Answer to Question 1
Chronological rsums list work experience in reverse chronological order, with the most
recent experience listed first. Chronological rsums are appropriate when you have a steady
work history and work experience in your field of interest. You want to demonstrate that your
responsibilities have increased as you have accepted new positions. Most new college
graduates do not use the chronological format.
Unlike chronological rsums, functional rsums, which are also called skills rsums,
highlight professional skills and related accomplishments and deemphasize work history. A
functional rsum is appropriate for recent graduates who wish to emphasize their education
and training over their work experience. This is especially true when most work experience is
part-time and does not relate to the position that you seek.
Answer to Question 2
The major sections to be included in your rsum are:
a) Identification: Begin with your name, address, telephone number, cell phone number, e-mail
address, and fax number, if applicable.
b) Position objective: Your position objective should express your employment goal. If you
prepare your rsum in response to an advertised position, you may want to reflect the
specifics noted in the ad.
c) Education: If you have attended several colleges, list your most recent education first.
Include your degree, college, and major; also list your grade point average if it is 3.2 or higher
on the 4.0 scale. If your overall grade point average is less than ideal, consider limiting your
grade point average calculation to your major, but only if it is higher. If your rsum is too brief,
you can expand the education section by listing your major courses.
d) Special skills: Use this optional category to list distinctive competencies, such as proficiency
in another language, ability to interpret for the hearing impaired, experience with specific
software programs, or certification in CPR. Some skills may be position specific.
e) Experience: You have several options in listing work experience. You may choose to list
every job you have had, even though past jobs may be unrelated to the position for which you
are applying. A steady work history demonstrates you are industrious, have initiative, and are
dependable. List your current or most recent work experience first and continue backward.
Give the months and years of employment, such as November 2010 to September 2012,
along with the company name, city, and state. Include brief, specific descriptions of your job
responsibilities using active verbs.
f) Activities: List your participation in school and community organizations, sports, and
volunteer activities. Specify any offices you held, such as president, secretary, or treasurer.
This section demonstrates your leadership abilities and community involvement, qualities that
many employers look for in job candidates.
g) References: As part of the rsum preparation process, you should create a reference list.
The stationery for the reference list should match the stationery for the application letter and
the rsum. You should carefully select three individuals who know you well and who will
communicate with prospective employers on your behalf. Give the name, job title, if applicable,
complete address, e-mail address, and telephone number of each reference.
h) Additional headings: Additional headings such as Certifications, Profile, and Qualifications
may be included on your rsum. You should use all the standard headings and then select
others that showcase your attributes to their fullest potential.
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An example of a résumé that uses a chronological format.
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