4 Ways to Write a Resume

1. The Traditional Chronological Resume

The traditional resume allows you to write your work history in a chronological order. You start by listing your most recent job and how long you worked there. Give the details of the job, such as responsibilities, skills, knowledge gained and how your time was spent while at work. If you received promotions or special recognition, list those with the job. Provide the same type of information on other jobs you had, listing them in order from the most recent to the oldest. Your focus on a chronological resume is the time on the job and job continuity. Add references to the end of the resume or make them available upon request.

2. Write a Functional Resume

A functional resume focuses on your skills, accomplishments and knowledge more than on where you worked in the past. Your certifications, honors, degrees and studies should come after you show your abilities. At the end of the resume, you list the jobs you have had in chronological order, beginning with your most recent position.

3. Use a Combination Resume

The combination resume combines the chronological and functional styles of resumes. Begin the resume with a bulleted list of your skills, knowledge and accomplishments. Next, write out your work history, pointing out positive accomplishments at each position.

4. Create a Cover Letter

You should always write a cover letter for your resume, even if you send it by email. Write the cover letter in your own words in the way you typically communicate in a professional environment. You can drop a name or two that may get your foot in the door of the company. Use the letter to explain your interest in the company and the job you want. Use some of the terms from the job and to point out how you meet the requirements advertised. Address your letter to the specific person who will review your information. If you are changing careers, explain why you are making the change and what you have done to prepare yourself for the new career. Read through the letter carefully to remove all typos, and try to keep it under 1 page.