How to Format a Resume

There are a growing number of resumes appearing in recent decades and I have included some samples of some of the most useful and eye-catching formats I have used in teaching Resume Preparation Classes.

One recent year, one of my creative GED students attending a usually boring Job Fair used a cream colored paper and a golden paper (a usual no-no), included her volunteer work (good) and special skills (great), her two previous jobs, her GED graduation projection date, her planned course of study in college...and included matching clip art along the edges of each section! This is usually a definite no-no unless you are applying for a graphic arts position and drew the clipart yourself.

She was hired on the spot by an employer that was tired of people coming in with no resumes after being asked to bring some, tired of hand written resumes on folded up paper torn from a spiral notebook, and tired of Job Fairs. It was a success for them both.

WHICH FORMAT?

Keep a work portfolio containing work samples, certificates, etc. and a comprehensive general resume in it with several copies.

Next, have a resume, with copies, targeting each line of work you may wish to pursue. That may be two or three different resumes, such as Education and History.

Finally, you may need to target a version of your resume toward a specific job description advertises, so keep your resume on a flash drive so it is readily available for adjustment. HR Representatives want to read a resume that matches the job requirements of the posted opening.

Some basic resume tips and instructions are contained below.

Much success to you!

.

RESUME MISTAKES

How to correct them at : Resume Mistakes - Resume Format Part II

.

Notice how the Functional Resume below is different from the other resumes I have shown you.

This is a good resume if you have 20 years' work history or more that you want to include, if you are changing careers, or if you have had many clients or bosses as a freelancer, actor, etc.

The OBJECTIVE is very important if you are changing careers, especially to a line of work in which you have no experience, but into which you can transfer your skills. The Objective makes clear what kind of work you want.

See how the Skills are grouped together in table boxes. Also see how the Employers are simply listed by name. The specifics of which skills were learned and applied where is left to the interview discussion, which is very important as well.

Combination Resumes are a cross between Chronological and Functional versions. Look at the following examples for some excellent formatting.

Below are some good examples of the Cover Letter (to help you recieve an interview) and the Thank You Letter (after an interview).