A resume is a marketing tool that allows an individual to demonstrate his or her skills and professional experiences. Each section of a resume is a summary of abilities, experience and other relevant details that can encourage a hiring manager to develop a good impression of the writer. A well-written resume can be organized with the help of templates and professional resume samples. Templates and samples can help with the structure and layout; however, the individual is responsible for providing the content of a resume. Quality content is essential to establish a professional identity and should be constructed in an efficient, organized manner.
The introduction of a resume contains the objective or summary statement. Located under the contact information, the objective or statement provides the reader with a summary of accomplishments and other pertinent details of professional achievement. Writing about personal goals and aspirations should be kept to a minimum and is often unnecessary. Potential employers are more interested in the candidate’s skills and strengths that can be beneficial for the company and not what the candidate is seeking in a job.
The sections following the objective statement will vary depending on the type of format used. The most commonly used format is the chronological resume. The arrangement in the chronological resume allows an individual to list his or her job positions beginning from the most recent and includes specific dates of employment such as the month and year. It is a precise, straightforward layout that makes it easy for hiring managers to scan for factual details about a candidate’s past work history. Chronological resume samples are easy to follow for individuals with a solid work history and relevant professional achievements. Those with periods of unemployment or limited work history may benefit from another format.
The functional resume is focused more on the skills and abilities of a candidate and not his or her employment history. Previous employment information is listed towards the bottom so that the reader has the opportunity to focus on the positive qualities. Unlike the chronological resume, the functional resume does not require the use of specific dates. Candidates may choose to only include the years rather than the specific month or day of employment with previous employers.
Using a combination of chronological and functional resume formats offers the flexibility to include or omit certain details. For example, an individual with a solid record of employment may want to use a chronological layout to accentuate his or her commitment to past employers and a functional layout to put emphasis on the job duties and responsibilities. The length of the combination resume is typically longer than other formats due to the specific content it may contain.
Cover letters are usually an optional addition to a resume; however, some companies may specifically ask for a cover letter along with the resume. An individual can use a cover letter to offer a brief introduction and why he or she may be a valuable asset to the company. A customized cover letter may signify dedication to a potential employer. A candidate that constructs an informative cover letter is often considered ahead of others due to his or her enthusiasm and professionalism.
Theresa Foster has a professional interest in the art of resume writing and how strong resume writingwww.distinctiveweb.com can improve job search results, although she doesn’t claim to be an expert. To get expert resume writing help, she recommends you contact a resume service. You can find one of the most respected and recommended resume firms online at resume writingwww.distinctiveweb.com
