Video:How to Choose a Resume Format

SHARE ON                

Transcript:How to Choose a Resume Format

Hi I'm Nick Jaynes for About.com and this is how to choose your resume format. I'll be using information from the career-planning guide on about.com.

Tips for How to Choose a Resume Format

Putting together a resume is serious business. It is your introduction to a possible employer. It's a chance for you to make a good first impression and there are no do overs. You don't want your resume to be placed in the circular file.

Instructions for Choosing a Resume Format

The first step is choosing the right format. There are three kinds, chronological, functional or combination. Each of these are tailored for different types of job seekers. You must identify which one best suits your needs. If you have a career that you are growing and you a seeking a job in the same field the chronological format is for you.

The chronological format is the most common. Below your name and contact information, work experience is listed in reverse chronological order with your most recent job first. Be sure to indicate the period of time you were employed for each job. Follow your work history with a section on education that lists each degree you have achieved or certificate you earned.This format is best to use when you are trying to show career growth. If the employee sees that you have consistently grown in your career it will be the chance you have of getting the job. If you are changing careers this format is not for you.

Information on Choosing a Resume Format

If you are changing careers but possess many diverse skills that can be applied the functional resume is for you. A functional resume is the format to use if you are changing careers. Since you don't have the employment history for the field you are seeking, you will want to highlight the skills you do have for the job. These are called transferable skills. This type of resume categorizes your job skills by function, highlighting your abilities. Under your contact info write a section for each of your skill sets. For example you may have three headings, "Supervision and Management, "Accounting" and "Writing and Editing." Under the appropriate section you will add specific things you have done in that field. Organize the sections based on the job you are applying for.

The last format is the combination format. If you are applying to a field similar to yours and possess skills that will apply you should use this format. It allows you to highlight both skills and employment history.

This is useful is you are changing careers but have an unrelated solid employment history. The first item on this resume after your contact should be your objective. Next come the sections describing your skills and functions. The second part of the format is your employment history. List your employers and dates here but don't offer further descriptions.Using the resume format that is best suited for your background and job search gives you the best opportunity to tell a prospective employer about yourself and how you will best help them. Hopefully this video has been helpful in choosing your resume format. It's the first step you will take in getting the job you want.

Thanks for watching if you'd like to learn more please visit us on the web at About.com