What is Resume? — Definition & Guide

A resume is a concise document that summarizes your work experience, education, skills, and achievements to help employers evaluate your qualifications for a job.

What is Resume?

A resume serves as your professional marketing tool, typically 1-2 pages long, that presents your career history in reverse chronological order. It includes sections like contact information, professional summary, work experience, education, and relevant skills. The document is customized for each job application to highlight the most relevant qualifications.

Why it matters

Your resume is often the first impression employers have of you and determines whether you'll get called for an interview. A well-crafted resume can open doors to job opportunities by effectively communicating your value proposition. Without a strong resume, even highly qualified candidates may be overlooked in today's competitive job market.

How to use it

Tailor your resume for each position by incorporating keywords from the job description and emphasizing relevant experiences. Use action verbs and quantifiable achievements to demonstrate your impact in previous roles. Submit your resume in the requested format (PDF or Word) and ensure it's error-free before sending.

Resume in practice

Recent college graduate

A new graduate creates a resume highlighting their degree, internships, relevant coursework, and campus leadership roles. They emphasize transferable skills like project management and teamwork since they have limited professional experience. The resume focuses on academic achievements and volunteer work to demonstrate their potential.

Career changer

A marketing professional transitioning to HR writes a resume that emphasizes transferable skills like communication, project management, and data analysis. They highlight relevant volunteer experience with employee training and include any HR-related certifications or courses. The professional summary clearly states their career transition goals and relevant qualifications.

Senior executive

An experienced manager creates a two-page resume showcasing their leadership achievements with specific metrics like revenue growth and team size. They include a compelling executive summary and focus on strategic accomplishments rather than day-to-day responsibilities. The resume demonstrates their ability to drive business results and lead organizational change.

Common mistakes

⚠Including irrelevant personal information like age, marital status, or hobbies that don't relate to the job
⚠Using a generic resume for all applications instead of customizing it for each specific position and company
⚠Focusing on job duties rather than quantifiable achievements and the impact you made in previous roles

Resume and Cowrite

Cowrite's AI can help you craft compelling resume content by suggesting impactful language and ensuring your achievements are presented in the most effective way.

FAQ

How long should a resume be+

Most resumes should be 1-2 pages long, with entry-level professionals typically using one page and experienced professionals using up to two pages. Only use a second page if you have substantial relevant experience to include.

What file format should I use for my resume+

PDF is generally the best format as it preserves your formatting across different devices and systems. However, some companies specifically request Word documents, so always follow the application instructions.

Should I include a photo on my resume+

In most countries including the US, Canada, and UK, you should not include a photo on your resume as it can lead to unconscious bias. Only include a photo if you're applying in countries where it's specifically expected or required.

How far back should my work history go+

Generally include the last 10-15 years of relevant work experience, or your last 3-5 positions if they span a longer period. For recent graduates, include all relevant experience including internships and significant part-time work.

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