Resume Writing
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A Résumé is a document used by individuals to present their background and skill sets. Résumés can be used for a variety of reasons but most often to secure new employment. A typical résumé contains a summary of relevant job experience and education. The résumé is usually one of the first items, along with a cover letter and sometimes job application packet, that a potential employer encounters regarding the job seeker and is typically used to screen applicants, often followed by an interview when seeking employment. The résumé is comparable to a curriculum vitae(CV).
 

Résumés may be organized in different ways. The following are some of the more common formats:

Reverse chronological résumé

A reverse chronological résumé enumerates a candidate's job experiences in reverse chronological order, generally covering the last 10 to 15 years. Positions are listed with start and end dates. Current active positions on a résumé typically have the start date listed to present or the current year. Both are considered acceptable.

The reverse chronological résumé format is most commonly used by those who are not professional résumé writers. In using this format, the main body of the document becomes the Professional Experience section, starting from the most recent experience going chronologically backwards through a succession of previous experience. The reverse chronological résumé works to build credibility through experience gained, while illustrating career growth over time and filling all gaps in a career trajectory. A chronological résumé is not recommended in the event that the job seeker has gaps in his career summary.

Functional Résumé

A functional résumé lists work experience and skills sorted by skill area or job function.

The functional résumé is used to assert a focus to skills that are specific to the type of position being sought. This format directly emphasizes specific professional capabilities and utilizes experience summaries as its primary means of communicating professional competency. In contrast, the chronological résumé format will briefly highlight these competencies prior to presenting a comprehensive timeline of career growth via reverse-chronological listing with most recent experience listed first. The functional résumé works well for those making a career change, having a varied work history and with little work experience. A functional résumé is also preferred for applications to jobs that require a very specific skill set or clearly defined personality traits. A functional résumé is a good method for highlighting particular skills or experience, especially when those particular skills or experience may have derived from a role which was held some time ago. Rather than focus on the length of time that has passed, the functional résumé allows the reader to identify those skills quickly.

Resume Writing Tips

1.  Your resume is a marketing tool, you are trying to sell yourself to employers and recruiters. Your resume should be up to date, easy to read and should reflect your experience, skills, education and certifications.  Always include up to date contact information.

2.  Make sure there are no typos in your resume.  Proofread your resume, and have someone else proofread it before sending it to employers. 

3.  Include a valid email and phone number, not your WORK email or WORK phone number.

4.  If you choose to include an OBJECTIVE at the top of your resume, make it brief and to the point.  Your resume will be reviewed for 30 seconds, you need to get the attention of the hiring employer to make it to a fuller review of your credentials. 

5.  2 page resumes are best unless you have written extensively in your field and wish to include lists of those accomplishments.

6.  Tailor your resume for the job.  You may need to have several resumes based on the job you are seeking.  For example, you may be seeking a consultant position and a corporate public relations position.  Create a resume to highlight your consulting experience and another resume highlighting your corporate public relations experience.

7.  We recommend hiring a professional resume writer to write your resume whether it is your first job or you are an experienced employee.  The resume writer will assist you in the type of resume (chronological or functional) and give you other advice on formatting your resume that makes it easy for employers to focus on your strengths and skills.

To Find a Resume Writer we Recommend
visiting these Web Sites:

National Resume Writers Association

The National Resume Writers' Association (NRWA) is a not-for-profit, member-driven organization dedicated to promoting high standards of excellence.
Nrwa.com

Professional Association Of Resume Writers

The Professional Association of Resume Writers & Career Coaches.
Parw.com



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