Resumes

By PAMELA ROBINSON

Candidates that I interview consistently want to discuss how to compose their resumes. During an international conference I participated in recently, it was high on the list of every marketing executive there from a multitude of different countries! It doesn't matter at what level of business you are, everyone seems to want to learn how to create a fabulous resume.

The first (and most important) step is to know what it is that you want to do next. The resume should telegraph and emphasize those skill sets that you need to leverage when you apply to that next opportunity. So really take the time to think about your skill sets and analyze them so that you can readily apply them to that next job. Call human resources and ask to get your formal job description. Oftentimes that is a help in detailing out the responsibilities and is also a reminder of everything that you are doing on a day to day basis. If you are somewhat of a generalist, you will need to break down your skills and compartmentalize them. You may need to write more than one resume. More about that later.

So let's talk about the two main categories of resumes: One is the functional resume and the other is the chronological resume.

The chronological resume is by far the most popular format. It allows you to detail your experience sequentially, starting with your current position and then moving back in time. This format is especially good if you are not changing industries and if the position for which you are applying requires skills similar to those in your last job. With your dates in the left hand margin, separate from the text, the reader can easily see how long you have been in each position. The company for whom you are working should be listed first and then underneath that, your job title. Then, list your responsibilities with bullet points or write them in a very concise manner. Use verbs that are action oriented like - conceived, developed, implemented, created. And, list any major accomplishments, i.e. if you've saved the division money, or created an award winning advertising campaign. Be careful of taking full credit for something that was a team effort. Be specific about your role in that effort and state the players with whom you interfaced.

If you've been a job hopper, no matter what the reasons are - mergers or acquisitions, downsizing, the internet craze, always be honest. But be prepared to give solid reasons as to why you left your position every year or 18 months. In a chronological resume, this is explicit, whereas in a functional resume you can make the dates & time less obvious. Also, in today's business world, the acceptable amount of time one stays in one position is far different than it was just 10 or 15 years ago.