What should a resume highlight?

A resume should primarily highlight key skills, work experiences, and educational background that are directly relevant to the desired job. This focus is crucial because employers are looking for specific qualifications that demonstrate a candidate's ability to perform the job effectively. By clearly outlining relevant skills and experiences, the resume serves as a tailored marketing tool, showcasing why the applicant is a strong fit for the position.

Providing details about work experiences allows employers to assess the applicant's past performance and contributions in similar roles, while highlighting key skills illustrates the abilities that will be brought to the prospective job. Additionally, educational background indicates a foundation of knowledge relevant to the field.

While personal interests, volunteer work, and references can complement a resume, they are secondary to these main elements and may not directly contribute to the applicant's suitability for a specific job. Therefore, focusing on skills, work experiences, and education is essential for creating an effective resume.