Parts of A Resume


Contact Info:

Name, address, phone, email

Objective:

(Optional)
Usually only used when the career goal is very specific. Otherwise, it should be mentioned clearly in the cover letter to allow flexibility.

Summary/Highlights:

4-6 points to summarize key points about a person’s experience, skills and personal attributes (point form only) Focus on highlights related specifically to the job or related field applying for. Using an action word (verb) at the beginning of each point is an effective way to keep your reader interested.

Employment Experience:

Can be listed before or after the education section depending on the relevance to the job. List most recent job first, then go backwards as far as necessary to include relevant work experience. Each job should include Job Title, Company Name, Geographical Location, Dates of Employment, Job Duties.

Education (Training):

This section includes formal and in house education or training. List education in order of the most current first (include training in progress). Information should include Course Name/Certification, Training Institution/School, Geographical Location, Dates.

Volunteer Experience:

Shows initiative and community involvement. Should be included as it supports the development of further skills and experience.

Interests/Hobbies:

Shows interest outside of work related area and shows well balanced employee. Acts as an ‘icebreaker’ between the interviewer and the potential employee.

References:

You should have 3-4 references. List on a separate page to ensure confidentiality (do not distribute with the resume unless requested), say “References Available Upon Request” on resume. Always ask your references for permission to use their names, reconnect with references with every new job search.

Two Types:
Employment References: refers to people for whom you have worked (employers, supervisors, managers).

Character/Personal References: refers to people who know you well, and can comment about your character/personal qualities (ministers, coworkers, volunteer experience, family friends, former teachers, clients/customers). Avoid friends/family if possible.