How to write a resume…below is a comprehensive note about writing your resume.
What is a Resume?
A resume is a key component or the first step of a job search, and so, you can not replace it by a digital profile or visual resume such as LinkedIn.
- A resume is a written compilation of your education, work experience, credentials, and accomplishments that is used to apply for jobs.
- And in many cases, your resume is the first document a hiring manager will look at when reviewing your application, and therefore is a true “first impression.”
- So, the resume’s primary function is to showcase your talents and skills to an employer—clearly, convincingly and quickly.
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Why is a resume so important?
- Your resume tells employers what you have accomplished in the past and what you can do for their company now.
- So, the resume is a tool that you can use to get an interview. During an interview, in most cases, a resume operates as a guide for you and the employer.
- But you must be honest with your resume
- Because a hiring manager takes a decision under some seconds
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Three Types of Resumes
But, choosing the best resume format is extremely important because there are many factors to take into account. So, these include the length of your resume and your accomplishments, as well as possible shortcomings. Whichever resume format you choose, make sure to include examples of accomplishments that benefited your previous employers. Three common types of resumes are chronological, functional and combination (skills based). So, Keep in mind that businesses prefer either a chronological resume or a combination resume.
1. Chronological
Chronological resumes highlight consistency of a candidate. So, this format stresses what you accomplished in each of the positions you held. A chronological resume focuses primarily on the history of your work experience and education. Because, it also shows your progress and advancements in your career. So, this resume format is popular among businesses and most of them use it.
How to write a Chronological Resume?
- List your most recent jobs first and first job as last
- Give dates for each job but no need mention day only month and year will work
- Briefly describe the main duties and accomplishments in each job but no need to write more than 100 words maximum
- Emphasize duties and accomplishments that relate to the job you seek but keep it short
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2. Functional
A functional resume focuses on your skills and experience, without including chronological time and job titles. So, it presents a profile of your experience based on professional strengths or groups of skills. Your employment history usually follows, but in less detail than in a chronological resume. Because, it is used most often by people with gaps in their work history, those who are changing careers and individuals with limited work experience. But employers generally do not prefer to receive functional resumes as they do not show your work history or career progress.
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How to write a Functional Resume?
- Use if you; have gaps in your employment, have changed jobs frequently, or are changing careers but it is not for others
- Highlight your professional strengths but it should be relevant to job applied
- Highlight your transferable skills and it will help you but only if relevant
- But do not include dates of employment
3. Combination
A combination (or combined) resume combines the best features of the traditional chronological (where the dates are in reverse order) and functional (where skills are listed in the beginning) resumes. Because a combination resume can also be referred to as a skills based resume. But, combination resume works for entry level candidates as well as for those who have many years experience and need a better resume.
How to write a Combination Resume?
- Use when changing careers
- Highlight your skills and education over experience
- But, it works for entry level candidates or freshers and it is not advised for senior professionals
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Resume selection chart – How to write a resume?
| If you are… | then use a… |
||
|---|---|---|---|
| Chronological Resume | Combination Resume | Functional Resume | |
A younger worker and/or have limited work experience |
Possible | Yes | Possible |
An older worker with a continuous work history |
Yes | Yes | No |
Returning to the workforce after a gap in employment for a variety of reasons
|
No | Yes | Possible |
Changing careers or your area of focus |
No | Yes | Possible |
Someone who has changed jobs frequently or has had a wide variety of jobs |
No | Yes | Possible |
Veteran entering a civilian job |
Possible | Yes | Possible |
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Conclusion
A resume is a brief document used to summarize and highlight a job seeker’s experience and qualifications for a prospective employer.
Because your resume includes the job seeker’s contact information, work experience, education, and relevant skills in support of a job application.
But, I believe that you will always need a resume to apply for jobs in the near future. Because, there is no substitute for resumes.