A resume is a one-page snapshot of your experiences that demonstrates that you are qualified for a specific job opening or a specific type of work. A resume typically includes the following sections and information:

• Contact information
• Work experience
• Education
• Skills
• Bottom or bonus section- your choice to highlight additional things that qualify you for a specific job opening or a specific type of work

When do I use a resume?

Resumes are typically required as part of the application materials employers request to be considered for a professional job. Resumes are usually submitted through an online portal, but follow the directions provided for submitting your resume for each specific job opening.

Employers evaluate applicant’s skills and experiences to see if an individual may be a fit for their specific job opening. Resumes for specific job openings should be tailored to needs displayed in the job posting. Think of your resume as a response to the employer’s call. The employer lists in the job posting exactly what they are looking for and your response is a resume which demonstrates that you have the education, skills, and experiences the employer is looking for.

Since the resume you submit for a specific job opening should be tailored to the needs of that individual job posting, the resumes you submit for job openings should differ slightly from one another. Creating just one resume to submit for multiple job openings will not serve you well, as you are likely to miss key information that the employers have expressed they are looking for.

Resumes are also typically brought to interviews. Even though the person interviewing you has a copy of your resume, it is considered best practice to bring a printed copy of the resume you submitted to gain the interview with you, and to offer it to the individual conducting the interview.

Another time resumes are used is when attending job fairs. It is customary to bring along a copy of your resume to offer recruiters a snapshot of your professional education, skills, and experiences that make you qualified for employment in a specific field. Although very similar to the resume you would submit to an employer for a specific opening, the resume you bring to a job fair is slightly different because it demonstrates your qualifications for general positions in your field. Overall, this resume is more general when compared to the resume you should submit for a specific job opening, as it will be disturbed to multiple employers at the fair.

This more general version of your resume can also be posted on career websites such as LinkedIn and Indeed.com. This allows employers to search through field specific resumes when seeking qualified candidates to fill openings.

Finally, your professional contacts, or even friends and family, may ask for a copy of your resume. In this case, find out if there is a specific job opening they have you in mind for. If so, customize your resume to meet the needs of the specific opening. If not, use a more general version of your resume, similar to that which you would use at a career fair or post to a career website.

The Importance of Being Honest on Your Resume

While we are presenting the best version of ourselves on our resume, the information included needs to be truthful and accurate. It is very easy for potential employers to verify the information you have included on your resume. There are many stories of people who have lost opportunities when employers find out that they have lied on their resume.