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What is a Resume?

A resume is a well-structured, easy-to-read presentation of your own skills, capabilities and accomplishments. Its purpose is to intrigue a prospective employer to the point where he or she invites you for an interview. If your resume is brief and clearly written, it makes you stand out. A good resume does more than just describe where you’ve been and what you’ve done, it helps to paint a picture of you. No resume alone will get you the job, however, it will help get you the interview.

All resumes share some similar characteristics, but there are a couple of basic styles that you can choose from. The formats below each organize their content differently.



The Chronological Resume:

This is the most popular resume format. The chronological format startswith your current job and then travels back in time. Many employersprefer this format because of its familiarity. It is easy to read andunderstand.

When to use the Chronological Resume:

  • When you have a consistent work history that relates directly to your next job target
  • When prior titles are prestigious
  • When your job history shows consistent growth and development
  • When the name of the most recent employer is important in your industry

    Basic structure for the Chronological Resume:


    1. Start with your present or most recent position, and work backwards. Devote the most space to your recent employment.
    2. Give details for only the last five years; general information for ten years.
    3. Use year designations, not month or day.
    4. Within each position, stress major accomplishments.
    5. Education follows employment, unless you are a recent college graduate.
    6. Keep it to one page if possible.



    The Functional or Skills Resume:

    The functional format emphasizes your skills and accomplishments.Achievements are grouped under headings such as; "Public Relations" or"Personnel Management". Jobs and titles are listed at the end,sometimes glossing over the years of employment.

    When to use the Functional Resume:

    • When you want to emphasize capabilities not used recently
    • When you are reentering the job market after an extended absence
    • When you are just starting out after graduation
    • When you are changing careers
    • When you have had a variety of unconnected jobs

      Basic structure for the Functional Resume:


      1. Use four or five separate paragraphs, each with a specific heading that describes one area of expertise or involvement.
      2. Put the most important paragraphs closer to the top of the resume.
      3. Within each functional area, stress the most directly related achievements.
      4. Add a capsule version of work history, listing employer names and dates.



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      What is a Resume?

      A resume is a well-structured, easy-to-read presentation of your own skills, capabilities and accomplishments. Its purpose is to intrigue a prospective employer to the point where he or she invites you for an interview. If your resume is brief and clearly written, it makes you stand out. A good resume does more than just describe where you’ve been and what you’ve done, it helps to paint a picture of you. No resume alone will get you the job, however, it will help get you the interview.

      Featured Employer:

      Lincoln Journal Star

      LINCOLN JOURNAL STAR

      At the Lincoln Journal Star, we believe that collectively, we canprovide better products and customer services than we can individually. As a member of the Lee Enterprises family, we have over 6,000 employeesacross the country to support and enhance our operations at eachenterprise. Together, we are becoming a customer focused and marketdriven company.

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