A
resume, sometimes also k
nown as a Curriculum Vitae (CV), is a necessary formal document for job seeking process. A strong
resume can help grab the attention of employers and can be the key to landing an interview. But "what is a
resume?" you might ask. In this blog post, we'll share
with you all-thing
resumes, from its definition and types to writing tips and best practices for creating a compelling 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 k
nowledge 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 Writing Tips for a Convincing
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 summarizing applicants' skills,
work experience, educational background, and information that are relevant to the job you're applying for.
With that being 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 showcasing your skills and qualifications. This one-page document is your opportunity to make a positive first impression, sell yourself, and convince your potential employers that you're the most suitable candidate for the vacancy, and demonstrate what you can bring 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 Main 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 contains a detailed academic record that includes all of your professional
experiences, certifications, publications, and achievement.A simpler curriculum vitae's definition is that CVs are commonly used by those pursuing fellowships, grants, postdoctoral positions, teaching 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 main
resume formats—chro
nological, functional, and combination
resume. Each format serves different purposes based on
work history and the job applied for. Let's break down the definition of each so that you can pick the most suitable format that suits your needs best.
1. Reverse chro
nological
resume
Resume Format: Reverse Chro
nological
Resume Format
A chro
nological
resume, also k
nown as a reverse chro
nological
resume,is a
resume format that lists your
work experience from the latest to the oldest. By highlighting the most recent
experience, employers can check if you've been
working in the same industry or a similar position so that they can save training effort after hire. The more relevant you are, the more competitive edge you gain.This
resume is most suitable for those who have been
working 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-changing 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 focusing on the
work experience, a functional
resume helps highlight your skills and how they'll benefit the job you're applying for.Unlike the chro
nological
resume format, the functional one lists your skills as the main section,
with work and
experience and other details following afterward. One tip for writing an effective functional
resume is that the details of the skills mentioned should also be included as sub-points. If you're a job hopper or someone who's planning to change careers, changeindustry 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, giving recruiters more information on how you can benefit their companies.
Hide employment gaps.
De-emphasize the job hopping 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 can
not show career growth.
Recruiters might
not be familiar
with the format.
3. Combination
resume
Resume Format: Combination
Resume FormatAs the name suggests, a combination
resume is a format that combines elements of both chro
nological and functional
resumes, including
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
working
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 including 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 understanding 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 contains your essential information. Typically, it includes your full name, phone number, professional email address. You can also consider adding your LinkedIn profile and other relevant professional social media handles. Having these details prominently 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 including your headshot in.
Resume SummaryA
resume summary or bio often follows a
resume header. While the header contains 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; again, this is entirely up to you and your goals).This summary should be concise and tailored to the job you are applying for, offering a snapshot of what makes you a strong candidate.
💡 Pro tip:Avoid making vague statements; if you don't have anything significant to share about your career objectives, it's better
not to mention them.
By placing the summary below the header, you create a logical flow that quickly informs employers about who you are and what you bring to the table. Here are some examples of good
resume summary paragraph:"
Experienced IT professional
with over 8 years of expertise in systems administration, net
work management, and cybersecurity. Proficient in managing large-scale IT projects, optimizing system performance, and implementing robust security protocols. Strong problem-solving skills
with a proven track record of enhancing operational efficiency and ensuring data integrity in fast-paced environments."
"Creative marketing specialist
with 5 years of
experience in digital marketing, content creation, and brand management. Skilled in developing and executing marketing campaigns that drive engagement and increase sales. Proficient in SEO, social media strategy, and data analytics. Adept at leveraging market trends to deliver compelling messages and grow brand presence.""Dedicated early childhood teacher
with 6 years of
experience nurturing young minds in preschool and kindergarten settings. Passionate about fostering a positive and inclusive learning environment that supports the developmental needs of each child. Skilled in curriculum development, classroom management, and engaging parents in the educational process. Committed to cultivating curiosity and a love of learning 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 listing 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 Tech
nology
Stanford University, Stanford, CA
Graduated: May 2014
EDUCATIONALBACKGROUND
Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing
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 Course
work:
Child Psychology and Development
Classroom Management StrategiesEarly Literacy InstructionCurriculum Planning and AssessmentInclusive Education PracticesEducational Tech
nology in Early Childhood
Work Experience
The
working
experience section is the main part of your
resume (most of the time). When employers review the
working
experience section, they typically focus on four main things: 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 gain you competitive edge.For instance, if you assisted your previous employers in acquiring 10,000 potential customers from their most recent conference, you may want to provide a brief overview of the event and outline 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 Marketing Manager—XYZ Agency,New York, NY(September 2019 - Present)
Develop and execute digital marketing strategies across multiple channels, including social media, email, and PPC advertising.
Analyze campaign performance metrics and leverage data insights to optimize marketing efforts and drive ROI.
Lead a team of marketing professionals in the creation of compelling content and engaging campaigns.
Collaborate
with clients to understand their business objectives and tailor marketing strategies to meet their needs.
Marketing Coordinator—ABC Company, Chicago, IL(June 2017 - August 2019)
Assisted in the development and implementation of marketing 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.Coordinated marketing events and promotions, including trade shows, conferences, and product launches.
📚 Further reading: Haven't gotten any
working
experience yet? Learn How to Include Projects in
Resumes (Samples, Tips, Templates)Skills
One thing you can do to make your
resume go from ordinary to exceptional is to include relevant skills. The selected skills need to be pertinent to who you are and the jobs you're applying for.The skills included should categorize into hard skills and soft skills.
Hard skills are technical k
nowledge that you can acquire through training and practice. These skills are often measurable; for example, proficiency in specific software applications or programming 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 challenging to quantify in terms of proficiency. Examples of soft skills include strong leadership, effective communication, and the ability to collaborate seamlessly
within a team.
Certifications licenses
Certain professions, such asaccountant, teacher, and civil engineer 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 Financial Analyst (CFA), CFA Institute, 2024
Certifications and LicensesEarly Childhood Education Credential, National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), 2022Teaching Certificate, California Department of Education, 2023
Certifications and LicensesProfessional Engineer (PE) License, California State Board of Professional Engineers, 2021LEED Accredited Professional (LEED AP), U.S. Green Building Council, 2020
Language skills
Being bilingual or multilingual is beneficial because employers want someone who can represent the company overseas or
work with foreign partners and clients. Including yourlanguage skillson your
resume can greatly enhance your appeal to employers.Don't forget to include your proficiency level: native, bilingual proficiency, professional
working proficiency, or elementary level. Be sure to specify your proficiency level—whether native, bilingual proficiency, professional
working proficiency, or elementary level—providing valuable insight into your language abilities. This demonstrates your capacity to navigate diverse linguistic and cultural landscapes, underscoring your readiness for cross-border responsibilities.
Awards ho
nors
Awards and ho
nors from competitions can be an impressive addition to your
resume, especially if you’re a fresh graduate looking for a job. If you received any awards or ho
nors for either outstanding academic or
non-academic performance, mention them both.
Volunteer
Volunteer
work shows your kind-hearted personality and how you apply certain 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 applying for.Here's how you can include volunteer
experience on your
resume:Animal Shelter Volunteer
Assisted
with daily care tasks such as feeding, cleaning, and exercising animals.Provided support during adoption events, interacting
with potential adopters and facilitating successful matches.Utilized strong communication skills to educate visitors about responsible pet ownership and shelter programs.
Relevant Skills Demonstrated:
Animal care and handlingCustomer serviceCommunication skillsTeam
work 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 k
nowledge of a certain topic and can be part of your portfolio.
Projects
Including 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 understanding of your level of
experience.For recent graduates or individuals
with limited
work experience, elaborating on projects can serve as a substitute for traditional
work experience, demonstrating your capability to undertake real-world tasks and contribute meaningfully to projects. By highlighting specific project contributions and outcomes, you effectively convey your potential and readiness to excel in a professional setting.
Which
Resume Templates Should I Use?Created by CakeWhen applying for a job, having 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 appealing 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 formatting 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 showcasing 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 tracking systems (ATS) for seamless
resume submission and parsing.
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 rearranging sections to your liking. The best part? You can download your finalized
resume in PDF format at
no cost or share it online
with ease. Ready to elevate your job application? Sign up for Cake today!5 Writing Tips for a Good
Resume
Here are some tips that
not only create an outstanding
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 excluding those that don't.
2. Proofread again and again
Given the high number of
resumes that hiring managers receive, they can easily spot even the slightest error. Thus, to avoid such mistakes, always proofread your
resume before submitting it.
3. Utilize action words
Action words are constructive in showcasing what you have done in previous jobs. Thus, utilizing them when highlighting your skills and achievements is advisable as they can significantly impact how employers view and understand you.
4. Use relevant keywords
For big companies that receive thousands of
resumes,Applicant Tracking Software (ATS) can help filter out applications by identifying keywords that match the job requirements. Therefore, incorporating relevant keywords is crucial. The best way to identify relevant keywords is by referring to the job description for skill-related keywords and incorporating them accordingly.
5. Maintain a clean and well-organized
resume format
A well-organized
resume format can enhance readability and help hiring managers locate information quickly. Here are some guidelines to follow:
Maintain 1-inch margins on all sides of the document.Use an appropriate font size (11pt or 12pt) and style.Group related information under different sections for better viewing.Use bullet points to highlight key details. 📚 Further reading:10 Best
Resume Fonts for ATS-friendly
Resumes (Correct Font Size, Type, Style)
Resume Example
Now that you k
now 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). Seeking a career change to a developmental editor to extend my skills into different fields. Planning to join the editor field and help authors refine their
works while learning more different skills.
WORK EXPERIENCE
English Lecturer National Taipei University (NTU) 2016 - 2022
Taught university students English writing classes.Judged and organized English writing competitions.Counseled students who needed help.
Freelance Translator 2015 - 2020
Translated advertisements for multiple companies.Proofread translation
works from other translators.Focused on English - Chinese translations.
EDUCATION
National Taiwan University (NTU)Foreign Languages and Applied Linguistics2012 - 2015
GPA 3.9/4.0
SKILLS
Hard Skills:
Microsoft OfficeCommunication skillsTime management skillsOrganizational skillsAttention to detail
Soft Skills:
Problem-solving skillsEmotional intelligenceOpenness to feedbackPatienceEnthusiasm
Language Skills:
English: FluentChinese: NativeFrench: IntermediateKey Takeaways
Now that you k
now the
resume definition, here are some key takeaways that you should keep in mind: 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 online
resume builder that is useful for anyone looking to create an online presence, whether you’re a recent graduate, a freelancer, or an established professional looking to showcase your
work.
With the help of Cake’s rich library of
resume templates and online resources, crafting an outstanding, ATS-friendly
resume has never been easier. Following the tips and guidelines outlined in this blog, you can create a compelling
resume highlighting your unique skills and
experience, increasing your chances of landing your dream job.Cake is a
resume builder that allows users to create professional online
resumes and portfolios, which can also serve as personal web pages.
With its simple and intuitive interface, users can effortlessly build their professional online
resumes and portfolios and showcase their skills and accomplishments to potential recruiters and employers.
Create
Resume
--- Originally written by Ryan Goh---