About Resumes

A resume is one of the most important tools that an applicant can use during a job search--it is essential to landing a dream job. Although it takes time to prepare an effective resume, it is well worth the effort. There are a few things to consider when creating a resume.

Function

A resume highlights an applicant's relevant qualifications as they pertain to a job position. The main purpose of a resume is to sell the applicant to a potential employer in order to secure a job interview. Quite often, a resume is the initial contact between the applicant and an employer, so a well-written and professional resume makes a good first impression.

Identification

Normally one to two pages long, a resume contains valuable information about the candidate's background. Depending on the format, a resume may include information about career goals, education, work experience, special skills, training, credentials, accomplishments, honors and activities. It should also include current contact information (full name, telephone number, mailing address and email address). In addition, it should be organized with appropriate headings, sections and bullets summarizing the relevant qualifications in a professional manner.

Types

The most common type of resume is the chronological resume. A chronological resume lists a candidate's work experience in reverse chronological order beginning with the most recent position. A second type, the functional resume, groups skills and experience together according to specialty areas (such as management or computers), but does not mention specific positions or dates of employment. Instead, it may mention how many year's experience the candidate has in a particular area. Applicants may choose to use a combination resume, which is a cross between the chronological and functional resume formats. The candidate lists his skills and work experience first, and then discusses employment history.

Misconceptions

Some people believe that it is not necessary to complete a job application if a resume has been submitted to the potential employer. However, most employers require candidates to complete an application for employment prior to a job interview; usually the application must accompany the resume. A job application normally includes personal data that are not mentioned in a resume, such as date-of-birth, social security number, driver's license number, contact information for previous employers and references. This information is used for background checks.

Expert Insight

Overall, a resume should be interesting, accurate and brief. If a resume is too lengthy or wordy, an employer could be overwhelmed or bored. Resumes should include strong active verbs and simple, straightforward language. The font style and size should be easy to read and the page should appear uncluttered. These key factors can make a resume stand out, gaining the reader's attention.

Resources

• Resume-Resource

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