In the previous article, we discussed introduction and basic points to consider for resume writing.  In this article, we will talk about the structure of resume.

A fresher resume should have following sections 

• Header - It contains your basic information like name, contact details.
• Summary – It highlights what you bring to the table.  In a nutshell, it should serve the purpose to intrigue the reader to read through the rest of resume.
• Education – Your education details. For fresher hiring, this is very important section
• Projects Undertaken – To showcase your knowledge and potential capability.  Includes the projects done in college as well as internship / training
• Skills –  Includes your technical skills as well as personality traits
• Interests – Specifies what interests you in life – especially non-technical interests
  
• Awards – Any awards you have received during your engineering years (technical / non-technical)
  
• Others – Includes co-curricular and extra-curricular activities to show that you are well rounded.  Also other things which you consider of significant important to highlight.

Things you should not include in your resume

• Objective – Often the most copy-pasted section in resume and most badly written.  If your objective matches with 99% of other students or it says something like, “Find a challenging job in a reputed multinational company….” or “To be able to utilize my strengths to the fullest for the benefit of organization….”, then ask yourself – what value is it adding? Unless you have an objective, which is unique and has a bearing on the type of work you want to do, you are better off without this section.
• Irrelevant Details – Gender, DOB, Marital Status, and school time projects and school time awards  etc (especially related to academics or related to skills which are not relevant for carrying out applied for job)
• Cover Letter – Cover letters are probably good for experienced positions in some cultures but has little or no relevance for freshers. No one has time to read 2 different documents.  If you are applying for an off-campus position, please include summary of “why you are the right candidate” in your email.  Also remember, we have a small section in resume to take care of it.

This completes the basic structure of your resume.  Before you start making your resume, go over the above list and note down/gather all relevant information for these sections

In the next article, we will go into details of what to fill in each section.