What Resume Format Should I Use?

Hundreds of thousands of people are out of work due to the sagging economy which tells me resumes are more than just a piece of paper; they are our life line. Over a decade ago resume writing was more of an afterthought and no one seemed really strategic in writing one. However, today we live in a very different world where you have more people than jobs available, so you have to gain knowledge about some insider tips in order to have your resume stand out from the crowd.

I understand that there are people that have a hard time putting in words what they actually do on their jobs. The reason for this is that things we tend to do routinely we don't put a whole lot of thought into them. Therefore, it's more difficult to articulate, and the reason it's very important to think about what it is you do before you start the process of writing your resume.

Once you've written down a few key responsibilities of the jobs you've held, then you are ready to consider which resume format you should use. There are four basic formats to consider when writing a resume and they are 1. Functional 2. Chronological 3. Combination and 4. Targeted. Below I will explain these formats:

1. Functional: The functional resume format is typically used by students, people with limited job history or those that are just entering the job market, such as a homemaker entering the workplace for the very first time. Also, a senior that is re-entering the job market may want to use this format as well. This format is very basic and contains your name, address, contact number and paragraphs explaining your current or previous job title and duties. The functional format typically has no dates due to the limited job history.

2. Chronological: The Chronological format is where you list all of job history, training and schooling including dates showing the most recent job history and going back no more than 10 years. This resume format allows you to show a progression of skills and growth from one job to another. This format is most widely used by seasoned professionals with more than 5 years of hands on job experience.

3. Combination: When you choose to use this format it typically involves merging a combination of the functional and chronological formats in one. People that use this format are typically very seasoned professionals with more than 10 years of experience in a particular industry, such as Account Executives, Financial or Sales Professionals.

4. Targeted: The targeted format is a more intense and detailed resume that is specifically targeted to a position or industry at a particular company. This format takes a little bit more thought and research as you really want to match your skill sets to the skill sets that the employer is seeking. This may entail going further back in your work history and highlighting the experience and skills that match the job you're looking for almost exactly. The targeted format is time consuming, but if done correctly, it's one of the most effective resume formats.

So, if you are just starting your career or are a seasoned professional you can choose a resume format that will fit your needs. I wish you all the best in your job search and remember you have to be determined to SUCCEED on PURPOSE!