Tips for Writing Effective Resumes - Resume Writing Guide

Aug 29, 2026

A resume-focused guide explains how to craft documents that secure interviews by matching structure to target roles. It covers core resume formats, when to choose chronological or combination styles, and how to list dates, achievements, skills, education, and training. The guide emphasizes tailoring content to employer needs, using numbers and specific facts, writing clearly and concisely, and avoiding personal data or overly fancy elements. It also compares resumes versus curriculum vitae, outlining typical sections and length expectations.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryLifestyle

FormatPDF

Pages11

Reading Time17 min

AccessFree to download

The Objective of a Resume

Basic Resume Format

Do’s and Don’ts

Targeted for the Job

Which Resume Format is right for you?

Chronological Resume

Combination Resume

Common Resume Components

Section Headings

Work Experience

Education & Training

Additional Tips

Curriculum Vitae vs Resume

Differences

Topics to include

Your Professional Story on Paper Heather Costa, SHRM-CP Recruiter The Ohio State University Wexner Medical CenterThe James The Objective of a Resume is to…. Get You An Interview! Basic Resume Format Do’s and Don’ts Targeted for the Job One size does not fit all. Which Resume Format is right for you? • Chronological Resume: – A chronological resume starts by listing your work history, with the most recent position listed first. ~~• Functional Resume: ~~ ~~– Focuses on skills and experience~~,~~ first~~ – Combination Resume: – Lists skills and experience first and then, employment history next. This type highlights the skills you have that are related to job, and uses chronological work history The Chronological Resume • Lists employment dates – Most recent position first • Most important info • Be Specific! • Use numbers, figures & facts The Combination Resume GREAT FOR ENTRY LEVEL AND SENIOR EXECUTIVES Common Resume Components Section Headings Common Resume Components (cont.) Relates to a specific job • Focus on how you would benefit the employer • Tell a story and explain your passion • Be clear • Short and to the point Common Resume Components (cont.) List skills relevant to the targeted position Work Experienc e • Highlight your skills and accomplishments • Describe what you have done • Emphasize experiences that pertain to the position you are applying for Common Resume Components (cont.) List education & training • Education • Related Coursework • Training • Certifications Additional Tips ▪Your achievements should be listed as part of your resume ▪Proofread ▪List dates carefully ▪Do not put any personal information in your resume ▪Do not use fancy paper, or language (unless it’s important for the position), abbreviations , pictures, personal data ▪Try not to leave any gaps in your experience and professional background. If you do have gaps, be ready to explain what you did during an interview Always keep your resume updated! Update as you go through your career. Curriculum Vitae vs Resume Differences • CV Best for: Academic Education Scientific Medical Research Fellowship/Grants • Resume Best for: Job Application Employment Purposes Curriculum Vitae vs Resume Topics to include CV More than 2-3 pages, detail Include: Academic background Teaching Degrees Awards Publications Presentation Resume At least one page, concise Include: Objective Education Work History Credentials Accomplishments/Skills • CV Example (2nd page) • First page can look like a typical resume Electronic Resume-LinkedIn 20

FAQs

What is the main goal of a resume?

The objective of a resume is to get the candidate an interview. It should present relevant information clearly for the targeted job.

How do you decide between a chronological and a combination resume?

A chronological resume lists work history first with the most recent position. A combination resume lists skills and experience first, followed by employment history to highlight job-related strengths.

What are the key components a resume should include?

Common components include section headings, a targeted summary of how you benefit the employer, relevant skills, work experience, and education and training such as coursework, training, and certifications.

What are the main differences between a resume and a curriculum vitae (CV)?

A CV is best for academic education, scientific or medical research, and similar purposes, and it typically spans more than 2–3 pages. A resume is best for job applications, is usually at least one page and concise, and includes objective, education, work history, credentials, and accomplishments/skills.

Aug 29, 2026

Upload by Sophia Brooks