Not sure what to include on your resume? A resume outline or template shows you all the information you need to put on your resume. It will help save you time when you write.
Tips for Using a Resume Outline
A resume outline is a great starting point for your resume. Before you write your resume, collect all the information you will need. Then fill in the outline with that information.
However, a resume outline is only a jumping-off point. You can, and should, make any changes to the resume outline that you want. You can reorder some of the elements of the resume outline. For example, if you are a current student, you might include your education information right after your resume summary statement, rather than towards the end of your resume.
You might also remove or add some information. For example, if you do not want to include a resume summary statement, but instead want to add a briefer resume branding statement, you can do so.
Finally, you can also change the style of the resume outline. For example, if the resume outline is in Arial font, and you want your resume to be in Times New Roman, you can change the font.
Make sure that your resume includes information specific to you, and is organized in a way that highlights your skills and qualifications.
Be sure to proofread your resume before submitting it.
Resume Outline
Resume Heading
The heading section of your resume should include your name, address, phone number, and email address (be sure to use a professional email address). It might also include the URL of your LinkedIn profile or personal website:
First Name Last Name
Street Address
City, State, Zip
Phone Number
Email Address
LinkedIn Profile URL (optional)
If you are concerned about privacy or are relocating, you may want to consider other options for including your physical address on your resume.
Branding Statement (optional)
A branding statement is a very brief (15 words or less) phrase that highlights your most relevant expertise and skills. If you choose to include a branding statement, you can elaborate on your skills and experiences in a resume summary statement just below it.
Resume Objective (optional)
A resume objective is a brief statement (a sentence or two) stating your employment goals. If you choose to include an objective on your resume, tailor it to match what the employer is seeking in the job posting you’re applying for.
Career Highlights/Profile/Summary Statement (optional)
A career highlights/qualifications section also called a resume profile or a resume summary statement, is an optional customized section of a resume that lists key achievements, skills, traits, and experience relevant to the job for which you are applying. This section, if you use it, should be customized as well.
Professional Experience
Include a list of the most recent companies you have worked for in the Experience section of your resume. If you have extensive work experience you don’t need to include more than the last 10 to 15 years on your resume. Include the name of the company, its location, the dates of employment, and your job title. Also, include a bulleted list of job responsibilities and achievements:
Company
City, State
Dates Worked
Job Title
- Responsibility/Achievement #1
- Responsibility/Achievement #2
Education
Include college, graduate school, continuing education, certifications and relevant seminars and classes in the education section of your resume. If you are a recent graduate, you might move this education section to the top of your resume. You might also choose to include your GPA if you are a current student or very recent graduate:
- College, Degree
Awards, Honors
Qualifications and Skills
Include a list of qualifications and skills related to the job for which you are applying in this section. A bulleted list is the best way to format this section:
- Skill #1
- Skill #2
