An important part of the resume writing learning process involves the review of samples. While it's useful to understand the correct resume format to use; samples allow the writer to visualize how the information is assembled on the document.
While this website has amassed a number of resume writing samples that can be downloaded for free, it's important to first talk about the three styles in use today, and the challenges a writer is going to face when putting a document together.
Resume Writing Challenges
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Job applicants first need to recognize the strengths of their work experiences, and then select the resume format that will best highlight those strengths and not draw attention to any weaknesses. That's where the knowledge of the different resume formats comes into play. A better starting point for any writer is choosing the correct format. Once the writer sees how this format can highlight their strengths, they can substitute their experiences.
Combination Resume
The combination resume is sometimes referred to as a two page format, because it begins like a functional, and ends like a chronological resume. This approach is discussed in more detail in the article: Combination Resume. Generally, this is the ideal design to use if the job applicant has sufficient depth of experience.
The combination resume highlights skills early in the document, and then provides the hiring manager, or recruiter, with a chronological work history. The following is a link to a combination resume sample.
Functional Resume
This second sample is in the functional resume format. Generally, this style does not draw attention to gaps in employment history, and highlights the skills acquired over time. This topic is discussed in more detail in an article dedicated to the Functional Resume, while the following is a link to a functional resume sample.
Chronological Resume
The last of the resume writing samples is in the chronological format. This is the traditional layout most job applicants have used in the past. The pros and cons of this type of resume are discussed in more detail in an article dedicated to this topic: Chronological Resume.
This style presents work history in reverse chronological order. This occurs near the beginning of the document, and allows the reader to gain comfort with the applicant's prior experiences. If there is a significant employment gap, the writer should give serious consideration to using an alternate format. The following is a link to a chronological resume sample.
Additional Examples
The following articles explain some of the nuances of a particular type of job, and each article provides an example resume too.
Final Words on Formats
The primary purpose of a resume is to market the job applicant's talents. Examples can be helpful if they are used in the right way. Don't make the mistake of looking for examples that are specific to a job function. This might lead to the wrong format, which defeats the purpose of the resume. It's more effective to carefully examine samples that start with the format that best markets the writer's experiences, and is aligned with their career objectives.
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