How to Write a Resume - Format Tips

How to Write a Resume - Format TipsIn this article I'm going to discuss the format for writing resume, whether you should or shouldn't use one. There are a number of benefits and disadvantages associated with a resume, including how it should be formatted. Most of these benefits apply to formal resumes, while the disadvantages often apply to those that are less formal. If you are unsure which format is best for you, this article will discuss what type of resume is right for you.Formal formats are structured, chronological, and follows a certain order. This makes it easy to read and understand, plus allows you to see a better idea of your qualifications and the value that you can bring to the company. You'll find a lot of information in these formats, but most employers are going to skim through it, and will quickly be able to see your skills and qualifications. There are drawbacks, however, that I'll briefly touch on here.First, formatting a resume may prevent you from getting a call back. This is due to the fact that many people are trained in such formats, and aren't as adept at writing a resume, as others. In addition, if you are using a specific format to format your resume, you may have a difficult time writing a different format. If this is the case, you may want to switch to another format, because that's all the experience you have. Also, employers don't often change their resumes, so you may find yourself re-formatting the same resume over again.Formatting a resume also has the disadvantage of having poor spacing between each section. You may find that some employees skip the important sections, while others are more diligent in completing their content. Also, people tend to run through the resume quickly, so the formatting can get skipped, leaving it looking unorganized. If your resume is long, a poor format can lead to an employee not completing it.If you do decide to use a format, it is important to make sure it is understandable. This means spellin g the first letter properly, and following the format from beginning to end. While this may sound like an insurmountable task, remember that employers are not readers. They have to choose the best candidate.An advantage to a format is that it allows for people to choose what they are interested in, rather than what is required. If you are going to list your skill sets, it's much easier to look at a person's resume. If you are required to write a detailed employment history, people may tend to skip those sections, thinking they are already completed. With a format, they can see the details and decide if they are interested in the section, or not. This is great for job seekers.The disadvantage to using a format is that it can be hard to match a resume with a job, especially if they are slightly different. If you are listing skills that a potential employer is interested in, it's difficult to match that information to a specific position. Sometimes the wording may be awkward, or the fa cts wrong. Even if the format is good, it's difficult to convince an employer to hire you. However, it is true that they are often interested in knowing the 'why' behind a particular job.In the end, a format for writing resume is something you should consider. You can find them on many websites, or simply by searching for them on your computer. When you use a format, however, you can be sure that you won't forget key details. Just be sure to ensure that you follow the format from beginning to end, and that it makes sense to the person reading it.