By Ashley Tripp, Student at the University of Alabama

You walk through the front doors of the building to let the receptionist know you are there. The receptionist then asks for you to wait outside in the lobby until you are called upon. Moments later you hear your name and begin walking through the doors. As you enter the room, your interviewer greets you and motions for you to take a seat. You sit down and confidently hand them that particular piece of paper you’ve worked your entire life on: your resume.

Your educational, personal and professional experience and qualifications are summed up on this piece of paper.

While there are many different views on what you should include in your resume, I have narrowed it down to five basic necessities to put in your resume to help identify your skills you have always had on the inside and learn how to apply those skills during your job search.

1) Education

First, you need to state your educational information. This is the first section professionals look at when evaluating your resume besides your name, email, address and phone number. Include which degree you received (or wish to receive) such as Bachelor of Arts and Communications. State your university name and where you live. Also include your major and minor along with your GPA.

2) Skills

Next, professionals will want to look at any skills that you are proficient in. This could include social media, music and video editing, Microsoft Excel, Adobe Photoshop or Adobe Illustrator.

3) Relevant experience

Another important factor to include is your relevant experience. As a journalist, list any experiences that you have had writing for your school’s newspaper and any magazines or websites. Also, other experiences in the communications field is extremely helpful such as broadcast, photography, Web design, etc.

4) Additional experience

Additional experience is a great way for potential employees to see other experiences you are involved in. Examples include any working, counseling, teaching or tutoring experience.

5) Leadership/volunteer activities

Lastly, you must provide any leadership and volunteer activities. This lets your audience see how you have given back to your community and stepped in as an influential role model in your area locally, nationally or internationally. Professionals desire leaders that will step in and strive to take on responsibility.