Which Resume Format Will You Choose?

These days there are many articles on how to make your resume stand out from the hundreds of thousands that are flooding the job market. And while many of us have religiously updated our standard, chronological resumes, the times have changed and that format may no longer work. Personally, I had two resumes. One I kept updated for my career in learning and development and the other was for teaching school. I smugly thought I was forward-thinking to have two resumes and I swore that either one was good enough to get me into the door of the next phase of my career. Unfortunately, when I had to use my learning and development resume, I found that it was way too long and that in a round-about way, it showed my age. In addition, there was too much competition out there and many of the other applicant’s were a lot younger than me. I couldn’t have that so I changed my format.
When the economy isn’t as volatile and the unemployment rate isn’t reaching towards 10% it may be okay not to put so much effort into choosing a resume format. But when things are tough in the job market, it is critical to craft your resume to ensure you stand out in a positive way.
There are many wonderful sites to assist you select your resume format. There are also sites that will give you examples of the wording you can use for various positions. That’s fine I suppose and is a good way to get started if you get stuck on the wording but not if you want your resume to stand out. Let’s review a quick primer of the types of resume formats.

 Chronological: A Chronological resume documents work history in reverse chronological order. This format, generally liked by human resources departments and employers for its familiarity is generally used by people staying in the same field.

 Functional: The Functional resume focuses on skills and experience rather than chronological work history. This format is generally used by people with many years in the work place, those who are changing careers or those returning to work after an absence. Here, a functional job statement or summary of qualifications is provided up front and then supporting paragraphs detailing job accomplishments follow. For example, in my own resume for Learning & Development, I have a paragraph for explaining my job accomplishments in Needs Assessment, Training Design, Facilitation Skills, E-Learning and Measurement. The job history and education, are listed at the bottom of the resume.

 Combination: This format focuses on skills and experience first and then lists the employment chronological work history. This format allows you to state your most relevant qualifications up front like a Functional resume, while providing the employment history seen in the chronological format. The Combination resume is good for recent graduates or students, older workers, and also people returning to work after an absence.

 Targeted: This resume is customized to fit the job for which you are applying. It highlights your skills and experience relevant to a particular job. The Targeted resume will summarize your qualifications with the wording listed from the job description. While time consuming, the Targeted resume is very practical in today’s job market.

Whatever format you choose, it is important to evaluate your skills, knowledge and experience and hold those up against the job description. (See previous blog on Job Competencies, Transferable Job Skills and Other Tips) Is there a match? Do you feel that your skill-set matches the needs of this job posting? If you can answer yes to these questions, then go for it. And good luck!

Networking and the Generations

Over the Fourth of July holiday I spent some time at the beach with my sister. On Sunday one of her friends joined us and they spoke of a former co-worker who left the company to take another job in June. I asked how she found the job since the national unemployment rate for June was 9.5 %. They said she found the job through a neighbor. Chalk up another job found through networking.
Recent reports show that in 60% – 80% of the time, networking results in obtaining a job. But we’ve always known that, haven’t we? How long has the phrase, “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know” been around? I heard that from my parent’s when I got out of college and was looking for a first job. Back then I thought I could do it myself and that I didn’t need anything other than my knowledge, skills and well, just being me. I was wrong. When I finally found the job of my dreams, it was through someone my mother played golf with.
I was surprised that my parent’s actually asked for help for me. You see, they were born on the cusp of the Traditional Generation, those born between the years 1922 – 1945. Also called the Silent Generation, Veterans and the Greatest Generation, they didn’t believe in asking for help or for a hand-out. They believed that you kept your problems to yourself and worked things out on your own. While their children, the Baby Boomers grew up optimistic and eager to take on the world, I wonder if some of their parent’s misgivings and distrust has held them back today as they currently seek employment.
In the job search sessions I give, I have noticed that the subject of networking brings about mixed feelings among the participants. Some nod their heads knowingly while it seems to make others uncomfortable. Those who are 40 years old and younger don’t seem to have a problem with the tips and exercises we use to promote networking. I have noted others who are slightly older seem to have a harder time knowing where to begin. Maybe it is just so overwhelming to think about the neighbors, committee members, religious organization acquaintances, former school buddies, basketball team mates or whomever to reach out to.
Back to the beach conversation. The woman who got the new job is a member of Generation X. I believe that this generation along with Generation Y, believe that they are marketable business commodities and will take advantage of networking opportunities. I think it is easier because of how and when they were brought up. It’s also the message that I’m sending my own kid’s.