What should be included in a resume?

As a recent college graduate with limited professional experience in digital marketing, aiming to break into the competitive tech industry while building my portfolio, what should be included in a resume to effectively showcase my relevant coursework, internship projects, and technical skills like SEO and analytics? Should I prioritize a skills-based format over chronological for my scenario, and how detailed should I make my section to tailor it specifically for entry-level AI analyst roles without appearing overqualified for junior positions?

A resume should include the following key components, each tailored to the individual’s background and the job application:

1. Contact Information:

   • Full name (prominently displayed)
   • Phone number with country code (if applicable)
   • Professional email address
   • City and state/province of residence (optional, but advised to include location)
   • LinkedIn profile URL (ensure it is updated and professional)
   • Portfolio or personal website link (if relevant to the role)

2. Professional Summary or Objective:

   • 3–5 lines highlighting career goals, key qualifications, or years of experience.
   • For experienced candidates: Focus on achievements and expertise. For entry-level: Emphasize education, skills, or career aspirations.
   • Include industry-specific keywords to pass Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).

3. Work Experience:

   • Reversal Chronological Order: List positions starting with the most recent.
   • Include: Job title, company name, city/state of company, employment dates (month/year).
   • Bullet Points (3–5 per role): Use action verbs to describe responsibilities and quantifiable achievements (e.g., "Increased sales by 20% in Q4").
   • Focus on results and transferable skills; tailor bullets to the job description.
   • Omit irrelevant or dated roles (older than 10–15 years unless highly relevant).

4. Education:

   • Degree(s) earned, major(s)/minor(s), institution name, and graduation date (month/year).
   • Include GPA (only if ≥3.5) and academic honors (e.g., Magna Cum Laude).
   • Add certifications, licenses, or relevant coursework (especially for entry-level candidates).
   • List highest degree first; omit high school details for those with a college degree.

5. Skills Section:

   • Hard Skills: Technical competencies (e.g., Python, AutoCAD, Salesforce, data analysis).
   • Soft Skills: Interpersonal abilities (e.g., project management, communication).
   • Categorize by skill type (e.g., "Technical Skills," "Languages," "Certifications").
   • Specify proficiency levels (e.g., "Fluent in Spanish," "Advanced Excel").
   • Include only skills relevant to the job and supported by experience.

6. Certifications and Licenses:

   • Issuing organization, certification name, and date of completion/renewal.
   • List only credentials that align with the job (e.g., PMP for management, RN for nursing).
   • Include abbreviation (e.g., CPA, AWS Certified Developer) if widely recognized.
7. Additional Sections (Optional but Recommended):
   • Projects: Academic, freelance, or personal projects showcasing relevant skills. Include role, project dates, and outcomes.
   • Awards and Honors: Scholarships, industry awards, or recognition (dates and issuing organization).
   • Volunteer Work: Non-profit roles with quantifiable impact; specify duration and responsibilities.
   • Languages: Proficiency levels (e.g., "Native Mandarin," "Conversational French").
   • Publications/Research: Articles, papers, or presentations (cite venues and dates).
   • Professional Affiliations: Memberships in industry groups (e.g., IEEE, SHRM).
   • References: State "References available upon request" or omit entirely (assumed).

Formatting and Design Considerations:

• Length: 1 page for 0–10 years of experience; 2 pages maximum for senior roles.
• Font: Professional sans-serif (e.g., Calibri, Arial) or serif (e.g., Times New Roman) in 10–12pt size.
• Consistency: Uniform formatting for headings, dates, and bullet points.
• Keywords: Integrate terms from the job description to pass ATS scans.
• File Format: Save as PDF to preserve formatting; use a simple filename (e.g., "FirstName_LastName_Resume").
• White Space: Avoid clutter; use margins of 0.5–1 inch.

Exclusions:

• Photo, age, marital status, or personal details (unless required by local laws).
• Ir hobbies, unrelated work experience, or subjective descriptions (e.g., "hardworking").
• Unprofessional email addresses or social media handles (unless LinkedIn is industry-standard).

Customize the resume for each application, prioritizing relevance to the job description while maintaining factual accuracy.