RESUME WRITING HINTS

Writing a Resume --  Chronological vs. Functional Resume

Chronological Resume Advantages

Chronological Resume Disadvantages

Functional Resume Advantages

Functional Resume Disadvantages
  • Clear emphasis on dates with most recent employer first
  • Emphasizes gaps in work history
  • Eliminates repetitive job duties
  • Does not emphasize employment growth pattern
  • Easy to follow
  • Emphasizes frequent job changes
  • Allows for flexibility
  • De-emphasizes past employers
  • Shows clear career direction
  • Emphasizes age
  • Useful for frequent career changes
  • Can be detrimental if you have had very little variety in your job functions
  • Can emphasis career growth
  • Emphasizes "uneven" work history
  • Good when work has been mostly freelance or consulting
  • Preferred by some employers
  • Shows a variety of skills better than chronological
  • Easy to prepare
  • Covers gaps in work history

 

Resume Dos

Resume Don'ts
  • Your name, address, and phone number
  • Personal information such as height, weight, marital status, age, number of children, etc.
  • Education and experience
  • A photo of yourself
  • Selected memberships
  • Letters of recommendation
  • Foreign languages
  • Salary history
  • Computer skills
  • Political associations
  • Special job-related skills
  • References
  • The statement: "References available upon request"
  • On separate sheet prepare list of references

Action Verbs Make a Difference

Achieved

Contributed

Evaluated

Operated

Summarized

Added

Coordinated

Facilitated

Organized

Taught

Administered

Created

Generated

Participated

Trained

Arranged

Delivered

Improved

Planned

Utilized

Assisted

Developed

Innovated

Prepared

Was awarded

Built

Designed

Instructed

Provided

Was promoted

Broadened

Established

Learned

Scheduled

Worked

Collaborated

Expanded

Maintained

Set up

Wrote

Completed

Executed

Managed

Started

Won

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