What to Include in a Resume

Writing a resume can feel like trying to solve a puzzle. You have a limited amount of space to show that you're the perfect fit for a job, but what exactly should go on it? Whether you're building your first resume, updating one from a few years ago, or changing careers altogether, knowing what to include in a resume can make or break your chances of landing an interview.

This guide will help you understand all the key components of a resume, how to structure it, and what employers are really looking for when they skim through hundreds of applications. From resume must-haves to resume content essentials, we’ve got you covered.

Why Knowing What to Include in a Resume Matters

Hiring managers spend an average of 6–8 seconds scanning a resume. That means you have just a few moments to grab attention, showcase your qualifications, and prove you're worth a closer look. A resume with all the important resume details placed correctly will always outperform one that's cluttered, vague, or missing key elements.

When you know what should a resume contain, you:

Appear more professional

Increase your chances of passing ATS (applicant tracking systems)

Show recruiters that you understand how to present yourself in a business context

Let’s walk through the standard resume format and what every job seeker should include.

The Key Sections to Include in a Resume

1. Contact Information

This is the most basic and critical part of your resume. Without it, you won’t get called back.

Include:

Full name

Phone number

Professional email address (no [email protected])

LinkedIn profile URL (if it's updated)

Optional: City and state (not full address)

2. Professional Summary or Resume Headline

This is a brief section at the top of your resume that tells employers who you are and what you bring to the table. Your professional profile on resume helps provide context and focus.

Example:

"Marketing specialist with 5+ years of experience in content strategy, SEO, and campaign management. Proven ability to grow organic traffic and lead high-performing teams."

This section is often overlooked but is one of the resume must-haves in today's market.

3. Work Experience

This is where you prove your value. Include:

Job title

Company name

Location

Dates of employment

Key responsibilities and accomplishments (use bullet points)

When listing work experience in a resume, lead with measurable results and action verbs.

For example:

Increased sales by 32% in Q2 by launching a new client retention program.

Trained and supervised a team of 6 support staff, improving response time by 25%.

4. Education

Your education section on a resume should include:

Degree(s) earned

Institution name

Graduation date (optional for older professionals)

Relevant coursework (for recent grads)

If you're in a technical or regulated field, including certifications or licenses here can also be helpful.

5. Skills Section

Your resume skills section is where you can shine. Include both hard skills (e.g., data analysis, Python, accounting) and soft skills (e.g., communication, teamwork, adaptability).

Make sure the skills you list match the job description you're applying for. This helps with passing the ATS scan and getting your resume seen by a human.

6. Certifications, Awards, or Projects

Depending on your field and level of experience, you may want to add:

Professional certifications

Major awards or recognitions

Notable personal or academic projects

These resume elements help you stand out, especially if you're applying for roles in tech, creative industries, or academia.

FAQ Section

1. What should be included in a resume to make it effective?

A resume should include: contact information, a professional summary, relevant work experience, education, key skills, and any certifications or awards. Tailoring your resume content to the job you’re applying for improves your chances.

2. What are the key sections of a professional resume?

The main sections are contact details, resume headline or summary, work history, education, and skills. Optional sections include certifications, awards, projects, and volunteer work.

3. Should I include all my work history on a resume?

No. Focus on the last 10–15 years or the most relevant roles. Prioritize positions that align with the job you’re targeting.

4. How should I list skills and qualifications in a resume?

Use a dedicated skills section. Include both hard and soft skills, and make sure they reflect what’s in the job posting.

5. What personal details should be on a resume?

Keep it professional: name, phone number, email, and LinkedIn. Avoid including your full home address, date of birth, or a headshot unless it’s required by the employer or country.

What Employers Look for in a Resume

Hiring managers aren’t just looking for a list of jobs. They want to see:

Impact: What have you achieved?

Relevance: Does your experience match the role?

Clarity: Is your resume easy to read?

Structure: Are the sections organized clearly?

By understanding what employers look for in a resume, you can better craft content that resonates with them.

What to Include in a Resume for a First Job

If you’re new to the workforce, don’t stress about limited experience. Instead, focus on:

Internships

Volunteer work

School projects

Club or leadership roles

Still include all the resume content essentials, but highlight transferable skills. Employers hiring entry-level candidates care more about potential than experience.

What to Include in a Resume to Pass ATS

Many companies use Applicant Tracking Systems to filter resumes before a human ever sees them. To pass the ATS:

Use standard headings ("Work Experience," not "Career History")

Use keywords from the job description

Avoid images, tables, and fancy graphics

ATS compliance is a huge part of resume writing basics — and often overlooked by DIY applicants.

What to Include in a Resume for a Career Change

When switching careers, your resume should focus on transferable skills, relevant projects, and achievements that match your new path.

Include:

A strong summary explaining your pivot

Relevant freelance or volunteer work

Skills aligned with the new industry

Even if your previous roles seem unrelated, you can tailor your information to put on a resume to bridge the gap.

Final Thoughts

Let’s recap what we’ve learned:

What to include in a resume comes down to relevance, clarity, and structure.

A resume is more than a job list — it’s your personal marketing document.

Include only what moves you closer to the job you want.

By focusing on the resume structure, choosing the right resume sections to include, and following resume formatting tips, you can create a document that reflects both your skills and your professionalism.

Want help crafting a job-winning resume? — we specialize in creating strategic resumes tailored to your goals.