What is a resume?

• A. A cover letter.
• B. A brief account of one's work experience and qualifications.
• C. A reference list.
• D. A job advertisement.

Answer: (B)

A resume is a concise summary of your professional history, skills, and qualifications that you present when applying for jobs. It gives employers a quick snapshot of who you are and what you can do, usually in one to two pages. A strong resume includes your contact information, a short summary or objective, your work history with responsibilities and notable achievements, your education, and relevant skills or certifications. It’s tailored to the job you want, highlighting experiences and results that show you’re a good fit.

This differs from a cover letter, which is a separate document where you explain why you’re interested in the role and how your background fits the job in more narrative form. It also differs from a reference list, which is simply a directory of people who can vouch for you, and from a job advertisement, which is a posting employers use to describe an opening and invite applications.