Careers: Resume Tips & Tricks

A resume is best known as a professional marketing tool for individuals that are in the job search. It is the number one document that you will submit as a part of your branding package and selling tool for a job. A resume is historically for providing a summary of your work history, education, and relevant qualifications. It is needed to be considered for a job, but not just any resume will do. Its main goal is to convince an employer that they should interview you. It is a living document and should change and be updated regularly. Depending on your years of experience determines how long your resume will be and it should only cover the last seven to ten years of work history.

A resume consists of five parts:

• Your contact details are essential, which should include your name, professional e-mail, phone number, website (if you have one), and your LinkedIn profile (if you have one) 
• A summary of your professional experience sometimes called "summary," "summary of qualifications," "executive summary," "profile," or "professional profile"
• A list of your education, certifications, and formal training that you have completed 
• A round-up of your work history or professional experience
• A list of relevant skills that closely align with what the employer is looking for; skills are also called "competencies," "core competencies," "strengths," and "key strengths"