Which Sections Should a Resume Include?

Which Sections Should a Resume Include?

Most resumes need contact information and evidence of relevant work, but the best section order changes with the applicant. An experienced professional may lead with work history. A student may need education, internships, and projects closer to the top. Optional sections should earn their space by helping a reader understand your fit.

What to do

• Use recognizable headings such as Work Experience, Projects, Education, and Skills. A reader should not have to guess where to find a qualification.

• Include a short professional summary only if it adds context not already obvious from your title and experience. Leave out broad statements that could describe almost anyone.

• Add certifications, achievements, volunteer work, or publications when relevant to the role. Avoid an empty section simply because a template provides one, and do not repeat the same evidence across sections.

Example

A recent graduate applying for a data analyst internship might order sections as Education, Projects, Technical Skills, then Experience if the projects show the most relevant work.

Arrange sections around the evidence a hiring team needs first, then remove any section that adds no meaningful information.