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How To Choose The Best Resume Styles
The job market is extremely competitive, and you want to make the best impression possible. While there hundreds of resume styles being used by job seekers, you want to take the time to choose the right one.
The job market is extremely competitive, and you want to make the best impression possible. While there hundreds of resume styles being used by job seekers, you want to take the time to choose the right one.
But why are there so many different styles to begin with? One of the reasons is the many different ways resumes are sent these days. A style that is suitable as a physical printed document simply won’t translate as well when you fax it or email it. Because more and more people are viewing documents online, there is a definite need for a resume style that suits the medium.
The particular position that you are applying for may also require a very specific resume style, and you should be prepared to adapt your present resume to best display your skills according to the situation at hand. This after all is what the main purpose of a resume is: to show off your capabilities.
The chronological style is by far the most popular resume format with both job seekers and potential employers. As the name implies, this resume lists all your previous jobs, starting with the most recent.
The functional style resume is a bit newer, but it’s steadily growing in popularity. Unlike the chronological style, you use this resume to list your very best accomplishments and qualifications first, followed by the just slightly less impressive ones. The advantage of this resume is that it makes it easy for the employer to read it quickly and decide whether or not you sound like someone who is qualified for the job. It also lets you give your strengths the center stage.
These two resume styles aren’t the only styles around, certainly, but most other formats are variations of the chronological and functional resumes. Here’s a good point to remember: Don’t be afraid to try out different resume styles. Change them out to suit your needs and purpose for each situation. Resumes exist to tell potential employers about your abilities, and the right resume will put them in the best light.