Page 87 - Complete Idiot's Guide to The Perfect Resume

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Chapter 5 ➤ Get Functional

Bonus Check

There are two ways to emphasize experience from the early part of your work history:
➤ Use the functional format and prioritize achievements from the early jobs under the
skill headings.
➤ Use a chronological format and list your jobs in actual chronology (instead of the
typical reverse chronology), bringing the earlier jobs to the top of the list.

Best Foot Forward

Rex Robinson’s career in financial services was running full-speed
ahead until he landed his current job. After giving it a good try, he
had to admit that it just wasn’t working out, so he decided to look
for another position in the same field.
His functional resume allowed him to list his current position in Job-Hunt Hint
the Work History section without saying anything more about it.
He then spotlighted his best jobs by writing achievement state- The functional resume can be a
ments under relevant skill headings in the body of his resume. In great relief if you feel embar-
this clever way, his resume made him look like a star performer rassed about your current or last
without drawing attention to his less desirable position. position, because you can tuck
that job title away in the Work
If you’re currently stuck in a job you hate and don’t want to high-
History section at the bottom of
light it on your resume, don’t use the chronological format. the resume and emphasize the
Instead, create a functional resume where you can quietly men- jobs you’re proud of.
tion your current job title and company in the Work History,
while highlighting achievements from other positions under skill
headings in the body of the resume.

Into the Real World

Sean Rosen’s functional resume (following) is a great example of how a student can present
his limited experience to an employer. By creating relevant skill headings, Sean announced
what he could do as a graphic designer (his job-objective). By stating “concurrent with edu-
cation” in his Work History heading, he explained that he’s an industrious fellow who
worked his way through school. And the potential employer could pick up on this informa-
tion before reading any of the small print!
If you’re a student, don’t worry that your resume is going to be a blank page—the func-
tional format enables you to draw on your school activities, internships, volunteerism, and
other unpaid experience.

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