Selecting the right resume format
Advantages:
- De-emphasizes periods of unemployment and other blemishes in your career that you do not wish to disclose at this initial stage;
- Allows the job seeker to highlight relevant skills and expertise, even in situations of limited experience or experience performed within another industry;
- Suitable for job seekers returning to the workforce after a career break.
Disadvantages:
- Tends to raise recruiters'/employers' suspicion if employer names, dates and titles are omitted;
- Can confuse the reader who is trying to establish where experience/accountabilities were performed and accomplishments were secured if these are only grouped under skills categories rather than under your employment history.
COMBINATION
This approach harnesses and combines the best from both the Functional and Reverse Chronological formats--hence the name, Combination. This format can also be referred to as a hybrid resume. A powerfully-written qualifications/professional profile is often portrayed first to demonstrate expertise and qualifications. Other relevant sections also portrayed at the forefront of your resume (following your profile) include selected accomplishments, relevant skills, followed by employment history, presented in reverse chronological order.
Advantages:
- This format is well-received by recruiters and employers;
- Allows a job seeker to create a dynamic and aesthetically pleasing marketing document;
- At first glance, showcases outstanding achievements and marketable skills garnered from several positions;
- Allows a job seeker to condense many years of employment for the seasoned professional.
Disadvantages:
- If cleverly crafted, this format does not have any real disadvantages to the job seeker.
Continued success with your career!
Annemarie Cross
Multi Award Winning Resume Writer / Career Coach
Annemarie Cross is the founder/principal of Advanced Employment Concepts, developers of compelling career-marketing documents and career strategies for job seekers from graduates through to senior executives, and dynamic career web portfolios to fast-track the job offer and your career.
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