WRITING EFFECTIVE RESUMES
MODULE – 7
Resume Formats:
1. Chronological Resume Format
2. Functional Resume Format
3. Combined Resume Format
Chronological Resume:
A chronological resume lists your work experience in reverse chronological order starting with your most
recent position at the top. This is the most traditional resume format and for many years it remained the
most common.
A chronological resume is a good choice for anyone whose employment history shows a consistent,
advancing career path. For example, you might select a chronological resume format if you’ve spent the past
several years in the same industry and each role you’ve held was more senior than the last. It’s also often
used by people who are applying to a position in the same or similar field for the majority of their work
experience.
However, if you have multiple gaps in your employment history, you’re looking to change careers or your
work experience is heavily varied, you may want to consider a functional or combination resume.
A chronological resume format usually includes the following information in this order:
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Contact information
Objective or summary statement
Professional experience
Relevant skills
Education
Additional information (i.e. volunteer work and special interests—optional)
Ms. Isha Joshi
Ms. Isha Joshi
Ms. Isha Joshi
Functional Resume:
A functional resume focuses more on relevant skills than work history. While the chronological format
highlights work experience with detailed summaries of the achievements within each position, the functional
format focuses on the applicant’s skill set.
A functional resume format usually includes the following information in this order:
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Contact information
Objective or summary statement
Summary of relevant skills
Work experience
Education
Additional information (i.e. volunteer work and special interests)
A functional resume is best if you have multiple gaps in employment, are shifting careers with little to no
experience in the industry in which you’re applying or if you’re re-entering the workforce after a lengthy
break.
In some cases, a functional resume might be too limiting. If you have some experience and few or no gaps
in your employment history, a combination resume might be the right choice.
Ms. Isha Joshi
Ms. Isha Joshi
Ms. Isha Joshi
Combination Resume:
A combination resume is a blend of the chronological and functional resume types. This resume format
allows you to emphasise both your work experience and relevant skills. Because your skills and employment
history will consume most of your resume space, you may need to eliminate optional sections such as
volunteer work or special interests.
A combination resume format usually includes the following information in this order:
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Contact information
Objective or summary statement
Work experience
Summary of most relevant skills
Education
The combination resume is a more flexible format so you should list either your skills or your work experience
first depending on which you consider more important for the role. For example, if you have many unique
skills that are especially valuable to the industry in which you’re applying for work, you might consider listing
them above your work experience. It can also be helpful to look for clues in the job posting to understand
what is most important for the employer in an ideal candidate.
Ms. Isha Joshi
Ms. Isha Joshi
Ms. Isha Joshi
How to format a resume
The goal of formatting your resume is to create a professional-looking, easy to read document. Employers
have only a short time to look through your resume so your formatting decisions should make information
clear and easy to find. If you are formatting an existing resume, you might need to adjust certain words or
phrases to ensure it is still easy to read after you applied formatting changes. If you are formatting a resume
before you write it, be sure to pay attention to how the information looks on the page and adjust as needed.
Here are the key steps for formatting a resume:
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Apply appropriate margins.
Select a professional, readable font.
Make your font size 10–12 points.
Feature section headers.
Use bullet points.
Ask for feedback.
Resume Format Examples
When drafting or updating your resume, consider reviewing resume samples in your industry and job title.
While they are not to be used as exact templates, it can give you ideas for how best to present your
qualifications to employers.
Ms. Isha Joshi
Chronological
Viren J Verma
1234 Gandhi Street
Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh 474004
vjverma@email.com
Objective
I am a passionate and dedicated communications professional seeking a position with a non-profit
organisation where I can apply my public relations skills and my passion for philanthropy.
Experience
Public Relations Manager
The Volunteer Foundation, 2017–Present
Plan and direct public relations programmes to create a positive public image for The Volunteer
Foundation. Manage PR staff and act as mentor to junior public relations personnel.
Public Relations Specialist
The Volunteer Foundation, 2015–2017
Worked alongside the PR team to ensure all fundraising efforts, local events and other special projects met
the organisation’s brand guidelines and upheld a favourable public image.
Communications Coordinator
ABC Company 2013–2015
Helped increase brand visibility through various marketing efforts including social media campaigns and
digital advertising efforts. Helped conceptualise and distribute printed marketing materials.
Professional Skills
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Public relations management
Corporate communications
Team leadership
Interpersonal communications
Process streamlining
Education
Jawaharlal Nehru University, 2008–2012
Bachelor of Arts in Journalism
Volunteer Work
Indian Red Cross Society
Disaster Volunteer, Public Affairs
2016–Present
Ms. Isha Joshi
Functional
Jaya Shah
234 City Street
New Delhi, India 11001
jayas@email.com
Objective
I am a hardworking and driven sales professional with more than ten years of experience. I am seeking an
account management position in the healthcare industry.
Areas of Expertise
Medical Device, Supplies and Pharmaceutical Sales
I have a wealth of experience in selling to healthcare organisations ranging from large hospitals to small
private practices. In previous roles, I’ve managed prospecting efforts, relationship development, new client
on boarding and account management within both the medical device and pharmaceutical product
verticals.
Relationship Management
I am skilled at developing new relationships with prospects and nurturing relationships with existing
clients. In previous roles, I used a combination of proficiency in conflict resolution and my ability to build
rapport to increase client retention rates as high as 300 percent year over year.
Sales Team Leadership
I have managed sales teams of more than ten sales associates at a time. I have coached and mentored
junior sales representatives and regularly led teams to exceed monthly, quarterly and yearly quotas.
Work Experience
Regional Sales Manager
ABC Medical Supplies Pvt. Ltd., 2012–2017
Managed a team of sales associates. Trained and mentored new sales representatives. Oversaw regional
account lists averaging more than 90 existing clients and 40 prospects.
Account Manager
XYZ Pharma Co., 2008–2012
Managed a lengthy account list including private practices and mid-sized clinics. Worked to maximise
account growth through regular on-site visits, monthly check-ins and quarterly updates.
Junior Sales Associate
XYZ Pharma Co., 2006–2008
Increased awareness of XYZ Pharma Co. products to small private practices through on-site education.
Shared information about new medications to help establish relationships with new prospects.
Education
University of Delhi, 2002–2006
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration
Certifications
Certified by the Indian Pharmaceutical Association
Ms. Isha Joshi
Combination
Aarti Singh
555 Main Avenue
Chennai, Tamil Nadu 65034
arsingh@email.com
Professional Experience
Creative Director
ABC Company, 2015–Present
Managed a team of twelve creatives including designers and copywriters. Oversee all in-house creative
projects and ensure all deliverables meet brand guidelines.
Senior Graphic Designer
ABC Company, 2013–2015
Designed creatives for all digital properties. Spearheaded website redesign. Developed in-house brand
style guide currently used by the entire creative department.
Graphic Designer
XYZ Creative Agency, 2010–2013
Developed visual concepts for web and print design including websites, mobile sites, digital
advertisements, business cards and trade show collateral.
Related Skills
Team Management
Coordinate team of creative resources, lead team meetings and offered mentoring as needed.
Project Management
Managed all aspects of creative projects including timeline, resource coordination, internal communication
and sharing progress reports with outside stakeholders.
Branding
Created logos, design brand marks, offered brand colour recommendations and created style guides to
ensure cohesiveness across all assets.
Additional Skills
Illustration, Typography, Client Communication, Time Management, Mobile Design, Adobe Creative Suite
Education
Madras University 2005–2009
Bachelor of Art in Advertising, Certificate in Graphic Design
Ms. Isha Joshi
COVER LETTER
A cover letter is a one-page document you send to employers with your resume to apply for jobs. Typically,
a cover letter’s format is three paragraphs long and includes information like why you are applying for the
position, a brief overview of your professional background and what makes you uniquely qualified for the
job. While some employers might require a cover letter to apply, others might make it optional or exclude it
from your application entirely.
Elements of a cover letter
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Date and Contact Information
Salutation/Greeting
Opening Paragraph
Middle Paragraph
Closing Paragraph
Complimentary Close and Signature
Date and contact information
There are two ways to list contact information on your cover letter depending on whether you’re providing
a digital or hard copy.
If you’re submitting a digital copy online, feel free to leave your specific address and just use your city and
state, phone number and email. Do not include the company and hiring manager’s contact information
either.
Date
Your Name
City, State
Phone Number
Email Address
Although it’s becoming less common, there may be a time when you’re required to submit a paper copy of
your cover letter. In this case, the top left corner of your letter should include the following elements.
Date
Your Name
Your Address
Your City, State, Pin Code
Your Phone Number
Your Email Address
Hiring Manager’s Name
Company Name
Company Address
Company City, State, Pin Code
Salutation/greeting
Start your cover letter off on the right foot by addressing the hiring manager. If you can, find the name of
the hiring manager for the role you’re applying for. Reread the job description to see if it’s listed there or
Ms. Isha Joshi
check the company website. It’s also a good idea to call the company and ask for the hiring manager’s name.
Explain that you are applying for a job and would like to address your cover letter to the correct person. It’s
not necessary to add Mr, Mrs or Ms since it may require some guesswork about gender and marital status
on your part. Just use their first and last name (e.g. Dear Sara Sayed.)
If you can’t find the hiring manager’s name, stick with ‘Dear Hiring Manager’.
Opening paragraph
The opening paragraph is your chance to catch the hiring manager’s attention, introduce yourself and
enthusiastically tell the employer why you’re applying for the job. You’ll want to make this paragraph specific
to each position you apply for.
Include why you’re excited about the job and the company and how the job lines up with your career goals.
Avoid making this paragraph sound formulaic by including keywords from the job posting and matching your
skills to the employer’s requirements.
If you were referred to this job by someone who knows the hiring manager or already works at this company,
you may want to mention this referral in your opening paragraph.
Middle paragraphs
Now that you’ve introduced yourself and established your enthusiasm, it’s time to dig into your most
relevant experience and talk about the specific qualifications and skills that make you the perfect candidate.
In one or two paragraphs, make the connection between your previous accomplishments and your readiness
for this new role. Think of these paragraphs as a way to pitch yourself as the ideal match for the role.
Employers will likely have read your resume already so avoid repeating the bullet points. Instead, include
details that further illustrate those highlights.
Closing paragraph
The main goal of your closing paragraph is to thank the employer for their time and consideration. You also
have the option of making any clarifications. For example, you can justify any major gaps in your employment
history. You can also use this space to sum up your qualifications for the role and express an interest in
continuing to the next stage in the hiring process.
Complimentary close and signature
Choose a complimentary closing that is friendly yet formal, followed by your first and last name. Closings
you might consider include:
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Sincerely
Regards
Best
Respectfully
Thank You
Thank You for Your Consideration
Avoid closings such as Cheers, Warm Regards, Thanks a Ton or Yours Truly, which may be considered too
casual or affectionate.
Ms. Isha Joshi
If you’re providing a hard copy of your cover letter, make sure to handwrite your signature and your full
name.
How to Format a Cover Letter
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Start by including the date and your contact information on the top left of your letter.
Address the letter to the hiring manager.
Begin your cover letter with a common salutation such as ‘Dear Nina Mittal’.
Introduce yourself and show how the role aligns with your career goals.
Mention any current employees who referred you for the position.
Connect the position’s required skills with your previous accomplishments.
Thank the employer for their time and consideration.
Close the letter with a friendly yet formal signature such as ‘Sincerely’.
Types of Cover Letter Formats
Cover letters are used for many different reasons, so the proper format for each one varies. There are three
main types of cover letters: the application cover letter, the prospecting cover letter, and the networking
Ms. Isha Joshi
cover letter. Short introductory emails (we call those “Non-Cover Letter Cover Letters”) alongside your
resume are also considered cover letters.
Application Cover Letter
This is the standard cover letter used alongside a resume during a job application. The application letter is
geared toward a certain job, and it is tailored to the skills and specifications listed in the job posting.
The application cover letter is a tool used to sell yourself as a job candidate. It supplements your resume and
expands upon relevant parts of your work history and qualifications.
Prospecting Cover Letter
Like the application cover letter, the prospecting cover letter is written by a job seeker to a company of
interest. However, this type of cover letter inquiries about open job positions in general. It is not a response
to a specific job posting.
Networking Cover Letter
The networking cover letter is the black sheep of the cover letter family. This type of cover letter is the most
casual and tends to be the shortest. It still comes from the job seeker, but rather than being sent to a
company, it is sent out to former colleagues, mentors, friends and other contacts. It informs the recipient of
the person’s status as a job seeker and asks them for help in their job search.
The “Non-Cover Letter” Cover Letter
This cover letter is simply an introduction to your resume. It is professional but very short. This type of cover
letter is great to use when a formal cover letter is not requested in the job posting.
The “Non-Cover Letter” cover letter does not follow a specific format. It usually includes a greeting, simple
body explaining your experience and your interest in the company and a closing with reference to any
attachments such as your resume, portfolio, samples or any other requested documents.
If you are emailing your resume, it is always a good idea to write a quick, professional email to go along with
it. It should be short--a couple of paragraphs is sufficient--and the tone should remain casual but professional
throughout.
Ms. Isha Joshi