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 A resume template is a tool that is used to remind people about the important types of information that should be include in a resume - just like a resume outline. The overall strategy behind writing a resume is to get a job interview. So the first decision you're faced with is really which resume format to use so that your strengths are highlighted and weaknesses are deemphasized.ur strengths are highlighted and weaknesses are deemphasized.
Resume Template Guide
In this article, we are going to take a closer look at the various parts, or components, of a good resume template - the sections that typically appear in a well written resume. This is going to be the same type of information you'll use regardless of the resume format that you decide to use.
To get a better understanding of the modern resume formats you can use, take a look at our articles on the chronological resume, functional resume and combination resume. There is also a link to more detailed explanations and resume examples in each of the six sections appearing below.
We strongly encourage you to take a closer look at some of the resume writing information we have to offer before you begin to write your resume. The examples we provide and the guidance we have on this website can save you hours of work later on when you discover the resume format you've chosen is not suited to your career background or when you're struggling to find the right resume buzz words.
Components of a Good Resume
Our resume template consists of six sections or components:
- Resume Objective Statement
- Summary of Qualifications
- Job Skills
- Career Accomplishments / Achievements
- Work Experience
- Education
It is important to note that in this resume template we are only outlining the types of information that appear on a resume. We are not discussing how that information is organized on a resume. If you're interested in seeing examples / samples of resumes you might want to take a look at our article on How to Write a Resume.
Resume Objective Statement
The resume objective statement is an optional section of a resume template. The objective statement is basically a statement of the reason you are sending your resume to a potential employer. This statement should briefly explain career objectives and be customized to each type of position you are seeking. For more information on objective statements and how they are use, take a look at our resume objective statement examples.
Summary of Qualifications
The summary of qualifications statement is similar to the objective statement in that it explains to the reader the reason why the applicant should be granted a job interview. Once again, this is an optional section in any resume template and can actually be used more effectively in resume cover letter.
The summary of qualifications statement in a resume would briefly explain how previous work experience has prepared you for the job opening in a particular company.
Job Skills
The job skills section of the resume gives the applicant the opportunity to explain how they've used certain skills to achieve superior results throughout their careers. The most marketable skills that an applicant has should be aligned with the summary of qualifications statement or any other success stories that appears on the resume or cover letter.
For example, you'll want to list out the most valuable skills you've acquired over your career and tell the story of how you leveraged these skills to produce exceptional results. If you're a college student or have some specialized training, you're just going to replace the skill with the knowledge you've acquired through coursework when putting together this type of information for your template.
Career Accomplishments / Achievements
Your career accomplishments are perhaps the single most valuable section to think about for your resume template. That is because most potential employers believe that if you have been successful somewhere else, then you can be successful at their company too.
When writing up accomplishments or achievements, try to quantify the impact as much as possible. For example, if you present facts on a resume - like actual dollars saved - then it makes your accomplishments more "real" to the reader.
Work Experience
The work experience or work history section of a resume template is usually the easiest section of the resume template to put together. That's because most of us know where we have worked in the past. In a resume, you're work experience is typically listed in reverse chronological order and includes where you worked, the dates of employment with a company and the major responsibilities you had at a particular company.
If you have old copies of your job descriptions or performance appraisals, they can be very helpful when putting together your work experience section of the template.
Education
The education or credentials section of a resume template can add to the overall marketability of a resume more than most people realize. Many online publications tell the reader to position the education section towards the end of a resume. Unless you are trying to avoid this particular subject, including your educational background towards the beginning of the resume will not hurt its marketability.
Keep in mind that many job descriptions include the educational requirements right in the description itself. By having this section at the beginning of your resume, it allows the reader to focus on the accomplishments and not worry about whether or not you meet a minimum requirement that's been set for the position.
Resume Writing Resources
Earlier in the publication we advised you to take a look at some of the other resume writing resources we have to offer. If you are looking for more information on resume templates or are simply having trouble getting started on your resume then you might want to take a look the following articles:
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