High Level Resumes gives you an edge up in a highly competitive job market!

Resume Format Options

The traditional chronological and functional resume formats are not usually the most efficient and effective ways for senior level professionals to present their varied specialized, in-depth experiences and qualifications. A quick review of the descriptions of these types of resume will indicate why. In today’s highly competitive job market where there are more candidates than positions, you do not want the reader to have to take too long to figure out whom you really are and what you have to offer. Many reviewers take only ten to thirty seconds to scan a resume and decide whether to place it in the call in for an interview or reject pile.

Chronological resume:

A chronological resume takes a historical approach by outlining your work history starting with the most recent position and ending with the oldest. Most reviewers and hiring agents prefer this format since it is the easiest one to follow and find needed information. Your career progression is shown over time by linking together a detailed job description of responsibilities with employer data. Additionally, if the organizations you have worked for, particularly your most recent employer are well known and have excellent reputations, they will be more visible in a chronological resume format. Disadvantages for a senior level professional are: 1) age more obvious, 2) not particularly imaginative for you to stand out, 3) not selective or allows for highlighting specific qualifications up front, and 4) does not allow a reader to quickly see the overall picture of the extent of your background.

Functional resume:

A functional resume presents skills and experiences and stresses accomplishments and strengths rather than a progressive career history. One of its main features is a background summary statement: This synopsis section, one or two short paragraphs, highlights experience and expertise, specializations, and competitive edge, including both work content specific and transferable skills. This format is particularly useful when making a career change and you may need to pull up experiences from several years ago .to a more front line placement. Disadvantages for a senior level professional are: a) does not naturally highlight details of promotions and career growth, d) details of employment information are de-emphasized and minimized, c) does not necessarily contain all the information required for a particular defined work opportunity, d) is not as a matter of course results or outcome oriented, and e) it could seem as if you have an erratic work history or gaps of unemployment.

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