a Professional resume format:
What is it?
A professional resume format is used to structure your resume and showcase your professional career, experience, and skills. The next question, and one that surprises many job-seekers, is: what format are you going to use?
Did you even know there were distinct types of resume formats?
Don’t panic. There are only three formats we need to focus on, and they’re all a variation on one basic theme. All you need to do is figure out which one best suits your needs.
Below is a snapshot of what each format is used for. You can learn more through my resume writing course.
The first professional resume format: the Reverse Chronological Resume Format
This is the most common professional resume format, and the one you’ve probably come across before. The name might be long, but the premise is simple: list all your jobs in chronological order from most recent to oldest.
As popular as the reverse-chronological format is, it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution.
Find out more about a Reverse- Chronological Resume format here.
Client Testimonials
” Sharron I just wanted to thank you. The combined resume and cover letter you created for my family were fabulous and so professional. Fantastic and they were successful. My daughter and her boyfriend the Jillaroo and Jackaroo are both now in the Northern Territory on a station.”
– T Stephens, Perth
Not for You? Let’s Look at the Functional Resume Format
The functional resume format is not as common, but it’s ideal for career histories with long stretches of unemployment or frequent job-hopping. Simply put, this format accentuates specific, relevant capabilities and plays down your chronological work history. This format can sometimes be viewed with suspicion so use with caution!
Click here for a full explanation of a functional resume format.
Lucky Number 3: the (Hybrid) Combination Resume Format
The combination resume format is exactly what it sounds like: a hybrid, or combination, of your key skills, experience, capabilities and work/employment history. This format allows recruiters to see the full picture—that means your key skills, as well as where and when you gained them. A hybrid format resume uses the standard building blocks of resume writing but organises them in the most appealing way possible.
Click here for more about the combination resume format.
And That’s It!
The mantra stays the same no matter what format you use: you need to market yourself in a clear, creative, convincing way.
Thanks for visiting my professional resume format page. You can click here for a professional resume sample.
Food for thought
Have you ever considered starting your own resume writing business? If you have the ability and the time to invest in writing premium resumes, it could be the best decision you ever made.
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