What exactly is a Resume?
Whether you call it a résumé or curriculum vitae, it is the centerpiece of job search, so…
What is a résumé? A résumé is primarily a marketing tool used by you, the job seeker, to convey relevant information about your qualifications. A concise snapshot of your professional life, your résumé helps you shine a spotlight on the skills, knowledge, experience, traits and achievements that give evidence you are able to excel at the job you are seeking. It is accurate and truthful (it just doesn’t pay to fudge it!), but uses specific language and techniques to showcase your qualifications in their best light.
What is a résumé not? A résumé is not a comprehensive catalogue of your work history, skills and personal information. Be selective in what you include. It is not enough by itself to get you a job, but it is a vital and necessary tool.
What is the difference between a résumé, curriculum vitae, government résumé and bio?
Although often used interchangeably with résumé, the curriculum vitae technically refers to a type of résumé used in research or academia, which includes more educational detail and a list of the articles, patents, books, etc. completed by the applicant. It is often lengthier than the 1-3 pages typical of a résumé.
A government résumé is like a regular résumé, but follows a specified order and must include required information – usually more than is included in a traditional résumé. Seekers for positions in the government would do well to use a government website to build their résumés using the tools found there.
A biography (bio) is a short narrative that is used for introductions, contains career highlights and may contain some personal information, which a résumé never does. In job search, a bio is never used for job application, but it can be used in networking situations or to introduce yourself when a full-length résumé would seem heavy handed.
Since the traditional résumé is the most commonly used, this article will focus on it.
Purposes of the résumé
A well-crafted résumé serves several important roles in your job search:
· Used by employers to screening job applicants
· An online advertisement of your candidacy
· A networking tool
· Tool for interview preparation
· Guide for interviewers
Types of résumés
Chronological résumé is the most common type of résumé. In it the work history, listed from the most recent job backwards in time, represents the largest section of content and includes information about relevant responsibilities and achievements. This is what most hiring managers and recruiters expect to see, so if you are able to use it, this is the best type to choose.
Functional résumé might be chosen by those who do not have recent experience in the targeted job field. It focuses on the knowledge, skills and accomplishments most relevant to the job being sought. While job history is included as a list with little detail, it appears at or near the end of the résumé. This allows the job seeker to focus the reader’s attention on what does qualify him/her for the position (the relevant skills, etc.), rather than job titles that might have no relation to the job being sought. People who are starting out in their careers or who have had long gaps in their work history might also choose the functional résumé. The disadvantage is that recruiters and HR representatives know why a candidate chooses a functional résumé over a chronological one, and may tend to dismiss it.
Blended résumé is a hybrid of the two that might be a better choice than the straight functional résumé. Like the functional résumé, the blended one highlights the relevant skills, knowledge and accomplishments, but it also includes more information in the work history section so it doesn’t look like the candidate is trying to hide something.
Sections of the résumé
Contact information appears at the top of the resume and includes name, address (usually), email address, telephone number and LinkedIn address. Repeat the name on the top of each page in case pages get separated.
Summary or profile provides a brief snapshot (one paragraph) of the strengths, achievements and experience that set you apart as the best candidate. It answers the question, “why should I hire you?”
Work history is a list of jobs held, most recent first, including company name and location, job title and years of service. List your primary (relevant) responsibilities and accomplishments that demonstrate knowledge, skills, abilities or character traits that are relevant to the job being sought. Use powerful action words to begin achievement bullet points. You do not have to list every job.
Education is the section where you list college(s), degree(s) and major or high school or GED if you did not attend college. You can also include other education or training that is relevant.
The above sections are expected on all chronological résumés. You could also include, usually at the end:
· Technology, equipment, or other specific skills relevant to the job
· Awards or recognition received, patents, publications, speaking engagements, etc.
· Professional organizations
· Certifications, licenses, security clearances, etc.
· Languages spoken
· For guest workers or resident workers, a statement that you are qualified to work in the United States
When deciding what to include and what to leave out of your résumé, try to think like a hiring manager. What would you want to know about a candidate if you were filling the job? While considering each element, ask yourself what is this résumé going to do to help me get my next job?