What is the purpose of a resume?

The primary purpose of a resume is to summarize educational and work experience. A resume serves as a concise document that presents an individual's qualifications, skills, and experiences in a format that is easily accessible to potential employers. It helps to showcase relevant accomplishments and roles that make a candidate suitable for a specific job position. The emphasis is on clarity and relevance, allowing employers to quickly assess a candidate's background and decide whether to invite them for an interview.

While listing achievements might be included in a resume, it is more about summarizing experiences that align with the job requirements. Providing references is typically done in a separate document or upon request during the hiring process, rather than being a primary focus of the resume itself. Additionally, introducing oneself verbally may occur during interviews or networking, but it is not the function of a resume, which is a written representation of one’s professional history. Thus, summarizing educational and work experience captures the essential role of a resume effectively.