Resume Format

Resumes come in many different formats and are generally all accepted by employers. It is most important a resume grab the employers’ attention within 30 seconds.

The two most popular resume formats are:

1. The chronological resume format
2. The functional resume format

Remember that it is crucial that you highlight your “selling points” to the employer regardless of which resume format you choose.

The traditional and most commonly used resume format is the chronological format- so named because the core component of the resume is a chronological review of your employment history. The advantage of this resume format is that it highlights your past work experience and details performed in those positions.

Personal information - What is your name and how can you be reached?
Job Objective - What do you want to do?
Experience - What can you do?
Education - What have you learned?

Chronological resume format

Personal information
The contact information should be placed on top of your resume. It should include your name, address, phone number and email.

Job objective
This is optional. The job objective allows employers to review and analyse your resume and indicates the direction you wish to take.

Employment History
What you put in your employment section will depend on the position you are applying for. You should describe your experience in the most interesting and concise manner. For each job you have held, list the following information:

1. Dates of employment
2. Name of the company you worked for
3. Position title
4. Description of the duties you performed

Education
Include your degrees, where you graduated, certification and awards

Skills and Abilities
This is the place to put important and/or interesting information that does not fit elsewhere. Living in an age of technology, it is increasingly important to include a section on computer skills.

References
References or referees are people that can attest to your personality and vindicate your skills. Preferably you should have at least 3 people who can serve as your referees. It is important to let your referees know about a possible call so they are well prepared to respond positively.