What is a resume?

• A. A brief written account of personal, educational, and professional qualifications and experience, as that prepared by an applicant for a job.
• B. A summary of grades and coursework only.
• C. A document listing criminal history.
• D. A letter of recommendation.

Answer: (A)

A resume is a concise, self-written snapshot of a person’s background for a job. It highlights education, work experience, skills, and achievements that show why they’re a good fit for a position. It typically includes contact information, a brief summary or objective, education history, work history with responsibilities and accomplishments, and any relevant skills or certifications. The idea is to present the most job-relevant details in a clear, targeted way so an employer can quickly assess suitability. It’s not just grades and coursework, which would miss practical experience; it’s also not a record of one’s criminal history or a letter of recommendation, which come from other sources. A resume is usually tailored to the specific job and kept concise, often one page for early careers.