Some people who feel a functional resume format is a better way to present their background than a traditional chronological resume format prefer to use a combination resume. As the name implies, it is a combination of the chronological and functional resume, combining some formatting from both types of resumes. If you are inclined to use a functional resume but believe it would be to your advantage to include some information regarding your work experiences, the combination resume format may be the solution.
The primary difference in creating a combination resume is that you would include some statements about your accomplishments or responsibilities with each job title under your work experiences. In that way, you would present more of a connection between your job titles and the skills used and your achievements in that position. The combination resume format would still highlight three or four of your functional skill areas that relate to your current career goal. You would still select the functional or transferable skills that you possess to focus attention to your accomplishments. Action verbs should be used for your headings, so things like directing, supervising, planning, communicating, programming and other headings, as appropriate for your background should be selected. Under each of those skill areas, you would include responsibilities and achievements from your current and previous experiences - paid, volunteer, or community work - statements that help to demonstrate your use of that skill. Also, instead of simply listing previous job titles and names of employers (as you would in a strictly functional resume format), you would write a few statements related to your accomplishments in each position.
You may wish to create a few different versions of your resume and share them with people you know. You would then ask each person for feedback as to which they feel is a better presentation of your background - as it relates to your current career goals. If you have a couple of different directions you can go for your next career move, you may need to focus on different factors from your background. In that case, it may be helpful to have each resume focus on a particular career goal.
Mary Ann Davis is a Licensed Professional Counselor i private practice providing coaching and counseling for life's transitions; including career change or job search, as well as loss of job, retirement planning, grief work, coping with an empty nest, and other life planning issue. She is certified as a Master Career Counselor by the National Career Development Association; a Life/Work Counselor by the National Employment Counseling Association; and is a Distance Credentialed Counselor. Check out her web site at www.YOurCareerPlan.com.
To contact Ms. Davis, please call (513) 665-4444 x3 and leave a personal and confidential message or send an email to YourCareerPlan@cinci.rr.com.
Showing posts with label resume writing. Show all posts
Showing posts with label resume writing. Show all posts
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Writing a Functional Resume
The last blog I posted talked about creating a standard chronological resume. Many employers prefer that format because that is the format with which they are most comfortable and familiar. If that format provides a good representation of your background, then I encourage you to use a chronological format for your resume - or at least one version of it. For many people, the chronological resume does not give them the flexibility they want in presenting various aspects of their background. If that is your situation, you may want to consider creating a functional resume.
A functional resume is one that highlights three or four of your functional skill areas that relate to your current career goal. The advantage to a functional resume is that it allows you to emphasize the skills you want to use and to downplay the job titles that you have held, and that perhaps do not directly relate to your current career objective. A true functional resume includes only a listing of former job titles and employers, without details about the responsibilities performed in each job title. Your overall responsibilities and accomplishments that relate to your current career objective would appear in your functional skill areas.
Due to the nature of the functional resume, it is often used by people who are changing careers or for job seekers who are re-entering the workforce after a period of absence.
A functional resume will still begin with your name and contact information. Whether you include a Job Objective or some other type of summary is up to you. Many people include a Skills Summary including several statements related to skills they possess and hope to use in their next job. The most significant part of writing a functional resume is in selecting the functional skill words to use as your headings. If you need a list of words to work from, that is available. Obviously, you should select functional skills that fit with your accomplishments and other strengths. Under each heading, you will list your accomplishments from your various experiences - work, volunteer, school, or family. You can include activities from non-work/non-paid activities in addition to your work history, if appropriate for your current objective.
In a true functional resume, you would provide only a basic list of your job titles, dates of employment, and names of employers. Your education and/or training and other skills, if desired, would be presented in the appropriate spaces, just as in the other resume formats. If you have a draft of a resume and you wish a meeting to review and discuss it, that can be arranged. Beyond correcting any grammatical or formatting errors, there are two primary suggestions I offer to my clients about their resume. First is that it should be something they feel comfortable with and presents quality highlights of their relevant background. Secondly, they should not spend an inordinate amount of time trying to make their resume - whatever format is selected - perfect.
There really is no such thing as a perfect resume. And even if you create one that appears "perfect" for one job, it is likely at least a little less than perfect for a different job. So start with something that is acceptable that you can give out. Then, as the need exists and time is available, you can make revisions. The goal is to get positive responses to the resumes you give out. If that is not happening, then you either need to adjust your resume and, or your approach in using it.
Mary Ann Davis is a Licensed Professional Counselor in private practice providing coaching and counseling for life's transitions; including career change or job search, as well as loss of job, retirement planning, grief work, coping with an empty nest and other life planning issues. She is certified as a Master Career Counselor by the National Career Development Association; recognized as a Life/Work Counselor by the National Employment Counseling Association; and is a Distance Credentialed Counselor. Check out her web site at www.YourCareerPlan.com.
To contact Ms. Davis, please call (513) 665-4444 x3 and leave a personal and confidential message or send an email to YourCareerPlan@cinci.rr.com.
A functional resume is one that highlights three or four of your functional skill areas that relate to your current career goal. The advantage to a functional resume is that it allows you to emphasize the skills you want to use and to downplay the job titles that you have held, and that perhaps do not directly relate to your current career objective. A true functional resume includes only a listing of former job titles and employers, without details about the responsibilities performed in each job title. Your overall responsibilities and accomplishments that relate to your current career objective would appear in your functional skill areas.
Due to the nature of the functional resume, it is often used by people who are changing careers or for job seekers who are re-entering the workforce after a period of absence.
A functional resume will still begin with your name and contact information. Whether you include a Job Objective or some other type of summary is up to you. Many people include a Skills Summary including several statements related to skills they possess and hope to use in their next job. The most significant part of writing a functional resume is in selecting the functional skill words to use as your headings. If you need a list of words to work from, that is available. Obviously, you should select functional skills that fit with your accomplishments and other strengths. Under each heading, you will list your accomplishments from your various experiences - work, volunteer, school, or family. You can include activities from non-work/non-paid activities in addition to your work history, if appropriate for your current objective.
In a true functional resume, you would provide only a basic list of your job titles, dates of employment, and names of employers. Your education and/or training and other skills, if desired, would be presented in the appropriate spaces, just as in the other resume formats. If you have a draft of a resume and you wish a meeting to review and discuss it, that can be arranged. Beyond correcting any grammatical or formatting errors, there are two primary suggestions I offer to my clients about their resume. First is that it should be something they feel comfortable with and presents quality highlights of their relevant background. Secondly, they should not spend an inordinate amount of time trying to make their resume - whatever format is selected - perfect.
There really is no such thing as a perfect resume. And even if you create one that appears "perfect" for one job, it is likely at least a little less than perfect for a different job. So start with something that is acceptable that you can give out. Then, as the need exists and time is available, you can make revisions. The goal is to get positive responses to the resumes you give out. If that is not happening, then you either need to adjust your resume and, or your approach in using it.
Mary Ann Davis is a Licensed Professional Counselor in private practice providing coaching and counseling for life's transitions; including career change or job search, as well as loss of job, retirement planning, grief work, coping with an empty nest and other life planning issues. She is certified as a Master Career Counselor by the National Career Development Association; recognized as a Life/Work Counselor by the National Employment Counseling Association; and is a Distance Credentialed Counselor. Check out her web site at www.YourCareerPlan.com.
To contact Ms. Davis, please call (513) 665-4444 x3 and leave a personal and confidential message or send an email to YourCareerPlan@cinci.rr.com.
Friday, June 13, 2008
Creating a Chronological Resume
In today's world, there are several options for the format in which you write your resume. This week's article will cover the basics about the chronological resume format and future articles will cover other formats. All resumes begin with your name and contact information as the Heading. How much contact information you include is dependent somewhat on how the resume will be delivered. Generally a printed resume will include your full name, address, and a phone number where you can be contacted; although some individuals prefer not to include their home address on the resume. Make sure that the phone number you list will be answered by an adult or with a message that sounds professional. You should not include any personal information on your resume, such as age, number of children, marital status, etc.
The traditional chronological resume often includes a Career Objective. If you choose to include an Objective, make sure it is not so specific that it eliminates you from being considered for related positions, but not so broad that it reads like you will take any job. The Objective should be adjusted for each kind of position you pursue. It is a good idea to include phrases about some of the skills you want to use in your Objective. For some occupations, you may use a job title as part of your objective, but generally, a title is not included unless you are responding to a specific ad. The Objective should give an indication of the level of the position you are seeking; that is, entry, mid- or upper level, etc. It should also include the kind of industry or business in which you would like to work; that is, hospitality, finance, sales, human services, etc. Your Objective should also include a statement about one of two of your major strengths related to your career objective.
Following your Objective, you should list your work experiences, and your job titles should be listed in reverse chronological order, so that your current or most recent job title is listed first. For each job you list, include the job title/position you held, the name and city of employer, and the dates of employment. You don't have to include the month you began working there, but at least the year you started and year you ended in that position, and your major accomplishments. Include any duties or responsibilities that relate to your current work objective.
Your Educational Background should also be included. If you just recently completed your education or training, that may need to be listed before your Work Experiences. If you have received a degree, you will want to list the level of the degree, followed by the major and the year it was completed. On the next line, you should list the name of the institution you attended and the city and state where it was located. Some people choose to list the institution they attended before listing the major and degree received. That may be helpful if the institution may be more impressive to a potential employer than the degree you received. You may only need to list your most recent degree, but if an earlier degree is more directly related to your objective, you may wish to include that too. You may wish to include other sections, such as additional skills or training, volunteer activities, professional recognitions, etc. You should evaluate each section in your resume to determine that it is appropriate for your goal and that including it would add to your overall qualifications.
Putting a resume together can feel like a big task. The important thing is to get started. It is usually easier to edit something than to stare at a blank screen or sheet of paper. Once you have written a draft of your resume then you can begin to edit it or obtain some assistance in making your resume as clear and concise as you can.
Mary Ann Davis is a Licensed Professional Counselor in private practice providing coaching and counseling for life's transitions; including career change or job search, as well as loss of job, retirement planning, grief work, coping with an empty nest, and other life planning issues. She is certified as a Master Career Counselor by the National Career Development Association; a Life/Work Counselor by the National Employment Counseling Association; and is a Distance Credentialed Counselor. Check out her web site at http://www.YourCareerPlan.com.
To contact Ms. Davis, please call (513) 665-4444 x3 and leave a personal and confidential message or send an email to YourCareerPlan@cinci.rr.com.
The traditional chronological resume often includes a Career Objective. If you choose to include an Objective, make sure it is not so specific that it eliminates you from being considered for related positions, but not so broad that it reads like you will take any job. The Objective should be adjusted for each kind of position you pursue. It is a good idea to include phrases about some of the skills you want to use in your Objective. For some occupations, you may use a job title as part of your objective, but generally, a title is not included unless you are responding to a specific ad. The Objective should give an indication of the level of the position you are seeking; that is, entry, mid- or upper level, etc. It should also include the kind of industry or business in which you would like to work; that is, hospitality, finance, sales, human services, etc. Your Objective should also include a statement about one of two of your major strengths related to your career objective.
Following your Objective, you should list your work experiences, and your job titles should be listed in reverse chronological order, so that your current or most recent job title is listed first. For each job you list, include the job title/position you held, the name and city of employer, and the dates of employment. You don't have to include the month you began working there, but at least the year you started and year you ended in that position, and your major accomplishments. Include any duties or responsibilities that relate to your current work objective.
Your Educational Background should also be included. If you just recently completed your education or training, that may need to be listed before your Work Experiences. If you have received a degree, you will want to list the level of the degree, followed by the major and the year it was completed. On the next line, you should list the name of the institution you attended and the city and state where it was located. Some people choose to list the institution they attended before listing the major and degree received. That may be helpful if the institution may be more impressive to a potential employer than the degree you received. You may only need to list your most recent degree, but if an earlier degree is more directly related to your objective, you may wish to include that too. You may wish to include other sections, such as additional skills or training, volunteer activities, professional recognitions, etc. You should evaluate each section in your resume to determine that it is appropriate for your goal and that including it would add to your overall qualifications.
Putting a resume together can feel like a big task. The important thing is to get started. It is usually easier to edit something than to stare at a blank screen or sheet of paper. Once you have written a draft of your resume then you can begin to edit it or obtain some assistance in making your resume as clear and concise as you can.
Mary Ann Davis is a Licensed Professional Counselor in private practice providing coaching and counseling for life's transitions; including career change or job search, as well as loss of job, retirement planning, grief work, coping with an empty nest, and other life planning issues. She is certified as a Master Career Counselor by the National Career Development Association; a Life/Work Counselor by the National Employment Counseling Association; and is a Distance Credentialed Counselor. Check out her web site at http://www.YourCareerPlan.com.
To contact Ms. Davis, please call (513) 665-4444 x3 and leave a personal and confidential message or send an email to YourCareerPlan@cinci.rr.com.
Saturday, May 31, 2008
Writing a Resume - Basics
If you do not have a resume, you need to have one - even if you are not currently planning a job search. If your last resume was created several years ago and hasn't been updated, you need to do so. Start by determining the information to be included in your heading. Do not include your work phone number unless it is OK to receive calls there. If the resume will be posted on the Internet, it is suggested that you do not include your home address. Personal information (date of birth, social security number, race, age, number of children, marital status, etc.) should not be included in your resume.
Then write down the information you would need to include in your resume. List each job title you have had and the name of each employer and their address (at least the city) where you worked. If you remember the names, write down the name of each supervisor you had with each job. Also write the tasks you performed and your accomplishments. Then write information about volunteer or community activities in which you have been involved. Again, list the name and address of the organization and the name of your supervisor and their job title. Write out the tasks you performed and any accomplishments - from whenever they occurred in your work history. On the first draft, don't worry so much about wording, just get the information written down.
Write out the details of your educational background and/or training, including the name of the institution/organization, dates, degree or certificate received. You would also include licenses or special certifications you have received, as well as memberships in professional organizations. If you have attended college, but you didn't complete a degree, make a list of the courses you completed that relate to your current career goal or current work. Include work-related seminars or conferences you have attended. If appropriate, you should also make a list of presentations you have made, articles you have written, or other professional-related accomplishments.
Although the additional sections on your resume are not required, you may want to write down information about work-related recognitions or honors you have received and community or volunteer organizations in which you are/or have been involved. You may also need a section for special skills. Generally your hobbies or personal interests would not be included on your resume unless you know that information would be to your advantage.
My next blog will go into more details about preparing your resume for a job search.
Mary Ann Davis is a Licensed Professional Counselor in private practice providing coaching and counseling for life's transitions; including career change or job search, as well as loss of job, retirement planning, grief work, coping with an empty nest, and other life planning issues. She is certified as a Master Career Counselor by the National Career Development Association; a Life/Work Counselor by the National Employment Counseling association; and is a Distance Credentialed Counselor. Check out her web site at www.YourCareerPlan.com.
To contact Ms. Davis, please call (513) 665-4444 x3 and leave a personal and confidential message or send an email to YourCareerPlan@cinci.rr.com.
Then write down the information you would need to include in your resume. List each job title you have had and the name of each employer and their address (at least the city) where you worked. If you remember the names, write down the name of each supervisor you had with each job. Also write the tasks you performed and your accomplishments. Then write information about volunteer or community activities in which you have been involved. Again, list the name and address of the organization and the name of your supervisor and their job title. Write out the tasks you performed and any accomplishments - from whenever they occurred in your work history. On the first draft, don't worry so much about wording, just get the information written down.
Write out the details of your educational background and/or training, including the name of the institution/organization, dates, degree or certificate received. You would also include licenses or special certifications you have received, as well as memberships in professional organizations. If you have attended college, but you didn't complete a degree, make a list of the courses you completed that relate to your current career goal or current work. Include work-related seminars or conferences you have attended. If appropriate, you should also make a list of presentations you have made, articles you have written, or other professional-related accomplishments.
Although the additional sections on your resume are not required, you may want to write down information about work-related recognitions or honors you have received and community or volunteer organizations in which you are/or have been involved. You may also need a section for special skills. Generally your hobbies or personal interests would not be included on your resume unless you know that information would be to your advantage.
My next blog will go into more details about preparing your resume for a job search.
Mary Ann Davis is a Licensed Professional Counselor in private practice providing coaching and counseling for life's transitions; including career change or job search, as well as loss of job, retirement planning, grief work, coping with an empty nest, and other life planning issues. She is certified as a Master Career Counselor by the National Career Development Association; a Life/Work Counselor by the National Employment Counseling association; and is a Distance Credentialed Counselor. Check out her web site at www.YourCareerPlan.com.
To contact Ms. Davis, please call (513) 665-4444 x3 and leave a personal and confidential message or send an email to YourCareerPlan@cinci.rr.com.
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