The outline for a resume structured the order of the resume headings. Each heading is followed by a paragraph and the information you provide within it.
To build your resume, you have to decide on its format and its sections as the frame of your resume outline.
This article provides sample resume outlines – examples of resume structure and options for headings. It also discusses the information to include within each section and sub-sections.
The outline of the resume forms the type of the resume you select, which depends on your professional situation.
For example:
- If you have just started out, do not have much experience and are aiming for entry level jobs, functional resume would suite your needs.
- If you have many years of experience, filled different positions and roles within different companies and would want to show your career growth, chronological resume may fit your needs.
- If you haven’t changed too many jobs but filled many roles within a certain company, functional resume or combinational resume would be perfect for you.
- If you’re a high level executive or a professional and would want to highlight your achievements before listing your previous jobs, functional resume is the type you’d probably choose.
Refer to – Different Types of Resumes for more information.
Choosing the Right Resume Format:
Sample Outlines for Different Professional Situations
Here are 3 samples:
1.) Headings options for Outlining a Resume
The heading titles of your resume can also be chosen according to your needs:
[Last Name, First Name]
[Address, Zip]
[Phone No., Mobile, Fax, Email Address]
• Career overview/ Career summary/ Profile / Core Competencies
• Objective/Career Objective
• Work History/Professional Experience/ Employment History/Experience / Work experience
• Education/ Professional Qualifications/ Summary of Qualifications
• Achievements
• Key Technical/Professional Skills / Competencies / Areas of Expertise & Strengths /Skills /Key Skills
• Professional Affiliations/Memberships/Interests/Activities
• Languages
• References
2.) Resumes of Executives (Combinational Resume)
• Contact details
• General Management Executive/Plant Operations (Refer to Resume Titles)
• Core Competencies
• Professional experience
o Accomplishments
• Education
• Contact details
• Objective
• Profile
• Skills Summary
• Professional Experience
• Employment History
• Education
3.) Chronological Resume
Contact details
Name
Address: Street, City, State, Zip
Phone (Home and Cell, 2 numbers to list)
Email Address (it is recommended to use your name as an email address, for example yourname @ gmail.com)
Career summary (optional)
List you major professional skills and expertise with # of years of experience.
Objective (optional)
Focus your statement to the position you’re aiming for – What you are seeking.
Hint about your advantages and the benefits you’d bring to the position and the company.
Education
List educational degrees and institutions you’ve graduated. List related professional courses and certifications received and training you’ve participated relevant to the position under target.
Experience
List your experience background in reversed order from the recent to oldest. List job title, company name, location, & employment dates (years)
Use action verbs as an active, expressive way to describe your job duties and achievements.
Major Achievement
List major achievements per job and also include professional knowledge developed or promotions/appraisals you’ve received.
Key Skills
Related Competencies that you feel important to the position you are seeking – General personal skills, computer skills and/or technological skills.
Languages
References
Consider including 3 names and contact details of references. refer to: Job Reference Example/Format .
4.) Functional Resume
Contact Information
- Name
- Address: Street, City, State, Zip
- Phone Number
- Email Address
Summary of Qualifications: Highlight your key skills, accomplishments, and experiences relevant to the desired position. Focus on what makes you a strong candidate and briefly mention your career objectives.
Core Competencies: List your core competencies or areas of expertise. Include specific skills, knowledge, and abilities that align with the job requirements.
Professional Experience:
- Job Title: Company Name, Location (Dates)
- Describe your responsibilities, achievements, and contributions in this role. Use bullet points to clearly outline your accomplishments and quantify them whenever possible.
- Job Title: Company Name, Location (Dates)
- Provide a brief summary of your responsibilities and accomplishments for each position you held. Emphasize transferrable skills and experiences.
Education:
- Degree: Major, Institution Name, Location (Year)
- Include relevant degrees, certifications, and diplomas. Mention any honors, awards, or special achievements.
Additional Training and Certifications:
- List any professional development courses, workshops, or certifications that enhance your qualifications for the targeted position. Include the institution, location, and year of completion.
Skills:
- Technical Skills: List specific technical skills relevant to the job, such as programming languages, software proficiency, or industry-specific tools.
- Transferable Skills: Highlight soft skills that demonstrate your ability to adapt, communicate, problem-solve, and work effectively in a team or leadership role.
Languages:
- Indicate your language proficiency, including fluency in multiple languages if applicable.
References:
- Available upon request.
- State that references can be provided upon request. Ensure you have obtained permission from the individuals you intend to use as references.
Remember, the structure and content of your resume outline should be tailored to your unique background and the specific job you’re applying for. Use these examples as a starting point and adapt them to best showcase your skills, experiences, and achievements.