What to Put on a Resume to Impress Employers

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A resume is a one-page listing of your education and experience. By looking at your resume, your employer can see whether you are a good match for the position they are trying to fill. A resume is often the first thing a potential employer sees about you, and it helps them decide whether or not to schedule the next step, which might be an interview. This is why a resume should contain pertinent information and be clear, accurate and easy to read. While a curriculum vitae (CV) is a longer, more detailed list of your qualifications, a resume is a summary. This article explains the details of a basic resume while listing the steps that will guide you to write an impressive resume of your own.

What to put on your resume, with examples

A resume is a first glimpse of who you are professionally. It represents you even when you are not present (if, for example, you email it to a prospective employer or attach it to an online application). Interviewers often keep your resume on file to save or pass along, which can lead to other opportunities. 

Here is our list of what to include in your resume to impress a potential employer:

1. First, include your contact information at the top of your resume

List your telephone number, email address and street address. You can also include a website or LinkedIn profile. Make sure your email address is clear and professional. Also, check your phone to make sure it can receive texts and that your outgoing voicemail message is clear, with no overly casual language or background distractions such as loud music. 

Example of contact information shown in a resume: 

Anna Smitt. (747) 349-9824. annasmitt@email.com. www.digitaldesigns/smitt. 

Example of a professional outgoing voicemail message: 

‘You’ve reached Anna Smitt’s voicemail. Please leave a message and I’ll call you back.’ 

2. Second, write an objective for your resume

This is a statement of your career goals. You should alter this with each application to fit the job for which you are applying so your goals can match up with the position requirements.

Example (for a social media marketing position): 

‘To obtain a position where I can leverage my four years of experience with a Fortune 500 company to engage customers and grow subscription levels across multiple platforms.’

3. Third, write a summary statement for your resume

Some people opt to use a summary statement rather than an objective, while some use both. A summary will provide a capsule of your skills and background as it pertains to this position. 

Example (for a head coach position):

‘Motivated, disciplined and dynamic teaching professional with five consecutive state basketball championships. Founder of seven successful after-school sports clubs for all ages. Recognized as Department Head of the Year for leadership initiatives and spirit-boosting initiatives.’

4. Fourth, list your employment history in chronological order

Starting with your most recent and relevant work experience first, list the places where you worked, your title or position, and the length of time you worked there, followed by a brief one or two-line description of your job. Include awards, promotions or other noteworthy milestones.

Example: 

‘Laboratory Supervisor, DuVerne Chemicals, January 2017– present

Supervised a team of 17 in one of 23 on-site laboratories. Responsible for lab safety and production as well as scheduling and employee management. Received an award for receiving no safety violations in 2017 and 2018.’

5. Fifth, include your relevant skills

Here you can list technical and nontechnical skills you feel might be helpful on the job for which you are applying. 

Examples: 

‘Proficient in Microsoft Word and Excel’ or ‘Excellent interviewing and writing skills’ or ‘Fluent in Mandarin’

6. Sixth, list your education

List your highest degree first, with the name of the college or educational institution and your date of graduation. 

Example: ‘Master of Arts degree in Mass Communications, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 2003.’

7. Seventh, choose simple formatting

A typical resume is one page long. There are many ways you can format your resume. A design professional could use this as a way to showcase their skills, but other professionals should choose standard margins, a professional font such as Times New Roman and a font size of at least 10 or 12. 

8. Eighth, edit your resume

Before you send out your resume, thoroughly read it over to ensure there are no errors. When deciding on an Oxford comma, consistency is key.

Template of a resume that will impress employers

[Your name. Your telephone number. Your email address. Your LinkedIn. A website, if you have one.]

Objective: [One line that explains what your career goals are with respect to this position.]

Summary: [2 to 3 lines that summarize your skills, work history and personality with regards to this position.]

Employment History: 

[Title. Name of work place. Time you worked there]

[Job description]

Use the above slots as many times as needed.

Skills:

[Mention any technical or nontechnical skills and certifications here]

Education:

[Degree received. Name of institution. Year of graduation. ]

Example of a resume

Stephanie Ayles /  sayles@yahoo.com / 708-934-2345 

Objective: To obtain a teaching aide position at a Montessori school.

Summary: Enthusiastic, self-motivated team player with seven years of experience teaching in diverse environments, including Montessori, special needs, public schools and summer camps. CPR-certified and creative.

Work Experience:

Bright Young Minds Academy, Pensacola, Florida. Teacher’s assistant, August 2017 to present

Assisted two teachers in a co-teaching pod to manage a combined class of 42 third-grade students. Created and managed the art curriculum, teaching art for 30-minute segments to groups of 10. Assisted in small-group reading and supervised recreational activities. 

Anderson Elementary School, Pensacola Beach, Florida. Kindergarten aide. August 2015 to May 2017

Assisted kindergarten teacher in physical care of students as well as help with reading, mathematics and hands-on science projects. Managed the classroom while the teacher attended to administrative duties. Wrote and staged a class play. 

Holy Hands Academy Vacation Bible School, Pensacola, Florida. May 2017 to August 2017

Ran an arts camp that served groups of 50-plus students. Created original project ideas centered around STEM lessons and integrated art with music and other creative activities as well. Ran a specialized sensory art program for special needs kindergartners.

Education:

Associate in Arts, Early Childhood Education, Pensacola State College, Pensacola, Florida. May 2017

Skills:

CPR-certified

Proficient in watercolor and acrylic painting

Semi-fluent in Spanish