What to Include in Each Section of a Resume

By Alison Doyle

Job Searching Expert

Need help compiling the information for your resume? Here are the sections that you need to include in a resume, along with the appropriate format and advice on what information include in each section.

Resume Contact Information

It's important to include all your contact information on your resume so employers can easily get in touch with you. Include your full name, street address, city, state, and zip, home phone number, cell phone number, and email address.

Resume Headline

A resume headline (also known as a resume title) is a brief phrase that highlights your value as a candidate. Located at the top of your resume, a headline allows a hiring manager to see quickly and concisely what makes you the right person for the job.

Resume Objective

If you include an objective on your resume, it's important to tailor your resume objective to match the job you are applying for. The more specific you are, the better chance you have of being considered for the job you are interested in.

Resume Profile

A resume profile is a section of a resume that includes a brief summary of an applicant’s skills, experiences and goals as they relate to a specific job opening.

Resume Branding Statement

A resume branding statement is a short, catchy statement that highlights your most relevant expertise in about 15 words or fewer.

Career Summary

The Career Summary section of a resume is an optional customized section of a resume that lists key achievements, skills, and experience relevant to the position for which you are applying.

Resume Experience Section

The experience section of your resume includes your employment history. List the companies you worked for, dates of employment, the positions you held and a bulleted list of responsibilities and achievements.

Resume Education Section

In the education section of your resume, list the schools you attended, the degrees you attained, and any special awards and honors you earned. Also include professional development coursework and certifications.

Formatted Resume Section Examples

View formatted examples of each section of a resume, including the optional sections.

Resume Skills

The skills section of your resume includes your abilities that are related to the jobs you are applying for. Include skills that are relevant to the position / career field that you are interested in i.e. computer skills, software skills, and/or language skills. 

Resume Keywords

Your resume should include the same keywords that appear in job descriptions. That way, you will increase your chances of your resume matching available positions - and of you being selected for an interview.

Prioritize Your Resume Content

It's important to prioritize the content of your resume so that your most important and relevant experience is listed first, with key accomplishments listed at the top of each position. 

Review Resume Examples

Before you start work on writing or updating your resume, review resume examples that fit a variety of employment situations. Then select a style and format that best highlights your strengths and achievements.