What Categories Should Be Included On A Resume (AND WHY)

Writing a resume may seem fairly straightforward, but in reality it can be overwhelming and frustrating. Just the thought of trying to put your life history and experiences in a concise, bulleted format that fits neatly on one to two pages can cause much stress and angst even to experienced job seekers.

It’s my goal in this article to help to remove the stress by sharing with you five categories you must include in your resume in order to make it highly competitive against your peers in the market doing the same work. This article will help you pinpoint what’s important and how to place it within your resume in a way that will draw the attention of the recruiter, or  hiring manager.

Let’s get started.

Category #1: Contact Information. Yes, it is common knowledge to begin your resume with your contact information; however, you would not believe how many people actually feel lost and unsure when it comes to what contact information should be listed. So, here are the must-haves: your name (first and last), address, telephone number, and email address. As an aside, make sure to have a professional email address.

Are you considering adding a social media handle to this section? In general, I say pass on this opportunity, unless you are adding LinkedIn. All other social media may leave you vulnerable to divulging personal details about yourself that may be distracting. Remember that the only information you want to share with the recruiter or employer is information that verifies and confirms that you have the knowledge, skills, and experience to do the job. Anything more is a distraction.

Category #2: Headline. Here is a question for you. Are you still using an objective in your resume? If your answer is yes, then your resume is long overdue for a makeover. I strongly recommend getting rid of the outdated idea of an objective statement and replacing it with a headline that aims to draw in the reader. This headline is where you have the opportunity to sell yourself. Think of a resume headline the same way you would a newspaper headline. Inspire the reader to want to read further. You want them to want to get to know more about you. A headline is the best place to captivate.

Category #3: Highlights of Qualifications. This section speaks for itself. You are highlighting your qualifications. How are you qualified for the role? How are you qualified to help the department succeed? How are you qualified to help the company succeed? How are you qualified to help the industry succeed? Think outside of the box here. Your best 4-6 competencies, abilities, specialities, and/or areas of expertise should be highlighted in this section. This is where you tell the employer upfront why you are ready for this opportunity.

Category #4:  Education. I will never understand why we invest so much money and time in obtaining degrees, certifications, licensure, etc., and then we hide all of these accomplishments at the very bottom of our resume. Do not do that. Move your education up to a prominent place in your resume. Your education tells a wonderful story, not just about how smart you may be, but it also shows your tenacity and your stick-with-it-ness! You have worked too hard for these designations. Why not make them noticeable?

Category #5: Experience. By the time an employer reaches this section of your resume, they should already have a good sense as to whether or not they want to interview you. It should be a reiteration of what you have already stated as fact in your headline, highlights of qualifications, and education. Remember when you were learning long-division and your teacher told you to state the answer and then on a separate piece of paper to show your work. The experience section is where you show your work. As a matter of fact, while you are showing your work, remember to state your accomplishments on the job too. What did you make better, process improve, or turn around while you were in that job?

Remember, your resume will enter databases, offices, meetings, and conversations that you may never get invited into. Will it be able to stand on its own and represent you well?

If you want to work with me directly to learn how to expand on these topics listed in this article and to build a Recruiter MAGNET Resume, visit me at www.JenniferTardy.com/Resume.

Want more free advice, check us out:

• But What About Me? - A #CareerSuccess Podcast dedicated to providing career advice to historically underrepresented populations. Visit: www.JenniferTardy.com/podcast
• CareerSuccess (YouTube Channel) - Providing career advice on resumes, job search strategies, interviewing, negotiating your salary with weekly bonus tips for historically underrepresented populations.

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