Much like packaging on a product, a thoughtfully prepared, properly formatted
resume attracts attention and generates a positive image of its subject. In
today's dynamic employment marketplace, the resume is the first and, in many
cases, the only means through which the applicant can gain the attention of the
prospective employer and distinguish him/herself from other highly qualified
applicants. For this reason, it must accentuate the positive aspects of one's
background, tell the candidate's unique story, and eliminate or camouflage
potential liabilities. The
format will determine how this is accomplished.

Proper Format of a Resume

The proper format of a resume can vary. Among the most common resume formats are
the chronological resume, functional or skills-oriented resume, curriculum
vitae, and narrative profile or biography.

The chronological ? or more precisely, reverse chronological resume is the most
common resume format. At its heart are the listing and description of positions
and their accompanying responsibilities and accomplishments. This approach is
best employed by an individual whose career is characterized by a well-defined
career path including frequent promotions to positions of increased
responsibility.

The functional or skills-oriented resume is a document that focuses on job
functions, skills, and accomplishments. This resume format enables the writer to
more broadly articulate background and skills within a structure that is a
significant departure from that employed by most applicants. For this reason,
the skills-oriented resume format has become a popular option for those changing
careers, students, and others seeking to gain an edge on their competition.

The curriculum vitae, or CV, is the resume format option of choice for
physicians, attorneys, scientists, academicians, and other professionals whose
credentials provide clear evidence of their respective qualifications. CV's
usually include complete listings of publications, appointments, research
projects, and professional licenses, certifications, and affiliations.

By contrast, the narrative profile or biography, while not technically a resume
format, is a promotional piece written in third-person that is often used as a
brief introduction to a job candidate with a more detailed
to follow. Profiles
or biographies are also used in conjunction with formal business proposals,
marketing or public relations materials, and online networking sites.

Proper Format of a - Content

While the proper format of a r'sum? may vary, all r'sum? formats will contain
information in some or all categories including ?Name,? ?Contact Information,?
?Objective,? ?Profile? or ?Summary of Qualifications,? ?Core Competencies? or
?Skills,? ?Selected Accomplishments,? ?Experience,? ?Education,? ?Professional
Development,? ?Licenses,? ?Certifications,? ?Publications,? ?Affiliations,? and
?References.? While many of these categories are self-explanatory and either
necessary or superfluous dependent upon the background and qualifications of
their subject, some are worthy of elaboration.

?Contact Information? should be complete and include residential address,
landline telephone and mobile phone if both are applicable, and email address.
Residential addresses should include number, street, and apartment or unit if
applicable. Avoid using P.O. box addresses if possible, as these addresses often
indicate transience on the part of their holders. Similarly, always include a
personal email address with an appropriate user name, even if you must establish
one for the sole purpose of inclusion on your resume. Absence of an email
address on your resume format conveys a lack of computer literacy that will, in
most cases, be detrimental to your employment search.

While a well-written r'sum? should convey a sense of purpose, inclusion of a
statement of ?Objective? is dependent upon the subject's job-hunting focus. Once
a staple in r'sum's, the statement of objective has become less popular among
those seeking opportunities within a broad array of careers and industries. If
specific, a statement of objective illuminates the reader regarding the
background and aspirations of the candidate for employment. If general, the
objective is a largely meaningless assertion adding nothing of substance to the
r'sum?. Given the changing nature of employment in today's economy, a statement
of objective at the outset of a r'sum? is too restrictive for most job seekers
and can be replaced by a ?Profile? or ?Summary of Qualifications? detailing the
nature of the applicant's background and scope of experience. The applicant may
then use his/her cover letter to express job focus and aspirations.

Given the fact that many companies use talent acquisition management (TAM)
applications like Taleo, Kenexa Brass Ring, and PeopleSoft that automate and
manage their initial r'sum? review process, all r'sum? content areas including
?Profile? or ?Summary,? ?Core Competencies? or ?Skills,? ?Selected
Accomplishments,? and ?Experience? should be developed using a keyword approach.
Incorporating all of the appropriate keywords for your desired position into
your r'sum? will optimize it for automated review and, thereby, enhance your
opportunities to secure interviews.

Perhaps most importantly, any and all ?Accomplishments? incorporated into your
r'sum? should detail the situation, issue, or challenge faced, the strategies
and actions you instituted, and their quantifiable results. Uncovering and
articulating these ?Accomplishments? tells the prospective employer your story
and demonstrates your value to any hiring organization.