Resume Basics FAQ: Section Order, Education and More
What goes on a resume, how long it should be, and where photos, references, GPA, section order, education and certifications fit.
The first decisions on any resume: what to include, how long it should be, how far back to go, and where references, GPA, education and certifications belong. For other topics, see the full Resume & Career FAQs.
Resume basics questions
What should I include on a resume?
A resume needs your contact details, work experience, education and skills, and many also open with a short summary. Add projects, certifications or volunteer work when they strengthen your case for the job.
How long should a resume be?
One page is the right resume length for most students, recent graduates and people with a few years in one field. Two pages are worth it when the second page holds relevant roles, management responsibility, licenses or projects the employer will want to see.
How far back should a resume go?
How far back to go depends on what still supports the job you want, which for most people means the recent part of their career. Keep an older job when it's still your strongest evidence, such as a field you're returning to or an early job that gave you a license.
Should a resume be one page?
Not always: one page is a good default resume length, but don't cut relevant experience just to meet a page limit. If a second page holds proof the employer asked for, keep it; if it holds only a few lines, tighten the first page instead.
Should I put my full address on my resume?
No. Your city and state are enough, along with your phone number, email address and any relevant links.
Should I include a photo on my resume?
Leave the photo off for jobs in the U.S. unless the job posting asks for one. If you're applying in another country, follow that country's conventions and the employer's instructions.
Should I put references on my resume?
No, and leave off the line "references available upon request" too. Keep a separate reference list ready to send when an employer asks for it.
Should I put my GPA on my resume?
List your GPA on a resume when the job listing asks for it, or when you're a student or recent graduate and it's strong enough to help. As your relevant work experience grows, it matters less and can come off.
What is the difference between a resume and a cover letter?
A resume sums up your work history, skills and education in labeled sections. A cover letter is a short letter to the hiring manager that says why you want this particular job and ties one or two of your strongest results to what the employer needs. Your resume shows what you've done; your cover letter explains why it fits this role. Send one whenever the job posting asks for it, and write it to add to your resume rather than repeat it.
What order should resume sections go in?
Put your name and contact details first, then a short summary if you use one, then the section that best shows you can do the job. For most people that's work experience, followed by skills and education; students and recent graduates with little work history usually lead with education instead. Optional sections, such as certifications and projects, go after these, unless the job requires one of them, such as a license, in which case move it up under your summary. Our guide explains how to lead with the section employers care about most.
Can I use a preferred name or nickname on my resume?
Yes. Put the name you go by at work at the top, such as Kate Lee instead of Katherine Lee, and keep your full last name. Use the same name in your email address and on your LinkedIn profile so an employer can match them to you, and skip casual nicknames you wouldn't use with a manager. To show both names, write Katherine (Kate) Lee. A middle name or initial is optional; include it if it's part of the name you use. Your legal name still goes on official paperwork, such as tax forms, when the employer asks for it.
How do I list education on a resume?
List your highest degree first, with the degree name, your major, the school and your graduation year, or your expected graduation date if you're still studying. Keep education below your work experience once you have relevant jobs to show; put it first if you're a student, a recent graduate or moving into a field that matches your degree. After a few years of work, one line per degree is enough. Our resume headers guide covers what goes in your education section.
Where do certifications go on a resume?
Give certifications and licenses their own section when the job asks for them or you have more than one that matters; a single credential that's only a bonus can go under education or skills instead. For each one, include the official name, the organization that issued it and the date you earned it or when it expires. If the job can't be done without the credential, such as a nursing license, put that section near the top, right after your summary, and leave the license number off unless the employer asks for it. Our resume headers guide covers listing certifications and licenses.
Related guides
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