The Purpose of a Resume and How to Get It Right

If you’re not clear on the purpose of a resume, it’s easy to write one that misses the mark. Your resume isn’t just a list of jobs. It’s a tool – a way to show employers that you’re ready for the next step and why you’re a strong fit. When you understand what your resume is supposed to do, you can build one that works.

Your resume needs to be built properly so that it gets past the applicant tracking system and wows the socks off a human hiring manager. 

What is the purpose of a resume?

So, what is the purpose of a resume, really? 

The main purpose of a resume is to help you land an interview. It’s a marketing vehicle that proves to an employer that you’re qualified, capable, and ready to add value. Don’t fall into the trap of listing your life story on your resume – that’s not what it’s for! 

A strong resume grabs attention, shows off your best achievements, and gets you past the ATS. Your resume also helps you. Writing it forces you to think through your work history, clarify your strengths, and pinpoint what you’ve actually accomplished. 

That clarity builds confidence – and that confidence comes through when you're talking to hiring managers.

Tips to clarify your resume's purpose

One of the most important things you can do to make your resume work for you is give it a clear goal. General resumes don’t cut it! You have to create a focused message.

Know your audience

The first reader will likely not be human. An overwhelming number of resumes go through an ATS first, so the keywords you use need to be on point. Then, when you get past the ATS, the person reading your resume could be an HR rep who knows nothing about your role. So, spell out acronyms. Tell your career story in a way that anyone can understand. 

When your resume finally lands on a hiring manager’s desk, they’re going to be looking for results. You must write your resume with action-based language and career accomplishments. It doesn’t matter if you changed the oil in 10 cars per day as a Lube Tech or saved your last company $50M as the CFO. 

Know your industry

Are you applying to one specific field? If so, your resume should reflect that. Use keywords and phrases that match the industry. 

If you’re applying for jobs in multiple fields, be ready to tailor your resume for each one. It’s unwise to build a general resume with keywords from multiple industries as the ATS will not be able to match you to the position you’re applying for and can reject your application.

Expert tip: ATS rejection is among the top reasons job seekers are ghosted by companies. The computer kicks your resume, it ends up in a digital la-la land, so the humans at the company don’t even know you exist. 

Know the role

The days of sending out a generic resume for several types of jobs are behind us. You have to design your resume with a particular position in mind. Start with the job description, then match your skills and results to what that employer is looking for.

Know your story

Don’t just say you’re a team player or organized – prove it.

• Do you get things done? 

• Do you improve processes or procedures? 

• Do you surpass sales goals? 

• Do you lead teams?

Simply stating that you possess a certain quality will have almost no positive impact on a potential employer. In fact, it may actually work against you. How many times do employers read, “Highly motivated, multi-tasking, very organized, successful, team player…?” Too many times! They either yawn or toss the resume.

Instead of telling the reader about your skills, use numbers to brag about your accomplishments. 

How to determine if the purpose of your resume is clear

Now that you’ve written your resume, how do you know that it’s ready to work for you? There are a few questions you can ask to help you figure out if your resume shows a clear direction, supports your job goals, and communicates your value.

1. Can someone tell what job you’re targeting in under 10 seconds? If your resume could apply to five different jobs, it’s too vague. The purpose of a resume is to show where you're headed, not just where you've been.

2. Is it packed with results? How many times do you see “Responsible for…” or “Charged with…”? Listing tasks isn’t enough. You have to show outcomes because that’s what makes your resume stand out to hiring managers. 

3. Does your resume highlight your top skills and strengths? Yes, you need to mirror the skills on your resume to those in the job description, but they also have to be representative of what you can actually do. 

4. Will everyone understand your career story? Remember, your resume may go through an ATS, an HR rep, and a hiring manager. Does it speak to all three? If the recent college grad sitting at the front desk of the HR office can’t tell if you’re a match for the job, it could be a reason you don’t make it past the gatekeepers. 

If you can’t confidently answer “yes” to those questions, it might be time for a tune-up. A resume that lacks direction won’t land interviews because it’s not clear what you want, or what you bring to the table.

The purpose of a resume put into action

When you understand the purpose of a resume, everything else gets easier. You know what to say, how to say it, and what results to focus on. Your resume becomes more than a list of jobs – it becomes a tool that opens doors.

Does your resume meet the purpose it's intended to meet? Find out with a free resume review today.

This article was originally written by Arleen Lieberman. It has been updated by Ronda Suder and Marsha Hebert.

Recommended reading:

• How to Check if My Resume Is ATS-friendly for Free

• 15 Expert Tips to Working with Recruiters in 2024

• 15 Things You Should Not Include in a Resume