When looking for a job it is important that you cater your resume to the kind of jobs you are applying for. General resumes just do not work in today’s tough economy. If you have done any research on resumes you know that there are many different resume formats you can use. There is the functional resume, chronological resume, and even a hybrid version some professionals use.
But the million dollar question is which one is the best? With this article I am going to show you a few reasons you should choose a chronological resume. While they aren’t ideal for every situation, they are great at getting you that job interview you want. Here are the 4 reasons you should use a chronological resume.
1. Chronological resumes are widely accepted. The chronological resume format is the most accepted resume format there is. The majority of hiring managers prefer a chronological format over any other format. Why you ask? Well because this type of resume makes it very easy for them to find the information they are most interested in. The style of resume you choose is more important than you realize.
2. Chronological resumes allow you to easily tell your story. The chronological format makes it very easy for you to highlight certain areas of your career. It makes it easy for you to tell your story. If you get stuck trying to explain why you left a job, just spend some more time working on your story. Recruiters and hiring managers want to know how all your jobs fit together. This is why many of them are a bit suspicious about functional resumes. They often wonder what you might be trying to cover up.
3. Chronological resumes make the interview flow better. Interviews are already awkward as it is. Your resume format can actually serve as a guide to how the interview will go. Most hire managers use your resume to come up with the questions they will ask you. By using a chronological format that outlines what you did at each job makes the interview process flow better.
4. Chronological resumes show your full potential. Chronological resumes make it easy for the hiring manager to see how you have progressed over time. Employers love to see potential. If you do this the right way you will never have a problem getting job interviews. If you are looking to update your resume I would suggest starting with a chronological resume format.
Jonathan Milligan is a career coach and blogger at CPACareerCoach.com. Over the past few years he has helped thousands of people discover their strengths, build their careers, and locate better jobs.
