Portfolios vs. Resumes — The Complete Guide In today's competitive job market, your income and career rely on knowing how to communicate your skills and experiences. To do so, you can choose one of two primary vehicles: a resume or a portfolio. As a freelance writer and author, a portfolio is my greatest asset (and one I've been building since my first article was published at 19). Yet, when job searching over the years, a resume has been required by many positions. Both a portfolio and resume display a person‘s professional skills and experiences, but what are the differences and unique opportunities that each presents? Let’s look at the key differences between the two to help you pick the best tool for the job (search) at hand. Portfolios vs. Resumes Portfolios — What are they? Resume — What are they? Making the Right Choice Portfolios vs. Resumes A portfolio and resume help job seekers land work, but they have key differences in visibility, convention, and the review process. Visibility A resume is tailored for specific job applications. It's most commonly updated and used when applying for jobs. Further, resumes should be tailored to each specific job application. A portfolio, on the other hand, is a collection of a person's professional skills and abilities available online 24/7. It may be viewed by a broader audience beyond just potential clients. Portfolios aren’t necessarily tailored to a specific job. Convention Resumes come with a very clear convention. These documents are...

40 Interests That Deserve a Place on Your Resume Early in my career, my boyfriend (now fiancé) was helping me write my resume. I asked to see his and noticed he included personal interests. He’s an engineer, so seeing hobbies like basketball and video games stood out to me. I asked him why he chose to include these, and he said, “I wanted a little more personalization to my resume and want to know me as a person beyond a piece of paper.” And apparently, he’s not alone. According to a study by Standout CV, one in four people include hobbies and interests on their resumes. Suppose you’re curious about what interests to put on your resume — and why — this is the article for you. We'll also review the different interests and hobbies that will help you stand out in the job market. Why You Should Include Interests on Your Resume 40 Interests for Your Resume Why You Should Include Interests on Your Resume While not always applicable, there are a few scenarios when mentioning your interests and hobbies on your resume makes sense. Sarah Johnston, founder and CEO of executive resume writing firm Briefcase Coach, says if you choose to include interests on your resume, focus on customization. “We always consider the audience and the relevancy of the additional fun fact to the audience,” she suggests. Here are a few reasons why you should add your interests to your resume. 1. You can showcase...

Making the Most of Electronic Resumes (Pro Tips and Tricks) I’ve submitted hundreds of electronic resumes throughout my career. These digital job applications hold so much weight in the job search process. It’s always nerve-wracking to make sure I’m doing everything right. I always ask myself: Does this meet the submission requirements? Did I use the right font? Will my resume surpass the employer’s applicant tracking system (ATS)? If you’ve also wanted to ensure you have the highest chance of standing out and securing an interview, here’s how to make the most of electronic resumes. Table of Contents What is an electronic resume? The Benefits of Electronic Resumes How to Make an Electronic Resume Electronic Resume Tips What is an electronic resume? An electronic resume is any resume that’s submitted online. Employers will request electronic resumes in plain text (ASCII), HTML, or PDF. This helps applicant tracking systems (ATSs) easily scan and decipher the hundreds of resumes they receive. To meet these standards, electronic resumes are typically created with limited design or formatting. The Benefits of Electronic Resumes In my experience, electronic resumes helped me refine my approach to better position myself for a job. I found that I was more likely to land an interview when I tailored my resume to the job posting, used simple fonts, and included keywords. Here are a few benefits of using electronic resumes. You’ll match the ATS. Only 30% of resumes are accepted...

How to Write the Perfect Resume for Internships Securing an internship is a crucial stepping stone towards launching a successful career — and it starts with this daunting task: writing a resume. Although you're just starting out and likely applying to several positions, it’s crucial to think about how you can stand out from the crowd. Your resume serves as a gateway to opportunities, allowing potential employers to gauge your skills, qualifications, and potential. Crafting the perfect resume for internships requires careful consideration and a keen understanding of what employers seek. There’s good news, too. Companies value intern potential more than just experience and technical skills. The experience that you already have can communicate volumes (even if you have minimal relevant experience in this particular industry). And we have examples, actionable advice, and templates to give your resume the glow-up it deserves. Let’s get you your dream internship! How to Write an Internship Resume Trends in Intern Resumes 9 Internship Resume Best Practices Internship Resume Samples How to Write an Internship Resume While you'll also need a cover letter, your resume often plays the biggest role in the candidate vetting process. The objective of your internship resume is simple: You need to sell yourself to hiring managers enough to be called for an interview. Writing a resume for an internship is more straightforward than you might think. Follow these steps whether you’re writing a high school or college student internship resume. Prefer to watch? Here’s a tutorial on...

Maximize Your Impact: 205 Action Verbs to Use on Your Resume So you’re working on your resume. Maybe you haven’t submitted your updated resume anywhere yet, or maybe you have, and it doesn’t seem to get anyone’s attention. Either way, you might be missing one of the most important elements of any resume: Action verbs. If you’re unfamiliar with action verbs, you might wonder how they’re different from those on your resume. If that’s the case, this article has some critical information you don’t want to miss. The best part? Even if your resume is 100% complete right now, adding action verbs is as simple as replacing existing verbs with them. Keep reading to learn more about the best action verbs for your resume and how much you might miss out on without them. Table of Contents How Action Verbs Help Your Resume The Benefits of Action Verbs Action Verbs at Work Resume Action Verbs How Action Verbs Help Your Resume So what are action verbs? Well, they’re words that express and describe things that someone or something does. In the case of your resume, action verbs can help you illustrate all the hard work you’ve put into your career. Wait, isn’t that what every word on your resume should do? To an extent, yes, but action verbs do more than describe your achievements. They explain everything you’ve done and how you’ve done them. Actions speak louder than words — and action...

Adding References to Your Resume — The Complete Guide “Show me the receipts!” We’ve all heard the phrase, and when it comes to your new job search, those “receipts” are your references on a resume. The difference between snagging that dream job or being left in the dust can sometimes come down to the glowing endorsements of your professional network. In today’s competitive job market, it’s crucial to stand out, and a cover letter alone may not be enough — but having a well-prepared list of references can be the ace up your sleeve. In this article, we’ll walk you through the nitty-gritty details of adding references to your resume — from how to notify and list them to formatting them like a pro.  Should you list references on your resume? Should you say “References available upon request”? How to Notify Your References How to Ask People to Be Your References Email Template for Potential References How to List References on Your Resume How to Format References on Your Resume References on Resume vs. Letter of Recommendation Resume References Examples Should you list references on your resume? The answer, as you might expect, is not a simple yes or no. It depends on several factors, such as the industry, the job you’re applying for, and the stage of your career. Let’s break down when you should and shouldn’t include references on your resume. When to Include...

How Long Should a Resume Be? Everything You Need to Know With the uncertainty of the job market, having an updated resume that reflects your experience has never been more critical. As you update your CV, you may wonder how long your resume should be and what it should include. The length of your resume depends on how long you’ve been working, the types of work you’ve done, and the jobs you’re applying for. Here, we will guide you on how long your resume should be based on different criteria. That includes your range of experience and how long you’ve been working. How long should a resume be? Resume Length Best Practices How long should a resume be? While there is no hard and fast rule for how long your resume should be. However, there is helpful guidance based on your experience. The more concise, the better. If you have 0-5 years of experience, having your resume be one page long should work best. These rules vary as your career progresses. The length changes based on how much information you need to include for the roles you apply for. A recent graduate’s resume will look different than that of someone who has been working for 20+ years. Here, we look at how the lengths may vary due to the roles you’re applying for. For Entry-Level Roles Image Source When you’re just starting your career, pulling together a resume can be a daunting task. You may ask...

How to Perfect Your Resume Headline (+Examples) Picture this: A busy hiring manager is sifting through dozens, if not hundreds, of resumes. How can you make yours stand out in a sea of sameness? Enter the resume headline, your secret weapon to grab their attention and keep them hooked. In this comprehensive guide, we'll share everything you need to know about resume headlines, from what they are to how to craft the perfect one. We’ll also discuss 25+ examples and dive into what makes each shine. Whether you're a fresh-faced graduate or a seasoned expert, this step-by-step guide will help you create a winning headline that sets you apart from the competition. So, buckle up and get ready to elevate your job search with the best resume headlines. Table of Contents What are resume headlines? Why Resume Headlines Matter How to Write a Resume Headline Resume Headline Examples What are resume headlines? A resume headline, or a resume title or summary, is a brief, eye-catching phrase placed at the top of your resume, right below your name and contact information. It serves as a powerful introduction to your resume, highlighting your most relevant skills, experiences, and accomplishments concisely. Think of it as your personal tagline or an elevator pitch that quickly and effectively communicates your unique value proposition to potential employers. Resume headlines play a crucial role in capturing the attention of hiring managers and setting the tone for the rest...

Everything You Need to Know About Functional Resumes Not sure how to make your resume really pop? Wondering how to highlight your skills and experience, despite any possible gaps? You might benefit from a functional resume. Luckily, this article closely examines everything you need to know about functional resumes, including what they are, when to use them, and the benefits they offer. So, whether you’re new in the workforce, changing careers, or have experienced some time unemployed, a functional resume can help you attract potential employers. What is a functional resume? The Benefits of Functional Resumes When to Use a Functional Resume Limitations of Functional Resumes How to Write a Functional Resume Functional Resume Examples What is a functional resume? Unlike a traditional, chronological resume, a functional resume focuses on your skills and experience — not just your work history. So, instead of focusing on companies, roles, and dates of employment, it groups things like your marketing experience together, presenting a collection of relevant experiences and skills. It’s great if you’re changing careers or have a gap in your work history, as it steers attention away from dates and underscores why you’re a great fit for the role. Plus, functional resumes begin with an objective or summary statement that sets the tone. Then it highlights your skills, accomplishments, and education. The result is a much more targeted, customized resume that reflects your strengths and qualifications. The Benefits of...