A Resume - What Does It Mean?

As you look about the internet for resume samples and templates, it makes sense to start by understanding what a resume actually is – what it entails and what exactly the word means.

A resume is also known by several different names – it is known as a CV or a Curriculum Vitae, a Bio-data etc. Whichever synonym you use to describe the document, it is still meant to contain the same relevant information about a person who is applying for a job. Free resume or professionally written resume, whichever one you decide to get for yourself, it should be a brief account of one's professional or work experience and qualifications, often submitted with an employment application.

A CV or curriculum vitae is also a document that literally translates to “courses of life” and is a brief overview of a person's life and qualifications. As well, a bio-data as such as document is also called in certain places is, quite simply, information about a person.

A resume is a brief written account of personal, educational, and professional qualifications and experience that reflects to the best possible degree, the abilities of a person applying for a job. 

A resume is most typically used as a tool for the screening process – a typical scenario would be like this – there is a job vacancy which has been advertised either by word of mouth or a more formal announcement. For this vacancy, job applications are invited, which will come in the form of a person’s resume.

Without having met the various applicants it is then the job of the employer(s) to sift through the resume samples and find the applicants most suitable for the job at hand. The most likely candidates will find themselves going on to the next level and will be on the interview list.

So this resume that you send in is a very important document – it is your proxy that seeks to speak in lieu of you. It has to be so structured as to convey the best impression of you, your abilities, your experiences and your qualifications. Remember you are not there to answer questions and offer clarifications – this is why your resume has to do a great job of conveying all the requisite information about you – it should be clear and lucid both visually and in terms of content.

Also an important point to remember about resumes is not just the content but the overall length of the document – when that prospective employer is sifting through multiple resumes, he does not have the time to go into the nitty-gritty of each of the resumes he has received. He will at best, skim through them. An overly long resume will probably hit the Reject Pile simply because it is too long! A short, impactful and content rich resume, that quickly and briefly puts across relevant information on the other hand, will garner more attention and probably translate into an interview call.

So as you look for the appropriate free resume sample available on the net, remember these central facts about resumes.