A
resume, sometimes also known as a Curriculum Vitae (CV), is a necessary formal document for job seek
ing process. A strong
resume can help grab the attention of employers and can be the key to land
ing an
interview. But "what is a
resume?" you might ask.
In this blog post, we'll share with you all-th
ing
resumes, from its def
inition and types to writ
ing tips and best practices for creat
ing a compell
ing one, whether you are a recent graduate or already an experienced professional, or even someone who wants to transition to a new career, this blog will provide you with the essential knowledge and
resume builder tools to create a standout
resume.Table of Contents
What Is a
Resume?
How to Choose the Best
Resume Format
11 Essential
Resume Section (+Examples)
Which
Resume Templates Should I Use?
5 Writ
ing Tips for a Conv
inc
ing
Resume
Example of a Good
Resume
KeyTakeaways
What Is a
Resume?The term
resume (or résumé) is a French-derive
word that means a summary, and that's essentially what a
resume is: a one-page document summariz
ing applicants' skills, work experience, educational background, and
information that are relevant to the job you're apply
ing for.
With that be
ing said, “what is the primary purpose of a
resume,” then, you might ask?
Straightforwardly, a
resume is often used to help you get a job, isn't it? True, but not really. While it won't guarantee employment, a well-crafted
resume can help you secure an
interview by showcas
ing your skills and qualifications. This one-page document is your opportunity to make a positive first impression, sell yourself, and conv
ince your potential employers that you're the most suitable candidate for the vacancy, and demonstrate what you can br
ing to the table. Although it's recommended to tailor your
resume to each job you apply for, some core elements should always be present.
Resume vs. CV: What Are the Ma
in Differences?
In some countries, the term "
resume" is often used
interchangeably with "curriculum vitae" (CV) despite their slight differences: while a
resume is a summary of your relevant skills and qualifications for a particular position, a CV is more about your course of life as it conta
ins a detailed academic record that
includes all of your professional experiences, certifications, publications, and achievement.A simpler curriculum vitae's def
inition is that CVs are commonly used by those pursu
ing fellowships, grants, postdoctoral positions, teach
ing or research positions at the post-secondary level, or
in high-level research positions
in the
industry. While graduate school applications may request a CV, they generally prefer a
resume that
includes details of research projects and publications.Suppose you plan to apply for both academic and private or public sector
industries; you'll need to create both documents. If you're unsure which document to submit for a job application, it's always best to ask for clarification.
How to Choose the Best
Resume Format
There are three ma
in resume formats—chronological, functional, and comb
ination
resume. Each
format serves different purposes based on work history and the job applied for. Let's break down the def
inition of each so that you can pick the most suitable
format that suits your needs best.
1. Reverse chronological
resume
Resume Format: Reverse Chronological
Resume Format
A chronological
resume, also known as a reverse chronological
resume,is a
resume format that lists your work experience from the latest to the oldest. By highlight
ing the most recent experience, employers can check if you've been work
ing
in the same
industry or a similar position so that they can save tra
ining effort after hire. The more relevant you are, the more competitive edge you ga
in.This
resume is most suitable for those who have been work
ing
in the same
industry or the same profession and have years of experience. Fresh grads who have several
internship experiences can also leverage this
resume format, as it's one of the most common
resume types.ProsRecruiters are often familiar with this
resume format.Recruiters can scan through the highlighted professional experience more easily.You can showcase your work experience and achievements
in the most logical way.ConsThe layout and
format are commonly used, which makes it hard to stand out, especially
in the creative
industry.There is not much emphasis on one’s relevant skills and capabilities.Job-chang
ing histories and employment gaps are accentuated.
2. Functional
resume
Resume Format: Functional
Resume Format
If you want to highlight your skills, then a functional
resume format is what you should consider.
Instead of focus
ing on the work experience, a functional
resume helps highlight your skills and how they'll benefit the job you're apply
ing for.Unlike the chronological
resume format, the functional one lists your skills as the ma
in section, with work and experience and other details follow
ing afterward. One tip for writ
ing an effective functional
resume is that the details of the skills mentioned should also be
included as sub-po
ints. If you're a job hopper or someone who's plann
ing to change careers, change
industry or has an employment gap that you prefer not to show the employer, a functional
resume will be the perfect choice for you.Pros
Highlight your skills effectively, giv
ing recruiters more
information on how you can benefit their companies.
Hide employment gaps.
De-emphasize the job hopp
ing scene, which can negatively impact recruiters' decisions.
Be flexible, as you can make more subtle changes.Cons
It might draw the employer’s attention to the covered-up work experience.
It cannot show career growth.
Recruiters might not be familiar with the
format.
3. Comb
ination
resume
Resume Format: Comb
ination
Resume FormatAs the name suggests, a comb
ination
resume is a
format that comb
ines elements of both chronological and functional
resumes,
includ
ing work experience and relevant skills. It is also commonly referred to as a hybrid
resume.This type of
resume format is very flexible as it allows you to adjust to the job vacancy's requirements. It doesn't matter if you have much or negligible work
ing experience; this hybrid
resume format can balance out the
information to present yourself better.ProsAllows you to utilize your
information to the needs of a position fully.Allows you to avoid
includ
ing employment gaps.Can impress employers with detailed qualifications and skills.ConsCareer growth is not shown at first sight.The design might be overcrowded if the layout is not well-crafted.Traditional employers might not accept it.
11 Essential
Resume Elements SectionsA
resume serves as your first impression to potential employers before any face-to-face
interaction, so understand
ing what to
include is crucial. Here are the key elements that should be on your
resume and how to write them:
Resume Header
Resume header is the top section that conta
ins your essential
information. Typically, it
includes your full name, phone number, professional email address. You can also consider add
ing your L
inked
In profile and other relevant professional social media handles. Hav
ing these details prom
inently displayed allows employers to contact you for further
information quickly or to schedule an
interview.Make sure that this
information is accurate and up-to-date, as it is the primary means employers will communicate with you.
💡 Pro tip:Professional headshots are optional and depend on
industry, job, and company requirements. So, make sure to check those details out before
includ
ing your headshot
in.
Resume SummaryA
resume summary or bio often follows a
resume header. While the header conta
ins your basic
information, the summary or bio section provides a brief overview of your professional background, fundamental skills, and career objectives (sometimes people like to opt out of the
resume summary but only keep the career objectives; aga
in, this is entirely up to you and your goals).This summary should be concise and tailored to the job you are apply
ing for, offer
ing a snapshot of what makes you a strong candidate.
💡 Pro tip:Avoid mak
ing vague statements; if you don't have anyth
ing significant to share about your career objectives, it's better not to mention them.
By plac
ing the summary below the header, you create a logical flow that quickly
informs employers about who you are and what you br
ing to the table. Here are some examples of good
resume summary paragraph:"Experienced IT professional with over 8 years of expertise
in systems adm
inistration, network management, and cybersecurity. Proficient
in manag
ing large-scale IT projects, optimiz
ing system performance, and implement
ing robust security protocols. Strong problem-solv
ing skills with a proven track record of enhanc
ing operational efficiency and ensur
ing data
integrity
in fast-paced environments."
"Creative market
ing specialist with 5 years of experience
in digital market
ing, content creation, and brand management. Skilled
in develop
ing and execut
ing market
ing campaigns that drive engagement and
increase sales. Proficient
in SEO, social media strategy, and data analytics. Adept at leverag
ing market trends to deliver compell
ing messages and grow brand presence.""Dedicated early childhood teacher with 6 years of experience nurtur
ing young m
inds
in preschool and k
indergarten sett
ings. Passionate about foster
ing a positive and
inclusive learn
ing environment that supports the developmental needs of each child. Skilled
in curriculum development, classroom management, and engag
ing parents
in the educational process. Committed to cultivat
ing curiosity and a love of learn
ing
in every student."Educational background
If you are a fresher,your educational background will be fundamental as it helps recruiters to have a general idea of who you are, based on your majors and GPA/grades.When list
ing education
in your
resume, make sure to
include the school name, the attendance year, degree, and GPA.
💡 Pro tip: Only
include your GPA if it is above 3 or 3.5.
Here are some examples of how you should
format the educational background section:EDUCATIONALBACKGROUND
Master of Science
in Computer Science
University of California, Berkeley, CA
Graduated: May 2016Bachelor of Science
in Information Technology
Stanford University, Stanford, CA
Graduated: May 2014
EDUCATIONALBACKGROUND
Bachelor of Bus
iness Adm
inistration
in Market
ing
New York University, New York, NY
Graduated: May 2019Associate Degree
in Communications
Community College of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA
Graduated: May 2017
EDUCATIONALBACKGROUND
Bachelor of Arts
in Early Childhood Education
University of Georgia, Athens, GA
Graduated: May 2024
Relevant Coursework:
Child Psychology and Development
Classroom Management StrategiesEarly Literacy
InstructionCurriculum Plann
ing and Assessment
Inclusive Education PracticesEducational Technology
in Early Childhood
Work Experience
The work
ing experience section is the ma
in part of your
resume (most of the time). When employers review the work
ing experience section, they typically focus on four ma
in th
ings: your previous job title, the company you worked for, your primary responsibilities and the duration of your employment. But extra
information about your achievement will ga
in you competitive edge.For
instance, if you assisted your previous employers
in acquir
ing 10,000 potential customers from their most recent conference, you may want to provide a brief overview of the event and outl
ine the actions you took to achieve this result.Here is an example of how you can
include work experience on your
resume:
WORK EXPERIENCE
Digital Market
ing Manager—XYZ Agency,New York, NY(September 2019 - Present)
Develop and execute digital market
ing strategies across multiple channels,
includ
ing social media, email, and PPC advertis
ing.
Analyze campaign performance metrics and leverage data
insights to optimize market
ing efforts and drive ROI.
Lead a team of market
ing professionals
in the creation of compell
ing content and engag
ing campaigns.
Collaborate with clients to understand their bus
iness objectives and tailor market
ing strategies to meet their needs.
Market
ing Coord
inator—ABC Company, Chicago, IL(June 2017 - August 2019)
Assisted
in the development and implementation of market
ing campaigns to
increase brand awareness and generate leads.
Managed company social media accounts to build brand loyalty and drive engagement.
Conducted market research and competitor analysis to identify trends and opportunities for growth.Coord
inated market
ing events and promotions,
includ
ing trade shows, conferences, and product launches.
📚 Further read
ing: Haven't gotten any work
ing experience yet? Learn How to
Include Projects
in Resumes (Samples, Tips, Templates)Skills
One th
ing you can do to make your
resume go from ord
inary to exceptional is to
include relevant skills. The selected skills need to be pert
inent to who you are and the jobs you're apply
ing for.The skills
included should categorize
into hard skills and soft skills.
Hard skills are technical knowledge that you can acquire through tra
ining and practice. These skills are often measurable; for example, proficiency
in specific software applications or programm
ing languages qualifies as hard skills.
Meanwhile, soft skills are personality traits that make you a good fit for the position. These traits are subjective and may be challeng
ing to quantify
in terms of proficiency. Examples of soft skills
include strong leadership, effective communication, and the ability to collaborate seamlessly with
in a team.
Certifications licenses
Certa
in professions, such asaccountant, teacher, and civil eng
ineer require official certifications or licenses. These credentials are not only regulatory requirements but also serve as powerful
indicators of your credibility and qualifications for roles with high-level education prerequisites.Here are examples of how to can
include certifications and licenses on your
resume:Certifications and LicensesCertified Public Accountant (CPA), State Board of Accountancy, California, 2019Chartered F
inancial Analyst (CFA), CFA
Institute, 2024
Certifications and LicensesEarly Childhood Education Credential, National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), 2022Teach
ing Certificate, California Department of Education, 2023
Certifications and LicensesProfessional Eng
ineer (PE) License, California State Board of Professional Eng
ineers, 2021LEED Accredited Professional (LEED AP), U.S. Green Build
ing Council, 2020
Language skills
Be
ing bil
ingual or multil
ingual is beneficial because employers want someone who can represent the company overseas or work with foreign partners and clients.
Includ
ing yourlanguage skillson your
resume can greatly enhance your appeal to employers.Don't forget to
include your proficiency level: native, bil
ingual proficiency, professional work
ing proficiency, or elementary level. Be sure to specify your proficiency level—whether native, bil
ingual proficiency, professional work
ing proficiency, or elementary level—provid
ing valuable
insight
into your language abilities. This demonstrates your capacity to navigate diverse l
inguistic and cultural landscapes, underscor
ing your read
iness for cross-border responsibilities.
Awards honors
Awards and honors from competitions can be an impressive addition to your
resume, especially if you’re a fresh graduate look
ing for a job. If you received any awards or honors for either outstand
ing academic or non-academic performance, mention them both.
Volunteer
Volunteer work shows your k
ind-hearted personality and how you apply certa
in skills to practice. You can list volunteer work experiences on your
resume and details of what you've done. Remember that the skills applied
in volunteer work should be related to the position you're apply
ing for.Here's how you can
include volunteer experience on your
resume:Animal Shelter Volunteer
Assisted with daily care tasks such as feed
ing, clean
ing, and exercis
ing animals.Provided support dur
ing adoption events,
interact
ing with potential adopters and facilitat
ing successful matches.Utilized strong communication skills to educate visitors about responsible pet ownership and shelter programs.
Relevant Skills Demonstrated:
Animal care and handl
ingCustomer serviceCommunication skillsTeamwork and collaboration
Publications
If you've written a thesis, contributed to a journal or research, or published books, articles, or news, you can provide
information about these publications on your
resume. This illustrates professional knowledge of a certa
in topic and can be part of your portfolio.
Projects
Includ
ing details of projects you've worked on on your
resume provides employers with valuable
insights
into your accomplishments and practical application of skills.This not only showcases your abilities but also offers employers a clearer understand
ing of your level of experience.For recent graduates or
individuals with limited work experience, elaborat
ing on projects can serve as a substitute for traditional work experience, demonstrat
ing your capability to undertake real-world tasks and contribute mean
ingfully to projects. By highlight
ing specific project contributions and outcomes, you effectively convey your potential and read
iness to excel
in a professional sett
ing.
Which
Resume Templates Should I Use?Created by CakeWhen apply
ing for a job, hav
ing a well-crafted
resume can help you stand out among other applicants. The layout and design of a
resume can make a significant difference
in how potential employers receive it. Therefore, it's crucial to choose a
resume template that is both visually appeal
ing and functional.Opt for a
resume template that:1) Clear and Easy-to-Read
Format:Utilizes clean and modern design elements to enhance readability.Consistent
formatt
ing and organization for a professional appearance.Adequate white space to avoid clutter and improve visual appeal.2) Sections for Key
Information:Education:
Includes details of academic qualifications, such as degrees, diplomas, and certifications.
Work Experience: Highlights professional background, with clear details of your job titles, company names, dates of employment, and key responsibilities.
Skills: Showcases relevant technical and soft skills essential for the targeted job role.
Accomplishments: Provides space to highlight notable achievements and contributions
in previous roles.3) Emphasis on Skills and Experience:
Prioritizes showcas
ing relevant skills and experiences tailored to the job requirements.
Utilizes action verbs and quantifiable achievements to demonstrate competency and effectiveness.
Highlights transferable skills and experiences applicable across various roles and
industries.4) Customizable and Versatile:
Allows for easy customization to tailor the
resume to specific job applications.Adaptable to showcase diverse skill sets and experiences for different career paths.Compatible with applicant track
ing systems (ATS) for seamless
resume submission and pars
ing.
Cake offers a diverse selection of 50+ free ATS-friendly
resume templates and snippets designed to meet your needs. With our
intuitive drag-and-drop editor, you can easily customize your
resume by rearrang
ing sections to your lik
ing. The best part? You can download your f
inalized
resume in PDF
format at no cost or share it onl
ine with ease. Ready to elevate your job application? Sign up for Cake today!5 Writ
ing Tips for a Good
Resume
Here are some tips that not only create an outstand
ing
resume but will also help you look good on a
resume:
1. Customize your
resume to match the job description
While your
resume is meant to showcase who you are as a potential employee, employers also have specific requirements they seek
in candidates. As such, it's crucial to tailor your
resume to
include relevant
information that aligns with the job description while exclud
ing those that don't.
2. Proofread aga
in and aga
in
Given the high number of
resumes that hir
ing managers receive, they can easily spot even the slightest error. Thus, to avoid such mistakes, always proofread your
resume before submitt
ing it.
3. Utilize action
words
Action
words are constructive
in showcas
ing what you have done
in previous jobs. Thus, utiliz
ing them when highlight
ing your skills and achievements is advisable as they can significantly impact how employers view and understand you.
4. Use relevant key
words
For big companies that receive thousands of
resumes,Applicant Track
ing Software (ATS) can help filter out applications by identify
ing key
words that match the job requirements. Therefore,
incorporat
ing relevant key
words is crucial. The best way to identify relevant key
words is by referr
ing to the job description for skill-related key
words and
incorporat
ing them accord
ingly.
5. Ma
inta
in a clean and well-organized
resume format
A well-organized
resume format can enhance readability and help hir
ing managers locate
information quickly. Here are some guidel
ines to follow:
Ma
inta
in 1-
inch marg
ins on all sides of the document.Use an appropriate font size (11pt or 12pt) and style.Group related
information under different sections for better view
ing.Use bullet po
ints to highlight key details. 📚 Further read
ing:10 Best
Resume Fonts for ATS-friendly
Resumes (Correct Font Size, Type, Style)
Resume Example
Now that you know what to
include
in a
resume, all about
resume templates and
format, it’s time for us to show you what a concise
resume should look like! Check this out:
Peter Simson
Developmental Editor
098-1234567 Taoyuan city
[email protected]
RESUME SUMMARY
A 3-year experience English lecturer at National Taiwan University(NTU). Seek
ing a career change to a developmental editor to extend my skills
into different fields. Plann
ing to jo
in the editor field and help authors ref
ine their works while learn
ing more different skills.
WORK EXPERIENCE
English Lecturer National Taipei University (NTU) 2016 - 2022
Taught university students English writ
ing classes.Judged and organized English writ
ing competitions.Counseled students who needed help.
Freelance Translator 2015 - 2020
Translated advertisements for multiple companies.Proofread translation works from other translators.Focused on English - Ch
inese translations.
EDUCATION
National Taiwan University (NTU)Foreign Languages and Applied L
inguistics2012 - 2015
GPA 3.9/4.0
SKILLS
Hard Skills:
Microsoft OfficeCommunication skillsTime management skillsOrganizational skillsAttention to detail
Soft Skills:
Problem-solv
ing skillsEmotional
intelligenceOpenness to feedbackPatienceEnthusiasm
Language Skills:
English: FluentCh
inese: NativeFrench:
IntermediateKey TakeawaysNow that you know the
resume def
inition, here are some key takeaways that you should keep
in m
ind: a
resume is a critical document that summarizes your education, work experience, skills, and achievements. It is an essential tool that helps you present yourself to potential employers and showcase your suitability for a specific job position. The
information presented
in your
resume should be tailored to the job description to demonstrate how you can add value to the organization.
Cake is a free onl
ine
resume builder that is useful for anyone look
ing to create an onl
ine presence, whether you’re a recent graduate, a freelancer, or an established professional look
ing to showcase your work. With the help of Cake’s rich library of
resume templates and onl
ine resources, craft
ing an outstand
ing, ATS-friendly
resume has never been easier. Follow
ing the tips and guidel
ines outl
ined
in this blog, you can create a compell
ing
resume highlight
ing your unique skills and experience,
increas
ing your chances of land
ing your dream job.Cake is a
resume builder that allows users to create professional onl
ine
resumes and portfolios, which can also serve as personal web pages. With its simple and
intuitive
interface, users can effortlessly build their professional onl
ine
resumes and portfolios and showcase their skills and accomplishments to potential recruiters and employers.
Create
Resume
--- Orig
inally written by Ryan Goh---