Essay on Resume

Should You List Essay on Resume

Including essay writing skills on your resume can be beneficial, especially if you're applying to jobs that require strong communication skills, such as content writing, journalism, academic positions, or law. However, its inclusion may depend on the regional and industry context. For instance, in the US, essays are often listed under the 'Writing Skills' section or 'Skills' section, while in other countries, this skill might be less common to find on a resume.

Why to List Essay on Resume

• Demonstrates strong communication skills: Essay writing requires clarity, conciseness, and coherence. Showcasing these abilities can make you stand out as a candidate.
• Highlights creativity and critical thinking: A well-crafted essay often showcases the writer's ability to think critically and express creative ideas, which are valuable skills in many professions.
• Shows adaptability: Writing an essay allows you to address various topics, making it easier for potential employers to see your versatility and understand your perspective on different issues.

Where to List Essay on Resume

• Skills/Qualifications Section: If you have significant experience in essay writing, list it here with other relevant skills.
• Education Section: If you've written essays as part of your academic work, you may want to mention them under the education section, highlighting any awards or recognitions received for your writing.
• Cover Letter: Essays can also be used to supplement your application by submitting a cover letter that demonstrates your essay writing skills.

Examples of How to List Essay on Resume

Skills Section Example

• Essay Writing - Proficient in crafting well-structured, coherent essays for various purposes and audiences.

Education Section Example

• Bachelor of Arts in English Literature - Essays written for my courses have earned me consistent A's and a recognition as the best writer in my class.

Cover Letter Example

• Cover Letter - In this letter, I address a complex issue within my field, using clear arguments and engaging writing style to demonstrate my essay writing skills.

What to Avoid While Listing Essay on Resume

• Overemphasizing: Including too much detail about your essay writing abilities can make your resume seem unbalanced or irrelevant to the job you're applying for. Stick to brief mentions, focusing more on skills directly related to the position.
• Vague Descriptions: Be specific when describing your essay writing abilities. Instead of using generic terms like 'good writer,' focus on the qualities that make you exceptional, such as clarity, creativity, or analytical skills.
• Including Irrelevant Samples: If you decide to include an essay in your application (e.g., a cover letter), ensure it's relevant to the job and professional in tone. Avoid submitting personal essays or creative writing that might not align with the requirements of the position.

How to List Persuasive or Argumentative Essay on Resume

When listing a persuasive or argumentative essay on your resume, focus on showcasing your ability to construct compelling arguments, analyze data, and present ideas effectively. Here are some best practices:

• Highlight the Purpose: Explain the purpose of the essay. Was it to convince readers of a particular viewpoint or to argue for a specific course of action? Emphasize the essence of persuasion and rational argumentation involved in the assignment.

Example 1: Persuasive or Argumentative Essay on Essay Resume

• Position: High School Student

• Context: AP English Class

• Statement: "Completed a persuasive essay in AP English class, addressing the controversial topic of standardized testing in schools. Analyzed various perspectives and presented compelling arguments for reducing its impact on student learning."

• Detail Your Research Methods: Discuss your research methods to gather evidence to support your argument. Mention any sources you used, including books, articles, or interviews, to demonstrate your ability to conduct thorough investigations.

Example 2: Persuasive or Argumentative Essay in Essay Context

• Position: College Student

• Context: Journalism Course

• Statement: "Wrote an argumentative essay as part of a journalism course, exploring the ethics of online privacy. Conducted extensive research on recent court cases and privacy policies to construct a well-supported argument for stricter online privacy regulations."

• Describe Your Argument Structure: Outline how you structured your argument. Explain whether you used a deductive or inductive approach, and specify if any techniques such as rhetorical devices or ethical appeals were employed to strengthen your persuasion.

Example 1 (continued):

• Position: High School Student

• Context: AP English Class

• Statement: "Employed a deductive argument, beginning with broad principles about student learning and then applying them to the specific issue of standardized testing. Used persuasive language, rhetorical devices, and ethical appeals to engage readers and strengthen my position."

• Mention the Outcome: Discuss any feedback you received or awards you won for your essay. This can demonstrate the effectiveness of your persuasive skills and your ability to think critically.

Example 2 (continued):

• Position: College Student

• Context: Journalism Course

• Statement: "Received an A+ on my argumentative essay, demonstrating a strong understanding of online privacy ethics and effective persuasive writing. The essay also won the journalism department's monthly award for best investigative piece."

• Tailor to the Job: Align your essay description with the job requirements. If the position involves making presentations, writing reports, or engaging in debates, emphasize how the skills you demonstrated in your persuasive or argumentative essay will benefit the company.

Example 1 (continued):

• Position: Entry-level Marketing Role
• Context: High School Essay
• Statement: "Completing a persuasive essay in AP English class demonstrated my ability to craft compelling arguments and present ideas effectively, which are essential skills for marketing roles such as copywriting or public speaking."

How to List Problem Solution Essay on Resume

Listing your experience in writing problem solution essays can be a valuable addition to your resume, showcasing your ability to analyze complex issues, propose effective solutions, and communicate them clearly. Here are some best practices:

• Highlight Relevant Skills: Emphasize the skills you've developed through writing problem solution essays, such as critical thinking, research, analysis, and effective communication. This helps recruiters understand your capabilities quickly.

Example: Demonstrated proficiency in critical thinking, research, and effective communication by crafting well-structured problem solution essays.

• Specify the Context: Clearly state the context in which you wrote these essays (e.g., academic, professional, or personal). This provides valuable context to potential employers.

Example: Writing problem solution essays within an academic setting, focusing on topics such as climate change, poverty alleviation, and education reform.

• Detail the Problem: Briefly describe the problem you addressed in each essay. This gives recruiters a sense of the complexity of issues you can handle.

Example: Explored the issue of climate change by analyzing its causes, effects, and potential solutions in an essay titled 'The Impact of Climate Change on Global Agriculture.'

• Outline the Solution: Summarize the proposed solution to each problem you addressed. This highlights your ability to offer practical, workable solutions to real-world challenges.

Example: Proposed a multi-faceted approach to mitigate climate change's impact on agriculture, including reduced emissions, sustainable farming practices, and investment in climate-resilient crops.

• Show Results: If possible, provide evidence of the impact or effectiveness of your proposed solutions. This demonstrates the practical applicability and success of your ideas.

Example: My proposed strategies were supported by case studies and garnered positive feedback from professors and peers, indicating their potential for real-world implementation.

Example 1: Problem Solution Essay on Essay Resume

In an academic setting, I wrote a problem solution essay titled 'The Impact of Climate Change on Global Agriculture.' The essay explored the causes, effects, and proposed solutions to climate change's impact on global agriculture. The proposed multi-faceted approach included reduced emissions, sustainable farming practices, and investment in climate-resilient crops. My proposed strategies were supported by case studies and garnered positive feedback from professors and peers, indicating their potential for real-world implementation.

Example 2: Problem Solution Essay in Essay Context

In a professional setting, I authored an essay titled 'Addressing Poverty Alleviation through Microfinance.' The essay analyzed the root causes of poverty, the role of microfinance as a solution, and proposed improvements to existing microfinance models. My proposed solutions emphasized increased accessibility, affordability, and sustainability for microfinance services. The essay was well-received by colleagues and superiors, demonstrating my ability to apply critical thinking and communication skills to real-world issues.

How to List Research Paper or Case Study on Resume

Best Practices

• Highlight the Essay's Purpose: Clearly state the purpose of your research paper or case study, such as problem identification, hypothesis testing, or analysis of a specific topic. This gives employers an understanding of what you achieved and why it matters.

  • Example: "Conducted a comprehensive research paper titled 'The Impact of Climate Change on Agriculture in Sub-Saharan Africa.' The purpose was to identify the effects of climate change on agriculture productivity and propose sustainable farming practices."

• Mention Methodology: Briefly describe the methodology you employed, whether it was quantitative (statistical analysis, surveys) or qualitative (interviews, ethnographic study). This demonstrates your research skills and analytical abilities.

  • Example: "Utilized a mixed-method approach, combining quantitative data from satellite imagery and agricultural yield reports with qualitative interviews of local farmers to gather insights."

• Detail Findings: Summarize the key findings from your research paper or case study in a concise yet informative manner. Emphasize any unique or impactful discoveries that set your work apart.

  • Example: "Found that implementing agroforestry practices significantly improved agricultural productivity and reduced vulnerability to climate change among smallholder farmers."

• Show Relevance: Explain how your research paper or case study is relevant to the job you're applying for. Highlight any transferable skills, such as critical thinking, data analysis, or project management.

  • Example: "As a Business Analyst, I will leverage my experience in conducting research and analyzing data to make informed recommendations that drive business growth."

Example 2: Research Paper or Case Study in Essay Context

• Title and Context: "Exploration of the Effects of Screen Time on Adolescent Sleep Patterns"

  • This research paper aimed to investigate the relationship between screen time and sleep duration among adolescents, a topic highly relevant to contemporary society and digital media consumption.

• Methodology: "Utilized both quantitative and qualitative methods, including surveys, self-reported screen time logs, and interviews with parents and adolescents."

  • This approach allowed for a comprehensive understanding of the issue from multiple perspectives.

• Findings: "Determined that increased screen time was associated with reduced sleep duration among adolescents, emphasizing the need for digital wellness education in schools."

  • This finding underscores the importance of considering the impact of technology on young people's health and wellbeing.

• Relevance: "As an Educator, I will use my research skills to design and implement digital wellness programs that promote healthy screen time habits among students."

  • This demonstrates how the skills gained through conducting a research paper can be applied in various professional settings.

How to List Analytical or Critical Essay on Resume

Best Practices for Including Analytical or Critical Essay in Your Resume:

• Highlight Relevance: Mention the relevance of your analytical or critical essay to the job you are applying for. Explain how the skills and insights gained from writing this type of essay make you suitable for the position.
• Provide Context: Give a brief description of the essay's subject matter, its purpose, and any unique challenges it presented. This helps recruiters understand the depth and breadth of your analytical capabilities.
• Showcase Your Skills: Emphasize the skills you demonstrated in your essay, such as critical thinking, research, argumentation, and interpretation. Use action verbs (e.g., analyzed, critiqued, interpreted) to make your achievements sound dynamic.
• Use Quantifiable Results: If possible, provide quantifiable results of your analysis or the impact of your critique. This could be the number of pages you wrote, the percentage improvement in a system you analyzed, or the positive feedback you received for your analysis.
• Optimize Keywords: Use keywords relevant to both the essay and the job description. For example, if the essay was about business strategy and the job is for a management position, include terms like "strategy," "analysis," "critique," "data interpretation," etc.

Example 1: Analytical or Critical Essay on Essay Resume

• Analytical Essay: "The Impact of Globalization on Small Businesses"
  • Analyzed the benefits and challenges of globalization for small businesses through extensive research and critical thinking.
  • Developed a coherent argument supported by data, case studies, and interviews with industry experts.
  • Demonstrated strong writing skills by structuring the essay logically and clearly communicating my findings.
  • The essay was recognized by my professor for its depth of analysis and insightful perspective on the topic.

Example 2: Analytical or Critical Essay in Essay Context

• Critical Essay: "The Ethics of Artificial Intelligence"
  • Conducted research on the ethical implications of AI, examining various case studies and academic literature.
  • Analyzed the arguments for and against regulating AI from multiple perspectives (technological, societal, philosophical).
  • Critiqued existing policies and proposed alternative solutions that promote responsible AI development.
  • The essay was published in a student-run journal, showcasing my ability to produce high-quality analytical work in the field of ethics and technology.

How to List Personal Narrative Essay on Resume

Importance of Highlighting a Personal Narrative Essay

Incorporating a personal narrative essay in your resume can be an effective way to showcase your unique experiences, emotions, and insights to potential employers. A well-crafted personal narrative essay can help you stand out from other job applicants by demonstrating your storytelling skills, emotional intelligence, and ability to connect with readers on a deeper level.

Best Practices for Listing Personal Narrative Essay on Resume

• Contextualize the Essay: Clearly indicate where the essay fits within your resume's overall structure. For example, you might list it under "Writing Samples" or "Creative Projects."

  Example: Include a brief title and description for each narrative essay, such as:

  • Personal Narrative Essay: Overcoming Adversity (500 words)
    • A powerful essay detailing my personal journey of overcoming adversity through resilience and determination. This essay demonstrates my ability to communicate emotionally engaging stories and showcase my character traits.

• Choose the Right Format: Ensure that your essay is easily accessible and well-organized. You might choose to include it as an attachment, link, or directly within the body of your resume.

  Example: Provide a hyperlink or download button for readers to access your personal narrative essay, along with any necessary instructions:

  • Download Personal Narrative Essay: Overcoming Adversity (PDF, 500 words)

• Highlight Relevant Skills: Identify and emphasize the specific skills showcased in your personal narrative essay, such as creativity, emotional intelligence, empathy, and adaptability.

  Example: List relevant keywords and phrases beneath each essay to help employers quickly recognize your skills:

  • Keywords: Storytelling, Emotional Intelligence, Overcoming Adversity, Resilience, Determination, Creative Writing

• Include a Call-to-Action: Encourage potential employers to contact you for more information or to discuss how your personal narrative essay relates to the job opening.

  Example: Conclude each essay with a call-to-action that encourages employers to reach out:

  • I invite you to read my personal narrative essay and consider how my experiences and skills align with your organization's mission and values. I am eager to discuss this further in an interview.

• Keep it Professional: Remember that a resume is primarily a professional document, so maintain a balance between sharing personal stories and keeping the overall tone and format professional.

  Example: Use proper grammar, punctuation, and spelling, and proofread your essay carefully before submitting:

  • A well-crafted personal narrative essay can help you stand out from other job applicants by demonstrating your storytelling skills, emotional intelligence, and ability to connect with readers on a deeper level.

Example 1: Personal Narrative Essay on Essay Resume

In the "Writing Samples" section of her resume, a job seeker includes a personal narrative essay titled "Finding Myself Through Travel." This essay discusses the applicant's journey to self-discovery and personal growth during a yearlong backpacking trip through Europe. The essay highlights the candidate's adaptability, resilience, and emotional intelligence while providing a unique insight into her experiences and character.

Example 2: Personal Narrative Essay in Essay Context

In the "Creative Projects" section of his resume, a job applicant lists "The Power of Friendship," a personal narrative essay that explores the significant impact friendships have had on his life. The essay delves into specific instances where friendships helped him overcome challenges and grow as an individual. The candidate uses this essay to demonstrate his ability to communicate emotional stories, build connections with readers, and showcase his empathy and maturity.