A common concern with that all important resume is fitting all the information in a single page, as is usually preferred by both universities as well as organisations.

Students seeking admission or jobs are often perplexed about what data should take precedence.

"I have completed several short-term courses in addition to my degree, and have worked in three summer jobs. However, if I try to accommodate these qualifications, there's no space for other information such as my strengths, interests and goals," laments Siddharth Desai, who is currently seeking a job in advertising.

The solution is not too hard to come by if you are able to sift the matter that is relevant from that which can be side-stepped.

Applying for your first job

At this stage, you will most likely be fresh out of college, with a rough idea of what career path you would ultimately like to tread.

Your first job is an essential step in this direction, it will provide several opportunities to develop a professional outlook on the basis of your hard work and talent.

Employers will look at your resume with the intention of gleaning information such as your capability of handling responsibility, working well in a team and dealing with pressure. Thus, in addition to mentioning your basic qualifications, it is imperative that you include extracurricular activities you may have participated in.

Be it a sport you played, debate/elocution competitions you won, or leadership qualities you displayednow is the time to communicate that you are a keen, enthusiastic and dedicated worker.

Your resume should ensure that you have the maturity, skill and determination to tackle any task. So, do mention that you know a foreign language or have exceptional computer skills.

Applying for a job switch

As a young professional, it is possible that you will switch a number of jobs. No two jobs are the same, even if the designation you are applying to is similar to the one you currently hold.

However, interpersonal skills and educational qualifications are requirements that tend to overlap, especially within the same industry.

A typical resume in this context would then pay more attention to the kind of work you have been doing in your current post, as well as an account of your responsibilities and any accomplishments to your credit.

Expectations from your new job in terms of innovative ideas you may have and responsibilities you could handle should be mentioned, while educational qualifications can take a backseat here (unless you are switching over to a different industry altogether).

Employers will look towards your experience and your professional success in the past, and your rृsumृ should provide this background.

Applying to a university

A resume is one of the many documents that goes along with your application to a foreign university. The purpose it serves is to give the admissions officers an idea about both your educational background as well as any work experience you may have. It is useful if you can differentiate between your rृsumृ and statement of purpose.

For instance, if you have made a mention of your strengths and future goals in your SOP, you can talk about your interests and educational/extracurricular accomplishments in your resume.

Study abroad counsellor Karan Gupta says, "A resume is mandatory for an MBA as it shows the applicant's career chart. For MS students, the rृsumृ highlights their achieve ments and projects, while for undergrad students, it gives an indication of hobbies, interests, activities in school and college."

Typical resume format

A well-presented resume will certainly hold you in good stead. Clear demarcations and precise language make a rृsumृ more readable and professional.

Clear subheads such as Aim, Work Experience, Educational Qualifications, Interests, will aid readers to focus on aspects they consider most important.

Basic information such as your contact details, date of birth, etc can be typed in a smaller font under your name. Avoid typing 'Resume' or 'Curriculum Vitae' at the top, unless specifically asked to do so.

Remember that your resume is the first impression you give out to a potential employer/admissions officer; be prepared to answer all kinds of questions based on the information you have provided.