What sections to include on your resume in 2024

The most important resume sections to include in your resume template are those that provide a comprehensive and clear overview of your qualifications, experience, skills, and education. Tailor these sections to match the job you’re applying for and highlight your strengths effectively. And, while the sections below are important, remember that they have to fit into the overall resume template formatting and design – so remember that while content is king, making it look nice is also an important way to make a good first impression.

Contact Information

Full Name
Phone number (include the appropriate country and area codes)
Professional email address
LinkedIn profile (if relevant and up-to-date)
Optional: Address (city, state)

Resume Summary or Objective

A brief statement summarizing your career goals, skills, and what you bring to the role.
Customize this section for each job application to align with the specific position and company.

Professional Experience

List your work experience in reverse chronological order (most recent job first).
For each position, include:
- Job title
- Company name and location
- Employment dates (start and end dates)
- Brief description of the company (if it’s not well-known)
- Key responsibilities and achievements using bullet points.
Focus on quantifiable achievements and use action verbs to describe your accomplishments.

Education

List your educational background in reverse chronological order (most recent degree first).
Include the name of the institution, degree obtained, major or field of study, graduation date, and any honors or awards.

Skills

Include a section listing relevant skills that align with the job you’re seeking.
Categorize your skills, such as technical skills, language proficiency, certifications, or soft skills like communication and leadership.

Certifications and Training

List any relevant certifications, training programs, workshops, or seminars you’ve completed.
Include the name of the certification, issuing organization, and the date of completion.

Achievements and Awards

Highlight any significant awards, recognitions, or honors you’ve received during your academic or professional career.

Professional Memberships

Include any memberships in professional organizations related to your industry.

Projects or Publications

If relevant, showcase projects you’ve worked on or publications you’ve contributed to.

Languages

If you are proficient in multiple languages, list them and indicate your level of proficiency.

Volunteer Work or Community Involvement

If applicable and relevant to the position, mention any volunteer work or community service you’ve been involved in.

References

Remember, the trick to creating an appealing resume is in making sure each section is tailored to emphasize your qualifications and achievements in relation to the job you’re applying for. It’s essential to present a cohesive and compelling picture of your skills and experiences to prospective employers.