What Every Resume Should Include

Everyone · Explainer · Updated October 1, 2026 · LearnLife Editorial

What is a Resume and Why Does It Matter?

A resume is a brief document that outlines your professional background, education, skills, and accomplishments. It serves as your personal introduction to potential employers, showing them quickly and clearly why you are well-suited for a job. Imagine you are applying for an entry-level customer service position: your resume would highlight your past experience working with customers, your communication skills, and any achievements like positive feedback or sales goals met. A resume matters because it helps employers decide who to interview, saving them time by focusing on the most relevant information about you. Without a strong resume, you might not get noticed, even if you have the right qualifications.

What Contact Information Should a Resume Include?

Contact information is essential because it’s how employers reach you if they want to offer an interview. Include your full name, phone number, a professional email address, and your city and state. For example:

• John Smith
• Phone: (555) 987-6543
• Email: [email protected]
• Location: Seattle, WA

Including your LinkedIn profile or a professional website link can also add value, especially if it shows your work samples or endorsements. Avoid casual or outdated email addresses like “funnyguy123” and instead use a simple combination of your first and last name. Place this information at the very top of your resume so it is immediately visible.

What is a Resume Summary or Objective and How Should It Be Written?

A resume summary or objective gives a quick snapshot of who you are as a candidate. A summary focuses on your experience and skills, while an objective states your career goals. For example, a summary might read, “Detail-oriented retail associate with four years of customer service experience and strong problem-solving abilities.” An objective might say, “Seeking a retail position where I can apply my customer service skills and develop leadership abilities.” Keep this section short—two or three sentences—and make sure it matches the job you are applying for. Tailoring your summary or objective to the role helps employers quickly see why you belong in their company.

What Details Should Go in the Work Experience Section?

The work experience section shows your job history and what you accomplished in each role. List your jobs starting with the most recent. For each job, include:

• Job title
• Company name and location
• Dates you worked there (month and year)
• Bulleted list of your responsibilities and achievements

Use strong action verbs like “managed,” “developed,” “organized,” or “increased.” Instead of “Worked in a store,” write “Provided excellent customer service to an average of 50 customers daily, resolving complaints and ensuring satisfaction.” Quantifying your achievements adds strength, such as “Trained 5 new employees on store procedures.” This section shows employers how your past work prepares you for the new job.

How Should Education be Listed on a Resume?

In the education section, include your highest degree or diploma, the institution name, and graduation date or expected graduation. For example:

• High School Diploma, Central High School

If you are currently in school, you can write “Expected graduation: May” or “Anticipated completion.” You may also add relevant coursework, certifications, or training programs that relate to the job. For instance, if you completed a course in computer programming and are applying for a tech job, mention that course. If you have significant work experience, place education near the bottom of your resume. If you are a recent graduate or applying for an internship, keep education closer to the top.

What Skills Should a Resume Feature?

Your skills section tells employers what you know how to do. Include a mix of technical skills (hard skills) and personal qualities (soft skills). Examples of hard skills include “Microsoft Excel,” “data entry,” or “forklift operation.” Soft skills might be “strong communication,” “team collaboration,” or “problem solving.” Look closely at the job listing and include the skills that match what the employer wants. For instance, if the job requires “customer service” and “time management,” mention those skills specifically. Use a bulleted list for clarity, like this:

• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Bilingual in Spanish and English
• Cash register operation
• Strong organizational abilities

This section helps your resume get noticed by both hiring managers and automated resume screening software.

What Are Common Mistakes to Avoid on a Resume?

Avoid mistakes that can reduce your chances of getting hired. These include:

• Spelling or grammar errors: Always proofread your resume or ask someone else to review it.
• Including irrelevant information: Focus on experience and skills related to the job. Don’t list hobbies unless they support your qualifications.
• Using an unprofessional email address.
• Making your resume too long or cluttered: Aim for one page if you have limited experience, two pages only if necessary.
• Using the same resume for every job: Customize your resume for each application to highlight the most relevant skills and experience.
• Adding personal details such as age, marital status, or a photo, which are not required and may lead to bias.

Also, make sure your resume format is clean and easy to read, with consistent fonts and clear headings. For formatting ideas, see How Should a Resume Be Formatted.

What to Do Next After Creating a Resume?

After your resume includes all the right sections and looks professional, tailor it for each job you apply for. Read the job description carefully and adjust your summary, skills, and work experience to match what the employer seeks. Write a cover letter that explains why you are interested in the position and how your experience fits; see Should I Include a Cover Letter with My Resume and What to Cover in a Cover Letter for detailed advice. Save your resume as a PDF before sending it to preserve formatting, and keep a Word version for easy editing. Finally, practice sending your resume to trusted friends or mentors for feedback and be ready to talk about your experiences in an interview.

Frequently asked questions

Should I list every job I have ever had on my resume?

It’s best to include jobs that are relevant to the position you want or that show transferable skills. Older or unrelated jobs can be left out, especially if your resume becomes too long. Focus on the most recent and applicable work experience.

Can I use a resume template found online?

Yes, resume templates can help organize your information clearly. Just make sure the template looks professional, is easy to read, and allows you to customize sections. Avoid overly decorative or complicated designs.

Is it necessary to mention salary expectations on a resume?

No, salary expectations usually belong in the cover letter or discussed during an interview, not on the resume. Including this information too early can limit your negotiation options.

How do I handle gaps in my work history on a resume?

Be honest and focus on what you did during gaps—such as education, volunteer work, or skill building. You can briefly explain gaps in interviews if asked. Avoid listing every month if the gap is short.

Should I include certifications on my resume?

Yes, certifications that relate to the job can strengthen your resume. Place them in education or create a separate section titled “Certifications.” Be sure to include the name of the certification and the date earned.