Page 90 - Complete Idiot's Guide to The Perfect Resume

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Part 1 ➤ Plan to Succeed

Bonus Check

More new graduates use functional resumes than chronological resumes. That’s because
functional resumes increase the perceived value of unpaid experiences by spotlighting
them in the body of the resume.

Fill in the Gap

Frank Jacoby had a very complicated work history with lots of job-
hopping and gaps in employment. To smooth things over, he used a
functional format that concentrated on the skills he brought to the
table rather than his work history. He then grouped his positions near
the end of his page, placed the dates to the far right so they wouldn’t
Career Casualty
be easily noticed, and filled in his gaps with short-term projects and
A gap in work history is a red schoolwork. In the end, his functional resume made him look appropri-
flag for employers, and could get ate for a position where short project assignments were common.
your resume tossed. Fill all gaps
This clever technique for listing short-term employment could come in
in employment in your Work
handy for you if you have a tricky work history like Frank’s.
History section. (Turn to
Chapter 8, “Step Three: Been
There, Done That,” for lots of Decisions, Decisions!
ideas on how to do that.)
At this point, you need to decide which resume format you’re going to
use. If you know which format is best for your situation, you’re ready
to charge ahead. If you’re teetering on the fence between the chronological and functional
resumes, try creating your resume in both formats. Then see which one you think works
best for you.
When you’ve made your choice, you’re ready to follow the directions in Part 2, “Six Steps
to a Perfect Resume,” for creating the perfect resume, applying the six steps to the type of
resume that you selected.

Bonus Check
For variations on the chronological and functional resumes, try one of the hybrid formats
mentioned in Part 3, “So You Need a Special Resume.”

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