What is a Resume and its Purpose 26 AUGUST 2025 GROUP 1
1 2 3 4 Table of Contents Example of a resume Purpose of a resume What to include on a resume Types of resumes 5 Frequently asked questions about resumes
What is a Resume? Definition & Purpose A strong resume communicates your qualifications and sets you up for career success. A resume is a formal document that provides an overview of your professional qualifications. Also known as a “CV” outside of the US, it should include your relevant work experience, skills, education, and notable accomplishments.
What is a resume? a marketing piece or an advertisement of yourself In the academic field, a resume is called a vitae, and it includes all published works not an autobiography not personal in the sense of describing your private life
What is the purpose of a resume? Instead, think of your resume as a snapshot of what the employer wants to know about you. Your resume should only emphasize your most relevant experience and skills, and highlight your most notable accomplishments. The purpose of a resume is to show employers you’re qualified for a position and convince them to offer you an interview. Many job seekers wrongly assume their resume should provide a full overview of their professional history. That’s not the case.
Purpose of a resume? Impress a potential employer and get you an interview Forces you to gather and clarify self-information Let’s you present yourself in the most favourable way
Resume Requirements Neat, professional appearance, must be in typeface No negative information is given All words are spelt correctly Brief content Writing is clear, concise, and easy to read All information is true
Example of a resume What should a resume look like? Here’s a resume example written by a candidate with a few years of work experience in digital marketing:
What to include on your resume What you put on a resume depends on the job you’re applying for and your relevant professional background. At a minimum, be sure to include these sections on your resume :
1 2 Contact Details When writing your contact information on your resume , include your first and last name, phone number, and email address. Additionally, you can add your LinkedIn profile. List your city if you want to show you live near where the company is located. Add a concise overview of your professional background and key qualifications. Your resume introduction can be in the form of a resume summary or resume objective, depending on your level of experience. Introduction
3 4 Education Your resume’s education section ca n include your school name(s), highest degree earned, majors and minors. Additionally, you can add your GPA (if it’s greater than 3.8), Dean’s list (if you’ve been on it), or Latin honors (like cum laude). List relevant coursework only if you lack experience or if it’s related to the position. List any relevant work experience you have. Include your title, the company you worked fo r , yo u r s t a rt and end date, and bullet points outlining your key responsibilities and notable accomplishments. Experience
5 Skills Includ e skills on your resume that are relevant to the position. Be sure to use a strong mix of hard skills and soft skills to demonstrate that you’re a well-rounded candidate.
Types of resumes There are three main types of professional resume formats: Chronological resume Functional resume Combination resume
1. Chronological resume A chronological resume opens with an introduction, and then provides an overview of your professional history in reverse-chronological order (meaning your most recently held position is listed at the top). The chronological resume format is the most common type of resume used by job seekers today, and is suitable for candidates with various experience levels. Here’s an example: professional resume formats:
Chronological format follows a time sequence and emphasizes dates positions are described beginning with the present or most recent, regardless of how relevant they are.
2. Functional resume A functional resume is formatted to focus on your skills and abilities rather than your career progression. It’s preferred by professionals who want to draw attention away from their traditional work experience, such as those who are changing careers or have significant gaps in their work history. Here’s an example of a resume following the functional format:
Functional format Emphasizes experience and skills, not dates Chronological dates are not required; the value of the experiences is prioritized
3. Combination resume A combination resume combines aspects of a functional resume and a chronological resume, emphasizing work history and skills equally. Combination resumes are ideal for candidates who have extensive experience or a highly developed set of skills that they want to showcase. Below is an example of a well-written combination resume:
Combination format Both chronological and functional Skills and experiences are functionally by a brief chronological listing of employment history
Writing TIPS Name, address, telephone number must be written A second telephone number may be included Email address (formal) [email protected][email protected]
Writing TIPS Your name should stand out capitalized or bold font E x. DIOVIE C. NAVARRA DIOVIE C. NAVARRA leave a space between each letter JOCELYN A. VILLAREAL or JOCELYN A. VILLAREAL
Writing TIPS Career objective or cover letter? o If you believe an objective will help you get the interview, write one that is clear and unique. o Otherwise, write a cover letter to define goals. Work history or education? o It depends. Find out which will be more impressive to a potential employer.
Writing TIPS Employment o Job or position title o Employer name and location (exact address is not necessary) o Inclusive dates o Brief duties and responsibilities
Writing TIPS Affiliations o List only those which are relevant o Keep in mind that employers are interested only in the ones that are assets for the position o Include licenses and certifications
Writing TIPS Types of wordings to be used o Telegraphic phrases o Use specific action words o Be consistent o Do not abbreviate
Writing TIPS References o You may write References available upon request References available upon request o You may write 3 references Name Position Employer/Affiliation Contact information (business telephone number, cellphone number, email address) Ask permission first
Writing TIPS Avoid: o including personal data in the resume o salary history or expectations o reasons for leaving past job/s o hobbies and leisure time activities unless o these are definite assets (if so, include when listing skills or accomplishments) o Social Security number o using colourful/perfumed paper
RESUME WRITING Suggested Format 27 June, 2024
SAMPLE RESUME
Frequently asked questions about resumes Here are some questions job seekers often have about resumes:
Are resumes outdated? No, resumes aren’t outdated. Hiring managers prefer traditional resumes over modern versions like video resumes and online networking profiles because: a resume’s outline format makes it easier to read resumes are one page long and can be quickly scanned without scrolling or fast-forwarding the hiring manager can read your resume without logging onto a website or opening a video player resumes are easy to print for reference during an interview
What is a good resume? A good resume is a resume that successfully captures and maintains busy hiring managers’ attention. It follows one for the three standard resume formats (chronological, functional, combination) and clearly showcases the candidate’s top relevant skills and career highlights. A good resume is also well-formatted and uses a template that is appropriate for your industry.
What is a good resume for a job? A resume for a job is a resume written by a candidate applying for a new professional role, whether that is within the same company or at a different company. A resume for a job should be tailored for a specific position at a specific organization. Other types of resumes include internship resumes, general resumes, and LinkedIn resumes.
What is a college resume? A college resume is used by current students or recent graduates to apply for a job or internship position. It typically places greater emphasis on your education and non-work related experience than a traditional resume which focuses on your professional achievements.