If you’ve ever experienced writer’s block while you’re thinking of ways to compose your resume, you might want to consider looking at free resume formats online. These formats should get rid of all the jitters of having to start from scratch. However, you need to take note that there are different kinds of resume formats used today. They all have their own sets of pros and cons, and the success of each resume format actually lies on your personal strengths as a professional.
Chronological resume for steady professionals
One of the most trusted resume formats is the chronological resume format because it’s the most straightforward and transparent among all resume formats. It starts off as a detailed listing of the applicant’s employment history in reverse chronological order. For a job position that requires significant and steady employment history, this resume format is the key. However, simply because not everyone has a flawless employment background, very few applicants also look good in this resume.
Functional or combination format for the skillful professional
If you’ve had to change employers from time to time, or if you’ve had to stay off work for an umber of years because you want to focus on being a mom, the chronological resume will not work in your favor. What you need to do as a job applicant is to invest in all the skills you’ve earned as a professional. The functions and combination resumes can help you present your best assets, if this is the case.
The functional resume simply lists all of your strongest skills without detailing your work history. This is also a very good resume format to use if you’ve just graduated from college and you have no work history to boast of yet. However, the functional resume isn’t the most trusted resume format for most recruiters. Employers, unless they’re anticipating entry level applicant, would still want to see the candidates’ employment backgrounds as much as possible.
If you want to stay on the safer side, you should use the combination resume format instead. This starts off as a functional resume, displaying all of your best and significant skills. However, it still includes a chronological list of your employment background at the tail end of the document right before your list of character references.
Related posts:
Careers