Writing Letters/Resumes

Lesson 1: In the Beginning there was the Resume

Introduction:

Your resume is probably the most important document in your business career. You have to realize it is not just a list of jobs and duties, but an ad designed with one message - promoting you. In effect, you are creating an "info-mercial" about you! The cover letter is the one minute teaser often giving a different slant on the details; while the resume gives the full information. Together, the resume and cover letter cannot get you a job – but it can and will get you an interview.

This course assumes you have access to at least one of the books on the suggested reference list; if you are unable to locate these materials use the suggested links and find the types and styles referred to in the lessons. This will at least give you some visual examples to better explain the resume. Please note, the more popular links to Workopolis etc. have not been included, but don’t forget to use those sites as well.

In this lesson we’ll go over the three main styles of Resumes, who would use what, the different sections of a resume, and finally, starting to create a resume that suits YOU. Remember, there is no hard and fast rule that says a student must use this style or an executive must use another – YOU have to choose and modify the style to suit your accomplishments and objectives.

The Three Main Styles/Formats of Resumes

Basically, there are three main styles of Resume Formats:

Reverse Chronological – this is the one you learned in high school, and the one recruiters love as it is the easiest to read. You simply start listing your work history from the most recent back to your first job. Listing job titles shows progression and upward mobility. Great for those with a constant steady work employment record, as long as you haven’t hopped jobs in a “too many /too little timeframe”. Use page 48 of 101 Best Resumes (hereafter referred to as “101”) and pg 40 of Resumes for Dummies (hereafter referred to as “Dummies”) as a quick reference. Young executives often find this one an excellent choice as they climb their corporate ladder.

Functional – Although initially used to “hide” a less than perfect work history, this style allows you to highlight accomplishments as opposed to job titles. Page 44 of Dummies and pg 49 of 101 will give you a better idea of this style. As you can see from the examples, this is great for students or anyone with a limited work history in their chosen profession – so it also works if you are changing careers. Notice there is still a list of employment, but no expansion of the actually duties or work.

Hybrid or Combination – as the name implies, the best of both worlds. One of the best examples is on pg 56 of 101. Not only does this resume stand out in terms of format, it is easy to read and comprehend, and does an excellent job of promoting the person. Don’t forget to check out pg 47 of Dummies as well. As for who should use it – just about anyone can use this format, and it is this style with modifications that allows you to create the perfect resume for you if the first two don’t fit! Notice how the work history is not just a list of job titles, but also is not as expanded as a Reverse Chronological format – just the important facts as they relate to accomplishments or managerial responsibilities.

You may have noticed in Dummies that there are a lot more resume styles listed, but they are actually all versions of the Hybrid or Combination modified to suit an individual need.

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