Resumes, are one of the most important documents that you will use during your job search. Making your resume stand out during a job search, especially during a period when the job market is more challenging can help you get the attention of a hiring manager. Resumes come in different shapes and sizes, and there is no one size fits all approach. So how do you determine what resume is the best one for your job search?
Choosing between Chronological, Functional, and a Combinational Resume
Chronological Resume: This type of resume is the most used format. For this resume you typically start by listing your qualifications first, followed by listing your work experience starting with the most recent. The resume will typically have your job responsibilities listed below for each job. This resume is good when you are trying to show progression in a particular field and want to show your tenure in a field. Regardless it is the easiest for recruiters to follow.
Functional Resume: Not as commonly used, this resume is formatted differently. In this style of resume, you will list your skills in different sections based on the job you are applying for. Following this, you will list your jobs, normally without any job description. This resume is suitable for people looking to switch industries or who have significant gaps in your work history. This format is a simple format that highlights experience in a particular area.
Combinational Resume: This type of resume is the least used and it is a combination of the functional and chronological resume. It will typically have a highlights section at the top, a middle section with a skill listed then statements about how you have used this skill, then a job section with your job history listed with the most recent first. Once again, this type of resume is suitable for those who are trying to switch industries or who are wanting to highlight certain skills.
When choosing a resume format ensure that you think about your current situation. Typically, a chronological resume will cover all bases of your career achievements, however, if you are looking to highlight other areas of your skillset then choosing a functional or combination resume would be a good choice.
Tips on how to get your resume noticed
Now, that we have reviewed the types of resumes, let’s talk about some of the ways that you can make your resume stand out and grab the attention of a recruiter.
- Have your skills listed first – Listing your skills at the bottom of a resume is an easy way to get the recruiter to not notice your skills. At the top of the resume, you should list a “Highlights of Qualifications” section. This section should have 6 to 8 points of how you can help the employer based on your skills and what the employer is looking for in their job posting. One major thing to avoid is generic statements like “Excellent communication skills”. Everyone puts these generic skills on their resume, tell of an actual example as to why you are good at communication. Always complete this section with actual statements about why you are suitable for the position. The recruiter should be able to notice why you are suitable for the job on the first half of the top page of your resume.
- Problem, Action, Result – Write out accomplishment statements in a problem, action, result format. They should be accomplishment statements stating what you did and what you achieved. When writing these statements avoid using the first person, and always write in the third person.
- Colours and Pictures – While there might be beautiful templates out there on the internet for resumes with graphics, colours, and pictures, these items should not be included in your resume. The reason for this is that the applicant tracking system cannot find your resume in the system. At times, your resume may be found, but it is always best to have a standard resume with black font only. No pictures and boxes for formatting. A basic resume in Microsoft word is the best option for you when it comes to producing a resume that will get noticed quickly.
- Make Connections – When doing your resume, it is important to make a connection between your skills, whether they are transferable or things you have done related directly to the position. The resume is your chance to highlight skills that are relevant to the employer. If an employer is looking for someone good in excel, and you have used it and are good at it, but have not used it in a professional setting, this could be a transferable skill. Talk about how you have used it in previous situations and explain to the employer what you can do with excel. As mentioned previously, showing the employer what they are looking for, and how you can meet those needs, is important. You can always elaborate on your further skills during an interview or phone conversation. Remember, this point of the resume is to get you noticed by the employer and to gain an interview!
Overall, the resume is what will get you noticed when looking for a job, being direct about what you can offer the employer from the start will help you get noticed. Having a resume for each industry you want to get into is necessary. Always approach your job search that each employer is as unique as you are, and your resume should reflect this!
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