The three main resume formats are chronological, functional and combination. A chronological resume--the one used most often--lists the data in reverse chronological order starting with the employment history. The functional resume starts with the qualification summary, then the job history and then the education. Whereas, the combination resume lists the experience, then the employment history in reverse chronological order and the education. The Bureau of Labor Statistics states that the chronological resume highlights your experience and a functional resume highlights your skills. The BLS also states that your resume should be precise about how your qualifications match the job requirements. Choose the right combination of subject areas or steps to construct a resume style that works best for your employment needs.
Step 1
Do not forget the most important part of your resume, your contact information. Tab to the center of the page and put your name on the first line. Hit the return key and tab over right underneath the first line to add your address. Add your phone number to the third and your email address to the fourth line using the same process. Add this step or subject area to all of the formats.
Step 2
State briefly your Objective. Affirm your main reason for applying for a position. Make your Objective no more than one sentence.
Step 3
Design your Professional Summary. Do not include personal or irrelevant information in your professional summary. Highlight your skills relating to the job in question, the number of years you worked in your field, any awards for outstanding work and what you can offer the company. Do not exceed one paragraph for your professional summary.
Step 4
List your Education. Add the name of the last school you attended on the first line. List the degree you received and the year you received it on the next line. Put your major on the third line and you Grade Point Average or GPA on the last line. Repeat these steps for each school you have attended.
Step 5
Detail your Employment History. Put the company's name in all caps and add the city and state next to the company's name. Put the date of employment on top of the company's name or to the right of the company's name. Space down and tab over to the right one time. Put the name of your position for that company and underline the title. List all of your responsibilities using bullet points. Repeat the same step the other jobs you want to add to your resume. Do not use expressions such as "Responsible for," says Harvard University's Office of Career Services, as it appears as though the responsibilities were not completed.
Step 6
Add your Technical Summary. Detail your experience with MAC and IBM systems. Develop a summary of software programs in which you are proficient. List your level of competence in each if you are applying for a programming job. Emphasize your typing speed for secretarial and administrative positions.
Step 7
Create a Qualification Summary. Start your resume with a list of your skills, expertise and qualifications to show why you stand apart from everyone else. Highlight events in your career that make you ideal for a particular position.
Step 8
Add your References. Include a separate page with a list of your references and their contact information. Type "References furnished upon request" at the bottom of your resume if you choose not to include references until after the potential employer grants you an interview.
Step 9
Interests, Travel and Voluntary work, and Languages are all optional. Add them only if they will give strength to your resume. Do not just add them just to fill up space on your resume.
Step 10
Use action words. Begin your sentences with actions words such as "Reduced," "Researched" and "Administered." Use these power words freely throughout your resume to keep your reader's attention.
Tips and Warnings
- Read over your resume repeatedly, and check for grammar and spelling errors. Have a friend or family member read your resume. Use a 10- to 12-point font when creating your resumes.
- Do not embellish or exaggerate on your resume.
Things You'll Need
- Computer
- Printer
- Resume template or software
- Folder
- Resume paper
- CD or Disk
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