Published on Wednesday, Apr 16, 2008
Most people craft a standard resume irrespective of their career history, goals and type of job search. Though this can suffice in most cases, some unique scenarios warrant a particular style of resume to increase the probability of at least getting a foot in the door of a prospective employer.
The common types of resumes include:
Chronological resume – This standard and traditional format is used to highlight a strong work history marked by steady progression through the ranks of the same company or a series of well-known/sound companies. It draws attention to job continuity or a standard pattern of career development in different jobs and is favoured by employers because of the ease of distinguishing what jobs have been held and when the candidate has worked at them.
While writing the ‘timeline’ resume, present a chronology of past positions in a reverse order starting from the current or most recent one and working backwards through say, four- five jobs or 10 years alongwith the relevant dates. Also, throw light on how you evolved through the jobs by emphasising major duties and accomplishments, especially those that are closely related to your desired job and career goals. Then move on to your educational credentials in a reverse sequence again.
Functional resume – This versatile layout is practical for a first job or when one is at the crossroads and wants to break out with a major career change. It also comes in handy for cases of job hopping, successive employment gaps, a prolonged absence from the workforce or other such unimpressive work history. By showcasing skills and accomplishments, it shifts the focus to capacity and potential over employment history.
Older jobseekers can also opt for functional resumes to deemphasise a lengthy job profile or to avoid appearing overqualified.
The emphasis is on what you did, not where or how you did it. But, some recruiters/employers turn down functional resumes assuming that the candidate ‘has something to hide’ and the format is also not acceptable on some online job boards.
In the resume, list skills, qualifications, experience and achievements in functional clusters with a separate heading for each like – management, marketing, customer service, HR, technology, interpersonal skills, teamwork, leadership and writing skills. You can cover a broad range of experience without identifying the employer or job, but do list them in order of importance based on your target job and goals. With this you can group similar work experience over a range of jobs or even include transferable skills attained through voluntary work to enhance your resume.
Hybrid resume – Some people choose to combine the above two set-ups in a hybrid ‘career profile’ by first listing their skills and experience and then moving on to a basic employment history. This helps highlight your skills in specialty areas alongwith providing a synopsis of the work history.
Targeted resume – As the name suggests, this customised style is used to target unique opportunities by making an impressive case for a specific job opening or a particular organisation. It does involve more work, but the efforts will make you stand out from the crowd by showing that you are a perfect match for the position.
Tailor the resume by specifically highlighting key skills, experience and work that you have done that is most relevant to the job you are applying for.
Capabilities resume – This is a mini resume that is customised for a specific internal job or for networking purposes. Throw light on select few capabilities that are significant to the internal assignment or has career highlights suitable to your contact.
Which is right for me?
Most of us mix all the styles while rattling everything we have done. Rather than sound impressive, this rambling CV actually becomes confusing and off-putting.
Instead, understand which style best fits your circumstances - job history, career objectives, targeted position – alongwith portraying you in the most marketable and attractive light. Sift through the details to prepare a concise, simple and focussed resume that grabs attention from the word go.
And, whatever mode you select, do list your name and contact information at the top alongwith a persuasive cover letter.
All the best in your job search!
The common types of resumes include:
Chronological resume – This standard and traditional format is used to highlight a strong work history marked by steady progression through the ranks of the same company or a series of well-known/sound companies. It draws attention to job continuity or a standard pattern of career development in different jobs and is favoured by employers because of the ease of distinguishing what jobs have been held and when the candidate has worked at them.
While writing the ‘timeline’ resume, present a chronology of past positions in a reverse order starting from the current or most recent one and working backwards through say, four- five jobs or 10 years alongwith the relevant dates. Also, throw light on how you evolved through the jobs by emphasising major duties and accomplishments, especially those that are closely related to your desired job and career goals. Then move on to your educational credentials in a reverse sequence again.
Functional resume – This versatile layout is practical for a first job or when one is at the crossroads and wants to break out with a major career change. It also comes in handy for cases of job hopping, successive employment gaps, a prolonged absence from the workforce or other such unimpressive work history. By showcasing skills and accomplishments, it shifts the focus to capacity and potential over employment history.
Older jobseekers can also opt for functional resumes to deemphasise a lengthy job profile or to avoid appearing overqualified.
The emphasis is on what you did, not where or how you did it. But, some recruiters/employers turn down functional resumes assuming that the candidate ‘has something to hide’ and the format is also not acceptable on some online job boards.
In the resume, list skills, qualifications, experience and achievements in functional clusters with a separate heading for each like – management, marketing, customer service, HR, technology, interpersonal skills, teamwork, leadership and writing skills. You can cover a broad range of experience without identifying the employer or job, but do list them in order of importance based on your target job and goals. With this you can group similar work experience over a range of jobs or even include transferable skills attained through voluntary work to enhance your resume.
Hybrid resume – Some people choose to combine the above two set-ups in a hybrid ‘career profile’ by first listing their skills and experience and then moving on to a basic employment history. This helps highlight your skills in specialty areas alongwith providing a synopsis of the work history.
Targeted resume – As the name suggests, this customised style is used to target unique opportunities by making an impressive case for a specific job opening or a particular organisation. It does involve more work, but the efforts will make you stand out from the crowd by showing that you are a perfect match for the position.
Tailor the resume by specifically highlighting key skills, experience and work that you have done that is most relevant to the job you are applying for.
Capabilities resume – This is a mini resume that is customised for a specific internal job or for networking purposes. Throw light on select few capabilities that are significant to the internal assignment or has career highlights suitable to your contact.
Which is right for me?
Most of us mix all the styles while rattling everything we have done. Rather than sound impressive, this rambling CV actually becomes confusing and off-putting.
Instead, understand which style best fits your circumstances - job history, career objectives, targeted position – alongwith portraying you in the most marketable and attractive light. Sift through the details to prepare a concise, simple and focussed resume that grabs attention from the word go.
And, whatever mode you select, do list your name and contact information at the top alongwith a persuasive cover letter.
All the best in your job search!
PAYAL CHANANIA
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