Tips on Selecting Best Format for Resume

Resume is always the most important document when we talk about job search. Therefore, it is very important that you must focus on creating an impressive resume using the best of the format which brings out your achievements and qualifications in the most pleasant manner.

This post talks about essential tips which will help you select the best format for creating your resume. But before that let us read more about different types of resume formats.

Different Formats for Resume

Chronological

This is the most widely used format in which you begin listing everything in a reverse chronological manner. You start with the most recent of the events and go backwards. Peoples of all profession have been using this format from the longest times. But it is quite strange that person applying for managerial post is using the same format as used for the worker for the position of a peon. This is just not right and would completely fail you in creating an impression.

Functional

This is a much recent format and it focuses on mentioning particulars the concentrate on the profile for which you are applying by highlighting the important skills and talents in relation with that specific job. The idea is to be specific and keep the information limited by targeting on the position and qualities you possess for that possible. This is a more focused and personalized resume format.

Combination Format

This is a blend of the formats mentioned above. This format focuses on the relevant skills, achievements, qualifications, abilities related with the job and synergizes all this information using the chronological format. This makes it a perfect choice which helps you focus on the profile without missing on the order of dates.

But this information doesn’t really bring clarity on which format you should select for creating your resume. Well the next section of this post can help you answer this question.

Tips on Picking Perfect Format for Resume

Here are some tips which will help you make the right choice. As you are aware about the kinds of resume formats that are used, the next step is to know that which format fits well with what kinds of profiles, industries etc. Read on and learn which format is good for what profiles.

Using Chronological Resume Format

• If you are a beginner or you have just spent few years in the industry then again, this is a good choice for you.
• If you are a beginner or you have just spent few years in the industry then again, this is a good choice for you.
• Good for all those people who have stayed and worked in the same field for a very long period and have had a smooth and steady career in it. If you are applying for the job in the same industry or field, chronological resume is a good pick.
• With a steady career in the same field, employer wants to know about your progress, achievements and performance in a chronological order to have a better understanding of your performance over a long period.
• This format helps in showing a smooth progress to the top which would work in the benefit of the candidate.

Using Functional Resume Format

• Functional resume format is good when you have had some gaps in your career. This means that you started working and then took a break from work or you have made a big change in your career like change in industry or profile.
• Such formats are also effective when you are focusing on a specific profile. In such a case, mentioning information like abilities, performance, achievements in relation with that position are required to be mentioned.

Using Combination Resume Format

• If you wish to have a change in your career, for instance, you want to switch from one industry to another, then you must select combination resume format.
• If you wish to focus on specifically developed skills, abilities and potential in connection with some specific profile then again you can use this format.
• If you are highly skilled and a great performer in some specific field then again you can select this format.

So keep these tips in mind while selecting the format for resume and you would never fail to impress the employer. Always remember that resume marks your first impression and therefore, you must never make any compromise with drafting a finest resume that highlights your strengths.