What is a Resume? (Resume Definition, Detailed Guide & Examples)

While a resume and a CV (curriculum vitae) share similarities, they have distinct differences. A resume is typically shorter, usually limited to one or two pages, and focuses on highlighting relevant skills and experiences for a specific job. On the other hand, a CV is more comprehensive, providing a detailed overview of an individual’s academic and professional background, including publications, research and presentations.

An ATS, or applicant tracking system, refers to a resume that is optimized for electronic scanning and processing by an ATS software. Many companies and organizations use ATS software to manage and streamline recruitment processes. When you submit your resume online or through an application portal, it is often first reviewed by an ATS before being seen by a human recruiter.

You can use our ATS resume scanner to analyze your resume for common errors and receive personalized feedback to improve your score.

By optimizing your resume for ATS, you increase the chances of your resume being selected for further review by human recruiters. However, it is also important to create a visually appealing and well-written resume that effectively showcases your qualifications once it reaches the hands of a human reader.

To create an ATS-friendly resume, it is important to consider the following:

• Formatting: Use a simple and clean format with standard fonts and avoid using images, graphics, or complex formatting. Stick to headings, bullet points and clear sections to make parsing the information easy for the ATS.
• Keywords: Tailor your resume to include relevant keywords and phrases commonly used in the job description. This helps the ATS identify your skills and qualifications and rank your resume higher in the search results.
• File type: Save your resume in a compatible format, such as a Word document (.doc or .docx) or a plain text file (.txt). Avoid using PDFs or other file formats that may not be compatible with the ATS.
• Section headings: Use standard section headings such as “Education,” “Work Experience,” “Skills” and “Achievements” to make it easier for the ATS to categorize and analyze your information.
• Spell out acronyms: While you may be familiar with industry-specific acronyms, the ATS may not recognize them. Spell out acronyms to ensure the ATS can properly understand and categorize your skills and qualifications.

Browse our resume profile examples for tips on crafting an introductory paragraph on your resume that incorporates keywords from the job description. 

A cover letter is a formal document that accompanies your resume when applying for a job or internship. It allows you to introduce yourself to the employer, highlight your qualifications and express your interest in the position. The purpose of a cover letter is to complement your resume by providing additional context and showcasing your written communication skills.

In a cover letter, you typically address the hiring manager or recruiter, briefly explain why you are interested in the position and the company, and highlight the key qualifications and experiences that make you a strong candidate. It allows you to expand on specific achievements or experiences in your resume, providing more depth and insight into your skills and suitability for the role.

A well-written cover letter should be tailored to the job you are applying for, demonstrating your understanding of the company and how your skills align with their needs. It should be concise, professional and error-free, showcasing your ability to effectively communicate and make a compelling case for why you are the right fit for the position.

We have hundreds of professional cover letter examples and a variety of cover letter templatesto help you build a compelling cover letter quickly. 

A well-crafted resume typically includes the following sections:

• Contact information: Your name, phone number, email address and professional social media profiles, such as LinkedIn, if you have them.
• Summary or objective statement: A brief statement highlighting your career goals, key skills and what you can bring to the position.
• Education: Information about your educational background, including the institution’s name, degree earned or in progress, graduation date if applicable and any relevant coursework or academic achievements.
• Work experience: A reverse-chronological list of your current and previous employment, including job titles, company names, dates of employment and a description of your accomplishments in each role.
• Skills: A section highlighting your relevant hard and soft skills.
• Additional sections: Depending on your experiences, you may include additional sections such as certifications, volunteer work, projects, publications or professional affiliations.

Remember to tailor your resume to each job application, emphasizing the most relevant experiences and skills that align with the position’s requirements. Keep your resume concise, well-organized and easy to read, using bullet points and clear headings. Proofread carefully to ensure there are no errors or typos.

Customization is key to making your resume stand out and demonstrate your suitability for a particular job. By aligning your resume with the position’s requirements, you increase your chances of getting noticed by employers and securing an interview. Customizing a resume involves tailoring it to a specific job or industry to highlight your relevant skills, experiences and qualifications. 

Here are some steps to help you customize your resume effectively:

1. Review the job description: Carefully read the job description and make note of the key skills, qualifications and requirements mentioned. This will help you understand what the employer is looking for in a candidate.
2. Identify relevant skills and experiences: Match your own skills, experiences and achievements to the requirements of the job. Focus on highlighting those that directly relate to the position you are applying for.
3. Use keywords: Incorporate relevant keywords from the job description throughout your resume. This can help your resume pass through applicant tracking systems (ATS) and catch the attention of hiring managers.

When formatting a resume, it is important to maintain a clean and professional appearance. Use a clear and legible font, such as Arial or Times New Roman, and organize the content into sections with appropriate headings. Utilize bullet points to highlight key information and ensure consistency in formatting throughout the document. Additionally, consider using a chronological or functional format, depending on your specific circumstances and the job requirements.

When choosing a resume format, consider the job requirements, your level of experience and the industry norms. Additionally, ensure that your resume is well-organized, easy to read and tailored to the job you are applying for. The best resume format ultimately depends on your specific circumstances and the industry or job you are applying for. 

There are three common resume formats to consider:

• Chronological: This is the best format if you have a consistent work history and want to highlight career progression.  
• Functional: This format is best if you have limited work experience, are changing careers, or want to emphasize specific skills relevant to the job.
• Combination: This format is best if you have a diverse skill set and want to emphasize your experience and abilities.

A well-crafted resume is crucial as it is your first impression to potential employers. It allows you to effectively showcase your qualifications, skills and experiences, increasing your chances of being invited for an interview. A strong resume demonstrates your professionalism, attention to detail and ability to effectively communicate your value to the employer.

Writing a resume with no experience can be challenging, but it’s still possible to create a compelling document that highlights your skills and potential. You can still showcase your abilities, enthusiasm and potential through your resume without formal work experience. Focus on transferable skills, relevant coursework or projects and any other experiences that demonstrate your capabilities.

Here are seven tips to help you:

1. Start with a strong objective or summary statement: Instead of focusing on your work experience, emphasize your skills, education and relevant coursework or projects. Highlight your enthusiasm, willingness to learn and how you can contribute to the organization.
2. Emphasize transferable skills: Even if you don’t have direct work experience, you likely have developed transferable skills through volunteer work, internships, coursework, or extracurricular activities. These skills include communication, teamwork, problem-solving, organization and leadership. Showcase these skills in your resume.
3. Highlight academic achievements: If you have recently graduated or are currently a student, include any academic achievements, such as a high GPA, relevant coursework, research projects, or academic awards. This can demonstrate your dedication and potential.
4. Include relevant projects or coursework: If you have completed any projects or coursework relevant to the job you are applying for, include them in a separate section. Describe the project, your role and the skills you developed or utilized.
5. Focus on volunteer work or internships: If you have volunteered or completed internships, include them in your resume. Highlight the responsibilities, skills gained and any accomplishments during these experiences.
6. Include any certifications or training: If you have obtained or completed relevant training programs, mention them in your resume. This can demonstrate your commitment to learning and acquiring new skills.
7. Customize your resume for each job application: Tailor your resume to match the requirements of each job you apply for. Research the company and the job description to identify the skills and qualities they seek, and highlight how your experiences and skills align with their needs.