To set yourself up for work that matches your personal aspirations and goals,
you need to take a strategic approach to your resume and job search. Take extra
time to create one or more customized resumes focused on a particular target.
You must learn more about the resume-development process than most people do,
but this will serve you richly in the future. Knowing how to organize your
talents and accomplishments in a variety of ways gives you a valuable set of
tools for making the most of what you have to offer in initial and follow-up
interviews and on the job.
You can customize your resume using one or more of the following five
formats. Once you're familiar with the process, you can create your own
variations on these.
This format is the most used, since it's
easy to follow and write. The main disadvantage is that it keeps you connected
to one job track.
Functional resume
: This and the combination resume allow you to put your
skills and accomplishments in the order of their relative importance to your
future. Often, your most recent position doesn't fully express the direction you
want to move in next. This format downplays gaps or educational credentials that
may not match your aspirations.
Combination resume:
The combination format merges functional and
chronological formats and provides employer and job history. It offers the same
pros and cons of the functional resume.
Targeted resume:
This is the only format that's completely focused on
your ability to create future results out of your capabilities (not just your
experience). It allows you to project competence and added value based on
particular employer needs. It is a powerful tool for creating interest when you
know your desired job target.
Resume alternative:
Not every person has had a traditional career or
work experience. Some people have been homemakers, had their own businesses or
done freelance or volunteer work. Some types of experience require totally
different approaches than the traditional resume process.
This free Resume
Calculator can help determine the best format for your current situation.
