The key to getting an interview is to create a job-winning resumé.

Determine the type of job and remember resumés do not come in one-size fits all. Your resumé should be tailored to the job.

Choose a Resumé Style

There are several different resume styles. The style you chose is determined by your intent.

• The chronological resumé is the most commonly used resumé style. In the chronological resume, employment experienced is listed in chronological order by date with the most recent employment listed first. This is the style used when there are no gaps in employment and a strong work history.
• The skills based or functional resumé is a resume style used when the goal is to change industries and there is limited work experience. This resumé style focuses on skills. This is an opportunity to draw attention to skills relevant to the position and not the gaps in employment or length of employment on a job.
• The combination resumé focuses on job skills as well as employment history. This resumé style is most beneficial in changing industry. It allows opportunity to highlight skills obtained possibly through sources other than previous employment; yet, also allows focus on strong/consistent work history.

Components of a Resumé

• Name and contact information
  • Full legal name
  • Current phone number
  • Current address
  • Email address (professional email address–no nicknames)
• Skills and accomplishments may be obtained through various methods such as volunteer work, extracurricular activities, and hobbies; not just employment
  • Hard skills are skills gained through training. They are skills that are quantifiable and verifiable.
  • Soft skills are skills not obtained through education and training, but more relative to personality traits. Skills that pertain to character aspects as communication, attitude, teamwork, and emotional intelligence. These skills are highly transferable.
  • Relative skills acquired above and beyond career/work related experience
  • Any accomplishments demonstrating use of skills to create success
  • Recognitions for success obtained with skills outside of routine duties (both career and non-career)
• Experience consists of all career experience. Include volunteering and extracurricular activities.
• Brief description of activities and duties provided routinely as well as outside of daily expectations.
• Education/training includes all certification, degrees and specialized training relevant to the position
• Summary statement giving a description of who you are as a potential employer. Provides supporting details for you as an appropriate candidate for employment.

Reviewed July 2023, Create a Job Winning Resumé, FCS-2547