Choosing Resume Style

Although every CV containers similar items of information, the attitude and style of presenting data vary from person to person. Five broad but distinct styles can be identified.

1. Historical or Chronological :

This is the most common style which presents information in chronological successions indicating all dates and periods of study, degrees obtained and work experience . It emphasis the candidate's saleable assets, talents and abilities by way of educational back ground, Job experience, membership of professional societies/organizations etc.

2. Functional :

This emphasizes qualifications and abilities in terms of job titles and responsibilities. It highlights the significant areas and analysis the most significant function and responsibilities first. Each item is followed by a brief description of duties and expertise. Dates are generally omitted in this style and if given, they are not very conspicuous.

3. Analytical :

The analytical approach is particularly useful while a change in career goals is desired or attempted. The CV presents in chronological sequence the skills or abilities possessed by the candidate. Work history and educational qualifications are broken up into significant talents and each skill is listed separately. The main idea in this approach is to emphasize the skill which is valuable in more than one field by setting it apart from less significant skill (s) rather than placing all skills together.

4. SYNOPTIC / ANALYTICAL

When a person has experience or knowledge in varied areas involving many duties and responsibilities, the CV may tend to become unduly long if listing all of them in detail is found necessary. In such cases a synoptic / analytical approach is useful. This style starts with a synoptic description of the contents which are amplified in the succeeding pages. The disadvantages of this style is that the bio-data tend to become very lengthy.

5. Imaginative / Creative

This approach is distinctly helpful in displaying the literary or artistic talents in a person and is used in situations where creativity is called for.

CV being the first contact between the candidate and the interview board should be prepared carefully. It should be short enough to catch and hold the situation and long enough to say what it wants to, specifically and effectively. Its appearance would provide non-verbal clues to your personality. Finally, it is best to remember that "honesty is the best policy."

Resume Quick Tips on Dos and Dont

There are certain items which must be included in every CV and others that may or may not be mentioned depending on whether they are relevant to a specific situations or not. The items which must be included are as follows:

1. Personal information's : Name, age, marital status, address, telephone number etc.

2. Educational background.

3. Academic honors/achievements.

5. Membership of professional organizations

6. Employment history

7. Extra-curricular activities : Personal achievements and demonstrated group leadership experience. Hobbies/Interests may be mentioned only if they enhance the individual's image and show sincerity and seriousness in pursuing an avocation e.g. position or rank held in the field of interest

8. Career goals and job objectives.

9. Preparation made toward attainment of career goals by way of courses taken, articles/papers published assignments handled etc.

The C V may not include the following items unless specifically asked for by the employer or in a specific situation where this information could be useful in marketing the candidate. Most of the items listed do not directly add to the candidate's talent abilities or qualifications.

1. Willingness to travel or relocate.

2. Statement of health.

3. Reasons for leaving past job.

4. Names and addresses of referees.

Resume Salesmanship

Success in an interview depends to a large extent on the impression created by the CV. Therefore some of the questions that a candidate must ask himself before writing his bio-data are :

1. What are my strengths, and do they meet the requirements of the selector:

2. What are my weaknesses? Is there a consistency between what I desire and what I have done so far?

3. What opportunities do I perceive? What can I do for the "buyer" ? what is it that I can offer better than others?

4. What is the learning yet to be done by me? Do I have the necessary education, project work/experience, to back up my career goals? The answers should lead to the contents of the bio-data.

Resume Quick Tips on Do's and Don't

There are certain items which must be included in every CV and others that may or may not be mentioned depending on whether they are relevant to a specific situations or not. The items which must be included are as follows:

1. Personal information's : Name, age, marital status, address, telephone number etc.

2. Educational background.

3. Academic honors/achievements.

5. Membership of professional organizations

6. Employment history

7. Extra-curricular activities : Personal achievements and demonstrated group leadership experience. Hobbies/Interests may be mentioned only if they enhance the individual's image and show sincerity and seriousness in pursuing an avocation e.g. position or rank held in the field of interest

8. Career goals and job objectives.

9. Preparation made toward attainment of career goals by way of courses taken, articles/papers published assignments handled etc.

The C V may not include the following items unless specifically asked for by the employer or in a specific situation where this information could be useful in marketing the candidate. Most of the items listed do not directly add to the candidate's talent abilities or qualifications.

1. Willingness to travel or relocate.

2. Statement of health.

3. Reasons for leaving past job.

4. Names and addresses of referees.