What is a resume? Definition, Meaning & Purpose

You might have heard about it – the document you send to employers. But wait, is it a resume, a CV, or perhaps a cover letter? The confusion can be overwhelming, but fear not, we are here to help.

In this article, we’ll cover:

• What a work resume entails
• Why it’s crucial for your job search
• How a resume should be structured

What is a Resume For a Job Application?

A resume, often referred to as a CV (curriculum vitae), is a formal document used to showcase a person’s professional experience and skill set. It serves as a tool for job seekers to find new employment opportunities. A standard resume typically includes a professional summary, work history, and education sections. Think of it as your marketing material for job hunting.

The term “resume,” which means “summary” in French (though the French themselves call it CV), captures the essence of what this document represents.

The Purpose of a Resume

The main objectives of a resume are to introduce yourself to potential employers, highlight your qualifications, and secure job interviews. It presents your education, experience, and skills in a concise and easily readable format for hiring managers.

Now that you know what a resume is, let’s dive into how to create one effectively.

A Crucial Document for Job Seekers

A resume is undoubtedly a vital tool in your job search. Without it, you can’t expect to receive invitations for job interviews.

But don’t forget, a cover letter is typically included with your resume. How do these two differ?

Cover Letter vs. Resume:

• A resume consists of bullet points detailing your professional experience, while a cover letter provides a written summary of your qualifications and achievements.
• In a job interview, the recruiter will refer to the resume for concise information, while cover letters offer more detailed explanations of specific career moments.

Pro Tip: If a job posting specifically requests a CV, note that it differs from a resume. CVs include in-depth descriptions of your professional background and are typically used for academic purposes. Make sure to understand the distinctions between a CV and a resume.

Key Components of a Resume

The success of your job search heavily depends on the quality of your resume. To capture the recruiter’s attention immediately, follow these simple formatting tips for your resume:

• Set one-inch margins on both sides of the page.
• Opt for a line spacing of 1.15 or single spacing.
• Choose a readable font in size 11 or 12.
• Create a separate heading for your contact information.
• Organize your resume into easy-to-navigate sections.
• Use bullet points to list your experiences.
• Leave enough white space for a balanced resume style.

Now that you have a great resume sample, let’s discuss the various resume formats that can help you stand out to the hiring manager.

Common Resume Formats

The reverse-chronological resume format is the most widely used and recognized by recruiters. It showcases your most recent experience and accomplishments first, making it a strong choice for most job seekers. The functional resume emphasizes skills over work history, making it suitable for those with employment gaps or career changers. Combination resumes merge elements of functional and chronological formats, providing the flexibility to showcase both skills and relevant experience.

What to Include on a Resume Your resume should include the following key sections:

• Contact information, email address, and optionally, social media handles like LinkedIn.
• A brief summary of your skills and notable achievements at the top.
• Work history, detailing your professional background, employers, duties, and years of employment.
• Education, including school names, degrees, majors, minors, and, if applicable, GPA.
• Relevant job-related skills that add value to your potential employer.

You can also include additional information, such as licenses, certificates, honors, volunteer work, hobbies, conferences, publications, projects, and freelance work. For those new to the job market, internships, extracurricular activities, and volunteer work can be added after education.

Proofread your resume for typos and grammar mistakes, keeping it brief and to the point. According to HR statistics, hiring managers spend only six seconds on each resume. So, avoid lengthy and convoluted narratives.

To truly make your resume effective, tailor it to the specific job posting. Highlight skills and responsibilities relevant to the role you’re applying for, rather than including everything that comes to mind.

Pro Tip: Replace weak phrases like “responsible for” with strong language that impresses ATS (applicant tracking systems). Strong terms can increase your chances of passing ATS screenings, which about 75% of hiring managers use, according to a Capterra poll.

Key Takeaways

Before submitting your resume to potential employers, remember:

• Your resume is a marketing tool to leave a positive impression on hiring managers.
• Present your education, credentials, and work history concisely, emphasizing relevance.
• Follow proper formatting guidelines for an appealing resume.
• Proofread your resume for quality and respect the reader’s time.