Using Resume Strategies

RESUME STRATEGIES

Q. What resume strategies should I use? Can you explain it to me?

A. Resume strategies is a term used to define the approach used when planning the layout and components of your resume. For example, maybe you want to use a profile and key words section at the top or just a profile; maybe you want to use a branding statement as a heading with a brief sentence (tagline); or maybe you want to use a career achievements section without a profile in a color block before the Professional Experience section starts.

Other consideration for your resume strategy include how you format the information under each employer listing. This could include the use of a mini paragraph followed by a few power statements or two to three mini categories that are appropriately named according to function. If you have extensive experience and many jobs, you could use a functional formation that uses thematic sections completely separated by the employer details and dates in a separate section – either before all of the sections start or after all of the sections.

RESUME STYLES & FORMATS

Q. It is okay to add color, lines, graphic and charts to my resume?

A. There are common styles that have been used for decades. You can never go wrong by playing it safe, but sometimes it helps to shake things up a bit by adding a little color or design element to get noticed quicker. You have to use your discretion. Charts are best used if you are in a sales position or if your job has a lot of metrics that would be easier to communicate visually. A little color, such as blue or gray is always attractive. Be careful not to get too crazy with the design unless you are a creative person and you want to showcase your talents.