Resumes are more like your self-made report cards based on which recruiters understand who you are, what you’ve done, and why you’re unique. A resume is a super important component of any job search. It is different from CV as it is kept short and brief. You should spend lots of significant time and effort in making it look good to ensure that it will make you stand out or impress the recruiters and get you an interview. Fun Fact, there are resume writers who make a living out of writing a resume for others.
Top 15 Things You Must not Forget To Mention in your Resume
1. Name
There are various ways in which one might prefer writing their name on their resume. A resume isn’t an official document so there isn’t a specific order. It can start by your first name followed by your surname. Others prefer their initials to come first and then their first name. Either way works.
2. Contact Information
Recruiters don’t exactly expect to see one’s full address on a resume these days. E-Mailing is the easiest and the quickest option if they want to contact you. The phone number is mandatory along with an e-mail id. While stating your address do mention your city/state and pin code if needed.
3. Education With Years Mentioned
The education section is usually the shortest part of the resume. Mention in the briefest way possible, i.e. maximum 30-40 words. It must include –
- The name of your institution
- The degree you obtained
- Your field of study
- Graduation year
4. Previous Experience (If Any)
Focus on your accomplishments and avoid all the unnecessary details like the company’s address or supervisor’s name. Mention these points – job title, name of the company, dates of employment, company description, a brief description of your job responsibilities and your post, your key achievements/accomplishments during the time of your service in the company, etc.
5. Volunteer Work
Volunteer work talks about your personality. The kind of person you are when you’re outside office. Examples are raising money for a cause, participate in a charity race, help register people to vote.
6. Keywords
These words might help you stand out. Apply appropriate positive words and keywords related to the job you are applying in your resume. Some keywords are engineering, content, scheduling, policies, budget, reporting, compliance, finance, brand, project management, presentation, health, coaching. To express your qualities, add team player, trained/mentored, created, resolved, strategic thinker, volunteered, influenced, ideas, etc.
7. Travel
For the travel section to look good on your resume, your experiences and skills should be related to the position you’re applying for. Mention about your travel experience, places you’ve been to and plan on settling in.
Read also – Top 15 Indian Advertisements with a Social Message
8. Interests/Hobbies
Hobbies and interests are closely related to each other but they don’t mean the same. A hobby is something you actually do in your free time like travelling. When you travel regularly and love doing it, it is called a hobby but when you love and wish to travel but have done very little of it, that would be considered interest. Again, they should be emphasized on if they are related to the job you’re applying for.
9. References
If you have worked on something which might help you, it is worth mentioning in your resume. Adding references can be considered as an experience. A teacher, mentor, or person in the position can write a reference for you.
10. Achievements
Achievements can go all the way from meeting deadlines and being appreciated for it to managing to increase the consumer numbers. Examples are an employee of the month, launched campaigns/products/services, implemented new procedures/system, good customer service contribution, or any special projects.
11. Languages
This can turn out to be a very important skill and very useful. This section on your resume can help you stand out from the rest as the number of languages you know will show how linguistically skilled and culturally diverse you are. It also expands the reach and business opportunities of the company.
12. Skills In Detail
Hard skills are the specific knowledge and abilities that are learned through education or training. Such as Computer Technology [ Microsoft Office Suite, HTML, Social media, Java], Foreign language, Copywriting, Data presentation, Search Engine Optimization (SEO), Search Engine Marketing (SEM), Adobe Creative Suite, Google Analytics, Cryptography, Encryption Algorithms, etc.
Soft skills are character traits or interpersonal aptitudes that affect your ability to work and interact with others. Such as time management, teamwork, problem-solving, adaptability, interpersonal skills, work ethic, attention to detail, etc.
13. Awards/Honors/Certificates
Attach all the relevant certificates, awards, honors you’ve received which are related to your job. It will help you get shortlisted.
14. Communication Skills
In any kind of job, communication skills are very important. Mention your leadership skills as well and mention if you’re a good listener as a good listener is considered as observant in nature. These skills include respect, clarity, confidence, empathy, listening, constructive feedback, verbal communication, non-verbal communication, and friendliness.
15. Cover Letter
This letter includes a piece of brief information about you. Your name, contact information, birthdate, qualifications, and why you deserve this position. A cover letter is a summary of your resume, so limit it to one page.
Read also – Top 15 Relatable Scenes from ‘FRIENDS’
