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What To Include on a Resume: Key Elements, Tips, and Examples

 

A modern digital illustration of a professional resume layout displayed on a clipboard, surrounded by office essentials like a laptop, coffee cup, pen, and glasses. The resume features bold headings such as "Key Elements," "Tips," and "Examples." The background includes a clean, minimalistic workspace with soft lighting to create a professional and inviting atmosphere. The color scheme consists of shades of blue, white, and gray to convey a sense of professionalism and clarity. Created using: clean vector art style, minimalistic design, flat shading, sharp details, high-definition quality, engaging composition, and modern typography.
A modern digital illustration of a professional resume layout displayed on a clipboard, surrounded by office essentials like a laptop, coffee cup, pen, and glasses. The resume features bold headings such as "Key Elements," "Tips," and "Examples." The background includes a clean, minimalistic workspace with soft lighting to create a professional and inviting atmosphere. The color scheme consists of shades of blue, white, and gray to convey a sense of professionalism and clarity. Created using: clean vector art style, minimalistic design, flat shading, sharp details, high-definition quality, engaging composition, and modern typography.


Crafting a compelling resume is one of the most important steps in your job search. A well-structured resume not only highlights your qualifications but also grabs the attention of hiring managers. To help you create a resume that stands out, here’s a breakdown of what to include on a resume, along with tips and examples for each section.

1. Professional Header

Your resume should start with a clear and professional header. This section includes your name, phone number, email address, and LinkedIn profile or portfolio link (if applicable). Make sure your contact information is up-to-date and professional.

Example:
John Doe
(123) 456-7890 | johndoe@email.com | linkedin.com/in/johndoe

Tip: Avoid using unprofessional email addresses. Create a simple email like firstname.lastname@email.com.


2. Professional Summary

A professional summary is a brief statement (2–3 sentences) that highlights your key qualifications, experience, and career goals. It’s your chance to make a strong first impression and show employers why you’re the perfect fit for the role.

Example: "Results-driven marketing professional with 5+ years of experience in digital marketing, SEO, and content strategy. Proven track record of increasing website traffic by 40% and improving conversion rates. Passionate about leveraging data-driven insights to create impactful marketing campaigns."

Tip: Tailor your summary to the specific job you’re applying for, emphasizing the skills and experience most relevant to the role.


3. Education

Your education section should include your degree(s), the name of the institution, and your graduation date. If you’re a recent graduate, you can also add relevant coursework, honors, or GPA (if it’s strong).

Example:
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
XYZ University, Graduated May 2022
Relevant Coursework: Data Structures, Algorithms, Software Engineering

Tip: If you have extensive work experience, keep this section concise and place it after your professional experience.


4. Skills

The skills section is where you showcase your abilities that align with the job requirements. Include a mix of hard skills (technical abilities) and soft skills (interpersonal traits).

Example:

  • Hard Skills: Python, SQL, Data Analysis, Project Management
  • Soft Skills: Communication, Teamwork, Problem-Solving, Time Management

Tip: Use keywords from the job description to ensure your resume passes applicant tracking systems (ATS).


5. Certifications

Certifications can set you apart from other candidates, especially in fields like IT, healthcare, or project management. List any relevant certifications, including the issuing organization and date earned.

Example:
Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) – Scrum Alliance, 2023
Google Analytics Certified – Google, 2022

Tip: Only include certifications that are relevant to the job or demonstrate additional expertise.


6. Additional Accomplishments

This section is optional but can be a great way to highlight achievements that don’t fit elsewhere on your resume. Include awards, publications, volunteer work, or side projects that showcase your skills and dedication.

Example:

  • Published article on “The Future of AI in Marketing” in Tech Insights Magazine (2023)
  • Volunteer Mentor at Code for Kids, teaching coding basics to underprivileged youth

Tip: Focus on accomplishments that demonstrate transferable skills or align with the job you’re applying for.


Final Tips for a Standout Resume

  • Keep It Concise: Aim for a one-page resume if you’re early in your career, or two pages if you have extensive experience.
  • Use Action Verbs: Start bullet points with strong action verbs like “managed,” “developed,” “led,” or “optimized.”
  • Proofread: Double-check for spelling and grammar errors to ensure your resume is polished and professional.


By including these key elements on your resume, you’ll create a document that effectively showcases your qualifications and catches the attention of hiring managers. Use the tips and examples above to craft a resume that helps you land your dream job!

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