Resume

Updated: 06/22/2024 by Computer Hope

Resume may refer to any of the following:

1. To continue something after an interruption. For example, if you pause a video or a song when you hit play or the pause button again, you resume the video or song.

2. A resume is a casual spelling of résumé, which is French for "abstract" or "summary" and is like a CV (curriculum vitae), Latin for "course of life." A résumé is a document that provides a brief overview of a person's education, employment history, and relevant accomplishments.

How to create a résumé

A résumé is often created using a word processor, like Microsoft Word or Google Docs. To make things easier, most word processors also have templates that help create and lay out a résumé.

Once the résumé is created, save it as a document file format (.docx or .doc) or a PDF (Portable Document Format) file.

What should I include in my résumé?

A résumé should include the following.

  • Your name and contact information.
  • A summary of who you are and why you're qualified.
  • Your employment and experience history.
  • References.
  • List of your education, certifications, and skills.
Tip

We highly recommend you make a résumé no longer than one page.

How to share a résumé

Once the résumé is saved, it can be shared with another person using any of the following methods.

Hard copy

If you're going to an interview or want to hand the potential employer your résumé, print a hard copy of the résumé using a printer. If you do not have a printer, visit a local print shop to have copies of your résumé printed.

Tip

If you're going to a job fair, it's a good idea to print several copies of your résumé to hand out.

E-mail attachment

An e-mail attachment is a popular method for sharing a résumé because it's an easy way to get your résumé to several people quickly. However, because it's so easy, realize your résumé may also get lost with everyone else sending their resume as an attachment.

USB thumb drive

Copying your résumé to a USB (universal serial bus) thumb drive lets you share it with anyone willing to open it on their computer. This action also lets you take it to a print shop to turn it into a hard copy.

Upload

Uploading your résumé to a website allows anyone with Internet access to view and download your résumé at any time. Some companies looking for people to hire may also support the ability for you to upload your résumé online.

Tip

If you have a website, a résumé can be made available through the website. You could also create a custom résumé using HTML (hypertext markup language) to attract employers looking for someone with web design experience.

Résumé vs. CV

Both documents summarize your professional history, skills, achievements, and education. However, a CV is often requested instead of a résumé when applying for an academic position, fellowship, or grant because it contains more credential details. When writing a CV, start with your education and certifications and then your experience. A CV should also go into more detail than a résumé does about your credentials and therefore may be two or three pages long.

Placeholder recommendations: HTML(Application, Biography, Career, Experience, Reference)NOTFOUND(Curriculum vitae, Employment, Job history, Portfolio, Qualifications, Summary, Work experience)

Business terms, Computer abbreviations, Continue, Cover page, CV, Job