How to format a resume
reverse chronological) format. This format can be used to present a history of your work experience, beginning with your most recent position. This format is typically best for entry-level candidates and mid-level professionals, because it can showcase promotions and upward career progression.
The chronological format typically includes a heading; qualifications summary, including areas of expertise; professional experience, including duties and accomplishments; education; and any value-added information, such as training, technical skills, publications, awards, military service, affiliations, volunteer work and excerpts from performance reviews or LinkedIn recommendations.
The functional format is an option if you have large employment gaps or if you hope to transition to a new industry. The goal of a functional resume is to frame your skills and abilities in a way that is most relevant to the job opening.
Similar to a chronological resume, a functional resume includes a heading, qualifications summary, education section and value-added information.
Different than a chronological resume, it includes a career highlights section with content categorized by functional area. For example, there could be sections labeled Project/Budget Management, Client Relations or External Communications with content under each section. Employers are then listed in a separate work history section.
Word of caution: Functional resumes are typically disliked by hiring managers because they tend to present a disconnected image. They should be resorted to only in situations where you have no chance of getting past the screening process if you use a chronological format.
A combination format is a blend of the chronological resume with a functional format. Combining the two allows you to focus the hiring manager’s attention on what qualifies you most for the role, while minimizing the appearance and impact of disqualifying factors such as a large employment gap.
To use a combination format effectively, start with a keyword-rich qualifications summary, followed by a career highlights section, and then present your professional experience section. By having this information appear further down on page one or on page two of your resume, you can strategically choose to present your most transferable skills first. Samantha Nolan is a Certified Professional Resume Writer and owner of Nolan Branding. Reach her at dearsam@nolanbranding. com, visit nolanbranding.com or call her at 614-570-3442 or 1-888-952-3928. Meet her on Facebook, live on Thursdays at 12:15 p.m. EDT, for an extended discussion of this week’s Dear Sam topic.