Learn How To Write the Seven Parts of a Perfect Resume

Key Parts Of A Resume To Remember In Your Job Search

A professional resume is made up of specific sections that recruiters will look for in order to determine who is the best candidate for a job. Knowing what these sections are and what order they should go in is the key to putting yourself ahead of the competition for your dream career. This guide will show you the parts of a resume you need to include as well as how to construct each resume section to a professional standard.

The Seven Parts of A Resume To Remember

A standard resume has seven parts. These sections are generally organized from most important to least important, although the exact order will vary depending on the resume format you choose.

1. Contact Information

   Your contact information should be placed at the top of your resume in the header. Contact information should include:

   • Your full name
   • Phone number
   • Email address
   • Physical address (city and state of residence)
   • Professional portfolio link (optional)

2. Resume summary or objective

   The resume summary or objective is an introduction to your resume. Some job seekers overlook this section, but it can be a great way to get the attention of your potential employer. A summary features your top skills and past work accomplishments. An objective will focus on your key skills as well as your goals for the job if you get hired. Even an entry-level job applicant can write a great resume objective without having work experience.

3. Work Experience

   Work experience or work history should include:

   • The name of your employer
   • Location
   • Dates employed
   • Bullet-point descriptions of your tasks and achievements

   You can use bullet points to describe two or three of your most important tasks and achievements for each position. If you do not have an extensive work history, then you can use internships, volunteer work, or even academic projects to fill in this section. Refer to the job description you are applying for to get inspiration and keywords to use in this section.

4. Skills

   Your skills section should always include both hard skills (technical knowledge and abilities) and soft skills (important personal traits such as attention to detail), no matter your job title. The ratio of technical skills to interpersonal skills may vary depending on what industry you are in. Include 8 to 12 skills in this section using bullet points. Always include your most relevant skills in the job description.

5. Education

   Your education section should include:

   • Highest level of education or training
   • School name and location
   • Honors received

   You do not need to include your GPA in your education section. You can also include relevant coursework or memberships to academic clubs if it suits the job to which you are applying.

6. Achievements and awards

   Achievements and awards can include:

   • Employee of the month/year
   • Publications you have been featured in or contributed to
   • Events you have hosted
   • Conferences you have spoken at
   • Professional, academic, or community awards
   • Significant projects or cases you have contributed to

   Achievements and awards are not necessary but can help to enhance your resume and make you a more appealing candidate.

7. Certifications

   Certifications are a great way to build up your resume if you are lacking in work experience. Many useful certifications can be obtained online in a short amount of time. A certification gives the hiring manager confirmation of your skills and shows that you are proactive in your career. Certifications can be industry-specific or used across a broad range of jobs, such as CPR or Microsoft Excel.