Resume sections explained
Understanding the purpose and best practices for each resume section is crucial for creating an effective document that showcases your qualifications. Here's a comprehensive breakdown of common resume sections and how to optimize them.
This section appears at the top of your resume and includes:
- Full name (typically in a larger font size)
- Professional title aligned with your target role
- Phone number with area code
- Email address that sounds professional
- Location (city and state/province)
- LinkedIn profile (optional but recommended)
- Professional website or portfolio (if relevant)
Use an email address that includes your name rather than a casual or outdated address. Create a dedicated email for job applications if necessary.
Professional summary or objective
This 2–4 sentence section appears directly below your contact information:
- Professional summary: A concise overview of your experience, skills, and value proposition (recommended for most candidates)
- Career objective: A statement of your career goals and what you hope to achieve (better for entry-level positions or career changers)
Example professional summary: