Resume Sections

• Header – name and contact information
• Summary – provides a high-level overview of your qualifications and career experience
• Work Experience – details current and previous positions you’ve held during your career
• Education – lists educational degrees along with certifications, licenses, etc., as appropriate

Timeline Format

• The reverse chronological timeline allows the reader to easily follow your employment history and achievements.
• Start the Work Experience section of your resume with your most recent position and work backwards from there.

Dates

• Show employment dates using months and years, rather than only years.  A well-crafted resume will answer more questions than it creates.  Most employers understand gaps in employment; however, they usually want an explanation.
• Time gaps in work history can be explained with a single sentence (e.g., company closed, acquired, downsized, etc.).  If there were short gaps between positions, potential employers know that it takes time to find a new position.
• If you experienced a long gap between positions, you may want to include a brief explanation along with the dates in the Work Experience section.  We’ve seen candidates effectively explain employment gaps for non-compete agreements, stay-at-home parenting, care for elderly parents, additional education, volunteering, etc.
• Remember, your resume, LinkedIn profile, and digital footprint should match.

Length

• Your resume should be as concise as possible.
• The resume length should reflect the length your career experience and accomplishments.
• Don’t try to cram 20+ years’ worth of experience on 1 page.

Reminders

• Refrain from using pronouns.
• Make sure the full document is well written with consistent formatting.
• Proofread!  Double-check spelling, grammar, and punctuation.

Bonus Tip

• Google your name!  Whatever you find, a potential employer will also find.