Contact Information

• Name: [Your Full Name]
• Phone Number: [Your Phone Number]
• Email Address: [Your Email Address]
• LinkedIn Profile: [Your LinkedIn Profile URL] (Optional, but highly recommended)
• Personal Website/Portfolio: [Your Website URL] (If applicable)

Why it’s important: This is the first thing recruiters see. Make sure it’s accurate and professional. Avoid unprofessional email addresses.

Summary/Objective

A concise paragraph (3-4 sentences) highlighting your key skills, experience, and career goals. Use action verbs and quantify your accomplishments whenever possible. This section is often tailored to match the job description.

Example (Summary): A highly motivated and results-oriented marketing professional with 5+ years of experience in digital marketing and social media management. Proven ability to develop and execute successful marketing campaigns that drive engagement and increase brand awareness. Seeking a challenging role in a dynamic organization where I can leverage my skills and experience to contribute to company growth.

Example (Objective): Seeking an entry-level position in software development where I can utilize my programming skills and passion for technology to contribute to innovative projects and gain valuable industry experience.

Why it’s important: It gives a quick overview of who you are and what you’re looking for. Tailor this section to each job.

Skills

List your relevant skills, categorized for clarity. Include both hard skills (technical skills) and soft skills (interpersonal skills).

• Technical Skills: Python, Java, SQL, JavaScript, HTML, CSS, Data Analysis, Machine Learning
• Soft Skills: Communication (Written & Verbal), Problem-Solving, Teamwork, Leadership, Time Management, Critical Thinking

Why it’s important: Many companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) that scan for specific keywords related to skills. List relevant skills mentioned in the job description.

Experience

List your work experience in reverse chronological order (most recent first). For each role, include:

• Job Title: [Your Job Title]
• Company Name: [Company Name]
• Dates of Employment: [Start Date] – [End Date]
• Responsibilities and Achievements: Use bullet points to describe your key responsibilities and, more importantly, your quantifiable achievements. Use action verbs to start each bullet point.

Example:

• Marketing Manager – ABC Company (June 2018 – Present)
• Developed and executed successful social media campaigns that increased followers by 30% and engagement by 25%.
• Managed a marketing budget of $100,000, ensuring all campaigns were within budget and delivered a positive ROI.
• Collaborated with sales team to develop marketing materials that supported lead generation efforts, resulting in a 15% increase in qualified leads.

Why it’s important: This is where you showcase your accomplishments and demonstrate how you’ve made a difference in previous roles. Quantify your achievements whenever possible.

Education

List your education in reverse chronological order (most recent first). Include:

• Degree Name: [Degree Name]
• Major: [Major]
• University Name: [University Name]
• Graduation Date: [Graduation Date] (or Expected Graduation Date)
• GPA: [GPA] (Optional, but include if above 3.5)
• Relevant Coursework: [List Relevant Courses] (Optional, especially if you have limited work experience)

Why it’s important: Shows your academic background and relevant qualifications. If you have limited work experience, highlight relevant coursework or academic projects.

Awards & Recognition (Optional)

List any relevant awards or recognition you have received.

Volunteer Experience (Optional)

List any volunteer experience you have, especially if it demonstrates relevant skills or values.

Projects (Optional)

List any personal or academic projects that showcase your skills and experience.