Special Chapter Z : Resume Writing – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Introduction

A resume is more than a document — it is your professional identity on paper. It introduces your qualifications, reflects your personality, and positions you for opportunity.

In today’s competitive world — whether applying through job portals like LinkedIn, Indeed, or corporate career pages — your resume must be strategic, targeted, and ATS-friendly.

This chapter answers the most common, practical, and exam-relevant questions about resume writing.

Section 1: Basic Understanding of Resume

Q1. What is a resume?

A resume is a concise, structured summary of your:

Education
Skills
Work experience
Achievements
Professional strengths

It is typically 1–2 pages long and is used for job applications.

Q2. What is the difference between Resume and CV?

Resume	CV (Curriculum Vitae)
1–2 pages	Multiple pages
Job-oriented	Academic & research-oriented
Customized for each job	Comprehensive career record
Used in industry	Used in academia & research

Q3. Why is resume writing important?

Because:

It creates the first impression
It determines whether you get an interview
It reflects communication skills
It highlights your value proposition

A strong resume converts applications into interview calls.

Section 2: Structure & Content

Q4. What are the essential components of a resume?

Contact Information
Professional Summary / Career Objective
Skills
Work Experience
Education
Certifications (if any)
Projects
Achievements
Optional: Hobbies, Languages, References

Q5. What should be included in the Professional Summary?

It should:

Be 3–4 lines
Highlight core competencies
Reflect career focus
Include measurable strengths

Example:

Results-driven Mechanical Engineering graduate with strong analytical skills, hands-on internship experience, and proficiency in AutoCAD and production planning.

Q6. How long should a resume be?

Freshers: 1 page
2–10 years experience: 1–2 pages
Senior professionals: Maximum 2 pages

Recruiters spend only 6–8 seconds initially reviewing a resume.

Q7. Should I include a photograph?

India: Sometimes acceptable.
USA, UK, Canada: Not recommended.
Government jobs: Follow official notification.

Section 3: Customization & Targeting

Q8. Why must a resume be customized?

Every job has:

Different requirements
Different keywords
Different priorities

Customization increases your chances of passing Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).

Q9. What is ATS?

ATS (Applicant Tracking System) is software used by companies to filter resumes automatically.

Major corporations like Google and Microsoft use ATS-based screening systems.

To pass ATS:

Use job description keywords
Avoid graphics and tables
Use standard headings

Q10. How do I identify keywords?

Read job description carefully
Highlight required skills
Match them with your experience
Use exact terminology

Section 4: Skills & Action Verbs

Q11. What types of skills should be included?

Technical Skills
Soft Skills
Tools & Software
Language Skills

Q12. Why are action verbs important?

Action verbs:

Make statements powerful
Show impact
Reflect achievement

Instead of:
❌ Responsible for managing team

Write:
✔ Led a team of 10 engineers to improve production efficiency by 15%

Q13. Examples of strong action verbs?

Achieved
Implemented
Designed
Improved
Coordinated
Analyzed
Developed
Spearheaded

Section 5: Freshers’ Concerns

Q14. What if I have no work experience?

Include:

Internships
Academic projects
Workshops
Volunteer work
Online certifications
Leadership roles

Focus on:

Skills
Learning ability
Academic achievements

Q15. Should hobbies be included?

Include only:

Relevant hobbies
Leadership-based activities
Creative or technical interests

Avoid generic hobbies like:
❌ Listening to music
❌ Watching TV

Section 6: Formatting & Presentation

Q16. Which font and size should be used?

Font: Calibri, Arial, Times New Roman
Size: 10–12 for content, 14–16 for headings
Consistent formatting throughout

Q17. Should I use colors?

Conservative colors only
Avoid flashy designs
Keep professional look

Q18. Should resume be in PDF or Word format?

PDF is preferred
Word only if employer demands

Section 7: Common Mistakes

Q19. What are common resume mistakes?

Spelling errors
Long paragraphs
Irrelevant information
Using “I” statements
Including salary expectations
Exaggeration or false claims

Q20. Should references be included?

Write:

References available upon request.

Do not include detailed references unless specifically asked.

Section 8: Advanced & Strategic Questions

Q21. How often should I update my resume?

Every 6 months
After major achievement
After skill acquisition

Q22. How can experienced professionals make resume impactful?

Focus on leadership impact
Quantify results
Highlight strategic contributions
Emphasize measurable growth

Example:

Increased annual revenue by ₹25 lakh through process optimization.

Q23. What is a functional resume?

A functional resume:

Focuses on skills
Downplays chronological work history
Suitable for career changers

Q24. What is a combination resume?

Combination resume:

Mix of chronological + functional
Highlights skills + experience
Ideal for mid-level professionals

Section 9: Ethical and Professional Integrity

Q25. Can I exaggerate experience?

No.

Employers conduct:

Background verification
Reference checks
Skill-based assessments

False claims can permanently damage credibility.

Section 10: Interview Connection

Q26. How does resume influence interview?

Your resume:

Forms the basis of interview questions
Reflects your strengths
Determines discussion direction

Every line in resume must be defendable.

Section 11: Final Golden Rules

Keep it concise.
Customize for each role.
Quantify achievements.
Use action verbs.
Avoid errors.
Maintain honesty.
Keep updating.
Ensure ATS compatibility.

Concluding Insight

A resume is not merely a document. It is your career marketing tool, your professional narrative, and your first interview before the actual interview.

When crafted thoughtfully, strategically, and ethically, it becomes a bridge between aspiration and appointment.