A resume is a document that summarizes a person's education, skills and work experience. The document is generally used when applying for a How to Get a Job|job. According to the Purdue University online writing lab, the purpose of a resume is to obtain an interview.http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/564/01/ Companies and organizations use resumes to help match job seekers with available job opportunities.
Resumes should present a positive review of an individual's job qualifications and should comprise between one full page and three pages.http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/564/01/ Common document sections include an objective, education, work experience and contact information. Additional sections can include computer skills, languages, professional memberships, awards, certifications and volunteer experience.http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/564/01/
Types of Resumes
- Chronological- As the most typical resume format, the chronological resume lists all information within each section in reverse chronological order with the most recent activity or achievement listed first. Employers tend to be comfortable with this type of resume and it is relatively easy to write.http://www.eou.edu/career/JobSearchHandbook/resumesamples.pdf
- Targeted- Focused on presenting information that pertains to a specific job type or position, a targeted resume only lists information relevant to the position to which an individual is applying. This format presents qualifications that are tightly aligned to the position, which makes the employee appear like a strong candidate and can help link past experience with needed job skills.http://www.eou.edu/career/JobSearchHandbook/resumesamples.pdf
- Functional- By organizing information around functional groupings, the functional resume focuses on the applicant's skills and experience, rather than the location where the activities occurred. This type of resume is best suited for entry-level positions or individuals with a brief employment history.http://www.eou.edu/career/JobSearchHandbook/resumesamples.pdf
- Combination- As a flexible resume format, the combination resume uses organizational elements of the functional and chronological resume formats.http://www.eou.edu/career/JobSearchHandbook/resumesamples.pdf
How to Write a Resume
Brad Bucklin of CareerPro Resumes and Video Symphony provides an overview of how to write a resume. He reviews each section in detail including contact information, objective statement, qualifications, job history, education, and achievements This video part of a wider series on the Mahalodotcom YouTube channel about interviews, resumes and employment.