What A Good Resume Must Have

In general, here are some of the most important headings that are expected on a resume -

1) Objective

After mentioning your name, contact details and address etc. the next most important heading on your resume is your career objective, which is nothing more than a short concise and clear statement that states your current objective. It is best to use a direct and focused career statement as opposed to a confusing and long statement that makes no sense. Based on the position you are applying for, it is a good idea to include the job title and industry you are interested in joining as it tells the resume reader exactly what you are looking for.

2) Summary

The summary is usually an optional heading on the resume and it summaries the skills and experience gained by a job seeker through his / her professional career. In the event that a resume does not have a summary, the reader must read through the entire resume to understand and appreciate the job seeker's professional career graph.

3) Education

Briefly mention the School and College you have attended giving details of the most recent and highest degree gained first. Mention your graduation year as well.

4) Work Experience / Volunteer Positions / Internships

The work experience section is invariably one of the most important headings on your resume as it tells the recruiter just what it is that you have been doing professionally and the kind of Companies you have associated with in the recent past. Here again, the most recent position held must come first. Other facts to mention include the Co Name, years of association with them, position held along with a brief description of your role.

Any promotions received within an organisation should also find a mention on your resume. However, don't make the mistake of including every minor and insignificant details of you previous jobs.

Remember: Your resume should not be more that 1 page.

5) Hobbies / Interests

Spend a little time to think about what it is that you enjoy doing the most in your free time. Choose 4-5 of your favorite hobbies and be prepared to talk about them when the employer asks you specific questions. Don't mention impressive hobbies just because they sound good. Be truthful and talk about activities that you enjoy doing from your heart! Hobbies and Interests put some light on your personality and individualism.

6) Skills

Mention specific skills such as your computer knowledge and language skills etc.

7) References

This is the section where you volunteer to provide names and contact info of those people who you have worked for or worked with over the years. References can also include your Professors / Teachers who have known you and can vouch for your credibility and skills. Letters of recommendation are vital tools.

Always remember to inform your references well in advance about your interview date, the position you are applying for and the skills required by you for the position so that they can mentally prepare themselves when the recruiter calls them.

A little extra work on your resume can take you a long way. Make it a habit to study your resume before each interview so that you can customise it for the particular position you are applying for.