What Is a Resume?
A resume is a concise document that markets your professional qualifications to a potential employer. Unlike an autobiography, a resume is not meant to cover everything you have ever done. It is a targeted sales pitch, built to convince a hiring manager that you are the right fit for a specific role.
Most resumes in the United States are one to two pages long. They typically include contact information, a professional summary, work experience, education, and relevant skills. The goal is to earn an interview, not to tell your entire career story.
Why Your Resume Matters
Hiring managers spend an average of six to eight seconds on an initial resume scan. Applicant tracking systems may reject your resume before a human ever sees it. That means every line needs to pull its weight. A strong resume does three things well:
- Matches the job description. It mirrors the language, keywords, and qualifications the employer is looking for.
- Proves impact with evidence. Instead of listing duties, it shows measurable results like revenue generated, costs reduced, or processes improved.
- Is easy to scan. Clear headings, consistent formatting, and concise bullet points let readers find what they need fast.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Writing one generic resume and sending it to every job. Tailoring matters.
- Including an objective statement instead of a professional summary.
- Listing every job you have ever held, regardless of relevance.
- Using dense paragraphs instead of bullet points in your experience section.
Tips for Getting Started
Start by studying the job posting. Highlight the key qualifications and required skills. Then build your resume around proof that you meet those requirements. Think of it as answering the question: "Why should we interview this person?"
