Resume Writing
Your resume is your representative when you apply for jobs, internships, apprenticeships, or any other type of placement in companies. You will want to make sure that it stands out among the herd. To achieve that you need to know about the available resume formats to make sure that your resume is written in the most appropriate way possible.
Concise, to the point, and easy-to-scan are the traits of a professional looking resume. Within these parameters, you can choose to write your resume in one or more of the following resume formats depending on where and to whom you are submitting your resume.
Chronological Format:
A chronological resume format means your resume starts with the list of your work history with your current or most recent job listed first. Employers world over usually have a preference for this format as it is not difficult for them to evaluate your working form by having a look at the last responsibilities given to you and how you accomplished the tasks. If you have a strong, solid job history, this resume format can really work for you as it has done for many versatile workers.
Functional Format:
Rather than focusing on your chronological work history, a functional resume format focuses on your experiences and skills. If you have a gap in your employment history or are changing your career, this is the resume format to adopt.
Combination Format:
As the name suggests, this resume format means that you are to list your experiences and set of skills first followed by your work history. This resume format is the best one to adopt if you are looking to highlight your set of skills pertinent to the required skills of the position you are applying for. Furthermore, you are to chronologically list your employment history that employers prefer in a combination resume.
Targeted Format:
The name of the format suggests that it is quite similar to the combination format of resume. What separates it from the combination format is its highlighting your work experiences along with your set of skills that are pertinent to the job you are applying for. Make no mistake about it; writing your resume in a targeted format is a time consuming activity, but the results are worth the effort. This format is an idea resume format if you are applying for a job that perfectly matches your experiences and qualifications.
To write a resume:
Never be inattentive to details. Always begin your cover letter with the name of the hiring manager if provided, include the information the hiring manager asked for in your resume, and proofread both your cover letter and the resume. Also take the time to get confirmed on the correctness and accuracy of the information and correspondence sent.
Organizing your information in a logical fashion by keeping your descriptions clear and to the point helps you construct a great, professional-looking resume. What adds to the professional-looking trait of a resume is the selection of font. Use an easy-to-read, simple font such as Arial, Verdana, Times New Roman, Platino Linotype.
You need not to focus on what you want from the advertised employment opportunity. Instead you need to focus on what you can bring to the employer. This will greatly add professionalism to your resume.
Please be professional. Do you think giving your telephone number and residential address under the heading of contact information in your resume is enough? Welcome to the professional world. You will not be considered as a professional unless you don’t include your email address or voicemail/answering machine number in your resume. Also it is very important to include your cell phone number in case your voicemail or answering machine doesn’t pick up due to whatever reason. Never include any email address that looks unprofessional e.g. dirty.sweetheart@whatever.com. Further, your answering machine should have a message that sounds professional.
