The learner puts together a résumé in the standard reverse-chronological format, 1–2 pages long, with the right sections.
The standard résumé format
How a modern résumé is built
A standard résumé is 1–2 pages long and in reverse-chronological order: your most recent experience comes first, then earlier roles. This lets a recruiter see right away what you're doing now or did most recently — which matters most.
The required sections go in this order: contact information (name, phone, email, city, links) → a short professional summary (2–4 sentences about you) → work experience → key skills → education. Certifications, languages, or projects are sometimes added after education, depending on the profession.
What keeps a résumé from working: long biographical intros (“I was born in 1985 and dreamed from childhood of…”), lists of jobs from 15 years ago with no link to your current goal, school grades, photos of your pets, and other personal details.
Norms differ by country. In the US and the UK, a résumé doesn't include a photo, age, or marital status — this is tied to equal employment opportunity laws (in the US, enforced by the EEOC; in the UK, the Equality Act 2010). In Germany and Austria, a photo is traditionally expected. In Russia and the CIS, photos and personal details are common but optional. Always check local practice.
Lesson notes
How a modern résumé is built
A standard résumé is 1–2 pages long and in reverse-chronological order: your most recent experience comes first, then earlier roles. This lets a recruiter see right away what you're doing now or did most recently — which matters most.
The required sections go in this order: contact information (name, phone, email, city, links) → a short professional summary (2–4 sentences about you) → work experience → key skills → education. Certifications, languages, or projects are sometimes added after education, depending on the profession.
What keeps a résumé from working: long biographical intros (“I was born in 1985 and dreamed from childhood of…”), lists of jobs from 15 years ago with no link to your current goal, school grades, photos of your pets, and other personal details.
Norms differ by country. In the US and the UK, a résumé doesn't include a photo, age, or marital status — this is tied to equal employment opportunity laws (in the US, enforced by the EEOC; in the UK, the Equality Act 2010). In Germany and Austria, a photo is traditionally expected. In Russia and the CIS, photos and personal details are common but optional. Always check local practice.