A resume is the primary tool of a job candidate for presenting themselves to a potential employer. It is a summary of a job candidate's work and educational experience. A properly written resume will contain the job candidate's primary and secondary educational experience, listing the education institutions attended and the dates of attendance. If available it should also contain a list of jobs held, including internships and apprenticeships, with the employer clearly identified in each case along with the beginning and end date of employment.

An exemplary resume will highlight the job candidate's strengths, by listing the projects the candidate was responsible for completing during their employment. In addition, it is important to highlight specific skills a candidate may have that are directly relevant to the position being sought. For example, pointing out employment projects where a leadership role was required and successfully executed would be useful when applying for a management position.

1. Unknown author; Occupational Outlook Handbook 2004-2005 Edition; U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics; Washington DC USA; 2004; Available http://www.bls.gov/oco/home.htm.