On-line Guide
"Economic security through employment. A strategy for success."
FORMAT |
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Chronological |
Presents info in reverse order, most recent experience listed first Offers concise picture of you as a potential employee |
Easy to write Emphasizes steady employment record Format is familiar |
Calls attention to employment gaps Skills are difficult to spot unless they are listed in the most recent job |
To emphasize past career growth and development When continuing in the same career When the name of former employer may be significant to prospective employer |
There are gaps in your work history Calling attention to your age could be a problem You have changed jobs often Entering job market for first time or after a long absence |
Functional |
Focuses on specific strengths and skills important to employers | Brief and well-structured Focus on skills not history De-emphasizes a spotty work history |
No detailed work history Content may appear to lack depth |
When entering the job market or when reentering after a long absence When work experience has been varied or unrelated When changing careers When primarily consulting or doing freelance work |
Want to emphasize growth or development Responsibilities and functions in recent jobs were limited |
Combination |
All the flexibility and strength of the functional and chronological combined | Shows off a strong employment record with upward mobility Showcases relevant skills and abilities and supportive employment record Emphasizes transferable skills |
Work history is often on the second page and employer may not read that far | When shorter functional format would be too sketchy To offer a complete picture of abilities and work history |
Experience is limited There are wide gaps in work history |
VARIATION |
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Keyword |
Allows for focused resumes that target skills | Skills are listed briefly and at the beginning of the resume Easy for employer to scan and find skills |
May be redundant information to include keywords at the top of your resume Still an unfamiliar format to many employers |
For all scannable systems of job screening For all new graduates, reentering the work place, changing careers |
There is rarely a time you cannot use this variation. It can be used in combination with any or all of the other formats |
Targeted |
Highly focused document aimed at a particular job A "capsule" of work experience |
Brief and direct Easy to read |
May focus too tightly on one particular job Content may appear sparse |
When job target is specific When you need separate resumes for different career paths |
You are not prepared to put the effort into writing an excellent resume |
Send comments or questions to: escjs@ngwmail.des.state.mn.us
This page was last updated on April 17, 1997
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