Resume Format

 

To get a job interview, you first must determine the resume format that you'll use. Generally, you'll be writing a resume that describes either your professional experience or your executive-level experiences, depending on the positions you've held and the position you seek. If you think you need help you might consider a professional service.

Functional Resume Format - This format is skills-focused. With a functional resume, you'll present successes you've had in specific functional areas. Dates of employment and locations are not important, just emphasizes skills that are key to the job you are seeking. This is also a great format if you are re-entering the job market after time off as it does not emphasize gaps in employment.

Chronological Format resumes are perfect if you've had a career that demonstrated career growth over time. To get started, describe the job you had most recently and work backwards. Use keywords from the career field to make your resume interesting to potential employers.  Most resumes are done in this format.

Hybrid Resume Format also known as a combination resume, is a cross between the functional and chronological resume. It blends your career highlights followed by your career history. It also masks gaps in employment and stagnant work histories to allow the reader to see your strengths.

Some tips:

Determine the layout the suits your situation the best.

Brainstorm the keywords using the job description and the job bulletin advertising the position.

Incorporate the words of your trade that will be recognized by the hiring authority.

Be brief, concise, professional, and focused on the position you seek. 

Don't expect a generic resume to fit all situations, tailor each one for each job application.

Include a Purpose statement that immediately focuses reviewers to your intent to get a job.

Put your strongest information nearer to the beginning of the resume.

Decide where your education would have the greatest effect, either first or last in the resume body.

 

Example Resume Style

John Smith
123 Court St.
Town, Ca. 95555
(123) 555-3333

Purpose

To secure a job with ABC Mortgage utilizing my skills as a salesman and professional mortgage broker.

Education

Pioneer University, Lodi, California
     -Bachelor of Science in Commercial Art, 2005

Commercial Artist

Accomplished artist with 3 years experience in J&D marketing handling complex commercial advertising concepts...

Business Experience

Assigned the lead role in completing campaign markup;
Successfully completed 14 ad campaigns in a two-year period;...

You get the idea. By the way DON'T add graphics! Make your resumes reflect your personality, remembering to be conservative and mindful of the amount of time employers spend reviewing resumes. An initial review of a resume is usually completed in less than 20 seconds.