New Rules for Résumé Writing
Building a Functional Résumé in Today's Economy
Maybe you or someone you know is out of work. Maybe you’re just beginning the job hunt for your next career move or maybe you’ve been on that hunt for a while. Whichever the case may be, one very important item that needs to be included in every job hunter’s tool kit is a standout résumé. However, today’s economy requires some new rules and a new approach to traditional résumé writing. It’s time to stop thinking traditional and start thinking functional, so follow these how-to tips when it comes to building your résumé.
Arrange your skills summary by category, not by date. If you’re currently without a job, it’s in your best interest to eliminate any work history gaps on your résumé. This can be done using a functional résumé format. This type of format centers on your work experience and accomplishments, highlighting the major points, rather than on how long you worked at a position or what your title was. Although functional isn’t the most common résumé type – chronological is the format most often used, but it requires work history dates – it will help an employer clearly see how your skills align with the job’s description and improve your chances of landing an interview. Rule of thumb: When searching for a job these days, it’s OK to not follow the traditional methods due to the current job market.
Tailor your résumé to the specific job you’re applying for. Rather than creating a generic résumé that simply lists your skills set and could be submitted for a job at any company, make sure you get specific each time you apply for a position and mirror the job advertisement. Highlight the information that’s relevant to the job you’re applying for.
On average, you have less than a minute to grab the attention of a potential employer. Because they’re limited for time, they will scan your information – not heavily study it. Because of this, they make snap decisions about you based on what they see or don’t see. To increase your chances of getting a call back, make sure your category headers are the same as the functions affiliated with the job you’re applying for. Also, some experts debate on whether or not you need to include an objective at the beginning of your résumé. If you choose to include an objective statement, make sure it does not repeat what is mentioned in your cover letter and it outlines how you can add value to the specific company and help them grow into the future.
Be up to speed on the basic dos and don’ts. There are certain things that an employer definitely wants to see on your résumé, but also things they prefer not to see. Here are a few additional tips to follow:
- List your most relevant experience first.
- List your education after your skills – keep your résumé to one or two pages.
- ALWAYS spell check – if your résumé has misspelled or misused words along with grammatical errors, your résumé might end up in the garbage can rather than on a desk.
- Include a short cover letter with your résumé that outlines your top three skills that apply to that position.
- Don’t include irrelevant information.
- Do include a professional e-mail address along with a phone number so a potential employer can get back in touch with you.
Writing a résumé should not be stressful. Just remember the goal is to showcase you and your skills. It’s OK to brag about yourself a little! Employers receive several résumés a day when they have a job opening posted. Since they have so many candidates to consider, you want to make sure you’re among the top choices. Best wishes, and happy résumé writing!
Looking for more advice about your job search or your career? Check out Movin' On Up, the Express job blog, to find the tips and information you need to succeed.
Job Genius is a publication of Express Services, Inc. Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
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