How to Write an Attention-Grabbing Resume
Proper Formatting and Resume Type Key to Attracting Employers
Oct 19, 2009
Many job seekers believe writing a resume simply means an objective and a reverse chronological work history citing skills and accomplishments. However, in order to get noticed by employers, candidates must take into consideration many additional factors including structure, type, and important tips that make the document really “pop.”
Resume Format
The resume document is generally broken down into five main components: contact information, qualifications summary (formerly “objective,”) reverse chronological work experience, skills, and education. Depending on the document type, these components can be changed around according to the job seeker’s status. For example, a functional type favors skills over work experience.
Contact information is always placed in the header. The qualifications summary, formerly known as the objective, typically follows, presenting the employer with a brief overview of the candidate’s job skills and background. The chronological work experience is a summary of the person’s former places of work, dates, duties, and accomplishments, starting with the most recent job first. Skills and education provide the employer with a cursory overview of the candidate’s competencies and educational background.
Determine Resume Type
Many candidates believe simply listing skills, work experience, and education on a sheet of paper and sending it off to the employer suffices as an effective search strategy. However, the resume document creation and submission process is far more complex with several types to consider depending on the person’s employment circumstances.
The most common document type is the reverse chronological, which orders work history in consecutive order backwards through time starting with the most recently held position. This type is effective for most people who have had steady employment with few or no gaps.
A candidate who has long gaps in employment history or is changing careers will want to approach the situation differently than the applicant who has had 10 years of steady employment and is suddenly unemployed. In this situation, a functional document, which places skills over work experience, may be the better option.
Candidates can also mix it around a bit and create a functional/chronological combination document that lists relevant skills first like a functional one, then a detailed work history like a reverse chronological one. The Curriculum Vitae (CV) is a specialized document used by educators, researchers, and scientists that highlights academic accomplishments and post-graduate education. And a mini resume presents a very brief three- or four-point bulleted list of the applicant’s skills on a business card for networking purposes.
Tips for Writing a Winning Resume
When developing the employment sales pitch called the resume, first decide upon the type that best suits the person’s career history. Follow the basic five-part structure: contact information, qualifications summary, work history, skills, and education. Write in a concise, professional, and highly focused manner with no grammatical or spelling errors.
Provide a clear qualifications summary that accurately reflects skills and experience; do not make this section cliché. For example, “Looking for a career in which I can expand upon my advanced editorial skills” is outdated and meaningless. Use plenty of action verbs (e.g., developed, managed, coordinated), and include all skills relevant to the position. Eliminate skills that are inconsequential.
Be sure to use a quality laser printer or otherwise set the inkjet printer on the highest quality setting. Although most resumes are sent electronically these days, the candidate will want to print out copies for the in-person interview and for networking events.
Enthusiastically highlight job skills in an objective manner that does not brag, but comes across objectively. Make sure all skills are relevant to the position in question. Use a common font such as Arial or Times New Roman, and try to keep it all on one page if possible. Don’t over-embellish; busy HR departments are looking for a quick scan of skills and experience more than they are a different-looking presentation.
Resume writing doesn’t have to be difficult or intimidating. While the job seeker always has the option of hiring a professional writer, the average person can do just fine by focusing in on structure, type, and general industry guidelines.
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