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A résumé, commonly written "resume", is a document that contains a summary or listing of relevant job experience and education. It is closely related to a similar document, a curriculum vitae (CV) which focuses more on education, publications, and other accomplishments. The resume or CV is typically the first item that a potential employer encounters regarding the job seeker, and therefore a large amount of importance is often ascribed to it. Resume is a one or two page summary of your education, skills, accomplishments, and experience. But at the same time your resume should show how you could benefit an employer and not just list your features and skills. A sharp, attractive, and comprehensive resume is the first step in getting a better, higher-paying career. Resume Styles: A resume is a summary typically limited to one or two pages of size A4 or Letter-size highlighting only those experiences and credentials that the author considers most relevant to the desired position. Simple resumes may be organized in different ways:
A chronological resume enumerates a candidate's job experiences in reverse chronological order. The chronological resume format is by far the most common resume layout in use. In using this format, the main body of the document becomes the Professional Experience section, starting from the most recent experience going chronologically backwards through a succession of previous experience. The chronological resume works to build credibility through experience gained, while illustrating career growth over time. In the United Kingdom the chronological resume tends to extend only as far back as the subject's GCSE/Standard Grade qualifications.
A functional resume lists work experience and skills sorted by skill area or job function. The functional resume is used to assert a focus to skills that are specific to the type of position being sought. This format directly emphasizes specific professional capabilities and utilizes experience summaries as its primary means of communicating professional competency. In contrast, the chronological resume format will briefly highlight these competencies prior to presenting a comprehensive timeline of career growth via reverse-chronological listing with most recent experience listed first. The functional resume works well for those making a career change, having a varied work history and with little work experience. A functional resume is also preferred for applications to jobs that require a very specific skill set or clearly defined personality traits.
The combination resume balances the functional and chronological approaches. A resume organized this way typically leads with a functional list of job skills, followed by a chronological list of employers. The combination resume has a tendency to repeat itself and is therefore less widely utilized than the other two forms.
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