What Are the General Parts of a Resume?
Before worrying about what suit to wear or trying to think of the right answers to questions asked during a job interview, a person must send a resume that grabs a potential employer's attention. A resume, much like a cover letter that an employer may request an applicant to include with the resume, is a first impression. Thus, a resume can lead to a job interview or rejection letter. Although resumes vary, all have general standard parts.
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Contact Information
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The contact information is the first part of a resume a potential employer sees. It is generally at the top or on the left side of the page. The contact information should list a person's full, legal name on the top line. The following lines should include his permanent address. A person's phone number --- either his cellular phone number, land-line (home) phone number or both should be listed on the same or different lines. However, if both numbers are listed, then an individual should indicate if it is a cellular or land-line phone number so the employer knows which number they are calling.
Education
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Typically, an individual places education after the contact information. The education part of the resume includes a list of where a person went to school, received training or obtained certifications. Also, the education portion is listed in chronological order, with the most recent degree completed first. For example, a person who attended Duke University includes the university name, along with the date he graduated, her major and degree. If the person is still in college, then she includes the anticipated graduation date. However, if the individual hasn't attended college, then she can list her high school diploma.
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Employment History
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The employment history section of the resume is sometimes referred to as work experience. This part of the resume consists of the employers the individual has worked for. Generally, the dates of employment, title and duties are listed after the name of the employer. Internships and military experience are listed in this area, in chronological order with the most recent first.
Skills
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Skills, also called qualifications, are listed. This section should include the skills that the person has and the employer is expecting a job applicant to have. For example, if the employer is looking for good communication skills for a job as a secretary, then the individual should include that skill --- if it's true --- in the skills section. Also, the person should include skills such as technical or computer software skills, or the ability to work with a team.
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References
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