Resume Basics FAQ: Section Order, Education and More
Short answers on how a resume differs from a cover letter, what order sections go in, using a preferred name, and listing education and certifications.
This page adds five more questions to the Resume Basics section of our Resume & Career FAQs, which covers length, references, GPA and other first decisions. Each answer comes first, with a link to a fuller guide where we have one.
More resume basics questions
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.
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