Formatting Your Executive Resume

Formatting your executive resume is an important aspect of effectively communicating and presenting your unique mix of skills, qualifications, experience, training, and talent should be carefully factored into your resume writing strategy.

While there is an abundance of resume formats, the three most common resume formats are Chronological, Functional, and Hybrid/Combination.

Chronological resumes list your professional experience in chronological order, starting with the most recent job first.  This format is normally used if you have consistent employment with no significant gaps between jobs. It is also suitable for demonstrating career growth providing you have made steady advancement throughout your employment.

Incorporating a targeted qualifications summary that includes industry-specific keywords will help strengthen your skills alignment with the position requirements and increase the engagement factor during the initial 10-second screening process. This the most preferred format by applicant tracking systems, recruiters, and employers because it is easy to review and follow a candidate’s career progression.

Functional resumes focus more on your skills and not necessarily the timeframe or the job in which you acquired those skills. This format is typically used for those who are seeking to change careers, or if you have gaps or inconsistencies in your work history. We generally recommend this format for use in the most unique situations.

The functional format provides the flexibility for you to create your resume using select categories that reflect your transferable skills as they relate to the position. The work history is typically summarized at the end of the resume. This layout is least compatible with applicant tracking systems and online job boards. However, if you are tapping into the hidden job market to connect directly with the hiring manager, the functional resume may be an option.

Combination, Chrono-functional, or Hybrid resumes combine chronological and functional formats: This is the most commonly used of all the formats. It works well as an alternative for the functional resume by allowing a compelling headline and display of abilities, experience, talent, and relevant transferable skills, while also capturing work history, dates, achievements, and contributions in a format that is compatible with resume parsing systems and the 10-second human scan.

Technological Formats

O.K. you have written your resume, the final step is to determine whether you need multiple versions of the document based on the employers’ database requirements and how you will distribute it to your target audience. Many companies are using a keyword search engine, which helps to streamline their recruiting process.

Review the employer’s instructions detailing which formats are acceptable. With the advancement of technology, it is a good practice for you to have a format that can be uploaded as a Text file, Microsoft Word document, and/or PDF.

Though the text-based or e-resume layout removes most formatting, it is easily uploaded, or pasted into employer resume databases, and maintains the same format in all email systems.

PDF versions are highly compatible with most platforms. Carefully review the employer’s instructions to determine if PDF is an acceptable format for uploading.

Lastly, fine-tuning your resume according to the type of employment you are seeking will play a vital role in the success of your job search. Try keeping a “Brag Book” to track quantifiable accomplishments/achievements throughout the progression of your career.

Furthermore, the format should be chosen wisely as it plays a major role in your writing strategy. If you are going to compete in this ever-evolving marketplace, the content and layout of your resume must be relevant to your target audience.

Need help with writing an executive resume, professional resume, or LinkedIn profile? Contact us at https://www.resumesbyjoyce.com/contact-joyce.