The format of your resume can drastically affect your marketability. Functional, reverse chronological, and combined are the most popular choices. Many resume books exist and everyone you ask may have a different suggestion. So, how do you select the best format for your resume and avoid 10 rewrites?

This article addresses resumes which are intended for human beings to read. There are other complementary articles available to address the formats needed for applying on line and for other purposes. If you know your resume may be scanned or used for keyword searches by computer software, please read other articles on these subjects to assure you do not confuse the computers. Also keep in mind that academics and other specialties may be expected to provide a CV (curriculum vitae) rather than a resume.

Let's start by examining the three most popular resume formats . . . .

Reverse chronological is generally regarded as the most acceptable and popular format. Over 90% of the resumes employers see today follow this format. It emphasizes the listing of the writer's Professional Experience (positions) and below each position heading are bulleted accomplishments. It begins with the most recent position and works backward to the oldest position. This listing of work experience is many times preceded by a brief Objective and a Summary or Profile. The work experience is normally followed by Education and, on some occasions, a Personal section. Since employers and recruiters see this type of resume routinely and are comfortable with it, the reverse chronological format is recommended for the average job seeker wanting to play things by the book. Here is a recap . . .

Name and Contact Info
Objective
Summary/Profile
Profession Experience
Education
Personal

Functional resumes have been out of favor for some time. The first page or so of a functional resume is generally dominated by headings such as Marketing, Sales Leadership, Financial Management, HR Benefits Administration, Executive Leadership, or other titles which categorize the functional job experience of the writer. Under each heading are bulleted responsibilities and accomplishments. Resume writers tend to use the functional format in order to deemphasize gaps in employment, an inconsistent pattern of professions, lack of career growth in title or responsibilities, etc. Since this format will generally raise negative questions in the minds of employers and especially in the minds of recruiters, it is not recommended unless you know that the reader will prefer this format.

Combined resumes attempt to marry the best aspects of the two previous formats. While there is room for debate as to the precise configuration of a combined resume, this format normally contains all the elements of the reverse chronological . . . with the exception that a condensed functional listing is inserted immediately preceding the section containing the writer's chronological work experience.

Let's face it. If a camel is a horse designed by committee then the combined format represents a resume designed by committee. Instead of irritating the reader completely with a functional format, the writer attempts a compromise and irritates them less. In those limited instances where one believes that a functional resume would be best (normally not true) but there is concern regarding the downsides, the combined format represents a more tolerable compromise.

There you have it. The three standard resume formats. Virtually every resume book at the bookstore and library will provide endless reverse chronological examples and a few of the other two types. So, is that all there is? Must you color within the lines and conform to one of these three formats? Are the rules of resume writing cast in stone? The answer to all of these questions is a resounding "NO".

If you are bold enough to think outside the box there are many worthwhile variations to consider. You have the opportunity to differentiate yourself positively and show your innovative spirit. A professional yet distinctive resume can help you stand out from the crowd.

Here are several thoughts that may inspire you to new heights of resume effectiveness . . .

There are no formal rules for writing a resume. There are norms and expectations, but the writer ultimately has the freedom to choose the format and the content they desire. Here are some variations from the generic resume that you may consider.

* If you have a particularly noteworthy Education, consider moving it in front of your work experience. Here are some situations that may warrant this action:

   - You graduated from Harvard or Princeton or another exclusive school

   - You graduated from a perennial Top 10 MBA program like Kellogg, Wharton, or Sloan

   - You have a relatively unique degree that is desired by the hiring manager . . . such as medical illustration (vs. a standard fine arts degree)

   - You worked your way through school and you know the hiring manager will admire this

* If you know precisely what you want, make your Objective spartan and to the point.

* If you want your resume to be easier to skim, consider deleting the Profile / Summary section. Just tell them what you want (Objective) and why you are qualified for such a position (Professional Experience and Education).

* If you have outstanding accomplishments is your area of expertise, consider adding a Summary of Qualifications section in front of your work experience. This is similar to the Combined format discussed earlier, only the less desirable functional info is replaced with hard-hitting relevant accomplishments and credentials. This is a personal favorite. Done right, it can be your most effective format.

Last but not least, it is important for job seekers to consider the first impression their resume will have on a random reader. Resumes are typically scanned for 10-15 seconds the first time a recruiter or HR person sees them. The primary objective is to make it to the "short pile" so that the reader will take a second look and perhaps be generous enough to give the resume a 30-45 second skim the second time around. A helpful guideline for general appearances is one inch margins all around and a good balance of white space within the text body. Also, use a common font style that is large enough for the reviewer to easily read.

Now that you have some great ideas for the format of your resume, stay tuned for a companion article in which we will address resume content.