Resumes

Resume Formats

The most common resume formats are chronological, functional, and combination. Consider your work experience, education, and skills to decide which resume format is best for you.

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Chronological

• Focuses on work experience, listing jobs from the most recent chronological order.
• Highlights career growth and stability.
• Best for individuals with a strong and consistent work history in the same field.

Chronological Resume Example ›

Functional

• Emphasizes skills and qualifications rather than work experience.
• Groups experience under relevant skill categories rather than listing specific job roles.
• Ideal for those with career gaps, changing industries, or limited work experience.

Functional Resume Example ›

Combination

• Places equal emphasis on skills and work history.
• Helps employers understand how present skills and professional experiences relate to the position.
• Ideal for those who are making a career change and want to emphasize transferable skills.

Combination Resume Example ›

Federal

• Primarily for applying to United States government positions.
• More detailed than a regular resume. Can be between 3-5 pages.
• Must align with the job posting.
• Ideal for those applying to government, military, or public service employment.

Federal Resume Example ›

Curriculum Vitae (CV)

• Comprehensive document detailing education, research, publications, awards, and professional experience.
• Often used in academia, research, medicine, and international job applications.
• More detailed than a normal resume. Typically 2 or more pages.
• Ideal for academics, researchers, and professionals in specialized fields requiring detailed documentation.

Curriculum Vitae Example ›

Sections and Headers

Sections keep your resume organized while presenting key information about yourself. It helps employers effectively determine whether you qualify for the job.

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Contact Information

• Provides the details employers need to contact you.
• Includes a professional email and phone number.
• If you have a professional LinkedIn, portfolio, or professional website that features work samples, then you can include the hyperlink.
• Make sure all your information is up-to-date!

Education

• Show your academic qualifications and commitment to learning.
• Highlight relevant coursework or honors to stand out amongst applicants.
• List your institution and your degree level, major, or concentration.
• Include your graduation month and year, or anticipated completion date.
• If applicable, include any study abroad experience, certifications, or certificate with the institution's names and dates.

Experience

• Demonstrate your relevant work history.
• Tailor this section based on the position's requirements.
• Quantify actions and results to show your direct impact.
• For each entry, include the organization, location (city and state), position title, and employment dates (month and year).
• Use bullet points with strong action verbs to highlight your responsibilities and accomplishments.
• Avoid full sentences and repeating information.

Skills

• Showcase your technical and soft skills.
• Technical skills are specific abilities and knowledge related to a field or software.
  • Examples: Microsoft Office, Python, Learning Management Systems
• Highlight in-demand or job-required skills to have an edge over other applicants.

Certifications and Licenses

• Validate qualifications with credentials relevant to the role.
• Certifications in technology or your specific field can present you as a subject-matter expert.
• PGCC also offers discount exam vouchers for CompTIA, see Vouchers for more information.

Activities or Professional Associations

• Being part of professional groups or volunteering shows initiative and a broader skill set, making you more appealing to employers.
• For membership involvement, include the organization's full name, membership dates, and relevant activities that align with your career goals.
• PGCC offers a variety of Clubs and Organizations to join and lead.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Why do I need a resume?

A resume showcases your skills, experience, and education while highlighting your qualifications for the position. It helps you stand out to recruiters and employers by demonstrating your potential value to a company. Beyond job applications, a resume is also useful for scholarship opportunities, career fairs, letters of recommendation, and graduate school applications.

How long should it be?

Resumes can be more than one page, but it should only have information and experiences related to the job position. Most resumes fit onto one page for recent graduates looking for entry-level positions.

What’s the best format for a resume? How do I choose?

There are many resume formats and it can be overwhelming to choose one. The best format depends on how it highlights your skills and strengths. A chronological resume is helpful for individuals with extensive experience, showcasing progression over time. A functional resume is beneficial to those who have limited experience but have relevant coursework and knowledge.

Should I include information from high school?

We are proud of all of your high school accomplishments and excited for your new journey at Prince George’s Community College. As you continue to gain knowledge and skills as a college student, employers tend to focus on more recent academic achievements and work experience. 

Do I include my GPA on my resume?

As a student or recent graduate, highlighting your academic achievements can strengthen your resume. Generally if your GPA is 3.0 or higher, then it is appropriate to include it. Make sure that your GPA is accurate because employers may verify it later.

What should I include if I have no work experience?

Experiences can come in many forms including coursework, final projects, labs, volunteer work and extracurricular activities. Emphasizing your education and completed projects is a great way to showcase your skills.

I have previous work experience but it does not seem relevant. Should I still include it in the resume?

Yes, absolutely! Even though your previous roles may not directly relate to your new career, you likely developed valuable transferable skills. Reflect on your prior work experiences and find connections to how they relate to the new position.

Examples of transferable skills:

• Problem-Solving
• Customer Service
• Time Management
• Communication

Do I use the same resume for each job application?

The best resumes are tailored to the job position, requirements, and duties while highlighting your qualifications. Make sure to do your research, include keywords, and refine your resume.

Do I include my references on my resume?

References are not required on resumes. If you are selected for the next stage, employers provide their preferred method in contacting your references. Before applying to positions, choose references who know you and can speak to your qualifications.

How can I get more help with my resume?

For resume assistance, email Internships@pgcc.edu.