Resume layouts
Deciding which resume style is best
There are various resume layouts you can use. The important thing to know is that different resume styles, or layouts will help you to achieve slightly different outcomes.
When choosing the best resume style or layout, you will need to consider:
- the headings you will use when creating a resume
- where you locate the headings in your resume
- and even the information you will put under the various headings that you have chosen.
Do you have to use a particular resume format?
The short answer to this is no - you don't.
There isn't one special "one size fits all" type of resume.
The format or layout that works best is the one that gets you the result you want - which is basically having a resume that gets you an interview invitation.
There are some widely used resume formats or layouts that will be familiar to the person reading your resume - that is the employer or recruiter to whom you are writing.
So, one of the first resume writing guidelines to consider in choosing a format is how to make it easy for your reader to learn about you - the elements of your brand or profile that you most want them to pay attention to.
Resume Writing Tips
The reverse is also true - don't be trapped into using any of the usual resume styles if the layout or format doesn't enable you to adequately sell yourself.
Your resume must be a carefully, craftily tailored document that differentiates you from other candidates, and strongly sells your message.
Choosing the best layout for your purpose therefore requires some careful thinking.
If you are time poor, and you have a good idea of the content you want to put into your resume, one option is to use a free resume template. The advantage of doing this is that you'll be using one of the resume layouts that are commonly and effectively used in job search.
What are the most common resume formats?
There are three commonly used formats - click on the links to learn more about each style and its use.
- A reverse chronological resume - use this style if you are continuing to follow your existing career path.
- A functional style resume - this style is best if you are changing careers, or wish to make a slight change of direction into an employment niche that is partly related to your current career.
- A combined format resume - this is one of those resume styles to use if you have a strong record of career achievements, and you want to profile your achievements according to your areas of functional expertise. Senior managers and executives often use this format.
Resume layouts - Summary
The bottom line here is to understand that there are differences between each resume format.
It will be in your interest to carefully choose one of the resume layouts that best supports your move to the career options you have identified.
Don't forget though to keep in mind the basic guidelines for preparing any resume.
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