Resume Quiz

Resume Resources

Download the resume checklist to make sure you don’t forget anything when crafting your resume.

Here are some helpful resources to look at to improve your resume:

• Resume writing guide
• Resume examples by industry
• Free Word resume templates
• Free Google Docs resumes

Recap of The Resume Quiz Answers

What is the most important thing to highlight in your work experience?

While listing the companies you’ve worked for, your duties and responsibilities, and your skills are all essential for giving a comprehensive picture of your professional background, accomplishments demonstrate your impact and value as an employee. They showcase how you’ve contributed to your previous employers and what tangible results you’ve achieved. This not only helps differentiate you from other candidates but also provides concrete evidence of your abilities and potential for future success.

How should you write about yourself in your resume?

When writing about yourself in a resume, it’s generally recommended to use the third person, past tense, except for your current position, where you would use the first person, present tense. This helps maintain a professional tone and consistency throughout your resume.

Should you always list Education before Work Experience?
Not necessarily. The order of sections in a resume can vary depending on your individual circumstances and what you want to emphasize. Generally, if you’re a recent graduate or if your education is particularly relevant to the position you’re applying for, it might make sense to list Education before Work Experience. However, if you have significant work experience that is more relevant or impressive than your education, you might choose to prioritize Work Experience and list it before Education. Additionally, if you have certifications or other qualifications that are relevant to the position, you might want to include a separate section for those, after Education or Work Experience. Ultimately, the goal is to organize your resume in a way that highlights your strengths and qualifications most effectively for the specific job you’re applying for.

How to utilize keywords in your resume?

It’s essential to include job-specific keywords and action verbs in your resume. List keywords strategically throughout sections like the summary statement, skills section, and work experience. Focus on concrete skills, experiences, and achievements that demonstrate your qualifications for the position.

How long should your resume be?

For an entry- or mid-level role, it’s generally recommended to keep your resume to one page. This concise format ensures that you include only the most relevant and impactful information without overwhelming the reader with unnecessary details. However, for higher-level positions where you may have more extensive experience and achievements to showcase, using two pages can be appropriate. The key is to prioritize quality over quantity and ensure that every piece of information included in your resume is relevant and contributes to your overall candidacy for the position. Listing all your work experience isn’t necessary if it’s not directly relevant to the job you’re applying for; instead, focus on highlighting the most pertinent experience and achievements.

Why you should customize your resume for each position?

Customizing your resume for each position you apply for offers several advantages:

• Helps you pass applicant tracking systems (ATS): Many companies use ATS to screen resumes based on keywords and other criteria. By tailoring your resume to each position, you increase the likelihood of matching the job requirements and getting past these systems.
• Helps you focus on the employer’s specific needs: By customizing your resume, you can highlight the skills, experiences, and achievements most relevant to the specific job you’re applying for. This demonstrates that you understand the employer’s needs and can fulfill them effectively.
• Shows you’re invested in the opportunity: Customizing your resume shows that you’ve taken the time to research the company and the position, and that you’re genuinely interested in the opportunity. It demonstrates your dedication and enthusiasm, which can make you stand out as a candidate.

When describing work experience, is paragraph-style job descriptions preferred over bulleted lists?

In most cases, bulleted lists are preferred over paragraph-style job descriptions when describing work experience on a resume. Bulleted lists are easier to read and scan quickly, which is important since recruiters and hiring managers often spend only a few seconds initially reviewing each resume. Bullets help to highlight key responsibilities, achievements, and skills in a concise and organized manner, making it easier for the reader to identify relevant information.

However, there may be situations where a paragraph-style description is more appropriate, such as when you want to provide a more detailed narrative of a particular role or accomplishment. In such cases, it’s essential to keep the paragraph brief and focused, using clear and concise language to convey your qualifications effectively.

Overall, while there’s no hard and fast rule, bulleted lists are generally the preferred format for describing work experience on a resume due to their clarity and ease of reading.

Is it important to list references on a resume?

It’s generally not necessary or recommended to list references directly on your resume. Including references can take up valuable space and may distract from the more critical information about your qualifications and experiences. Additionally, most employers don’t expect to see references on a resume, as they typically request them later in the hiring process, often after an initial interview.

Instead of listing references on your resume, you can create a separate document titled “References” that includes the names, titles, contact information, and a brief description of your relationship with each reference. You can then provide this document to employers when they request references during the application process or bring it to interviews.

Focusing your resume on highlighting your skills, experiences, and accomplishments relevant to the position you’re applying for is generally more effective than including references.

Should you include a cover letter with your resume?

While some job seekers might believe that cover letters are becoming obsolete, they can still be valuable tools for introducing yourself to a potential employer, explaining why you’re interested in the position, and highlighting key experiences and skills that make you a strong candidate.

However, if the job ad explicitly states that a cover letter is not required, it’s acceptable to omit it. Otherwise, including a well-crafted cover letter along with your resume is generally recommended, as it provides an opportunity to make a positive impression and stand out from other applicants.

Which type of action verbs appeal to employers the most?

Action verbs that demonstrate initiative, leadership, problem-solving, and achievement tend to appeal most to employers. These verbs convey a sense of capability and accomplishment, which is crucial for grabbing the attention of hiring managers and demonstrating your potential value to their organization.

Using strong action verbs not only makes your resume more dynamic and engaging but also helps to convey your past accomplishments and the proactive approach you bring to your work.

Some examples of effective action verbs include:

• Achieved
• Spearheaded
• Implemented
• Improved
• Resolved
• Generated
• Innovated
• Led
• Streamlined
• Exceeded

Should you include social-media links in your resume?

It’s not necessary to add social media links but recruiters often check candidates social media profiles without you adding them to your resume. Ultimately, whether to include social media links, such as LinkedIn in your resume is a personal decision based on your individual circumstances and the specific requirements of the job you’re applying for. If you do choose to include them, ensure that your profiles are up-to-date, professional, and relevant to the position.

Including social media links in your resume is a decision that depends on several factors:

• Relevance: If your social media profiles are relevant to the job you’re applying for and showcase your professional skills or accomplishments, it may be beneficial to include them. For example, if you’re applying for a digital marketing position and you have a well-curated LinkedIn profile that highlights your experience and expertise in the field, including a link to it can be advantageous.
• Professionalism: Ensure that your social media profiles present you in a professional light. If your profiles contain inappropriate content or are primarily personal in nature, it’s best not to include them on your resume.
• Privacy: Consider your comfort level with sharing your social media presence with potential employers. If you’re concerned about privacy or prefer to keep your personal and professional lives separate, you may choose not to include social media links on your resume.
• Industry norms: Research the norms within your industry. In some fields, such as media, marketing, or creative industries, it’s more common and even expected to include social media links as a way to showcase your work and network.