13 Common Resume Questions Answered

Last Updated on February 5, 2024 by Career Reload Team

In this article, we are going to answer the most commonly asked questions about resumes. We hope that you find an answer to your question. Make sure to bookmark it for later and share it with fellow job seekers.

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How long should my resume be?

The length of your resume depends on what role you are applying for. For example, for an entry- or mid-level role one page is all you need but if you are going for a higher position then two pages are preferred. Generally, only list 3-4 relevant positions including your present job (if any).

Should I include a photo in a resume?

When it comes to adding your photo to your resume there are definitely some differences between countries.
Generally in the USA, you should not include a photo unless it’s asked for or if you are applying for a specific kind of jobs such as actor or performer. In Germany, France, and the majority of Asian countries you would include a photo on your resume when in the US, UK, and Australia it’s not recommended.

What resume should include?

Your resume should include these main sections:

Name, title, contact info – You would generally list these in a section at the top of your resume

Career summary – Use this area for your elevator pitch. Highlight your most valuable skills, qualifications, achievements, credentials

Work experience – Start with the most recent. List name of the company, job title, month and year of when you worked there. Use bullet points to list your achievements rather than duties.

Education – Start with the most recent. List the name of the school, program, the degree you obtained, and the year you graduated.

Skills – Under the skills section you would list related soft and hard skills. You can name this section, skills, key skills, expertise, technical skills, etc.

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How a resume should look?

Your resume should be clean and organized. Include proper margins and use clear system fonts such as Arial or Calibri. It’s good to keep the design very minimal, the only exception to this if you are applying for creative fields then you can make your resume more creative and colorful. You should make your name bigger than the rest of the text, bold or otherwise highlight the company name, position, and dates under your work experience.

• Set proper margins all around the document.
• Divide your resume into legible resume sections: Contact Information, Career Summary, Work History, Education, Skills.
• Use 10- 12pt font size. Use system fonts.
• Emphasize important information such as your name and section headings by bolding, CAPITALIZING, and italicizing.
• Be consistent with formatting (for example use the same date format 9–2021, or September 2021.)

Click on the image to download the free resume template in picture:

What resume format is best?

You should pick the resume format based on your current situation:

Chronological resume
Suitable for most job seekers with a consistent career path.

Functional resume
Great for entry-level candidates, career changers, and if you have a gap(s) in your work history.

Combination resume
Good for you if you have a diverse employment history or you’re making a slight career transition.

Click on the image to download the free resume template in picture:

What resume file format should I use?

Always send the resume to the employer in the format requested in the job ad. If the advertisement does not include a request for the resume format, choose a PDF document, as it will keep the formatting in order and will certainly open on different devices.

What resume template should I use?

If you are wondering what type of visual resume template should you pick, consider the following:

Your current situation – Start by picking the right resume format (Chronological, Functional, or Combination) based on your current situation.

Industry – After that consider your industry, are you applying to a creative field or something like accounting where a more toned-down resume would be appreciated.

Size of the company – The size of the company also matters. If you are applying for a big organization where it’s expected that many applicants will apply, it’s most likely that they’ll use ATS, and then you should pick a resume suitable to pass ATS.

How do I list education in my resume?

Put work experience before education if you have more than 5 years of work experience in a related field. Put education before work experience if you are a recent graduate or you are changing careers and have continued your education towards your new career objective. Academic and scientific professionals usually place education before work experience on their resumes.

• Mention where you went to school, what you studied, and any special honors you’ve received.
• High school information should be left out if graduated from college, university, or vocational school.
• Don’t list your GPA if it’s lower than 3.5.

How often should a resume be updated?

You should have a master resume that you update whenever you gain new accomplishments, skills, training, or positions. When you have a master resume that is up to date it’s a lot easier to create a tailored resume from it when you need it.

Should you list references in your resume?

You shouldn’t list references in your resume unless asked for. Considering the limited space that you have for all the information you need to list in your resume, it’s just too early to provide references. References are best provided on a separate paper after the job interview if requested.

How to list certifications in your resume?

You should create a separate section for it titled Certifications and add it after education. List the certification earned, place and year.

Should I list social media links in my resume?

List relevant URLs only, such as your LinkedIn page or any others that are professional and directly related to the position. For example, if you are a graphic designer you might list Behance, Dribbble, or other portfolio-type social media sites.

Are resume writing services worth it?

Resume writing services can speed up the process of getting hired. Resume writers know all the ins and outs of writing a hireable resume. Some resume writers are even that confident that they’ll give you a money-back guarantee if you don’t land a job interview at a specific time.

Career Reload Team

We’re a team of writers dedicated to providing insights and tips for navigating the professional world. With a collective wealth of experience across various industries and roles, our team understands the challenges and opportunities that come with seeking meaningful work and advancing your career. We help job seekers to better their careers by offering career advice & free resources. Download free Word resume templates and resume templates for Google Docs.