Career Center - Resume Writing Tips
If you are reentering the job market for the first time in years, an update to your resume is likely in order. Older resumes can look dated as the standards for resume formatting and industry terminology change. Additionally, your qualifications and experience have progressed over the years, and that should be reflected in your resume.
Think of your resume as your first impression to potential employers. You want your first impression to show that you are in step with the current trends of the industry and ready to jump into any position headfirst. There are many resume templates and software programs online that can help you structure your resume with a modern look and feel. Format, font, spacing and other elements of style are pre-designed for you.
Today, there are two prevailing resume formats you can choose from – reverse chronological and functional. Reverse chronological resumes list job experience starting with the most recent at the top. Chronological resumes are by far the most common resumes seen by hiring managers. The main benefit of chronological resume formatting is that it allows you to showcase your career progression. The drawbacks, however, are that it also highlights any work gaps you have in your past and doesn’t lend itself to career changes.
If you have gaps in your work history, perhaps from taking time off after retirement, you might want to consider formatting our resume in the functional style. Increasingly more popular these days, a functional resume is structured around skills and experience. Work and life experience are listed in skill clusters. This can be particularly helpful if you are transitioning into a career that is unrelated to your prior career path.
Functional resumes are not suitable for many conservative fields like banking and law and may not be accepted on some online job boards, but it can be handy to have one ready for other job opportunities if your situation calls for it. The formatting of your resume is not the only thing that might need an update. No matter what industry you are in, there is likely to have been major technological advances over the years. Consequently, standard industry jargon has probably evolved. Most resumes are only given a cursory read by hiring managers to sort the good from the bad. Hiring managers gravitate towards resumes that list qualifications using the same terminology the company and industry currently uses.
If you are unsure of what language to use on your resume, research job postings for related positions for inspiration. Take note of the qualifications listed for those positions, and tailor you resume jargon to match. If your research reveals that your qualifications are as out of date as your terminology, look for ways to update your skills as well. For computer skills, many community colleges offer classes and programs you can take. Professional organizations and associations are also excellent resources for training in subjects pertaining to your industry.
One way to improve the substance and the freshness of your resume is to pursue certification in your field. New credentials show employers that you are committed to personal advancement in your field and that you have additional proficiency to offer to the company.
