What is a Resume

Read the following article on What is a Resume.

What is a resume? A resume is somewhat comparable to a CV especially in many countries. It is the first item a potential employer would look for in an applicant. A resume contains a summary of relevant job experiences and the applicant’s educational background. It also speaks volumes about the candidate’s skill and know-how regarding the position being applied for. It is typically limited to one or two pages of letter-sized paper which only highlights the credentials that are most relevant to the desired position the individual is applying for.

A resume can have different styles. It may be organized in 3 different ways depending on which is most convenient for the applicant. A resume can be written in any of the following styles:

1) Functional resume is used to assert a certain focus to certain skills that are needed and crucial to the type of position being applied for. It lists work experiences and skills sorted by job function.

2) Reverse chronological resume enumerates the applicant’s job experiences in chronological order that typically covers the last 10 to 15 years of relevant work experience.

3) Combination resume is less widely utilized as it has the tendency to repeat itself. This type of resume balances the functional and chronological approaches and usually leads with a functional list of skills followed by a chronological list of employers.

A good resume will encourage more opportunity for a one-one-one interview that can lead to a job offer. It should sell you and your skills to a possible employer. If your resume has helped you secure an interview, it has definitely done its job. It has served its purpose. If it helped you stay on the top of the line, consider yourself among the few that were blessed with a very effective resume.

If your resume has not landed you any job interviews or offers, don’t fret. Check its content and check if you are using the appropriate resume writing style. A good resume should list all of your good qualities and skills as an employee. It should also exude the aura of confidence and say you are the person they need. A hiring personnel will generally take 15seconds or so to check every applicant’s resume before deciding if you’re going to be interviewed or not. Those 15 seconds are very vital in deciding your fate so make sure you put forward the perfect resume. Your resume has to pass through this 15 second screening period and land you an interview.

A brief, concise and presentable resume would make a good impression. It frees the employer of going through the trouble of reading 3 or more pages of irrelevant items. Focus on your skills and experiences that are needed for the job you are after. List all of your related experiences and good qualities. It is, after all, what makes and breaks a candidate’s chance of getting the job. Decide on the best resume style, present everything in a brief, clear way and land the job of your dreams!