Resume Formats Should Match Your Background AND Your Job Search Objectives

 Resume formats vary. There is no one right resume format for every situation or every person.

The word "resume" comes from the French word for summary. It follows then that a resume serves as a summary of your work history. But in fact, it is much more than that. A resume is also your marketing tool to portray your talents and to sell your future employer on the potential benefits youll bring to the organization.

Youre probably familiar with the resume type that lists your various jobs in reverse chronological order, along with a listing of your job duties. At one time, this was the only resume format recruiters expected to see. But the truth is that this resume design really isnt right for everyone.

If you lack experience, have a spotty work history, or want to change careers, a different format may work better for you one that will highlight your strengths, while de-emphasizing your weaknesses.

RESUME FORMATS
Most experts seem to agree that there are 3 main types of resumes:

1. The Chronological Resume. This type of resume format presents your job history and education strictly by date, with the most recent first.

2. The Functional Resume. This is also sometimes known as a skills resume or skills-based resume. It contains a summary of qualifications that is organized by education, experience, and skills. There is not much emphasis on specific employer work history.

3. A Combination Resume. You may also hear this resume type called a hybrid resume. Its exactly what the name says, a mix of the other two types.

However, when you think format, you may also be thinking of other factors, such as...
 Is it a printable paper resume or an electronic resume to be displayed on a website?

 Is it all text, or does it have geographic elements such as lines and boxes, or even pictures?

Is it a plain text file, a Microsoft Word file , or a PDF file?

 Is it focused on 1 particular employer (a targeted resume), or is it more general, to be used for any job you may apply for (sometimes called an inventory resume)?

So, to sum up, it is important that your resume be individualized to both you and the job which you are seeking. But almost as important is making the right choice from among the various resume formats.
Kathi MacNaughton is a professional freelance writer and online entrepreneur. Visit http://www.powerful-sample-resume-formats.comfor more information.

The Top 10 Secrets of Creatively Successful People Merlyn SanchezThe Top 10 Secrets of Creatively Successful People
2002 by Merlyn Sanchez

1. Creativity takes time and silent space. It is best to schedule time daily or at least weekly to allow yourself time to develop your creativity.

2. There are cycles of creativity. We are not always in a harvesting phase there will be times when you feel as if nothing is happening. Don't become concerned.

3. Select mentors, friends and dream partners wisely. A sad, but true, fact is that not everyone (sometimes even those closest to you) will support your dreams. You don't have to sever any ties, just carefully select the members of your creative team.

4. Commit to yourself. Overcoming guilt is a big factor in unleashing creativity. It may mean having a messy house or not over committing.

5. Set strong boundaries. Choose your commitments carefully. To paraphrase Oprah Winfrey - "I say No to many things, so that I may say Yes to what gives me life."

6. Work from your strengths. We have a tendency to focus on our weaknesses and spend enormous amounts of time trying to "improve". The reality is that were you to spend 80% of your effort to become good at a weakness you might improve that area by 20%. But if you were to spend that same 80% of your effort to improve an area of strength, you might improve it by 100% or more!

7. Fear is a companion of creativity. Make friends with fear. You will probably feel fear when you venture out into unfamiliar territory. Expect it and redefine it as energy so you can move on.

8. Stop criticizing yourself. Stay positive about your performance. Yes, you can polish it and improve, but focus on the fact that you are taking action in the first place.

9. Get over perfectionism. A tough one! You will rarely try anything new if you only stick to the things you have already mastered.

10. Play, have fun, feel joyful! Creativity is about play. When you do the things you love and abandon yourself to your feelings of joy, you know you've found your highest expression of creativity.
Merlyn Sanchez is a personal development coach, writer and president of Ideal Life Coaching. Her clients enjoy unprecedented success in discovering their hidden talents and creativity. For more articles and a free newsletter visit Ideal Life Coaching at www.yourideallife.com