FUNCTIONAL RESUMES

Your resume helps employers determine if you have the skills for the job, and if you will get an interview. The interview is to see if you are a match for the job. There are many forms of resumes, and you may have tried several of them. However, there are headings on a resume that can give employers a more complete picture of your skills and what you will bring to the job. I have some suggestions below.

NAME

Address

Home Phone

Cell Phone

E-mail address

CAREER/JOB OBJECTIVE – describe the type of employment/job you are seeking.

PROFESSIONAL WORK HISTORY – from most recent back 10-15 years.

IMPORTANT PROJECTS YOU HAVE WORKED ON AND/OR BEEN A LEADER OR MANAGER IN - employers want to know what you have done/can do.

SPECIAL SKILLS - describe what you have that is unique -- that you bring to the employer that many people in the field may not have, and that could set you apart.

AWARDS AND ACHIEVEMENTS - can tell a lot about you. Your success on the job or in the field can sometimes speak volumes. Do not be modest about these accomplishments. You are trying to set yourself apart from others.

PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS/ACTIVITIES - show that you are a professional and stay updated.

EDUCATION – start with the most current education and end with high school education. Include any technical training or related skills you have acquired.

REFERENCES - people differ on this. Most applicants state: “References furnished upon request.” It is possible to list your references (2 to 4) on your resume. With smaller companies we have had some success doing this as they can check your references and call you if interested. It could put you at top of the stack. If you have nothing to hide why not put them out there. You are trying to highlight yourself.

REFERENCES CAN BE DIVIDED INTO - Professional and Character References. I have encouraged group members to consider this. Employers are trying to build a picture of you and they want information about you.

REMEMBER - choose references carefully and be sure that you have asked persons you list for permission to use them.

HOBBIES AND SPARE TIME ACTIVITIES - can be added and may make a difference. Perhaps they have a bowling or softball team and are looking for new members. Again, employers are trying to build a picture of you and you need to assist them in this. After all, you too want a match with the job and the company.

OTHER CATEGORIES MAY BE RELEVANT TO YOUR BACKGROUND - Do not be afraid to create one if it sets you apart from others. Another one might be -- How You Will Make A Difference.

OTHER TIPS:

*Use bullets where appropriate

*Leave plenty of white space

*Wide margins - one inch on each side

*Short paragraphs

*No slang words or phrases

*Try not to use abbreviations

*Be consistent with hyphens, indentures etc.

*Hand deliver your resume in an 8x10 envelope if possible. While it is true that most employers ask for an electronic resume, you can do both. Set yourself apart.

*Use upper and lower case. Some people (I am one) tend to use caps too much.

*Check over the resume carefully and if possible have someone else proof it.

There are many ways to do resumes and even combinations of them. Try to keep in mind that you need to make an impact with your resume if you want an interview - which is the real purpose of a resume.

Bob Raikes, NCCC