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Resume Preparation
A resume serves to highlight your most positive and relevant qualifications. On average, an employer will spend about 30-60 seconds reading your resume at the initial screening, so it is important to present your information clearly and concisely. In many cases, it provides the first and only impression you will make on a potential employer.
Make it count!
Resume Formats
Chronological Resumes
If your education and experience are in line with your career goals, this traditional format is your best choice. The chronological format lists your education and work experience in reverse chronological order (most recent information in each section first). Many books in the Career Center give detailed instructions and samples for chronological resumes.
View an example in PDF [requires Acrobat Reader].
Functional Resumes
A functional resume puts greater emphasis on skills and less on work history by using a different format. Therefore, this style may be effective for career changers, those with erratic work histories, or anyone wishing to stress strong points and skills rather than specific experiences.
However, functional resumes are more difficult to write, and some employers complain that they are too vague. You will need to take extra care in developing a functional resume. This document contains some information on the format.
View an example in PDF [requires Acrobat Reader].
Those wishing to work on a functional resume might also look at The Damn Good Resume and The Resume Catalogue: 200 Damn Good Resumes for detailed instructions and samples.
Combination Resumes
Incorporates elements of both the chronological and functional resumes.
Curriculum Vitae
The curriculum vitae is required for teaching/research positions in higher education. Those needing assistance with a curriculum vitae might look at From College to Career or How to Prepare Your Curriculum Vitae. Basically, the vitae is a much more comprehensive and detailed account of one's background and is usually much longer than a resume.
Other Resources for Assistance
As mentioned above, many books on resume writing are available for your review at the Career Center. For additional help in developing your resume, you may want to watch a resume writing video. You can see a Career Center coordinator for individual assistance during drop-in advising hours.
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