Resume Writing Styles
For many job seekers, one of the major challenges for preparing to enter or reenter the work force is learning how to write a resume. This is especially daunting for those who do not understand that there are various styles of resumes. Each serves a specific purpose and highlights different information. Understanding the differences is the first step in selecting the resume style best suited to a particular individual.
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General Paragraph Style
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The purpose of a general resume is to convey an applicant's education, experience and skills, according to the University of Michigan's website. There are two main types of general resumes: those organized by paragraph and those by bullet points. In the paragraph variety, applicants should include a heading containing their current contact information. This should be followed by short paragraphs, each detailing a job or particular work experience. Another paragraph can be used to summarize education. Adding a paragraph that outlines an applicant's special skills is beneficial, because it highlights qualifications not typically included in the work or education sections.
General Bulleted Style
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The bulleted resume serves the same purpose as the paragraph resume, but the information is organized differently. Instead of highlighting experience in paragraphs, the information is presented in a series of bulleted lists, according to the University of Michigan.
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Skill-Based Resume
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Skill-based resumes differ slightly from general resumes in that they emphasize the job-seeker's specialties.rather than simply listing work and educational history. The Proven Resume website recommends using a skill-based resume when looking to make a career change or move up in a current field.
Artist Resume
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An artist's resume is arranged to highlight the artist's body of work, according to the University of Michigan. Instead of listing work experience, this resume deals with specific works of art as well as gallery showings.
Curriculum Vitae
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The curriculum vitae (CV) is a specialized resume used primarily by scientists and educators in the U.S., according to the Job Star website. The site also warns that American applicants should be careful when searching the Internet for examples of the curriculum vitae, because in many European countries, the term CV describes a more generalized resume. American CVs are typically lists of an applicant's education, publications, projects and awards. The purpose of a CV is to highlight things like research-based accomplishments for an industry or institution that values publication and special projects.
References and Length
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Many people wonder whether to include references on their resume. According to the University of Michigan, these should not be in the body of the resume but on a separate page. The applicant should list the names, relationship and contact information for professional or academic references. A resume constantly needs updating as a job applicant gains new experience and skills. Though there is no specified length, many resume-writing websites provide one-page examples. It is best to keep resumes as concise as possible.
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References
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