1. Contact Information

This is the most crucial section. Ensure your information is accurate and up-to-date.

• Full Name: Jane Doe
• Phone Number: +1 (555) 123-4567
• Email Address: jane.doe@email.com
• LinkedIn Profile (Optional but recommended): linkedin.com/in/janedoe
• Location (City, State): Anytown, CA

Avoid including unnecessary information like your full address or date of birth.

2. Summary/Objective (Optional)

A brief summary or objective can be helpful if you have significant work experience or are targeting a specific role. However, for beginners, it’s often better to skip this and focus on showcasing your skills and experiences directly.

Example Objective (If Applicable): “Enthusiastic and motivated recent graduate with strong communication and problem-solving skills seeking an entry-level position in marketing where I can contribute to the company’s growth.”

3. Work Experience

List your work experience in reverse chronological order (most recent first). Even seemingly insignificant jobs (e.g., babysitting, volunteering, summer jobs) can demonstrate valuable skills.

• Job Title: Sales Associate
• Company Name: Example Retail
• Dates of Employment: June 2022 – August 2022
• Responsibilities/Achievements:
  • Assisted customers with product selection and purchases.
  • Maintained a clean and organized store environment.
  • Exceeded sales targets by 10% during the summer months.

Use action verbs to describe your responsibilities and achievements (e.g., assisted, managed, developed, implemented). Quantify your achievements whenever possible (e.g., “Increased sales by 15%,” “Managed a team of 5”).

If you lack formal work experience, consider including relevant projects, internships, or volunteer roles here.

4. Education

List your education in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent degree or diploma.

• Degree/Diploma: Bachelor of Arts in Marketing
• University/College: Example University
• Graduation Date (or Expected Graduation Date): May 2024
• GPA (Optional – only include if it’s high, e.g., above 3.5): GPA: 3.8
• Relevant Coursework (Optional): Marketing Principles, Digital Marketing, Consumer Behavior

If you haven’t graduated yet, list your expected graduation date. Include relevant coursework or academic projects if they align with the job you’re applying for.

5. Skills

List both hard skills (technical skills) and soft skills (personal qualities). Tailor this section to the specific job requirements.

• Hard Skills: Microsoft Office Suite, Social Media Marketing, Data Analysis, Customer Relationship Management (CRM)
• Soft Skills: Communication, Teamwork, Problem-Solving, Time Management, Adaptability

Be honest about your skill level. Avoid listing skills you don’t actually possess.

6. Optional Sections

Consider adding optional sections to showcase additional relevant experiences or achievements.

• Volunteer Experience: List any volunteer work you’ve done, highlighting the skills you developed.
• Projects: Describe personal or academic projects that demonstrate your skills and abilities.
• Awards and Recognition: List any awards, scholarships, or recognitions you’ve received.
• Languages: If you’re fluent in other languages, list them here.