Chronological
A chronological resume is the most frequently used format. Your jobs are listed in reverse chronological order with your current or most recent job first. It should contain details such as the company name, dates of employment, job title and responsibilities.
Functional
A functional resume focuses on your skills and abilities. It is most often used by those who are changing careers or who have gaps in their employment history. Work history may be listed by skills rather than in chronological order.
Note: Be sure to use the appropriate template and style when composing a resume with help from Career Services.
Sample templates are linked on the Resume Template page
A resume is a brief summary or outline of your education, experiences and skills you have acquired. Its main purpose is to convince prospective employers to contact you for an interview. Employers look through hundreds of resumes and may spend only a few seconds reviewing them. It is your responsibility to articulate what you have to offer the employer. Here are some tips to help your resume stand out and get past the screening stage:
1. Target:
Customize your resume, including job titles and descriptions, to each job for which you are applying. Do research on the company and the position to ensure that you include the necessary information. It may be convenient to create several versions of your resume based on common positions you will be applying for to eliminate the amount of customization you will have to do.
2. Use Key Words:
Use language from the job description as well as general research from LinkedIn, Glassdoor, etc. to see how others in similar positions describe the job. Incorporate key words and phrases into your resume to convey your knowledge of the job, field or occupation. Recruiters are looking for key words that show you have the skills and knowledge required for the position.
3. Be Specific and Concise:
Use bullet points and very concise language to make your accomplishments, skills and experiences stand out in as few words as possible. This helps showcase your communication skills while highlighting your areas of expertise.
4. Consistency:
The formatting throughout your resume needs to be consistent. For example, use the same font, headings and subheadings, spacing, verb tense, etc.
5. Proofread:
It is vital that you proofread and spell check your resume for errors and visual appeal. Many hiring managers will immediately toss a resume upon catching even the slightest of mistakes.
Additional Tips: