Résumé
A résumé, sometimes spelled as “resume” without the accents, is a document that summarizes an individual’s educational background, work experience, skills, and other pertinent information. It is typically used in job applications as a means to present oneself effectively to potential employers.
Structure of a Résumé
Résumés can be structured in various formats depending on the individual’s preferences and career goals. The two most common formats are:
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Chronological Résumé: This type arranges work experience in reverse chronological order, starting with the most recent job and working backward. This is beneficial for individuals with consistent work history in one field.
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Functional Résumé: This type emphasizes skills and abilities over chronological work history. It is suitable for those changing careers, re-entering the workforce, or having gaps in employment.
Basic Components of a Résumé
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Contact Information: Includes name, address, phone number, and email address.
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Objective or Summary: A brief statement of career goals or a summary of qualifications tailored to the job being applied for.
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Education: Lists educational background, including degrees earned, institutions attended, and dates of attendance.
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Work Experience: Details previous employment, including job titles, company names, locations, dates of employment, and key responsibilities or achievements.
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Skills: Highlights pertinent skills such as languages spoken, technical proficiencies, or other competencies relevant to the job.
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Additional Sections: May include areas such as certifications, volunteer work, publications, honors, and awards.
Examples of Résumés
Chronological Résumé Example
John Doe
123 Main Street
City, State, ZIP
john.doe@example.com
(555) 555-5555
Objective: Aspiring project manager with demonstrated success in leading teams and managing complex projects, seeking a challenging role at a dynamic company.
Education:
- M.B.A., Business Administration, XYZ University, 2010-2012
- B.S., Computer Science, ABC College, 2006-2010
Work Experience:
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Senior Project Manager, Acme Corp, Anytown, USA (2015-Present):
- Oversee project lifecycle from initiation to closure on multiple concurrent projects.
- Lead a cross-functional team of 25 members, ensuring on-time and on-budget delivery.
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Project Coordinator, Widgets Inc, Othertown, USA (2012-2015):
- Coordinated with stakeholders to define project scopes and objectives.
- Managed schedules, resources, and budgets for a variety of projects.
Skills:
- Project Management
- Team Leadership
- Budgeting and Forecasting
- Agile and Scrum Methodologies
Functional Résumé Example
Jane Smith
456 Elm Street
City, State, ZIP
jane.smith@example.com
(555) 555-1234
Summary: Highly skilled graphic designer with over ten years of experience, specializing in digital media, branding, and creative development. Adept at leading creative projects and managing client relationships.
Skills:
- Graphic Design
- Digital Media
- Branding
- Creative Development
- Adobe Creative Suite
Work Experience:
Presented as projects or areas of expertise rather than specific job positions. For example:
- Graphic Design Expertise:
- Created visually appealing designs for clients across various industries.
- Developed brand identities and promotional materials, resulting in increased customer engagement.
Education:
- B.A., Graphic Design, Art School XYZ, 2005-2009
Certifications:
- Adobe Certified Expert
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the main purpose of a résumé? The primary purpose is to market oneself to potential employers to secure an interview.
2. How long should a résumé be? Ideally, one to two pages, depending on the amount of experience and qualifications.
3. Should résumés include references? Not necessarily. References can be provided upon request.
4. What is the difference between a résumé and a CV? A CV (Curriculum Vitae) is more detailed and often used for academic, medical, or research positions, whereas a résumé is concise and used for most other job applications.
Related Terms
- Cover Letter: A document sent alongside a résumé that provides additional details on one’s qualifications and interest in the job.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV): A more detailed version of a résumé, commonly used in academia.
- Job Application: The process by which individuals apply for positions of employment, often requiring submission of a résumé.
- Professional Profile: A brief, polished introduction that provides an overview of an individual’s professional background and skillset.
Online Resources
Suggested Books for Further Studies
- “What Color is Your Parachute?” by Richard N. Bolles: A practical manual for job-hunters and career-changers.
- “The Elements of Resume Style” by Scott Bennett: Essential rules and eye-opening advice for writing résumés and cover letters.
- “Knock ’em Dead Résumés” by Martin Yate: Over 100 sample résumés and step-by-step advice for writing a winning résumé.
Fundamentals of Résumés: Career Development Basics Quiz
Thank you for diving into the essentials of résumé writing and tackling our practice quiz questions. Best wishes on your career development journey!
