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. A resume is usually review in less than 20 seconds.
