Resume Formats: The Hidden Pitfalls

Deciding on a resume format is the first major decision to make when creating your resume. The overall look of your resume depends on the resume format, font, and outline you choose.

The two main types of format in use are the chronological and functional formats.

When to use the chronological resume format

A chronological resume is the easiest to create and is also the most widely used format.

The chronological resume format allows you to list your work experiences starting with the most recent and working backwards in time.

This allows employers to see your progress in the career field. If you remain in your career field, this form will allow employers to see if you are qualified for the job you are applying for. It may not be beneficial for people changing career fields.

When to use the functional resume format

Functional resume formats are more difficult to create and are not widely used. However, they are suitable in situations where people are changing career fields.

The functional resume format is more based on skill development. The format is not linear and the emphasis is on development and achievement.

You can list experiences other than paid jobs.

Employers will be able to see the progressive development of your skills that qualify you for the job.

Some people choose to combine the two resume formats to get the benefits of each and avoid their shortcomings.

scannable resume format

Another type of resume format that you may have to use is the scannable resume. Today, many employers store resumes in electronic databases. Resumes are scanned into these databases.

This can lead to some problems, as old scanners can sometimes drastically change the look of your resume.

It is beneficial to create a scannable resume and a printed resume that you can take to your interviews.

To overcome this, you can create a scannable resume. A scannable resume is a traditional resume, preferably stored as a plain and lightly formatted text file.

How long should a resume be?

Another important decision you need to make about your resume format is the length of your resume. There are no specific rules about the length of your resume.

The length of the resume may vary depending on your situation.

The length of your resume will depend on the amount of space you need to compactly and accurately list your relevant skills and achievements.

If you’re an entry-level candidate, you can have a compact, well-written one-page resume. For highly experienced professionals, a two or three page resume can be very impressive to employers.

choice of fonts

Keep the font of your resume simple. Classic fonts like Times New Roman and Arial are recognized by almost all computers. If you use other font styles, there is a risk that the employer’s computer will not support the particular font. Also, if it’s too fancy, it could alienate the employer.

Remember that…

The most important information will be listed at the top of the resume, as it is the first to catch the employer’s eye. In the middle is the part that will be scanned briefly. The bottom of the resume won’t get much attention unless you get the interview.

The structure of your resume should take this into account.

If you’re having trouble deciding on a resume format, you can check out free resume format sites on the internet. They can provide you with samples so you can choose the format that best suits your situation.

The format of the resume, the font, the length, etc., together, will form the overall presentation of the document. The purpose of your resume is to promote your services to employers. The format and style of the resume can tell an employer a lot about your communication and organizational skills. Therefore, the format is very important to prepare a proper presentation of your resume.

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