5 Essentials Every Resume Must Include

5 Essentials Every Resume Must Include

Did you know that candidates with a two-page resume are 1.4 times more likely to be picked for entry-level positions? There are a lot of secrets when it comes to resumes. So how can you create a document that sets you apart and gets you a callback? 

Keep reading to learn what essential sections you need on your resume and why.  

1. Contact Information

You meet for an interview with your potential new employer, the meeting is excellent, and you leave a copy of your resume behind, but oh no! You forgot to add your contact information! When building a resume, adding your address (city, state, and zip), phone number, and email address should be one of the first things you do. 

Adding multiple methods of communication increases your chances of receiving a response and responding on time. Additionally, make sure the email address listed at the top of your resume is professional. A username like PartyHardy@email.com does not paint you in a very good light. 

2. A Summary 

These resume essentials aren’t for everyone, but if you feel it applies, you can add a short professional statement clarifying your objective and highlighting your experience. If you want help creating a resume, check the following link to find templates, guides, and more info.

3. Education

The “Education” section of a resume tends to be the section many job seekers overlook. However, you should put as much effort into the education section as the rest of the document. 

You will list the items in order of most to least recent. This may be where you obtained a college degree. Name the institution, years attended, degree type, distinctions or honors (cum laude), and your GPA. 

If you are currently in school, list the name of the institution you’re attending and the date you intend to graduate. You can also format the date as “2021-Present.” 

4. The Right Keywords

When submitting your resume online for job applications, there’s a good chance an actual person won’t even get the opportunity to look at your reason if you don’t have the right keywords in it. Read the job description and consider what application skills you have and what to put in your resumes. 

If the job description uses words like “customers service,” “programming,” “finance,” etc., modify your experience section to reflect those keywords. 

Resumes Simplified 

Resumes may seem like the most elusive part of the job application process, so hopefully, this guide demystifies the process for you. The first section you will want to list is your contact information, including a summary, followed by your education, then training. Lastly, make sure your resume contains the right keywords, so it gets seen by the hiring manager. 

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