UpDate - Vol. 13, No. 2, Page EMPDEV 4
September 9, 1993
Employee Development and Training
Write your resume to suit your circumstances

Resume writing process
     The process of resume writing can be an exciting yet exhausting task.
At first glance, examining your work history, education and accomplishments
can be uplifting. However, resume writing is a time-consuming process that
is, rarely, if ever, accomplished with one draft.
     Choosing the style of resume that best presents your accomplishments
and professional history is critical to the process and may have an impact
on the success you experience when presenting your resume.  In this
article, we will examine three typical resumes styles and the common usage
of each.

Chronological
     By far, the most familiar resume style is chronological. The
employment and education sections are listed from the most recent or
present situation to the past in the descending order in which those events
occurred. Usually, the work history is described using short phrases and
structured in paragraph format, though accomplishments are also listed by
some resume writers. Applicants with a consistent work history may find
this format most useful for outlining their experience.

Functional
     The second traditional style resume is referred to as the functional
format. It presents work experience in a "skill set" style emphasizing the
three or four major areas of professional development. In the strictest
sense, the functional resume does not list previous employers. It is used
as an employment tool that focuses on talents, not employment history.
     This format is frequently used by people seeking career changes, for
it can showcase transferrable skills better than the chronological- style
resume. It also is preferred by those who have experienced interruptions in
their work history, though it is not limited to these situations.

Combination
     The combination resume is becoming increasingly popular. This style
incorporates the two formats previously described. Typically, functional
areas of expertise are followed by a chronological listing of
employment-job title, place of employment, dates-and then educational
accomplishments. An advantage to using this format is that it may provide
the applicant an opportunity to focus the reader's attention on his or her
accomplishments, yet still provide the employment record.
     Examples of each of these resume styles, information on other aspects
of resume writing and additional data on job search techniques and career
planning are available in the Career Resource Center. For an introduction
to the resources available, please call Employee Services at 831-2171.

Resource Center update
     When Employee Services moves this fall to its new,
conveniently-located quarters in the former WSFS bank site at 53 East Main
St., the Career Development Resource Center will be even more accessible to
the campus. Employees are encouraged to stop by the center, currently
located in the Academy Building, to browse through books and resources on
career development or resume writing. Personalized services such as career
counseling, help with resume writing, coaching for job interviews and
career mapping are available by appointment. For such services, call
Winifred Harris at 831-6651.