What goes on a resume, stays on a resume. So why waste a resume saying nothing?
Most resumes are written generically - your name followed by a record of your previous job roles, and a few keywords stuffed where they usually do not belong.
Well, writing isn't always about using big words to impress. It's also about using simple words effectively. So, now the question is, what to put on a resume to make it simple, effective and impressive?
Just like metaphors have a way of holding the most truth in the least space, a resume reflects the same. A resume essentially helps make the prospect a more informed buyer with content.
The following sections would answer the question, "What to put on a resume?" and will allow you to create content with purpose.
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In this 2022 Guide on What to Put on a Resume, we'll be covering the following:
What's on a resume?
Before we proceed further, ask yourself: whom are you writing the resume for?
Are you writing it just for the recruiter? Or are you writing it for the ATS (Applicant Tracking System)?
Both. You need to cater to both the machine and the person behind the machine.
When you click on 'Send Resume', your profile is first parsed by a software, or the ATS. The ATS is now a standard practice used by emerging companies and conglomerates alike. When the number of applicants go beyond 1,000, it makes sense for a company to go for an ATS to streamline the recruitment process.
The ATS assigns a rank to your resume based on how much it responds to the job description. It processes all the resumes similarly and assigns a rank to them all.
This sets the stage for the recruiter to now decide what all applicants to process. If the ATS gives you a low ranking, the recruiter might not even reach your resume.
What does it mean?
It means that there's no point in sending a generic resume to all the vacancies you come across. That's a rookie mistake. You can only boost your chances of getting shortlisted and parsed by the ATS if you tailor the resume to each job listing.
You don't have to spend more than 10 minutes on this.
The question, "What to put on a resume?" makes writing a resume difficult as there are two audiences. After the parsing through the ATS, the non-technical HR professional receives your resume first. Once it gets past that, it arrives at the desk of your prospective employer.
Your resume should have elements tailored w.r.t. both these entities.
The HR clerk
The first person to see your resume is a non-technical clerk. He reads more than 10,000 resumes a day corresponding to a list of all available positions.
He arranges a pile for each of those positions. Your job is to make sure you get into one of those piles.
The problem here is that this person does not know the difference between UNIX and Solaris, or that if someone knows Solaris 2.5 then they are also suited for a Solaris 2.6 job. Luckily, this person only reads the top part of every resume, so you can play to that: make sure that you have an Objective and a "Skills" section that are customized for him. Do not say "Solaris 2.6", say "Solaris 2.x" or just "Solaris" (people have forgotten about Solaris 1.x by now). So, this is one of the answers to the question, "What to put on a resume?"
The Hiring Manager
Each pile that the clerk created is handed to an appropriate "Hiring Manager." This person slightly understands the technology that you will be working with. So the rest of the resume must be in their language.
The most common mistake that people make is that they do not write anything for the clerk. Therefore, their resume never gets to the hiring manager. The "Objective Statement" at the top of your resume is what the clerk reads. Make sure your resume has one, and make it a good one. This is the second answer to the question, "What to put on a resume?"
What to put on a resume?
The most persistent question that stays is "What to put on a resume?"
It tells the recruiter how you can employ your skills to carry out your responsibilities smoothly and achieve success. The most resume perfect information is the one that deals with roles and responsibilities of the applicant along with the impact of the action taken.
Things to put on a Resume
- Header
- Contact Resume Information
- Objective or Summary Statement
- Professional Experience Section
- Education Section
- Other Resume Information Sections
Key Resume Section
Resume Objective/Summary Statement
One of the most important answers to the question, "What to put on a resume?" is Objective/Summary Section.
An objective statement clearly states the purpose of your resume. Not every resume has this. Use it to let an employer know your specific job or career goal.
Tailor your objective to the type of job to which you're applying. If you decide not to include it in your resume, be sure to state an objective in your cover letter.
Example: "To obtain a challenging position as an administrative assistant in the financial services industry."
A summary statement grabs the employer's attention by highlighting your qualifications. It is used in place of an objective statement.
An employer may not read your entire resume. A summary will give them a snapshot of your work experiences, achievements, and skills.
To be effective, it should be very brief (not exceeding 3-4 lines of text). It should also be written for the position you are applying for. Use keywords and power verbs when creating your summary statement.
Example:
Resourceful planner & coordinator with extensive knowledge of inventory control and online inventory systems. Recognized by management for innovation and initiative in implementing JIT techniques as well as interdepartmental communications and supervisory skills.
What to put on a Resume Header?
Name
Your name should ideally be the largest text in your entire resume. It should be around 16 points in size.
What to put in Contact Resume Information?
Contact resume information should be placed on top of your resume. It should be easy and quick to read.
E-mail address
Avoid using unprofessional e-mail address such as: hot_boy12 or sweetie96.
Include the address for your website or online portfolio.
Phone numbers
Remember to check your outgoing voice mail message for loud background music, slang, or improper language.
What to put on a Resume - Professional Experience Section?
You can present your work experience in a variety of ways. The most straightforward way is the reverse chronological format. List your current or most recent job, and work backwards in time.
Employment history is another answer to the question, "What to put on a resume?"
Include your job title, name of the organization, the city and state in which it is located. Also, list the start and end dates (month and year) of your employment. For each company, make sure to give a one line description involving figures around the company's revenue and employment base.
While drafting your employment history, make sure you include the following:
1. Action verbs
2. Cause-Effect points
3. Quantifiable data
4. Key Achievements
Your employment history section should ideally consist of all the above mentioned things. Check out this guide for more info on action verbs.
What to put on a Resume - Education Section?
To list the educational qualifications, start with your highest degree.
Start with the name of the institution, its location, the dates in which attended college, and the name of the degree.
The ideal template for including your educational qualification section is:
EDUCATION
{Name of Institution} {Location} {Dates (month & year)}
{Degree Name}
What to put on a Resume - Additional Information
Include relevant resume information that relates to the job to which you are applying.
This may include memberships of organizations, volunteer work, military experiences, computer skills, awards, hobbies, languages, etc.
However, avoid mentioning religious, political, or controversial affiliations unless they directly relate to the job you want.
Don't include references on your resume. Employers assume that you can provide them later. Learn how to select references.
So, these were the things to put on a resume. Now, lets talk about what not to include in your resume.
What not to include in your Resume?
- Resume as a header
- Additional Personal Resume Information
- Additional Professional Resume Information
"Resume"
Let's talk about the word "Resume" seriously.
People who read it, know it. So, do not label your resume as "Resume." One look at your resume, and your recruiter knows what type of document it is.
Begin with your name and personal information.
Also, do not simply name your resume file as "resume" when you save it. Use your name as the file name, along with the target profile, so the hiring manager knows whose file they are looking for.
Additional Personal Resume Information
Refrain from including personal information other than your email address, phone number and location.
Resume information which is often not required are:
- Age
- Date of Birth
- Race
- Sex
- Sexual Orientation
- Religious Preference
- Political Affiliation
- Names of Relatives
- Social Security Number
- Driver's License Number
- Credit Card Information
Check out the hiring norms of the country you're applying before you take the final call. In the US for instance, it's prohibited to use a photo or mention your gender. However, in the Mideast, it's necessary to include your passport details as well.
Additional Professional Resume Information
- Salary
- Reference Available Upon Request
- Names and Contact Information for Former Supervisors
- Date and Signature
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