What Is a Resume? A Plain Explanation
By the Gray Hair Jobs Editorial Team · Published · 2 min read
The short answer
A resume is a short document, usually one or two pages, that summarizes your work experience, skills, and education. Employers use it to decide whom to interview. It is not a full life history. A good resume highlights the parts of your background that match the job you want, written in clear, plain language.
Key points
- A resume is usually one or two pages long.
- It focuses on work history, skills, and relevant training.
- You can tailor your resume for each type of job.
- Most online applications ask you to upload a resume file.
- A resume does not need to include every job you have held.
Why it matters in a job search
A resume is often the first thing an employer sees about you. Hiring managers may look at it for less than a minute before deciding whether to read further. A clear, focused resume makes it easy for them to see why you fit.
Most job applications, both online and in person, ask for one. Having a ready, up-to-date resume saves time and helps you apply quickly when a good opening appears.
What it looks like
Most resumes have these sections, in roughly this order:
- Contact information. Your name, phone number, email address, and city and state. A full street address is not necessary.
- Summary. Two or three sentences about the work you do well and the kind of role you want.
- Experience. Your jobs, starting with the most recent. Each one lists your title, the employer, and a few bullet points about what you did and achieved.
- Skills. Specific abilities, such as scheduling software, bookkeeping, or customer service.
- Education and training. Degrees, certificates, and courses that relate to the job.
For example, a former office manager might write: "Managed scheduling and billing for a busy three-doctor practice." That one line tells an employer a lot.
What to do next
- Write down your last few jobs, with dates, titles, and two or three things you did well in each.
- Pick the kind of job you want next, and circle the experience that fits it best.
- Put that information into a simple document using Google Docs or Microsoft Word.
- Save a copy as a PDF so it looks the same on any computer. See what is a PDF.
Your first draft does not need to be perfect. Ask a friend or former coworker to read it and tell you whether anything is unclear. Fresh eyes often catch typos and spot strengths you forgot to mention.
For a deeper guide, read our resume guide for experienced workers.
Frequently asked questions
How long should my resume be?
One or two pages is typical. With a long career, two pages is common and acceptable. Focus on the experience that relates to the job you want, especially the last 10 to 15 years. Older roles can be summarized in a line or two, or left off if they are not relevant.
What is the difference between a resume and a cover letter?
A resume summarizes your experience in a list-like format. A cover letter is a short letter, usually three or four paragraphs, explaining why you want this specific job and why you are a good fit. Some employers ask for both. Others ask only for a resume, and the cover letter is optional.
Do I need a different resume for every job?
Not a completely different one. Many people keep one main resume and adjust the summary and a few bullet points for each type of job. Matching some of the words in the job posting can help your resume get noticed, as long as everything you write is true.
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