What is resume?

A resume is a document that provides an employer with a detailed statement of a job candidate's prior work experience, education, and accomplishments. The resume often supplies an employment objective; a summary of skills, knowledge, and potential contributions; a summary of civic, professional, and philanthropic volunteer work; a list of certifications; and mention of any additional, relevant coursework.

A resume is almost always required for applicants to white-collar positions. They are the first step taken by corporate recruiters and hiring managers to identify candidates who might be invited to interview for a position.

Why Is a Resume Important?

Without a favorable initial impression, a prospective employer is likely to stop considering you as a suitable candidate for the job on offer and move on to other candidates who have provided better resumes.

Think of a resume as “self-advertisement” that sums up your experience on one page. Your resume is one of the most important pieces of your job application. It gives the hiring manager an overview of the qualifications you have for the job for which you’re applying.