How to Decide Which Resume Writing Format Works Best For You
Posted: Sunday, August 30, 2009
by James Sweeny
www.ResumeWritingHelpline.com
When talking about resume writing format, you essentially have three main options. Here are the three options to choose from and how to decide what works best for you.
Chronological Resume Writing Format
The chronological resume writing format shows your career growth and advancement in a progressive format. Employers love the chronological format because it's easy to read and can be quickly scanned for employment history. This is why this resume writing format is the most popular and accepted format among hiring authorities today.
1. You have a steady and consistent employment history with no major gaps in employment.
2. Your job responsibilities have consistently progressed over the years.
3. Your most recent job is/was with a well-known company, preferably with a respectable title.
4. You can demonstrate your major accomplishments being achieved at your most recent job.
Functional Resume Writing Format
The functional resume writing format focuses on your key skills, accomplishments, and qualifications which is presented at the top of the resume, regardless of where or when you've attained them. This format does not focus on your employment history. Therefore, your employment history is shown toward the bottom of your resume and documented as a simple listing rather than showcasing the details of each position. Simply stated, functional resume writing format focuses on what you have done rather than where or when you did it.
Not too many employers like this format because it seems as though this particular resume writing format is used to hide some deficiency in your career history. Never the less, this format can work very well for you if:
1. Most of your major achievements occurred in the past (i.e. not recent).
2. You are a recent high school or college graduate.
3. You have not been employed for some time for one reason or another.
4. You are an older worker and want to de-emphasize age.
5. You are changing career tracks.
The Combination Format
The combination format takes the best of both the chronological and the functional formats. By beginning with a summary (functional format) of your most impressive qualifications, skills, abilities, and achievements, you immediately place your emphasis on where you want it to be. Then, you follow that by your employment history, written in chronological format, supporting the statements you've made in your summary.
The combination format is widely accepted by employers should work well for you if:
1. You have a steady and progressive employment history.
2. You are applying for a position for which the chronological resume is expected but you also want to highlight qualifications and achievements from your earlier positions.
3. You are writing a targeted resume and you need an effective way to match your skills to the job requirements.
James Sweeny is a resume writing specialist. He owns and maintains ResumeWritingHelpline.com, an information-rich site that shares tips on effective resume writing.
For more tips on how to decide which resume writing format works best for you, visit http://resumewritinghelpline.com/resume-writing-format/
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Top-level comments on this article: (1 total)Thank you so much for allowing free reprints. I teach employability skills to adults at a transitional housing facility for homeless people.This article was written in simple understandable language for everyone. Thanks again!Tseganesh Gudeta
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