What Is a Proper Résumé Format?
Your resume is a potential employer's first look into your skill set and accomplishments, therefore it is vital to create a professional resume that will win you an interview. According to Chas Bollow, recruiting professional and author of the ebook, "Black Holes, Resumes and Jobs," chronological and functional resumes are the two most widely used resume formats, with chronological being the most highly desired by employers.
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Chronological Resume
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Begin a chronological resume with your name and contact information, followed by a summary and/or objective, then list your employment history in reverse chronological order starting with your current position, and moving backward. For each position, list your employer, job title, dates of employment, job description, and accomplishments. End your resume with a section detailing your education and training.
Functional Resume
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Organize your functional resume by skill set rather than by dates or specific jobs. Begin by listing your name and contact information, then turn your attention to the type of position for which you are applying. Draw from your past employment experience and target your resume toward that skill set. If you are seeking a position in management, create a "Management" section on your resume that lists all your related management experience from each of your past positions.
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Considerations
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A chronological resume is a good format to use when you have continuous employment in a related field. It lists your uninterrupted experience that is likely to be highly related to the position for which you are applying. A functional resume is used when changing careers, or when there is a gap in employment. Employers sometimes view candidates with functional resumes as having something to hide.
Tips on Resume Writing
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Use MS Word, or another commonly used word processing program, to write your resume so it is easily viewable by employers. Use action words that show accomplishments like "saved," "led," and "directed." Keep your resume length between two and four pages long. Have a friend review your resume for spelling and grammatical errors. Avoid listing overly personal information like hobbies, clubs, and non-work-related affiliations.
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