A resume is a document with the summary of a person’s experience and qualification. Usually, the purpose of the resume is to secure a job. In British English, a resume is known as a curriculum vitae, popularly abbreviated as CV.

A resume is the first item that a potential employer encounters when dealing with a prospective job seeker. This vital piece of information helps secure the interview for the candidate. Resume writing styles may vary according to the different job requirements and different country standards. The format of the resume, covering letter, and the photograph requirements vary greatly from company to company.

The trends of presentation have been changing with times. Back in the mid 90s, writing an objective was strongly encouraged in the US. By the end of the 90s, this trend faded out. Other developments and modifications have included changes in the description, listing of extra-curricular activities, computer skills, and hobbies. Today, in most cases, a similar format is followed to maintain uniformity.

There are several different kinds of resumes such as chronological resume, functional resume and combination resume. Chronological resumes list out the experience and qualification in a chronological order. Functional resume focus on the different kinds of functions that the candidate has performed. A resume could also be a combination of chronological and functional resume. This kind of resume is called a combination resume.

Resumes tend to be industry specific. The resume created for an airline industry is definitely different from that of a manufacturing professional. While creating a resume, a person may refer to several Internet sites dedicated to the cause or take assistance from resume writing professionals. Many universities also provide assistance in resume writing through their placement cells. Since a resume provides the most vital information about a person, care should be taken while drafting it. Only then will an individual be capable of getting the best jobs in today’s market.