The traditional résumé format is typically what is used for jobs in the “everyday” world including corporate, trade-skilled, and civilian jobs in general. When looking at traditional résumés, the chronological format is what’s most familiar to employers. It’s a chronological listing of employment with a bulleted list of accomplishments (not just job duties or responsibilities). A skills-based résumé starts with a professional summary of how you, the job seeker, are a good fit for the posted job description, followed by a bulleted list of skills as they relate to the posted job. A curriculum vitae (CV) is usually always used for academic positions. If you have a master’s degree or if you’re a doctoral candidate seeking a position at a university or research facility, you may be required to present a CV. These will be much more detailed than a traditional résumé. They can also include personal information such as date of birth and social security number. You would also include research thesis information or published works. The federal résumé is also a lengthier document than the traditional résumé. These résumés are for required for jobs in the government sector. They can also include personal information and contact info for previous employers. Military veterans often develop a federal résumé since they have preference in the hiring process of government agencies.

In today’s job market it’s not enough to simply write a résumé and then send it into cyberspace. Today’s recruiters want to see that you, the job seeker, somehow stand out more than the rest of the pack. One way to do this is to develop a brand. I don’t mean designing a logo or writing a jingle, but creating a way for the reader of your résumé to see exactly who you are and determine immediately that you’re the right person for the job. It’s OK to have an objective statement telling the employer that you’re seeking a great opportunity to use your skills and education for a company that offers stability and growth, but that’s pretty bland. It might be better to simply have a few pithy words or phrases that really get to the point: Outstanding Advertising Professional. Creative Marketing Guru. Goal-driven Financial Executive. Get it? Place these in bold type between your contact information and your professional profile or summary of qualifications. Branding yourself doesn’t stop there. Create a letterhead that is simple but elegant. Nothing fancy. Use this on your résumé, cover letter, thank-you letters and all of your career marketing documents. You can also create this same heading on a networking card (which is not the same as a business card). A networking card has the same font as your résumé and also the same punchy words or phrases. Use these for job fairs, mixers, or whenever you need to get your name out there. Don’t underestimate the power of your brand!

There are lots of examples out there and just about everyone has an opinion about how résumés should look. Based on my conversations with recruiters from just about every employment sector, they want résumé that are not templates but original work. They don’t want to figure out or interpret what your skills are and how they relate to their needs. Basically, recruiters want a résumé that is easy to read, concise, error free and shows that you’ve done your research. With today’s résumé basics, you need to list your core competencies and a professional profile as it pertains to the job description. Yes, you will have to create different profiles for different jobs. Don’t create a “generic” résumé because one size does not fit all. This is where the research comes into play. Write your résumé to your audience. Use keywords the employer uses when you describe your skills. Don’t go into a lot of unnecessary detail about past jobs if they don’t relate to the one you’re applying for. Make sure you list all of your employment history, but no further back than 10 years or high school, whichever comes first. Finally, list any specialized training or certifications. List only completed college or university degrees. Don’t list high school diplomas unless required by the employer. You may include any professional memberships, but don’t include hobbies. A résumé won’t get you a job. It’s meant to land a interview. So, keep it to one page if at all possible.