The Complete Guide to Resumes
If you’ve never written a resume before, you may be asking yourself, “What is this thing?” Don’t worry! JobHero specializes in resumes—it’s what we do. Below you’ll find our complete guide to resumes: what they are, how they look, and the information they should provide. For our more seasoned writing pros, this information will be a great refresher for you the next time you update your resume.
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What Is a Resume?
A resume is a job seeker’s tool for presenting their contact information, work history, accomplishments, and more to prospective employers. It should be organized, digestible, and easy for recruiters to read, and the information provided should be accurate and relevant to the position being applied for. Since one to two pages is the preferred length by most hiring managers, only provide the necessary information—don’t overload it.
Browse more resumes by occupation on the Resume Samples page.
How to Organize Your Information
Resume FormatsTo start organizing the information on your resume, you’ll first choose a format to use: chronological, functional, or hybrid. These are the three traditional resume formats recruiters and hiring managers are familiar with. Each has its strengths and weaknesses, so it’s important to consider your experience and skills when determining the format that’s your best fit.
Showcases work experience and is a great choice for a consistent work history or extensive experience in one industry.
Highlights a job seeker’s skills, rather than work experience and is the best format choice for a limited work history.
A combination of the functional and chronological resumes, this format showcases both skills and work experience and is the ideal choice for applicants highly specialized in their field.
Still not sure which one is right for you? Check out our guide to the 3 Standard Resume Formats.
Quick & Easy Resume Writing
Resume Examples
When you’re looking for a job, time can be of the essence… and that’s where templates come in. They are—hands down—one of the fastest and easiest ways to quick-start your resume writing. Organizing and formatting the information that goes into a resume can be time-consuming, but a template is already formatted, making it easy to drop the necessary information into each component.
Professional Resources from JobHero
Cover Letters
Providing a cover letter is an essential way to separate yourself from other job applicants. Make it personal, professional, and meaningful.
Write a Cover Letter
There?
Trying to decide which career path to take? Learn about the many different types of jobs and industries there are and find the one that’s the best fit for you.
Find Your Career Path
Check out these additional resources and articles to help with your job search, resume writing, and more.
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