3 common methods of writing a resume
Writing a resume will become a difficult task if you don’t know how to present or list your information. There are three common methods of writing a resume that you should know: chronological, functional and combination of both. Only then, the task of writing a fluent resume will be easier and become not a matter of challenge to you.
Firstly, traditional method – chronological order:
This is the most common and basic method of writing a resume. You start with your experience and education listed in a chronological order beginning with your latest job. Usually, you should prepare 2 pages of A4 to present your resume in this form; this form will be useful if you are experienced in many industries or if your experience is not related much to the position you are applying for as this method will help highlight your outstanding necessary information.
When a candidate makes a chronological order resume, the employer may find it easy to find out briefly about your previous companies that you have worked for. In addition, he or she can also assess your loyalty toward the companies which many nowadays employer are very concerned about!
Secondly, detailed with more focus on skills – functional resume:
Besides the chronological resume, you may as well list your information in the resume into groups of skills. This form of presenting a resume is called functional method (or functional resume). When you do wish to emphasize on your skills and achievements, that’s when you should write this form of resume. Start with a title of your skill, then describe which jobs and tasks you have done that relate to that skill. You will surely make a strong impression to the employer with this very logical resume.
This method is also useful if the employer seeks candidates on basis of skills but not working time. However, according to a personnel manger of a Japanese Firm: “Candidates who are lack of experience or newly graduated students shouldn’t use this presentation for their resumes.” Absolute, if you are inexperienced or your experience is mainly in certain industries or professions, this method of presentation will only put you at a disadvantage situation. It is like you make a criticism without sound arguments or references. “This method of presenting a resume will be the most suitable to candidates with much and diverse experience.”
Thirdly, combination resume:
If you are confident in your deep experience, you should choose to write a combination resume. Combination is the optimum method if you want to make the employer focus on your strong points. This method will make advantage of the strong points of the two above methods. If you are able to define clearly your career goals, then this method of writing a resume will help you got the eyes of the employer.
List your skills along with positions and achievements you have got in each position in a chronological order (start with your latest position). As such, you have shown the employer your strong points. However, according to many HR experts, this method is not a suitable option to too-much-dynamic candidates who change their jobs frequently, as you will make your resume confusing with this method.
Some rules when writing a resume
Whichever method you choose, there are some general rules that you should know: define your career goals clearly; read out lout the requirements of the employer; then note down ones you may satisfy. Only after that, write your resume. During writing, you should delete unnecessary information so that your resume will become more fluent and concise. Remember that, the more concise your resume is, the more impressive you make it in the eyes of the employer.
