Are you looking for your first job to land a higher, better paying one?  A resume is most important document you need to write to clinch a job you are applying for. One of the job search skills you need – in addition to interview technique – is to be able to write the ideal resume for the particular role.

Your resume gives your potential employer a first impression of you. So, grasp the opportunity to make the document the best you can create.

If it is your first time writing a resume or you need to modify your current one, let’s start by looking at the different format structures. There are three main kinds.

The Functional Resume Format

One resume format is the functional resume format. In this layout, you write your skills first to showcase your best abilities and accomplishments. The style is good if your main selling point is not your work history; such as if you recently graduated or completed an MBA or other advanced degree.

The format generally has this order: objective, accomplishments, abilities, employment and education. List down and categorize your skills into functions and then discuss your performance in each function.

The purpose of this resume format is to show your potential employer the skills you have that fit the position you are applying for. The idea is to focus the employer’s attention on what you can do instead of your employment record. Study the position you are applying for so you can emphasize your skills that are suited for the job.

Reverse Chronological Resumes

The most commonly used format resume is the chronological or reverse chronological resume format. Professional experience is placed at the forefront of the resume, with the most recent experience being written first and the other experiences following chronologically backwards.

Write down the job titles you have had, the period of employment, and a brief discussion of your job duties. This resume style shows the credibility and qualification of the job seeker through his or her work experience.

The chronological format can catch the attention of the potential employer by highlighting a person’s career growth. Generally, this resume format has this order:  objective, summary, employment history, education and skills training.

Combo or Hybrid CV Style

If these two resume formats do not please you, then you may use the combination or hybrid resume format. This combines the best aspects of the functional and chronological resume formats.

The hybrid format starts with a description of your skills followed by your chronological work history.  Thus, it gives details of both your employment record and the skills you can offer the employer.

Using Your Resume Effectively

A good resume helps you to sell yourself effectively right through the job application process. You can, for example, have a shorter cover letter when the resume does the heavy lifting. The cover letter can then be simple and friendly, highlighting key selling points rather than covering many details.

The same applies with an interview. Ideally, during the interview, you are able to expand on points covered in your resume rather than having to bring them up. The panel should be able to quickly glean what you have to offer from your CV before the interview starts.

James Montano