Using an Appropriate Format for Resume Writing
Why is it Important to Choose the Right Format for Resume Writing?
Most first time resume writers are not aware of the correct format they need to use to write resumes. There are several different formats that can be used to write a resume. However, each format is used to highlight either the functional skills or the work experience of the applicant. Using the wrong format will deter the applicants in highlighting the required skill. Therefore, all applicants need to know the right format for resume writing and when it is appropriate to be used.
Key Components to Selecting the Right Format
The key to selecting the right format for a resume depends on two factors. These are the applicant’s experience and what the applicant wishes the recruiter to know. For example, an applicant may need to emphasise a set of core competencies and functional skills pertaining to the job applied. Another applicant may need to emphasise job experience and career progress over a span of time. Both these applicants cannot write their resumes using the same format.
Emphasising Skills
Applicants who are interested in emphasising their skills are recommended to use the functional format. This resume format places considerable emphasis on the applicant’s accomplishments and skill base than work experience. This enables the recruiter to have a clear understanding of the applicant’s skills, accomplishments and qualifications. If the information is provided in the right manner and impresses the recruiter, the resume will be placed in the pile with other “possibles”. The key to an outstanding functional resume is to ensure that the information is included in the right manner and addresses the recruiter’s requirements.
Emphasising Job Experience
If an applicant wishes to emphasise job experience rather than skills, he or she will be benefited by using the chronological resume format. This format for resume writing is one of the most common as it enables recruiters to identify the progression of work experience easily. Work experience is listed in chronological order – from the most recent – and it is placed right at the top of the resume after contact information. This way, employment history, as well as, places of employment is highlighted adequately.
Choosing the Right Format
Selecting the right resume format for the job applied will depend on whether you wish to highlight your skills or job experience. Keep in mind, if an applicant using the chronological format does not have adequate experience in the field, this point will be further emphasised. Similarly, if an applicant does not possess adequate skills and yet uses the functional format, this will highlight the inadequacy. Therefore, applicants must pay considerable attention to their choice of the formats.
Regardless of the utilized format for resume writing, there are a few more factors to take into consideration. For example, a professional resume, regardless of format, should not exceed two pages. It should contain distinct sections and it should never be written as a narration. Bullet points and clean and crisp short sentences are important to avoid boring the recruiters.
Many applicants will find the creation of a resume challenging. These applicants should obtain assistance from a reputed resume writing company. Grandresume.com is a resume writing service that provides quality resume writing assistance. We are also a resume editing service, and, therefore, if you need to edit and enhance your resume then you can count on us to assist you.
