in your work experience, skills, and educational background. Once they've assessed your qualifications, then they may want to learn more about your personal traits through this section. This will help them determine if your interests align with the position, and if your personality will be a good fit for the role. Pro Tip💡 If you've included the "References" or "Declaration" section in your resume, the "Hobbies and Interests" section should be put right before them. How to Properly List Hobbies and Interests on a Resume? Step 1 🖋️ Research the Company It's essential to consider the company you are applying to when selecting hobbies to put on your resume. Before deciding on what to list, research the company's style of employment, values, and candidate requirements. By doing so, you can determine whether your interests match with the company's values and present yourself in the best possible way.Additionally, if you know the name of the recruiter, take a look at their social media profiles, such as LinkedIn, to gain valuable insights into their preferences and interests. You might just pick up that golden nugget about their favorite sports team. Remember, the goal is to impress the employer with your personal interests, so choose wisely.Step 2 🖋️ Be Smart About Which Hobbies and Interests to ShowcaseThe primary criterion for selecting hobbies and interests for your resume is their relevance to the job you're applying for. Think about how your hobbies align with the skills and qualities required for the position. For example, if you're applying for a marketing role, mentioning your hobbies of photography and filming can be highly relevant. Remember to tailor your list of hobbies and interests for each job application. Emphasize the ones that align best with the specific job description and the company's culture. Pro Tip💡 Choose hobbies or interests that can demonstrate transferable skills can be highly beneficial, especially for fresh graduates. Step 3 🖋️ Properly Format the Hobbies and Interests Section There are different ways to present your personal interests in your resume, such as using bullet points, icons, or paragraphs. Each option has its advantages and disadvantages. Bullet points:Bullet points work well when you want to list your hobbies and interests with minimal or no description. While this is easy on eye, it might lack of information if you're good at writing.Icons:Icons are great for creating a visually appealing resume that showcases your creativity. However, you should consider the company culture before using icons as they may come across as informal or unprofessional in some industries, plus it's not ATS-friendly.Paragraphs:If you have a lot of blank space on your resume, you can use paragraphs to fill it up. However, keep in mind that this format may not be as attention-grabbing as bullet points or icons.Pro Tip 💡Ensure there are no spelling, grammar, or punctuation errors in your resume as it can negatively impact the recruiter's perception of your attention to detail. Tips to Turn Hobbies and Interests Section More Interesting for Freshers Created by CakeWriting resume is hard already, and now you have to tailor your hobbies and interests section to make it more compelling? Well here are some tips for freshers to turn the plain hobbies and interests section into something appealing and make the most out of it.1) Show Off Your Most Impressive Qualities.When writing a resume or CV, including hobbies and personal interests can be compared to putting together a sales pitch for yourself. The first step is to identify your strengths and talents, regardless of whether they are professional or not. Once you have a list, match them with the criteria listed in the job advertisement for your dream job. For instance, if you enjoy blogging, it shows that you have strong creative and communication skills – qualities that would benefit a journalism career. If you don't have any work experience, it's easy to become discouraged, but don't be. Recruiters don't only look for work experience; personal skills are equally essential. Therefore, including your hobbies and interests in your resume can be an excellent way to grab a recruiter's attention.Think of your resume as a sale pitch; every section on your resume should sell itself. Try to promote yourself by showcasing your hard-earned skills and team-oriented interests.Pro Tip💡 If your hobbies and interests involve continuous learning and personal development, it can be a positive signal to potential employers — your commitment to self-improvement and staying updated in your field. 2) Think of Extracurricular Activities as Hobbies or Interests If you don't have any work experience, don't worry! There's still a way to make your resume look professional. You can write about any role or activity you have participated in as a hobby, either at school or during your free time. For instance, you can mention any workshops you have attended, any voluntary work you have done for your local community, or any hobby clubs you have organized. Make sure you include details about how long it took you to learn the skills you have developed and how skilled you are now.Pro Tip💡 If your hobbies involve volunteering or community service, it showcases your social responsibility and commitment to giving back. This can be particularly attractive to employers who value corporate social responsibility. But remember to be selective when using extracurricular activities as hobbies or interests; not all activities are hobbies. You can create a whole section for this category on your resume.Further reading📚List of 50+ Best Extracurricular Activities for Resume (Guide Examples) 3)Elaborate on Your Personal Interests Including personal interests on your resume should not be limited to a simple bullet-point list. Instead, you can provide a detailed and comprehensive explanation of your favorite hobbies. For instance, if you enjoy theater, you can write about your participation in a drama, your role in the production, your sense of responsibility towards the cast, and your ability to contribute effectively to the play. Similarly, you can elaborate on your involvement in a specific project, such as organizing a monthly bake sale for a local non-profit organization, regularly hiking with a club, or starting a podcast. By highlighting these activities, you can showcase your strengths and positive qualities to potential employers, setting yourself apart from other candidates and gaining a competitive edge. As a result, you increase your chances of standing out among your peers and securing a job after graduation.Pro Tip💡 It's essential to exercise discretion when selecting hobbies. Avoid mentioning hobbies that could be controversial or unrelated to the job. For example, discussing politically sensitive topics or hobbies that may be considered risky or unsafe is generally not advisable. 4) Focus on Skills Obtained via These Hobbies and Interests In the competitive landscape of today's job market, the emphasis has shifted from mere job titles to the rich tapestry of skills you bring to the table. So, instead of just plainly listing out a bunch of hobbies and interests, focus on highlighting the skills you gained via these hobbies and interests. The practical competencies you've honed define your value to potential employers.Pro Tip💡 Mentioning hobbies that reflect an appreciation for different cultures, languages, or travel experiences can signal your openness and adaptability. In a globalized world, these qualities can be highly valuable. 5) Relevance is the key to success. As aforementioned, the key to success is relevancy when it comes to selecting hobbies and interests. Suppose you're aiming for a computer programming role; mentioning your interest in watching soap operas is irrelevant.With that being said, try avoid the vague. Instead you should embrace the specifics. It's important to go beyond surface-level mentions and delve deep into the specifics. You should reveal why these pursuits enrich your character and work in synergy with your professional aspirations. By doing this, you can illuminate how your passions, whether they're in art, sports, or other areas, can elevate your problem-solving skills, creativity, or ability to work in diverse teams. By illustrating these connections, you not only differentiate yourself but also demonstrate your potential as a valuable asset to prospective employers.Pro Tip💡 While you want to showcase relevant hobbies, be mindful of space on your resume. Your resume should remain concise and focused on your qualifications for the job. Select a few key hobbies that provide the most compelling evidence of your suitability for the role. 6)Embrace Honesty and Be Thoughtful When Listing Hobbies and Interests It's crucial to be honest and truthful in your narrative, but at the same time, it's equally important to be discreet while sharing personal details. For instance, while you love to party late at a local nightclub, it's wise to consider how such information reflects on your professional image. To create a well-rounded and thoughtful persona, balancing honesty and discretion while sharing personal hobbies and interests is essential.Pro Tip💡 Choose hobbies and interests that genuinely reflect your passion and interests. When you discuss them during an interview, your enthusiasm will come across as authentic, which can be appealing to employers. List of 50+ Hobbies and Interests for Different Professions Did you know that certain hobbies and interests can be seen as indicators of good character traits? In fact, including these interests on your resume can make a positive impression on recruiters. Here is a top 5 best hobbies and interests to include on your resume: Yoga If you are applying for a job in advertising, public relations, or any other industry with a fast-paced work environment, having yoga as a hobby can be a significant advantage. This is because individuals who regularly practice yoga are believed to possess excellent self-control and can better handle pressure while working. Painting If you have a passion for painting, don't hesitate to include it in the interest section of your resume. People who can paint usually have a good artistic and design sense, which is crucial for positions like designer or marketer. Videography Videography is not only a hobby but also a valuable skill that can improve your chances of getting hired by companies, particularly in the visual entertainment industry. It is widely recognized that videographers are highly sought after due to the surge of social media. Extreme Sports Do you have a passion for outdoor activities like mountain biking, skydiving, or bungee jumping? Including these interests in your resume could prove beneficial when applying for certain positions. For instance, it could help you stand out as a candidate for jobs that require physical strength, personal fitness trainers, or tourist guides. So, don't hesitate to showcase your hobbies in your resume, as it could earn you a stamp of approval from recruiters. Playing an Instrument If you're passionate about playing musical instruments, it can greatly benefit your job prospects as a music producer, recording engineer, music therapist, music critic, or even an instrument maker or repairer.Looking for more examples of hobbies and interests? Check out these 50 interesting options to add to your resume as a fresher! 1. Hobbies and interests in resume examples for Software Engineers:IllustratingHackathonsVideo gamesBoard gamesBuilding robots 2. Hobbies and interests in resume examples for Graphic Designers:MusicEditingDrawingTravelingPhotography3. Hobbies and interests in resume examples for Data Analysts:ReadingSharing ideasProgrammingStrategy gamesAnalyzing sport betting markets 4. Hobbies and interests for Teacher resume examples:WritingReadingMentoringPublic speakingLeading extra-curricular activities5. Resume hobbies and interests examples for Nurses:YogaReadingVolunteeringCommunity serviceLearning first aid knowledge6. Resume hobbies and interests examples for Customer Service:GardeningPublic servicePublic speakingMeeting new peopleCataloging collections of antiques7. Resume hobbies and interests examples for Marketing :WritingPhotographyVideo productionLearning languagesSocial media events8. Resume hobbies and interests examples for Sales :SocializingTeam sportsPlaying chessPublic speakingStrategic mind games9. Resume hobby and interest examples for Administrative Assistants :ReadingBloggingScrapbookingKeeping a diaryCollecting stamps10. Resume hobby and interest examples for Managers :YogaTravelingPuzzle gamesPublic speaking Strategic games ConclusionIn conclusion, including hobbies and interests in your resume serves as a valuable window into your character and personality. When utilized effectively, this section can leave a lasting positive impression on hiring managers and recruiters. It offers a unique opportunity to distinguish yourself from other candidates by showcasing your passions and the qualities they represent. Remember, the hobbies and interests you choose to share not only provide a glimpse into your life outside of work but also reflect the genuine, multifaceted person you are. So, don't hesitate to embrace this aspect of your resume, as it can be a powerful tool to convey the depth and authenticity of your character to prospective employers. We hope that this article has been helpful. Want to have more career advice? Make sure to follow our blog for insightful advice!Cake provides a free online resume builderthat allows you to create resumes and portfolios with ease. You can start building your resume from scratch or use ourATS resume templateto create the perfect resume for your job hunt! Take your career journey to new heights - create a resume online (free download) now!Create Resume
Resume & CV
Jan 13th 2021

Declaration in Resume|Formats, Examples, Writing Guide

Penning out a resume and CV is a big part of the process when you are looking for a job. Whether it is a resume or a CV, both are important as an introduction to the recruiter who will process the work application. It is, therefore, essential to write a resume and CV that will make your employer interested.Step one in job hunting is writing a compelling resume/CV. A compelling resume or CV is one that is tailor-made exclusively for you and the job you are aiming for. From your first name to the last word of your resume, everything should be well thought out.How are you going to end your resume?Definitely not by ending it with a smiley or leaving unnecessary personal info without a satisfactory conclusion just like that. You must upgrade the quality of your resume.So, what can you do? Have you heard of "declaration statement in resume"?If you have been looking for a good ending line to your resume, this resume declaration statement might be what you are looking for. The resume declaration line is used to prove that you are not a fraud.It is a self-declaration that stresses the legitimacy of your entire resume/CV.In this article, we are going to present and analyze in detail the CV and resume declaration. In this article, you'll learn:What is a declaration in resume?Is a declaration in resume necessary?What is the best declaration format for a resume?How to write a declaration in resumes?Step-by-step writing guideTop 5 writing tipsHow to write a resume declaration for freshers?How to write a resume declaration for the experienced?Resume declaration samples What is a declaration in resume? You might not have heard very much about the resume declaration. A declaration in resumes is a sentence or a paragraph in your resume that states your resume's truth and validity.It is especially useful if you have skills and experiences that are out of the ordinary, or when you don’t have any referees/former employers for endorsement. Are you a fresher (fresh graduate) that has a lot of skills to show off? Or Are you a no-name professional that's trying to enter a new industry? This declaratory statement is precisely what you need.💡 Tips: By including a declaration in your resume/CV, you tell the recruiters that what you have written is authentic. It will bring more credibility to your resume by your declaration that you are responsible for what you have stated in your resume. Do not worry if you have not heard of a resume declaration. Although having a declaration statement in your resume/CV might seem rare, some countries and organisations have a culture of including a self-declaration in resumes. A resume declaration is likely to be required in the following situations:Government JobsMany governments still follow processes and procedures written many years ago. Forms and procedures often require a high-level signoff, so regular updating does not occur as often as in the private sector. This is particularly common in ex-colonial states that have a reputation for "red tape". Large OrganizationsLarge organizations with clearly defined pay grades, and strict HR departments will often require an application form rather than personal resume. This allows all candidates and employees information to be captured in a comparable style. This form will often include a declaration or signoff at the bottom. It may also include additional terms relating to confidentiality. Formal Recruitment ProcessesSome types of job and organization have very specific and specialist recruitment processes. For example, police, army, fire department, astronauts, and medical staff all require specialist training. It is quite common for a declaration to be required confirming the required qualification or training has been completed. Many organizations will go a step further and require evidence of degree or training certificates. A declaration in the resume confirms that this information is true.🔍 Some businesses and organizations in certaincountries (i.e India) require a declaration in resume as normal practice. A Declaration in resume/CV is an option when you need to prove your credibility to the recruiters. Having a declaration statement in your resume will make you look more reliable in the eyes of recruiters. It is because a declaration statement is legally binding.💡 Tips:These days, in general, people will only use a declaration in a resume when it is mandatory since space in a resume is so limited already. Is a declaration in resume necessary? Making a self-declaration is necessary when you are giving a personal document for an official purpose. Therefore, is a resume declaration necessary?In this case, it depends on the recruiting companies. Most of the time, they do not demand this declaration. A declaration statement is normally optional unless the recruiters request it specifically. Must-know✨In some countries, such as India for example, including a declaration in resume is a very common practice, and should be done in almost all resumes. However, if you are applying for a job in other countries, it is best to remove the declaration statement before submission.The best guidance you can get is from your friendly recruiters. Ask them what the normal practice is and follow their advice. In the past, a self-declaration in a resume was very relevant to a resume. A resume declaration was used to guarantee the resume's validity, with the applicant's personal signature to complete it. Nowadays, however, it is no longer ideal as we send fewer resumes in hard copy. And with most of the resume verification companies, the declaration statement is not a necessity anymore. Even so, having a declaration in your resume/CV isn't a bad thing. It might even be a big plus for your circumstance. Here are the pros and cons of including a declaration in a resume.Pros Cons ofincluding a resume declaration statement:ProsClosing your resume with a declaration sentence will make your document look more formal. It is proper business etiquette to sign your documents and letters. You will come across as being serious about applying for the job.Your accomplishments will be more valid in the eyes of the recruiters. It is suitable for freshers and experienced alike.You will be more trustworthy and credible. A declaration is a promise that all the information written in your resume is valid and entirely correct. By declaring it, you will be responsible for the information that you wrote into the resume. ConsA resume is better when it is only a page or two. Adding a declaration in a resume will reduce the space available for you to present your qualifications.It might be a little redundant because a good resume should be truthful despite the declaration. As the declaration is not a vital part of a resume/CV, a lack of resume declaration is not a big deal in the most cases. You will find that most employers do not even ask for a self-declaration statement. But there are situations where resume declaration could also be a massive plus for you.Situations where resume declaration could be a big plus for you ...When you have your resume delivered through a third party by your referral or a job sourcing company. Your resume declaration line will be the affirmation that it is a genuine document of yours.When your employer is a government agency. As the government agency, they look kindly upon declaration statement due to its reliability.A resume declaration is a form of your responsibility for all the information you poured into your resume.It shows the potential employers your sincerity and gives more assurance to your employers. What is the best declaration format for a resume? A declaration should have the following 5 elements: NameSelf-declaration statementTimeLocationSignature Ideally, you write out a resume declaration in a sentence or two. This resume declaration should clearly express your complete honesty and responsibility for your words. There is no exact format for resume declaration in any way. The resume/CV declaration format is pretty flexible. You can remove one part of the format, and it would most likely still be good enough to be a resume declaration. This is okay if you do not have enough space on your resume.Where to put the declaration on your CV or resume?The declaration is typically located at the end of the resume. It is the closing sentence of your resume. By writing down a resume declaration, your resume's intent is strengthened, and your professionalism is emphasized.How to write a declaration in resumes? Step-by-step instructions on how to write a resume declaration statement: Give this section a title: "Declaration".Write the declaration statement.Under the self-declaration statement, put the current date and location on the left side of your resume declaration, and put your signature with your full name on the right side. Do not worry if you cannot quite imagine it yet. We have a few examples at the end of this article that should help inspire you. So, how do you write the best resume declaration for yourself?Top 5 tips for writing a professional declaration for resume:Write as much as you need. Do not use superfluous words. It is, after all, not personal information. Do not waste too much of the precious space of your resume in the resume declaration. Unless, of course, you have a lot of blank space that you cannot fill up at all.Do not scan your signature. If you send your resume over via fax or email, there is no need to scan your signature. If you cannot sign the resume personally with a pen, it is okay to skip signing. Just like drafting an email, writing down your name as the sign-off is sufficient.Do not decorate it. Keep your resume declaration section as formal as possible. This is to keep the serious intention of the self-declaration undoubted.Check for spelling mistakes. It is a common mistake that you must keep in mind all the time. Not only the resume declaration section, but check your whole resume too. Misspellings can be interpreted as lacking in sincerity when writing your resume.Check readability. Make the declaration in resume easy to read and understand. You do not need to go over-the-top in writing the declaration. State your self-declaration clearly. In general, the declaration statement can be made from a single sentence or a whole paragraph. It depends entirely on each person's preference and circumstance.How to write the best declaration in a resume for freshers? For freshers, the declaration in a resume should emphasize the declaration that everything you have written is true and that you are taking complete responsibility for your words. Being responsible for the information you have written in your resume is essential. The recruiter will see you as a promising candidate.How to write the best declaration in a resume for experienced job seekers? Aside from fresh graduates, experienced job seekers also need to be responsible for the information stated in the resume. As a job seeker who comes with great experiences in your field, you can emphasize the validity of your accomplishments. Write an assuring statement that everything you have written is true beyond any doubt. Thus, a declaration in a resume for experienced workers is also a way to show your resume's authenticity. If you are an experienced job seeker looking for a new opportunity, the declaration in resume will quash any doubt the recruiter may have and bring more credibility to your resume.Resume Declaration Samples A resume declaration is a way to demonstrate responsibility for what you have written in your resume. The resume's popular sample declaration format is a declaration, location, date, signature, and name. These five aspects of the declaration format for the resume should go with the self-declaration sentence. Below it should be the location and date on the resume's leftmost side and then the signature and name on the resume's rightmost side. These resume declaration samples will help inspire you to create your own declaration in resume and CV. Or you can customize your resume declaration sentence that is suitable for you.Here are some samples of resume declaration lines that you can choose from, and try to change into your own style:Short resume declaration samples:I hereby declare that the information written above is true.I hereby declare that all of the information written in this resume is accurate.I solemnly declare that all of the information given in this resume is free from error to the best of my knowledge.I declare that all information in this resume is free from any fabrication and can be accounted for.I sincerely proclaim that the information given above is true and free from mistake. Those are the short and concise declaration sentence examples suitable for most of the declaration in resume and CV. You can also write your declaration in a resume with these longer samples. These resume/CV declaration examples are similar in structure but a bit longer. It is to give more details in the credibility and the responsibility.Long resume declaration samples:I hereby declare that all information provided in this resume is true and correct. I also understand that any dishonesty may lead to the application being rejected.I declare that the above information is accurate. If I have made any false declaration, concealment, or untrue statement, I will take full responsibility for it.I sincerely proclaim that all of the information above is free from any untrue information. If I am proven to have provided dishonest statements or false information, I will take full responsibility.I hereby declare that everything written in this resume is accurate and verifiable. I will immediately inform you of any changes therein. If any of the information written above is found to be false, I am aware that I will be held fully responsible for it.I thus declare that the information in this resume/CV is the truth, and I will be held responsible if there is found to be any false information in this document. The majority of resume declarations have almost identical substance and similar structures. The self-declaration in your resume will show your sincerity and credibility as a candidate. The critical points of these resume declaration examples are to express your resume's genuineness and declaring your full responsibility for all the words in the resume. Whether it is 1 - 2 lines or a paragraph long, it all follows the same structure and should be written at the end of your resume. You can follow any of the resume/CV declaration samples above and customize it to your liking.
Resume & CV
Jan 5th 2022

What to Put on a Resume: A Guide in Building Your Best Resume (+ What to Avoid)

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 ---
Resume & CV
Aug 26th 2025

How to Write CV Personal Profile [+ Guide, Tips, Examples]

Created by CakeResumeIn this article, we'll cover:What Is a CV Personal Profile and When to Use It?How to Write a CV Personal Profile25 CV Personal Profile ExamplesWriting a CV Personal Profile – DOs DON’TsA personal profile on a CV is a brief statement that summarizes your key skills, professional experience, and accomplishments. Think about it as a self-description for your CV through which recruiters and potential employers can quickly get an idea about you. Some of you may confuse a CV personal profile with a profile summary and CV objectives. Essentially, a CV personal profile summarizes your expertise, skills and achievements instead of your goals and objectives. Read on to learn about the differences, what should be included in a professional personal summary for your CV, and how to craft a strong statement.What Is a CV Personal Profile and When to Use It?Depending on the context, a CV personal profile can go under various names such as: CV opening statementProfile summary for CVsCV intro/profileetc. Regardless of the name, these should be placed at the top of the document and in a separate section. The purpose is to briefly introduce you as a potential candidate, meaning that you have to highlight your expertise, outstanding skills, and achievements in the field. When well-written, it can pique the hiring manager’s interest right from the start. Keep in mind that a CV personal profile is different from a CV objective which mentions your motivation to apply for the vacancy opening and states your goals for professional development. If you’re writing a graduate CV profile or applying for entry-level jobs, consider combining both statements in your CV personal profile. This way, you can pitch yourself effectively without showing a lack of work experience. How to Write a CV Personal ProfileWhen writing a CV personal profile, you need to at least include the following 3 elements: Your best personal qualitiesHighlights of your skillsYour notable experiences✨ Your best personal qualities The personal profile on your CV is a section where recruiters can catch a glimpse of who you are as a person and as a potential employee. Hence, here is the perfect place to show off the qualities that make you unique.Here are some examples of how you can showcase your personality in your CV personal profile:“Able to meet deadlines while making sure all information collected is accurate.”“Capable of motivating team members to ensure the operational flow while maximizing the team’s working efficiency.”“In my previous role as a nurse, developed essential skills such as time management, attention to detail, and emergency handling.” ✨ Highlights of your skills Aside from your personality, the skills you possess also makes a great selling point when appealing to potential employers. Therefore, they should be mentioned in the CV personal profile which readers view first when reading a CV.Here are some examples: “Utilizing strong critical thinking skills to offer advice in structuring operation principles and manufacturing methodologies.”“A team leader who trained, led, and supervised 20+ in-house writers and freelancers.”“Leveraged strong research skills to employ technical advancements for better delivery of the network.” ✨ Notable experiences The best way to show credibility in the skills you possess is through proof of your past experiences. If the experience is relevant to the job you are applying for, it is highly recommended that you mention these notable experiences in the CV personal profile.Here’s how you want to mention your experiences:“Dynamic security supervisor with 10 years of experience in conducting security audits in high-pressure environments.”“Attentive resident assistant with a proven track record in developing students’ communities and providing guidance.”“IT Executive working on 12 social projects across the region of Southeast Asia.” 25 CV Personal Profile ExamplesCustomer Service CV Profile “Experienced Client Relations Manager who excels in building and maintaining relationships with clients and key personnel within customer companies. 3 years of experience in hiring, training, and supervising interns to juniors to secure high-standard telephone manners and customer satisfaction in general.” Student CV Profile Example “Goal-oriented graduate student majoring in Geological Science. Spent nearly 2 years of experience researching the volcanic activities Mt. Qixing and Dayoukeng. Eager to work at the National Institute of Geological Sciences to further leverage my research and analytical skills as well as in-depth knowledge in geology.” CV Profile Summary Examples for Freshers “Self-motivated Nursing Sophomore at St. John’s Medical College looking for a one-year internship. Passionate about taking care of people while being able to perform a variety of administrative tasks. Worked for the German Red Cross as a volunteer in 2019.” CV Profile Summary for Software Developer Fresher “PE Certified Software Developer with proficiency in Agile Development, Software Development Life Cycle, and Systems Process Improvement. Having 7 years of experience in programming and creating innovative solutions to distributed system issues. In the former position in NextTech, led a team of 5 developers to successfully build scalable features for client software using Scala and Kotlin.” CV Profile Summary for HR Fresher “MBA graduate seeking with a passion for working and interacting with people. A confident communicator who worked as an HR intern at Inteplast for 6 months. Currently seeking an entry-level HR position where I can apply my strong organizational skills and knowledge in HR practices.” Profile Summary for Electrical Engineer Fresher “Senior electrical engineer with 9 years of experience in electric motors manufacturing and a demonstrated history of Integrated Circuit design, workforce allocation, and electric layout optimization. Adept at using 3D, CAD modeling software, C++, and reverse engineering.” Profile Summary for Computer Science Fresher “Computer science graduate with solid data analysis and problem-solving skills. Possess 2-year experience as an intern at MaSaTech. Proficient in using SML/SQL, Ethernet, VPN, and PHP to design technical initiatives and automate business solutions.” Profile Summary for Fresher Accountant “Entry-level accountant working towards a CPA License. Worked as a part-time accounting clerk in Toma Corp. and accomplished the “2020’s Rising Star'' award. Looking to provide my accounting assistance to FPG Group.” Profile Summary for Fresher Teacher “Fresh graduate with an education major and exceptional communication skills. 3 years of after-school creativity class volunteer experience and being able to stimulate students’ curiosity. Looking to guide students on their early educational journey at Alta California Elementary School.” Java Developer Profile Summary Example “Professional Java developer well-educated about Java SE/EE and experienced in developing and delivering PC and mobile applications. Recognized for conducting relevant tests and evaluating the overall performance to make sure changes are aligned with client requirements.” CV Profile Summary Example For Fresher Engineer “Goal-driven computer science graduate with comprehensive knowledge in AI and machine learning. Gained experience in designing web pages as well as AI-related side projects. Looking to be a part of the Software Engineering team at Ragic so that I can utilize my existing skills in JavaScript, Django, and Python and learn more from senior developers.” Data Analyst CV Personal Profile Example “Goal-oriented data analyst with 6 years of experience in the Food Beverage industry. In-depth-expertise in R, SQL, Tableau, and C++. Achievements include boosting annual sales by 31% and designing a new database model to reduce service waiting time.” Sales CV Profile Example “Data-driven specialist working in B2B sales for 5 years and gained significant achievements. Highly recognized for increasing quarterly sales, building customer loyalty, and managing cold emailing campaigns. Ranked #3 in the sales competition held corporate-wide.” Social Media CV Profile Example “Dynamic social media marketer with 5 years of experience in creating engaging content on relevant platforms and managing business pages on Facebook. Key skills include researching the latest social media trends and maintaining content distribution. Completed 3 Social Media Marketing online courses on Hubspot.” Marketing CV Profile Example “Customer-oriented product marketing manager with a specialization in new skincare product development and launches. Recognized for an increase of 28% in annual sales by bringing a new moisturizer to the market. Able to speak English, French, and Spanish fluently in a business setting.” IT CV Profile Example “Seasoned professional with 10 years of experience as an IT support specialist. Skilled in the practices of technical personnel, training, and preparation of technical documentation. Looking to be part of PledgeCamp with a goal to effectively assist the hardware configuration and phone system support of the company.” Business Management Profile Example “Regional business manager with 8+ years of experience in developing business strategies for Zara Home in South East Asia. Effectively implemented new initiatives and campaigns which increased the sales revenue by 33% in less than 2 years. Superb negotiation and leadership skills.” Teaching CV Profile Example “Dedicated ESL teacher gaining plenty of experience in helping non-native speakers learn grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation of spoken and written English. Adept at motivating learners of all ages and levels to confidently communicate with others. Familiar with online teaching platforms and tools such as Microsoft Teams, Zoom, EdAp, and LearnCube.” Hospitality Profile Example “Freelance Tour Guide who led and navigated 15+ groups of hikers through the Angels Landing, and Bryce Canyon National Park. Certified Tour Director and Guide by ITMI in 2019. Proven experience in providing essential knowledge of specific areas and encouraging participants to overcome their obstacles.” Administrative Assistant Personal Profile Example “Top-rated administrative assistant with over 6 years of experience in a fast-paced office environment. Looking for a new position where I can utilize my skills and experience in scheduling, database management, and office management.” Healthcare Professional CV Profile Example “Devoted public health officer with 7 years of experience in educating the community on healthy living strategies and reducing the risk of illness, disease, and infection. In former roles, increased wellness survey grades by 23% and educated 350+ residents about healthy eating choices and other nutrition-related behavior.” Project Management CV Profile Example “Certified Associate in Project Management working in various industries for 10 years, including fashion, tourism, and creative arts. Awarded the Top Performer Recognition for 2 years in a row. Key skills include project scope administration, risk assessment, resource allocation, and budget control.” MBA CV Profile Example “Hard-working undergraduate student who has earned a bachelor's degree in Public Relations with a GPA of 3.9. Currently pursuing a master’s program in Communications and International Public Relations. Gained 2 years of experience as a freelance writer and a content contributor for various magazines.” Profile Summary for Graphic Designer “Freelance graphic designer with a strong passion about transforming clients’ brands into powerful materials. Specialties include digital and print advertisements, corporate identity, marketing materials, and social media graphics. Highly skilled at using Adobe Creative Suite and Illustrator to effectively deliver high-quality works.” Profile Summary for CEO “Strategic-driven CEO with 12 years of experience in 2 multinational companies. Significantly increased the client database by 250% in 2 years and developed strong relationships with over 20 tech unicorns in Asia. Core competencies include management leadership, business operations, and risk assessment.” Writing a CV Personal Profile – DOs DON’Ts✅ DO #1 - Be brief and to the point. Having a short CV intro allows valuable space for other key sections such as work experience, education, qualification and skills, etc. Besides, hiring managers prefer to see the key points about you rather than a detailed personal summary. ✅ DO #2 - Include active adjectives. You may notice that the personal profile CV examples listed above all start with a power adjective such as goal-driven, passionate, dynamic, detail-oriented, professional, etc. Using them properly can make your personal statement more impressive and partly show your personal trait. ✅ DO #3 - Add measurable accomplishments. Do you know that using measurements to highlight your achievements can make your claims more credible and convincing. Refer to these pieces of information if you don’t know how to add numbers to the CV opening statement: Years of work experienceQuantified achievements in previous jobs ✅ DO #4 - Use either first person or third person pronouns. It’s recommended that you use the first and third person pronouns when writing a personal profile. However, make sure to be consistent, meaning that you need to stick to one certain pronoun. ✅ DO #5 - Tailor to the specific position. Hiring managers may sort through hundreds of CVs for a single vacancy, meaning that they often scan to find the most relevant details only. The best way to quickly grab their intention is tailoring your CV personal profile to the job posting. ❌ DON’T #1 - Over-use buzzwords. Active adjectives and power verbs can become buzzwords if inserted improperly. To avoid this, make sure your claims are all facts, not an exaggeration. Also, using 1-2 buzzwords is enough. ❌ DON’T #2 - Forget important keywords from the job description. You will not want your CV to fail through the Applicant Tracking System as there are no keywords found. Hence, look for the right keywords in the following sections in the job description about: Job responsibilitiesJob requirementsSkills qualifications ❌ DON’T #3 - Write the same things from your cover letter. You may be asked to submit a cover letter along with your resume or CV. If so, keep in mind not to repeat what you’ve mentioned in the other sections. Avoid this to save your CV space and hiring manager’s time. ❌ DON’T #4 - Contain spelling or grammar errors. Don't let such minor errors on your CV cost you the job interview. Many recruiters and employers see this as a common problem among job applicants nowadays, so you should pay more attention and proofread your document before submitting it. ❌ DON’T #5 - Write too long. A CV personal profile shouldn’t be more than 70 words. The reason is that employers tend to quickly scan this section at first glance rather than extensively read it just to know. Save the space for other important information in your CV.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 ---

Resume Builder

Build your resume only in minutes!