What is the primary purpose of a résumé?

The primary purpose of a résumé is to summarize job-related qualifications. A résumé serves as a marketing tool for an individual's professional credentials, outlining their education, work experience, skills, and relevant accomplishments that demonstrate their ability to perform in a specific job role. By focusing on qualifications that are pertinent to the position being applied for, a well-crafted résumé helps to capture the attention of potential employers, enabling them to quickly assess whether a candidate possesses the necessary background and skills for the job.

Including personal hobbies or long-term career goals could be considered secondary elements of a résumé; however, the main focus should remain on what makes the individual a strong candidate for the position. Additionally, while providing references is important during the hiring process, references themselves are typically not included directly in the résumé but rather provided upon request or in a separate document. Consequently, summarizing job-related qualifications stands out as the foundational purpose of a résumé.