This is the information common to all resume formats, and the most boring. No different format, font type or size etc. makes these sections of your resume, any more exciting. They are important, but be very careful of the wording used, how and what you emphasize.
Unless you have just finished school, and have no work history to speak about, start with the education section. Additional [online?] training courses, community education programs, etc. can be combined here, with the heading, “Education and Training,” or something similar.
List your education, starting with the most recent. Highlight the degree, and major, followed by the school, especially if it is well-known. Whether you include year of graduation is a personal preference, but realize it could provide a clue to your age. However, since schools have gone online, more and more adults, over 40, are earning degrees, so dates don’t necessarily mean anything.
If you are a current student, add the above, but this time include the expected date of graduation, or even some such phrase that indicates you only have 3 credits, or 2 classes to complete, before graduating.
Don’t include high school, unless you are 18 through 20, with no college whatsoever, but did well in high school, especially coursework related to your targeted job.
Only list GPA if you graduated recently, are still in school, it’s above 3.2. Include honors regardless of when you graduated. Examples may look like:
Bachelor of Arts in English, graduated Summa Cum Laude from Northwestern University, IL
Or
Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration
American InterContinental University-online
Currently attending, will graduate 1/2012
3.7/4/0 GPA
Obviously, there are as many ways to state these, as there are degrees to state!
List work experience starting with your present or most recent job. Company name, city, state, dates you worked there, title of job, and description of your role. This can be done in countless ways, so here are some examples:
Abc Company, Inc., Madison, WI · 2006 – 2009
King of the World
Managed and oversaw all store functions. Addressed customers’ needs…
Developed marketing strategies, which increased sales 20% over previous year.
Or
ABC Company, Inc. Madison, WI 6/2006 – 4/2007
King of the World
Managed and oversaw…
Or
2008 to 2010 King of the World, ABC Company, Madison, WI
Managed and oversaw…
There are limitless ways to do this, but the most important thing to remember is, be consistent. Make sure your type fonts, sizes, spaces, etc. are the same throughout.
Other categories, such as awards, memberships, certifications, etc. can be grouped together, under a “Miscellaneous” title, or, if you have numerous certifications, for instance, you can include them on a standalone basis. Just remember, anything miscellaneous, must be relevant to the job or profession you are seeking, and not that you enjoy playing baseball. Employers don’t care about that, and assume you have a life and interests outside of work.