Whether you’re applying for a job in the private or public sector, a resume is the most crucial document that you’ll need. A resume helps you get your foot through the door. Most human resource experts will tell you about the importance of a well-crafted resume, and they’re not wrong.
Your resume provides an invaluable first impression to employers. A well-written resume can create a positive perception of your skills in the employer’s mind. On the other hand, a resume filled with errors will set you back significantly.
Creating an enchanting resume is an art, and not many people have mastery over it. Most people download a resume template or rely on an online resume maker. However, that’s not the way to go if you’re looking to stand out among a sea of candidates. Likewise, most jobseekers create a single resume and send it to every organization. Most experts will tell you to refrain from following this practice, and for a good reason.
Tailoring your resume to a job is vital. Every job opening has specific job requirements that you’ll need to meet. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach that you can employ when drafting a resume. However, creating one resume is difficult enough as it is, never mind composing multiple ones. Hence, there’s a reason why many people seek help with their resumes and hire a professional resume writer to assist them.
According to Career Builder, 54 percent of hiring managers reject applications because the candidates haven’t tailored the resume to the open position. Moreover, according to Capterra, three in four organizations use application-tracking systems to search for keywords before hiring executives look at them. Hence, tailoring your resume for every job application is crucial.
Different Types of Resumes
Now that you know the importance of tailoring a resume to a specific job opening, it’s time to go through the different types of resumes. It shouldn’t come as a surprise that resumes for a federal job will differ from a resume for a multinational firm. Likewise, you’ll have to use different types of resumes for different industries, roles, etc.
Here are some of the types of resumes you should know:
Chronological Resume
The chronological resume is the most commonly used today. Chances are, your resume likely follows the same format. Considering its universal acceptability, it makes sense that most resumes follow this style. The chronological resume focuses heavily on your experience. An employee’s job history takes precedence when creating a chronological resume. The salient feature of these resumes is that you’ll list your work employment history starting from the latest position you’ve held and work your way backward.
You should use chronological resumes if you haven’t taken time off work and have a long history of experience and accomplishments.
Functional Resume
Functional resumes differ significantly from chronological resumes. They focus on your work skills rather than your experience. Functional resumes are perfect for people looking to change professions or careers. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average person changes their career path over 12 times in their lifetime. Hence, you might want to use a functional resume if you intend to switch lanes. In addition, they’re also suitable for people with significant gaps in employment history. The distinguishing feature of functional resumes includes an expanded relevant skills section. Given that 90 percent of employers rate the skills section as one of the most vital aspects of resumes, a functional resume can serve you well.
Combination Resume
Combination resumes mix the best features of both functional and chronological resumes. These resumes give an overview of your core competencies while also leaving ample space for you to list your work experience. Combination resumes are perfect for highly specialized people who have advanced technical skills. It also works well if you have skills that are transferable across industries or professions.
Federal Resumes
If you’re applying to a government job, your standard resume won’t cut it. Federal resumes differ drastically from private sector resumes. For starters, they’re significantly longer, often ranging between two to six pages. Federal resumes also contain more information because candidates need to provide specific information according to the government’s requirements. For instance, the Department of Labor states that employees applying for a federal government job need to include job announcement number, job grade, and job title. In addition, they also detail the importance of providing a comprehensive employment history.
Moreover, if you’re a veteran applying for a federal government job, you’ll need to attach supporting documents like DD14 or the statement of service if you’re still on active duty. Likewise, Peace Corps and AmeriCorps volunteers also need to provide a Description of Service to qualify for these jobs.
Medical Resumes
If you’re a medical professional, you’ll have to create a resume suited to your industry. For instance, if you’re a surgeon, you’ll want to highlight your specialization area. Moreover, you’ll also want to bring notice to your certifications that showcase your competency as a surgeon. You’ll also want to include the licenses that certify you as a licensed medical professional.
Mini Resume
A mini resume is a summarized resume that contains information about your career accomplishments and qualifications. It usually only contains information about the job you’re pursuing. A mini resume can be fantastic for networking. People will often print mini resumes to distribute to headhunters and prospective employers at career fairs and networking events.
Gain an Edge by Having Professional Resume Writers Craft Your Resume
Whether you’re creating a medical resume or a federal one, it can be challenging. Many people don’t know about the nuances of drafting a resume that meets the necessary job requirements. Moreover, tailoring your resume to specific jobs can be a hassle that you might not wish to endure. If that’s indeed the case, you’ll need to consider seeking professional resume writing services.
Resume Professional Writers is a resume writing company that houses some of the industry’s most experienced resume writers. We provide numerous resume services, ranging from resume critique to providing help on resume. Moreover, we can also offer CV writing services and LinkedIn profile writing.
