Resume Formats ... The Hidden Pitfalls

Deciding on a resume format is the first major decision to be made when creating your resume. The overall look of your resume depends on the resume format, font and outline you choose.

The two main types of format in use are the chronological and functional formats.

When to Use the Chronological Resume Format

A Chronological resume is the easiest to create and it is also the most widely used format.

Chronological resume format allows you to list your job experiences starting with the most recent and moving back in time.

This allows employers to see your progression in the career field If you are staying in your career field, this format will allow employers to see if you are qualified for the job you are applying for. It may not be beneficial for people changing career fields.

When to Use the Functional Resume Format

Functional resume formats are more difficult to create and are not widely used. However, they are suitable in situations where people are changing career fields.

The functional resume format is based more on skill development. The format is non-linear and the emphasis is on development and achievements.

You can list experiences other than paid jobs.

Employers will be able to see your progressive skill developments that qualify you for the job

Some people choose to combine the two resume formats to gain the benefits of each and avoid their shortcomings.

Scannable Resume Format

Another type of resume format you may have to use is the scannable resume. Many employers store resumes in electronic databases nowadays. Resumes are scanned into these databases.

This can lead to some problems, as old scanners can sometimes dramatically change the look of your resume.

It is beneficial to build both a scannable resume and a printed resume which you can bring to your interviews

To overcome this you can create a scannable resume. A scannable resume is a traditional resume, stored preferably as a plain text file and with little formatting.

How Long Should a Resume Be?

Another important decision you have to make about your resume format is the length of your resume. There are no specific rules on how long your resume should be.

Resume length can vary depending on your situation.

The length of your resume will depend on how much space you need to compactly and precisely list your relevant skills and accomplishments.

If you an entry-level candidate, you can have a one page, neatly typed, compact resume. For professionals with a lot of experience, a two or three page resume can greatly impress employers.

Choice of Fonts

Keep the font of your resume simple. Classic fonts such as Times New Roman and Arial are recognized by nearly all computers. If you use other font styles, there will be a risk that the employerâ??s computer does not support the particular font. Also if it is too fancy, it might turn off the employer.

Remember that ...

The most important information will be listed on the top of the resume as it is the first to catch the employerâ??s eye. In the middle is the part which will get briefly scanned. The bottom part of the resume will not get much attention, unless you get the interview.

Your resume structure should take this into account.

If you are having trouble deciding on a resume format, you can consult free resume format sites on the internet. They can provide you with samples so that you can pick out a format that is best for your situation.

Resume format, font, length, etc, collectively will form the overall presentation of the document. The purpose of your resume is to market your services to employers. Resume format and resume style can tell the employer a lot about your communication and organization skills. Therefore the format is very important in preparing a proper presentation of your resume.

Article courtesy of Top Career Resumes, where you can get the answers you need about writing winning resumes, cover letters and more. The author, Roger Clark (BSc) has over 25 years experience in career development & recruitment at a senior level through top management positions he has held with major international companies.

Career Articles - Advice on resumes, career planning, goal / objective setting & aptitude testing.

---

Ive Got the Big Bad B Word on My Job!

That "B" word---B O R E D O M.How did I get this wearing word in my work?I got it because I don't have enough to do... Read More

How to Access Employers through Proposal Marketing

Use Proposal Marketing and you'll be your own hot spot, opening gateways previously inaccessible. Hook up with those who have the power to hire you. Present a... Read More

The Telecommuting Tightrope

For many of us, telecommuting seems like the ideal situation. You wake up, shuffle over to your home office, work at your own pace. You take a... Read More

Manage Your Boss - And Get Ahead!

It's clear there are a number of common issues faced by business people across totally unrelated industries and environments. This series was created to provide some perspective... Read More

Youre Bright And Talented -- TooT Your Own Horn --

Obviously, there are RIGHT ways to move UP the ladder. Being in the right place certainly has tremendous benefits. YOU have to "kinda" find ways to be... Read More

Five Powerful Tips for Interns

Interning is about more than earning money during summer break. It's a wonderful way to gain work experience and lay the foundation for your future career. But... Read More

Your Value Proposition: A Critical Component To Having A Successful Job Search

Your value proposition is a series of statements defining your worth. It is the value you bring to the table ? the skills, strengths, core competencies, marketable... Read More

How To Write A Resume, Avoid These Resume Mistakes

HOW TO WRITE A RESUME-MISTAKE #1NEVER USE THE WRONG PAPER! What kind of paper should you choose when typing your resume? The color of paper you will... Read More

How to Write a Better CV (UK), or Resume (USA and elsewhere)

The first point to make is that the terms "CV" and "Resume" (with or more often without the French acute accents over the e's) are virtually interchangeable... Read More

What You Should Know About A Medical Billing Specialist

Whether you are a person who is thinking about becoming a medical billing specialist or a company looking for a medical billing specialist, then this article is... Read More

Is Your Job Search Guided by the Controller or the Controllee?

I'll define what I mean by these terms. "The Controller" is a job seeker that is ruled by doing everything right. He/she has read all of the... Read More

Booster & Drainers

Like huge anchors on cruise ships, other people can hold you down. Not intentionally, but their negativity impacts you. It's hard to be winning at... Read More

Take This Job and...Re-staff It

Deciding to leave a job isn't easy. In fact, quitting a job requires courage, especially in today's soft economy when the unemployment rate has reached 6.4%. However,... Read More

Stepping Stone Jobs

What we name something matters.It sets a tone that alters our attitude.Give something a new name and the difference may seem insignificant or even trivial.However, if it... Read More

Everyday Is Saturday: Help for the Suddenly Unemployed

I recently was "unhired" by my former employer. Unhired is a softer term than "fired" but it means the same. With no warning and an immediate departure,... Read More

How to Manage Your Career Like a Business

Look upon yourself as a company with a product or service to sell. Understand your market and devise a dynamic marketing campaign, remembering that companies hire employees... Read More

60 Hour Work Weeks - Can You and Your Career Survive Them

In the 80s while I was an account executive for AT&T most people in my organization worked normal (for then) business hours. By that I mean they... Read More

Dont Quit Your Day Job! Convincing Your Boss To Let You Telecommute, Part 1 of 2

Are you desperately trying to find a telecommute job so that you can quit your current one? Hold on! Your job just might have the potential to... Read More

When Should You Update Your Job Skills?

With the U.S. economy still slumping and unemployment numbers barely moving forward, many workers may be considering what their employment future could be like if they were... Read More

Four Job Interview Mistakes That Can Torpedo Your Chances of Success

What are the worst mistakes job hunters make? It turns out there are four big ones. These four mistakes turn up repeatedly when executives responsible for hiring... Read More

5 Ways to Combat Job Burnout

Job burnout happens when the stress or prolonged frustration of a job or career contributes to emotional and physical exhaustion. The ability to cope with general life... Read More

The Network Within

When you hear the word "networking", what comes to your mind first?You probably think about going to a job fair or asking all of your friends, family... Read More

Why Human Resources Are The Real Key To Success In This Information Age

The rapid changes that have mainly been brought about by the information age are numerous and irreversible. They have affected our way of life on virtually every... Read More

Job Hunting Tips: Organizing Your Attack

Looking for work is an energy-devouring ordeal, often leading to running in circles and not getting anywhere. A systematic approach can help you focus on your goal,... Read More

American Idol Syndrome

I like Simon, one of three judges on American Idol. I find his feedback refreshingly honest. And while his words startle me with their ego... Read More

Job Interview Mistakes To Avoid

By avoiding these 8 simple mistakes, you can improve your chances of having a successful interview and landing the job of your dreams.1. DON'T SHOW UP LATE.... Read More