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The Independent Voice of Southern Methodist University Since 1915

The Daily Campus

The Independent Voice of Southern Methodist University Since 1915

The Daily Campus

The Texas Theater opened to the public in 1932.
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Wondering What To Include In A Resume? Check Out This Quick Guide!

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A resume provides an employer with a detailed summary of a job candidate’s skills. 75% of resumes get rejected before it can reach the hiring manager. A well-written resume can be the key to getting your dream job.

Are you writing a resume for the first time? In this article, we show you what to include in a resume. Read on to learn how to write a resume.

Choose the Right Format

Resumes go through an ATS, or an applicant tracking system before it reaches the hiring manager. The ATS collects, sorts, and ranks resumes depending on format and content. When writing a resume, be sure to choose the right format.

Reverse Chronological

Reverse chronological is the most traditional format for writing resumes. Applicants may use this format regardless of their level of experience. A reverse chronological format contains the following:

  • Contact information outlined near the top of your resume
  • Resume objective tailored to an employer
  • Consistent work experience history
  • Skills or personal attributes you feel proud of
  • Educational information, like degrees and certifications if applicable
  • Notable awards and honors

Use this format if you want to share a vertical career progression. Avoid this format if you change jobs often. If this format does not apply to you, try using the functional format.

Functional

Use a functional format if you want to create a skills-based resume. It emphasizes an applicants qualifications. Take note of these key differences:

  • Contact information outlined near the top of your resume
  • Resume introduction highlighting your strongest points
  • Work experience may be a small section, highlighting other parts of your resume
  • A list of your relevant skills
  • Highest educational degree and certification, if any
  • Add work-related rewards if any

This format is ideal for applicants who want to highlight specific skills. You may use this format if you plan on changing your career.

What to Include in a Resume

Your contact information stays at the top of the resume, regardless of your chosen format. In this header, you may add information to help your employer get in touch. This section includes your:

  • Full name
  • Contact number, and
  • Personal email address

If relevant to the job description, you may also include links to your social media profiles. You may add your LinkedIn profile or your website address.

To make sure you get it done right, you might want to find some of the top executive resume writers available. They’ll help you fill up your resume as accurately and as neatly as possible.

Add Work Experience

Wondering what to include in a resume? Consider breaking down your work experience into two categories. Split your experience into the most relevant and include additional work experience.

In this section, including you:

  • Official job title
  • Company
  • Duration of your time there
  • Bullet points explaining your job or tasks

Place your most recent work experience at the top of this section. Start your bullet points with a strong action verb. After writing your resume, review, and edit accordingly.

Build the Perfect Resume Today!

Now you know what to include in a resume. Don’t hesitate to revisit this guide as you fill in and design your resume.

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