Chapter 6: Essential Components of a Resume
Abstract: An effective resume acts as a professional, 1–2 page summary of an individual's background, qualifications, and skills, designed to secure a job interview by highlighting key accomplishments. The core, essential components required for a modern, ATS-friendly (Applicant Tracking System) resume include contact information, a professional summary or objective, work experience, education, and skills . Core Components of a Resume Header and Contact Information: Located at the top, this includes your full name (in a larger, bold font), phone number, professional email address, and optionally a LinkedIn profile or portfolio link. Professional Summary or Objective: A 2–4 sentence paragraph summarizing your career highlights and value proposition. A summary is preferred for experienced professionals, while an objective is suitable for entry-level candidates or career changers. Work Experience: Listed in reverse chronolo...