Write your resume in 15 minutes
Our free collection of expertly designed resume templates will help you stand out from the crowd and get one step closer to your dream job.
In this guide, you’ll learn which resume sections are essential, which ones are optional, and how to organize them based on experience level and career goals.
Standard Resume Sections Every Job Seeker Needs
These sections are non-negotiable for a professional resume. They provide the foundation, making it easy for employers to evaluate your qualifications. Each one needs to be clear, concise, and tailored to the job description.
1. Contact Information
Your contact information should be simple, clean, and professional. Place it at the very top of your resume so it’s the first thing employers see.
What to include:
- Full Name: First and last name, written clearly and professionally. Avoid using nicknames.
- Phone Number: Make sure it's current and formatted correctly.
- Professional Email Address: If you’re still using your middle school email, it’s time for an upgrade. Choose a simple format like firstname.lastname@email.com.
- Location: City and state are enough; no need to include your full street address.
- LinkedIn or Portfolio: Include a link if it’s relevant to your industry, especially for roles in tech, design, or marketing.
Avoid including:
- Personal social media profiles unless they’re professional or job-related.
- Unnecessary personal information like age, marital status, or a headshot.
2. Resume Summary or Objective
Think of this as your resume’s opening statement. Located right below your contact information, it should hook the reader and quickly explain why you’re the right fit.
- Resume Summary: Best for candidates with experience. This is a short, impactful snapshot of your professional achievements and relevant skills. Tailor it to the role using keywords from the job posting.
- Resume Objective: Suitable for entry-level candidates or career changers. This focuses on your career goals and what you aim to bring to the company. While it’s about your goals, it should still emphasize how you can contribute value.
Example (Professional Summary):
Example (Resume Objective):
3. Work History
Your work history (or employment history) is the backbone of your resume. Most hiring managers will head straight here to see what you’ve accomplished.
Format:
- Job Title: This should be clear and reflect the scope of your role.
- Company Name and Location: Include the city and state.
- Employment Dates: Use a simple format like “May 2020 – Present.”
- Bullet Points: Describe key responsibilities and achievements, with a focus on measurable results.
Best Practices:
- Use reverse chronological order with your most recent role first.
- Keep each job description focused on impact, not just duties.
- Incorporate numbers where possible to show tangible results, like “Increased sales by 25% in one quarter.”
- Use action verbs like "developed," "led," "streamlined," and "implemented."
4. Education Section
The education section is particularly important for recent graduates or roles requiring specific degrees. Even for experienced professionals, this part can reinforce credibility, especially if you have relevant coursework or certifications.
Include:
- Degree(s) earned
- Field of study
- School name and location
- Graduation date (or expected date if you’re still attending university)
Optional:
- Relevant coursework if it applies to the job.
- GPA if it’s above 3.5.
- Academic achievements like Dean’s List or honors.
For advanced roles, keep this section brief. Your experience will matter more than your GPA once you’ve been in the workforce for a while.
5. Skills Section
This section spotlights your technical skills and soft skills that are aligned with the job description. Employers often scan this section to see if you meet the qualifications.
How to List Skills:
- Group them into categories like Hard Skills (e.g., coding, data analysis) and Soft Skills (e.g., leadership, problem-solving).
- Avoid generic or outdated skills like “Microsoft Word.”
- Match skills to the language of the job posting to show relevance.
If you’re in a technical or specialized field, adding certifications under the skills section can be a smart move. For leadership roles, emphasize leadership skills and strategic experience.
Optional Resume Sections That Can Strengthen Your Application
Once the essential resume sections are in place, these optional additions can boost your credibility, show personality, and highlight relevant details that give hiring managers a reason to pause and read.
1. Certifications and Licenses
If the job requires a specific certification, this section moves from optional to critical. It proves you meet key requirements and take your profession seriously.
Include:
- Name of certification
- Issuing organization
- Date received (and expiration, if applicable)
Use this for fields like healthcare, IT, finance, or education. Also a smart move for career changers who’ve invested in reskilling.
2. Volunteer Work and Community Involvement
Volunteer work can speak volumes, especially for entry level applicants and those with gaps in their employment history. It highlights values, work ethic, and sometimes even practical skills or leadership.
Format it like a job entry:
- Organization name
- Role or contribution
- Dates of involvement
- Brief bullet points on impact
Include it only if it relates to the job or shows transferable skills. Feeding shelter dogs is great, but managing a community fundraising campaign? That’s resume-worthy.
3. Awards, Accomplishments, and Relevant Achievements
This section gives you a spotlight to show moments where you stood out. It can include employee awards, performance milestones, or recognitions from school or industry groups.
Keep it brief and targeted. Tie achievements to the career goals behind the job application, and don’t just list, they need context to matter.
4. Languages
Fluency in more than one language is always worth mentioning. Bonus points if the role involves international communication or a multilingual customer base.
State your proficiency clearly: native, fluent, professional working proficiency, or basic.
5. Hobbies and Interests
Use this only if it adds personality or is relevant to the job. Example: a designer who tinkers with 3D printing, or a marketing candidate with a podcast on consumer behavior.
This is not the place to list “watching Netflix” or “hanging out with friends.” Think relevant hobbies, not random ones.
6. Publications, Conferences, and Speaking Engagements
This is a power move for roles in academia, science, marketing, or thought leadership. Include only recognized publications or noteworthy conferences.
Add a short explanation of your role: presented, published, led a workshop. Keep it results-focused if you can.
7. Associations or Memberships
List professional associations tied to your field. This shows you’re engaged in the industry and growing your network.
This section is a subtle signal to potential employers: you're serious about your craft, not just clocking in.
How to Order Resume Sections Based on Your Experience
A resume isn’t just a list of facts, it’s a strategic snapshot of your career. The key is choosing a layout that highlights your strengths and makes it easy for hiring managers to spot your value. Here’s how to arrange your resume sections for different situations.
1. Traditional Order for Experienced Professionals
For mid-level and senior-level roles, your work history will carry the most weight. The reverse chronological order is your best bet because it quickly shows career progression and a strong professional resume.
Recommended order:
- Contact Information
- Professional Summary
- Work History
- Skills Section (Hard and Soft Skills)
- Education Section
- Certifications and Licenses (if applicable)
- Additional Sections (Awards, Associations, Publications, etc.)
Make your career summary punchy, and follow it with solid, results-driven bullet points under your work experience. Show that proven track record loud and clear.
2. New Graduates or Entry-Level Applicants
If you’re a recent graduate or entry-level candidate without much experience, lean on your education and any hands-on learning. Internships, relevant coursework, volunteer work, and extracurricular activities can fill the gap.
Recommended order:
- Contact Information
- Resume Objective
- Education Section (Include GPA if it’s 3.5 or higher)
- Relevant Coursework or Academic Achievements
- Internships or Volunteer Work
- Skills Section
- Certifications or Additional Skills (if relevant)
Make sure your resume objective is clear about your career goals and how you plan to bring value. Highlight any leadership skills you’ve gained through student organizations or class projects.
3. Career Changers
Shifting to a new field? Focus on your transferable skills and relevant achievements. A combination resume works best, blending both skills and experience to show why you're the right fit.
Recommended order:
- Contact Information
- Professional Summary
- Skills Section (Hard Skills, Soft Skills, and Leadership)
- Relevant Experience (Projects, Certifications, or Volunteer Work)
- Work History (Even if it’s not directly related)
- Education Section
- Additional Sections (Conferences, Publications, or Personal Projects)
Tailor your professional summary to emphasize the bridge between your past roles and the one you’re pursuing. If you’ve taken courses, earned relevant certifications, or gained experience in data driven marketing strategies or strategic planning, bring that forward.
4. Executive or Leadership Roles
For executives or senior managers, your focus should be on impact. Highlight experience in leading cross functional teams, strategic planning, and delivering measurable results.
Recommended order:
- Contact Information
- Professional Summary or Career Summary
- Core Competencies (Leadership Skills, Industry Expertise)
- Work History (Reverse Chronological Order)
- Key Achievements or Awards
- Education Section
- Certifications or Memberships
Conclusion
A well-crafted resume puts your strengths front and center, showing employers exactly why you're the right fit. By choosing the right resume sections, tailoring your content, and avoiding common mistakes, you'll stand out in a crowded job market. Take the time to refine your resume, focus on relevant achievements, and make every word count. Your next opportunity is waiting, go get it.
