Resume Basics: Styles – The Chronological Resume
by Angela Loëb
Yesterday I was talking to a colleague about resumes. I told her that I think that most people know the basics, which is why I spend so much time on the more strategic uses for resumes and provide a lot of tips on advanced concepts. She had a differing opinion, pointing out that many people are tackling a job search for the first time during these challenging economic times. She’s right, of course. So, today, I’m going back to the basics. Jay and I cover the basics in the READY module of The Job Search Boot Camp Pajama Learning e-course. I cover the basics in my book, What You Need To Know To Get A Job Now!, too.
There are three main resume styles: Chronological, Functional and Combined. This article is specifically about the most commonly-used style, the chronological resume. Seems to make the most sense to simply give you an excerpt from my book…
The chronological style is the most common resume type. Its simplicity makes it accessible and easy to scan. It lists your job history in a reverse chronological manner (which is always the proper way), followed by notations on your education and additional training. It might end with a section showing your community volunteer efforts and your affiliations with any professional associations. The chronological style is sufficient for anyone who has a clear-cut career progression.
For example, imagine you are a retail manager who wants to stay in the retail field. You’re simply looking for a new job. In your last job, which you listed first on your resume, you held the title of retail manager. Before that you had been an assistant retail manager and before that a senior retail clerk. I’m sure you get the picture. Your experience, as well as your career goal, is readily apparent. You may not even need to have an objective or a summary section in such a case. It’s that clear. However, let’s say that you were a truck driver in your last job and before that a professional welder, and now you are applying for a job as a retail manager based on the job you had in retail three or four jobs ago. It’s possible that your resume will get rejected because no clear connections are made. Who are you and what kind of job do you want now – welder, driver or manager? If other candidates have career paths more focused on the retail industry, then that’s who I’d call first.
The point is that your resume needs to “speak” logically for you because you’re not around to explain it yourself. And don’t think that your cover letter will do the trick. It won’t have any credibility if your resume doesn’t say what you need it to say.
