INTRODUCTION

There are as many opinions on subject of resumes as there are job seekers! Some of more popular opinions are centered on use of objectives, summaries, profiles, title headings, keywords, reference statements, personal interests, salary history, dates, graphics, fonts, and of course, length of resume.

Then there is question of format. Should style of a resume be chronological, functional or combination? One thing is certain - resume should sell a candidate's strengths and qualifications, and answer a hiring manager's question, "How can you solve my problem?" It should also have full contact information, be organized, and provide specific information that a hiring manager needs to decide whether or not a candidate is well suited for a position. At very least, it should list relevant experience and achievements.

PURPOSE of A Résumé

A resume is a personal marketing document that communicates your career objective and value to a hiring company. A strong resume is carefully planned and developed (not quickly typed up) in an appropriate format (style) designed to showcase your experience and accomplishments in direct relation to a specific position.

BASIC RESUME FORMATTING RULES

· Bold and enlarge your name at top. · Keep sections lined up and consistent. · Use an Arial or Times New Roman font (or similar). · Font size shouldn't be smaller than 11pt or larger than 12pt, except for your Name and Headings. · Do not include pronouns such as "I," company street addresses, salary, or reasons for leaving. · Two-page resume: be sure to fill second page at least halfway down page. · Place “Continued” at bottom of page one, and your name and “Page 2” at top of page two. · Use graphics sparingly unless you are in a creative field. It is safe to use a border and shading. · Leave out personal data, photos, and unrelated hobbies, unless you are an actor/actress or model. · If you spell out state in your address, such as New York, spell out states for your jobs. · Proof, proof, and proof again!

To help you understand main differences between various resume styles, following illustrates same resume in chronological, functional, and combination formats. Also provided below is a comprehensive list of common mistakes to avoid and useful tips to help your resume to compete in today's competitive workplace:

CHRONOLOGICAL

This is most commonly used resume format. It is straightforward, and easily traces a candidate's career path and progression in a given field. Experience and accomplishments are listed in reverse chronological order, with most recent job positioned first. Because it leaves little to imagination and makes it difficult to hide employment gaps, chronological resume is most preferred format of employers and recruiters.

Chronological Format Example:

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Wireless, Inc., Brooklyn, NY 1998 - Present Sales Representative · Prospected and sold communications services to business accounts spanning Northeast and Midwest regions. · Consulted clients on cost-effective advantages of switching over from standing services, resulting in a 15% new market penetration with revenues at $1,850 at close of 2000. Anderson Doors, Bronx, NY 1993 - 1998 Business Development Manager · Conducted competitive analyses on European markets to formulate conceptual strategies that cemented key alliances with distributors throughout Italy and Germany. · Aggressively marketed Anderson's company logo and message in print and television advertising campaigns, heightening brand awareness across U.S. and European consumer markets.

FUNCTIONAL

This is a skills-based, achievement-oriented format. Experience and accomplishments are listed in sections with specific headings that extract and showcase ONLY what is directly applicable to targeted position. Because it is somewhat vague sometimes omits dates, it is least preferred resume format of employers and recruiters.

Functional Format Example:

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Sales Management · Prospected and sold communications services to business accounts spanning Northeast and Midwest regions. · Conducted competitive analyses on European markets to formulate conceptual strategies that cemented key alliances with distributors throughout Italy and Germany. Market Penetration · Consulted clients on cost-effective advantages of switching over from standing services, resulting in a 15% new market penetration with revenues at $1,850 at close of 2000. · Aggressively marketed Anderson's company logo and message in print and television advertising campaigns, heightening brand awareness across U.S. and European consumer markets.

COMBINATION

This format combines chronological and functional formats into one! As with functional format, it lists experience and accomplishments in sections with specific headings directly applicable to targeted position. However, it lists employment information under a SEPARATE category (only title, company, location, and dates). Since it easily tells reader how a candidate is qualified for a position while also providing an employment history, it has fast become a favorite resume format amongst many employers and recruiters.

Combination Format Example:

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Sales Management