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Create a Resume

Objectives

1. Learners will be able to describe key features of a resume.
2. Learners will be able to create a resume.

When you apply for a job, most employers ask for your resume, or a short summary of your experiences and qualifications for the position. Resumes are helpful for employers to get all the information they need in a neat package, but they can also be a helpful way for you to organize your own strengths as you begin the job search process. In this lesson, we’ll discuss the different parts of a resume. Then, you’ll make one you can use.

While resumes are all a little different, they usually have common parts. Some of these parts, or elements, are essential information you should share with potential employers. Other elements are optional, but might help you should hiring managers why you are a strong candidate. In this section, we'll talk about the different parts of a resume.

Essential Elements

Personal Information

It’s important for future employers to be able to contact you if they want to interview you for a position. Every resume should include current contact information like your phone number and a professional email address.

Work and Related Experience

The work experience section is where you list your previous jobs. You don’t have to list every job you’ve ever had, but as a general rule, you should list your most recent position and a few other relevant positions you’ve held.

For example, if you were applying for a position as a data entry clerk, you should include your most recent job, regardless of the title. Then, you might also want to include other data entry positions you have held, or similar jobs, like office assisting. It would not be as helpful to the employer to learn about your work as a barista five years ago.

Education

In the education section, you should briefly summarize your formal schooling. This should include...

• The name of the school
• Where it’s located
• The year you graduated
• The degree you completed.

If you don’t have much work experience, it’s also appropriate to add extracurricular activities you participated in during school.

Skills and Strengths

In addition to your experiences and education, you should also share your skills and strengths with potential employers. You might choose to include…

Computer skills

• Word Processing, Presentation, and Spreadsheet Tools (like Google Docs, Powerpoint, or Excel)
• Social Media (like Instagram, TikTok, or Twitter)
• Communication Tools (like Zoom, Slack, or Microsoft Teams)

Industry-Specific Skills

• Comfort with POS systems
• Experience in restaurant kitchens
• Sales
• File Organization
• Forklift Operator

Soft Skills

• Communication
• Teamwork
• Problem Solving
• Customer Service
• Time Management

This is also the appropriate place to include your strengths from the assessment you took in the first module.

Optional Elements

An objective: A short statement about your job-search goals, like “Technologically-savvy high school graduate looking for an entry level position in the IT field.”

Awards and Honors: Recognitions you’ve received from other jobs or school, like employee of the quarter, honor roll, or all-conference for a sport can add value to your resume.

Relevant Coursework: In addition to your education, you might want to include extra classes you’ve taken in person or online, like the courses offered through GIENC.

Volunteer Work: If you have limited work experience, including volunteer work you’ve done is a great way to add value to your resume.

Language Skills: If you speak multiple languages, many employers will see value in your skills, so you should add them to your resume.

All resumes look a little different, but it's important that you make yours legible and clean. Watch the video below to learn a few tips for making your resume neat and professional.