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While resume construction is a subjective art, the following is an explanation of commonly used sections from the top of your resume down to the bottom. Optional sections should be included if they will enhance your ability to deliver your core message. Also, standard sections can be renamed to suit your specific needs and focus your resume. Contact Information Your contact information is the masthead of your resume. It should include your name, phone number, email address, and mailing address. You can also include a personal web URL if it helps in marketing yourself for a position. This heading should also match your cover letter and reference sheet. Objective (Optional) An objective places your resume in specific context and tells your reader how to interpret the content of your resume. Objectives are not required, but if you choose to use one, be specific. For example, a good objective may state: To secure the Project Manager position with Southwest Gas utilizing strong communication, financial management and leadership skills. NOT A job where I can learn and grow and challenge myself. Summary of Qualifications or Career Profile (Optional and usually only used by candidates with several years of professional experience) A summary of qualifications allows you to briefly state your core message (your relevant experience, education, skills and characteristics) at the beginning of your resume. The idea behind the summary is that the information provided in this section gives the reader an overview of detailed information to be found later in the resume. For example: A competent, self-motivated, and results-oriented Masters level social worker with over 8 years experience in the field of human services. Comprehensive understanding of how to integrate program development and evaluation, public policy, and coalition building to enhance social service delivery in diverse settings. Highly effective team player able to collaborate with clients, and professionals on all levels across many sectors including business, nonprofit, grassroots, and government. Experience directing and motivating staff and volunteers. Expertise includes: Develop community partnerships Program planning, development and analysis Grants development and management Excellent oral and written communication skills Proficient in Microsoft Office applications Education Bilingual speaking and writing in Spanish Grassroots leadership development Data analysis and interpretation Group process and interpersonal skills Quarterly and year-end reporting

Current students and recent graduates usually put the education section at the beginning of their resume. Experienced candidates usually lead with their experience section. Your education section can include classes, honors, GPA, awards, activities, affiliations, study abroad, special projects, and amount of education costs selffunded. List only colleges and universities where degrees were awarded. High school information is rarely kept on a professional resume unless directly relevant to your core message. Course Projects (Optional) The course project section may be used to feature class work or projects either completed or in progress. Course projects highlight your ability to research, analyze, work on teams, and present. The format should follow that which is used for the resume in general. Experience The experience section may include internships, parttime jobs, regular positions, volunteer experience and temporary positions. Possible headings include Professional Experience, Professional History, Experience Highlights, and Relevant Experience. Jobs are typically listed in reverse chronological order. When describing your experience, focus on your accomplishments, rather than providing a job description. Highlight the position or company, depending on which of the two you wish to emphasize. Ensure that verb tense matches relevant dates and use active language by starting every statement with an actionverb. Affiliations/Honors/Community Involvement/Activities (Optional) These are optional sections you may include if you want to highlight certain of your extracurricular activities you feel says something important about you, in relation to the type of positions for which you are applying. Trainings/Technical Skills & Certifications/Professional Memberships (Optional) Place current, not expired, certificates, trainings or memberships you hold and are relevant to your goal position such as, Fingerprint Clearance Card, Teaching, CPR, First Aid, or OSHA to name a few.