WHAT IS A RESUME?
A resume is a small formal document wherein an individual lists down his/her qualifications and skills for a job. When you see a vacancy or approach someone to ask for a job, the first thing they ask is your Resume. Hence, your resume is the first impression your potential employer will have on you.
Now we all know Resume is very important. It determines if you have cleared the initial hurdle or not. So, since it is such a huge driving force, it should be made wisely and contain everything you want to convey, but in a single page, with maximum of 2 sides. If you want to learn the art of resume making, them you are at the right place. Read ahead to know more.
Free downloaded samples at the end!
RESUME vs CURRICULUM VITAE (CV)
CV is a detailed document wherein you list everything you have done in the past along with all your qualities and academic credentials. In your resume, you mention only the qualifications and skills for a specific job role. So, a CV is lengthier when compared to a Resume.
Employers usually ask for Resume because they do not have time, hence they need short and crisp information because it saves their time and efforts. To add on, it is more result oriented.
Everyone wants to make a perfect Resume. But there is no such thing as a “Perfect Resume”. Your resume should reflect who you are, and your personality. The appearance of your resume is as important as the words used in it. But if at all a perfect resume were to be defined, it would be – a concise document which reflects your personality and skills and possess all the items that are deemed important.
So, if you are applying for a creative role like Content designer, it would be great to show your creativity on the resume in terms of presentation while all the important items are included. If you are applying for a more formal job, a simple sober resume would do. So, your resume would depend upon your personality and job role being applied for.
Coming to the important items, one must know the employer does not really have the time to read everything on the resume. So below are the items you must include in your resume which catches the eyes of the employer.
As soon as someone looks at your resume, they should be willing to read it. Things to keep in mind to make your resume presentable are:
2. Name & Contact Information
Provide your contact details on the resume. If you do not, even if you are selected, how will the employer get back to you? So, the information you should provide includes:
3. Write a heading statement/Summary
When the employer is in a hurry, he will read your profile summary, and if its sounds good enough, your resume shall go ahead. So, it is very important to write a summary.
Your summary is basically answering the question, “Who are you and why have you applied for this job”. It should be a maximum of 3-4 lines and should answer this question.
4. Work Experience
This is one of the most dominant elements of your resume as it shows where have your worked in the past and what are the responsibilities that you have dealt with. Employers want to figure out if your past responsibilities have provided you enough experience to fulfil your future responsibilities. Your latest role should be mentioned first and so on. All of them should be a single line which consists of the most important things you want to highlight.
5. Language used
Language here refers to the grammar aspect. Your resume should sound polite, professional, and well worded. But yet in a language that is easy to understand. If you think you are not good at it, make a resume and get it reviewed.
6. Education details
Your education and marks played a very important role in the past. Lately, companies are slowing shifting to a much more holistic approach wherein emphasis is given to your skills and qualities. But a lot of companies still follow the traditional approach. So, mention your education details. The things to include are:
Example: Bachelors in Business Administration
(eg: Bachelor of Business Administratio
CHRIST (Deemed to be University), Bangalore
2017 – 2020)
7. Skills
Skills is one of the key elements to lay emphasis on. It details what you possess, and since you possess these skills, this job is total suitable for you. So, make sure you align your skills to the job role being applied for. Skills has 2 aspects:
When you know any of the technical skills, make a clear bifurcation and mention it on your resume. But keep in mind, do not make it too long. Mention the best ones (maybe top 5).
8. Certifications
If you have any certifications which would be valued in the job that you are seeking, do not forget to mention it. The certifications should be legitimate and actually value driven. Do not mention for the sake of it.
9. Others (try to be unique)
Try to make your resume unique and different. Different attracts the eye. Few items you can include if you have been:
Think and figure out what makes you unique which is why you should be chosen for the job and mention it.
10. Areas of interest and hobbies
Your interests tell a lot about you. Your interest also subtly speaks about your skills. So be honest and mention your popular interests in this segment. Volunteer work and social work is looked up to, especially abroad.
11. Achievements and Awards
Your achievements show that your efforts have reaped results. It portrays your skills and your personality traits. The higher are your achievements, the better your skills and qualities perceived to be.
The awards you have received can be a part of achievements or if there are multiple of them, you can make a different segment out of it. But keep it mind, do not flood your resume with achievements. Keep is relevant and praise worthy.
12. Cover Letter or Statement of Purpose
Always accompany your resume with a cover letter. In the cover letter is a one-page letter addressing your interviewer and answers the following questions:
A statement of purpose is given a lot of importance abroad. In India, not everyone writes an SOP, but it is better to write as it defines your purpose and a good SOP can do wonders. You will also be different if you do so, and different attracts the eye.
Inculcating the above elements in the resume makes the resume complete and it is everything the employers asks for. If your resume is as per the job role, you will get a call for the next round. All the best!
SAMPLE RESUME TEMPLATES
Below are few templates that we really like and which you can use it for making your resume.
Visit the websites for more options!
So you have prepared your resume now! But do you want to get it reviewed from an industry expert for just INR 150? Click here.