Video:What Are Different Resume Formats?

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Transcript:What Are Different Resume Formats?

Hi I'm Nick Jaynes for About.com and this is what are different resume formats. I'll be using information from the career-planning guide on About.com.

Information About Different Resume Formats

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. The first step in writing a resume is choosing the right format. There are three kinds, chronological, functional or combination.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.

Different Resume Formats

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.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.

Last Type of Resume Format

The last format is a combination format and it is true to its title. It is a hybrid of the functional and chronological format. 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.

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