The job search can be overwhelming. With each role requiring something different, the pressure mounts to ensure you’re sending in a stellar resume that stands out during the hiring process.
Don’t worry, you are not the only one thinking this. With some knowledge, you will know what to put on a resume to stand out.
So what are the most important resume sections to focus on when trying to create an effective application?
We’ve put together all of our best tips and advice on creating a standout document that will get recruiters’ attention in 2023 and beyond.
Read on for essential information on crafting your resume!
How Many Sections Are in a Resume?
Crafting a powerful resume is an essential part of any job application. The information you include will be varying by type of resume, however, most effective resumes generally follow the same basic structure.
There are traditionally four main resume sections: contact information, professional summary, work experience, and education.
Additional sections may also be included when appropriate such as certifications, awards and recognition, volunteer experiences, research projects, and more.
Why is it Important to Have Resume Sections
Every bit of information needs to be presented in an organized, understandable way. Having well-defined sections helps the employer quickly scan through your accomplishments and professional experience and get to the heart of your story quickly.
Customizing each section can help make sure that relevant information is highlighted throughout your application materials if applying for roles within different industries or career paths.
What Are the Basic Sections of a Resume?
While the look and style of resumes have changed over time, the basics remain the same – make sure those core elements shine like a beacon for you to stand out amongst the competition!
Before getting into how you should tailor your resume for each job opportunity, let’s go over the various components that are typically found on every basic resume.
1. Career Goals or Objective
When creating a resume, career goals and objectives should be front and center. Your professional aspirations can show potential employers that you are motivated, driven, and possess a strong work ethic.
Crafting well-defined career goals allows you to provide structure to your job search, build relationships with recruiters, and focus on the right roles.
2. Summary and Skills
By including both a summary section and a skills section, you can showcase your strengths and capture the attention of potential employers.
Complementing the summary with key skills enables you to emphasize attributes that you possess that may not be evident from other parts of your resume. Doing so makes it easier for recruiters to notice you quickly as they scan many resumes for potential candidates.
3. Education
Your education tells an employer much about you before they even meet you. It gives insight into how much you value learning, your abilities in various topics, and the level of skill and experience with which you will be able to bring to the position.
In addition, it can indicate the worth of the knowledge and skills gained throughout your time in school. An impressive educational background may mean they will not worry as much about on-the-job training or teaching a specific complex concept.
4. Work Experience
Your work experience should be one of the most important features of your resume. This section is where you showcase the knowledge, skills, and abilities you have acquired in the workplace.
For example, employers may use your work experience to evaluate how well-versed you are in certain areas or the level of responsibility you can handle.
In addition, this section is also a great way to highlight accomplishments and positive outcomes during your time at previous organizations and employers.
5. Certifications and Achievements
When crafting a stellar resume, touting your certifications and achievements is essential to standing out as an ideal candidate. These accomplishments show potential employers that you have the drive and ambition to succeed in that field, setting yourself apart from other applicants.
Building on these credentials can also help foster new career growth and development opportunities. Therefore, carefully selecting those certificates or accolades most relevant to the job will help put you one step ahead of the competition when looking for employment.
Resume Sections for Students
To make a student resume stand out, know what employers are looking for in an applicant. The more detailed you are when compiling sections of your resume, the better the chances of impressing potential employers!
1. Summary and Skills
Writing a clear summary that concisely captures your most relevant experience, skills, and interests will pique the employers’ interest in learning more about you through your resume.
Your summary should be a snapshot of who you are as an individual and what value you can bring to the company.
Furthermore, listing skills on your resume is a great way to showcase your abilities in areas that could be useful within the company.
This can usually be done by listing any certifications and special training you have had, like computer programs or other specialist software you know how to use.
2. Education
Writing the Education section of your resume as a student is an important task that can give potential employers insight into your academic achievements and work ethic.
It should be written by listing schools attended and relevant courses taken. You can also emphasize grades obtained and any awards earned. For recent graduates, emphasizing educational honors and coursework directly related to the job is vital.
3. Volunteer Experience
The Volunteer Experience section on a student’s resume is valuable for showcasing soft skills such as communication and problem-solving and demonstrating community involvement and a commitment toward philanthropy.
Details are crucial when writing the volunteer experience section of a student resume. List the dates you volunteered, the specific organization you were a part of, and the volunteer activities in which you participated.
4. Certifications and Achievements
This section gives potential employers a snapshot of the skills, awards, and experiences you have acquired during your academic career. This helps make your resume stand out from other applicants by highlighting specialized knowledge and qualifications.
It can also specify any accomplishments recognized with awards or special honors. Make entries specific to the role being applied for, as this will allow employers to understand how these experiences have prepared you for the position they are looking to fill.
How to Organize Your Resume Sections
Have a clear and organized structure because it will help draw attention to your qualifications while ensuring that important information is easy to find.
Develop a resume outline first. Outline the resume sections based on relevance. Prioritize professional experience and work history above education, skills, and other credentials if possible.
While drafting the titles for your sections, think about the type of content you plan to include and use headings with descriptive words that showcase what’s in each section.
Arrange your sections in descending order of importance. Core competencies should be near the top, while interests are at the bottom. Solidify dates, job titles, and details in each category before you submit your resume.
The challenge of building a resume is understandable so we suggest a resume builder to help you get started on the right path.
Wrapping Up
Your resume is a great way to showcase who you are as an individual and the value that you can bring to any company.
In 2023, you will be able to show potential employers that you have all of the necessary qualities they’re looking for by highlighting your professional background, educational achievements, volunteer experience, certifications, awards, and skills in a clear and organized manner on your resume.
Don’t hesitate to leave a comment with any questions you have.
