Resume Writing

The goal of a resume is to help job seekers get interviews, but how this is accomplished can vary. There are several approaches to resume writing and using the right format, based on your career history. If the wrong type of format is used, it could make getting interviews near impossible.

  Types of Resume Writing

One of the most popular styles of resume writing is chronological. This format lays out a person's work history in reverse chronological order, from most recent to oldest. The purpose of this layout is to not only present the most current endeavors first, but also to highlight your progression over the years. Career advancements, accomplishment and job continuity are major focuses in chronological resumes.

Of course, not everyone should use a chronological format. Functional resumes are another type of resume layout often used. In a functional resume the focus is placed on skills, credentials and accomplishments. Skills are highlighted to showcase core competencies and to highlight the value he or she may have to prospective employers. It should, however, be noted that functionally formatted resumes are not always received well by hiring agents and should only be used when absolutely necessary.

In some instances the most effective approach to resume writing is actually to combine the two styles. A combination resume begins with a functional style review of skills and accomplishments and then proceeds to a reverse chronological presentation of employment and education histories. In this form, achievements and skill reviews are supported by work experience.