A professional resume doesn’t only look good but is also formatted correctly. Indeed, formatting is the most important thing that makes a professional resume different from an unprofessional one. You need to choose the best resume templates to cover your needs. Using a top-ranked resume builder is a great way to create a well-crafted resume in a few minutes. Most importantly, such a tool provides a variety of free resume templates downloads. So, you can select a template that suits your needs the most.
Are you searching for the best resume builder? WPS Office is one of the leading tools that allow you to make professional resumes. Whether you’re an entry-level applicant or an experienced one, it lets you customize your resume using impressive layouts and designs. No doubt, it is important to create an organized resume that appeals to employers. Also, a resume builder can help you save time and effort in making a resume. In this article, WPS Academy will discuss effective resume formatting tips to help you make compelling resumes. Read on to find out more about free resume templates!
What are the Three Main Resume Formats?
Undoubtedly, every resume is designed to be different. The top three resume formats include a reverse-chronological resume, functional resume, and combination resume.
Each resume format shares common elements, such as summary, skills and education. But, the structure of each session is different. For example, the chronological resume format focuses more on work experience. On the other hand, a functional resume emphasizes skills and abilities. So, the choice of a resume format mostly depends on your level of experience, skill sets, and qualifications.
In this section, we will discuss three popular resume formats in detail. Also, we will give key tips for each resume format. Let’s find out more!
Chronological Resume
Also known as the reverse-chronological resume, it is one of the most popular resume formats widely used today. If you are an experienced candidate, a chronological resume format is the best choice. It concentrates on your current and previous work history. Make sure to fill in the Work History section in a reverse-chronological order, where recent work experience is mentioned at top of the section.
Do you want to make the most of the chronological resume format? No doubt, free resume template downloads are a great way to use a chronological resume in the best possible way. Also, focus on detailed work experience and achievements. A chronological resume should display your career progression professionally. In addition, mention relevant skills to the job you are applying for.
If you want to make a chronological resume, follow these essential tips that can help land a dream job:
Writing Tips for the Chronological Resume
Resume summary
A resume summary is a brief overview of your qualifications, achievements and skills. It highlights your personality as well as career longevity. This section should not include more than 3-4 sentences. The best resume templates can help write a compelling resume summary.
Work history
As discussed before, work history is the most critical section in a chronological resume format. For this reason, include detailed accomplishments that make you a strong candidate for the job position. Make sure to list your most recent work history first. Tell the recruiters how you have contributed to the previous company and what have you achieved.
Skills
The chronological free downloadable resume templates also focus on your relevant skills. All you need is to mention skills that are most relevant to the specific job. Moreover, make sure to add both technical and soft skills.
Education
It is the last section in a chronological resume format. When writing a chronological resume, you only need to mention your highest academic credential. Furthermore, add the name of your college and degree. Also, you can mention any specific certifications or courses you have taken during the degree.
Functional Resume
As the name suggests, a functional resume format is all about skills and abilities. This kind of resume focuses on the skills and training that make you a perfect fit for the job. But, you simply cannot use a functional resume for every single job position. Remember, some experts believe functional resumes are not so good. No doubt, functional resumes are designed and organized differently from chronological resumes. But, you can use a functional resume format as long as it fits the job position you wish to apply for.
Writing Tips for the Functional Resume
Summary Statement or Resume Objective
Are you looking for a job that defines your career goals? Make sure to write a compelling summary statement or resume objective. An objective statement is also known as a career objective. It includes 2-3 sentences that emphasize your skills, work experience and accomplishments. Also, you can go with a standard summary statement.
Skills
As discussed before, a functional resume focuses on several skills sections. Here are some of the sections you need to follow in this section:
Firstly, you need to put the “Summary of Qualifications” section. This section describes your skills in the best possible way. For example, you can discuss your past internships, projects or extracurricular activities. But, make sure everything is related to the job you are applying for.
The next comes in the “Professional Skills” or “Relevant Skills” section. It is used to discuss your hard skills or technical skills. These skills are acquired through education or practice. For example, data management and budgeting are some of the hard skills.
The “Soft Skills” are the most important elements of your Skills section. It includes those personal traits that lead to better job performance. No doubt, almost every firm focuses on soft skills attributes when recruiting employees. Some of the popular soft skills include problem-solving, interpersonal skills, and organizational skills.
Work History
When writing about your professional work history, make sure to keep this section as simple as possible. At the same time, it should be concise and coherent. List the names of the companies you have worked for. Also, include the dates of employment so recruiters can get a better idea of your previous jobs. Fresh candidates who lack formal work experience can focus on any relevant volunteer work, internships or extracurricular activities.
Education
Indeed, focusing on your academic credentials is the best way to make a good impression. The education section can make a big impact on hiring managers or job recruiters. You can add information about relevant training or certifications.
Combination Resume
As the name suggests, this kind of resume is a combination of both a chronological resume and a functional resume. Most importantly, it focuses more on your work achievements. Free resume templates downloads can help write a professional combination resume.
Writing Tips for Combination Resume
Summary
Writing a combination resume requires you to include a summary statement. As compared to a functional resume (where an objective statement can be added), you need to add a summary resume to your combination resume. This section gives you an opportunity to show how your skills and achievements can fit a job position you are applying for.
Skills
A combination resume allows you to categorize your “Skills” into two sections. These sections include Summary or Key Skills. In the first section, all you need is to describe your major skills. Also, tell the recruiters how you have used these skills in your previous jobs. On the other hand, the second section focuses on your specific abilities that meet the current job description.
Work History
When writing a work history for a combination resume, you can emphasize your unique achievements from previous job positions. Also, make sure to quantify your results in the right way. Indeed, it is one of the major sections of your resume. For this reason, make your resume stand out.
Education
You need to present your most recent academic achievements in a combination resume format. For example, your top academic achievements can be a graduate degree or a high school diploma. In addition, you can include any additional training during your degree.
What is the Best Resume Format for you?
Choosing the best resume format can be quite difficult for you. All you need is to select a resume format that wows the hiring managers and recruiters. It is important to choose the right resume format. If you do not have professional work experience, there is no need to opt for a chronological resume. Instead, go for a combination resume or functional resume.
What Makes the Best Resume Template?
Most resumes are designed containing some basic elements: personal info, heading statement, work experience, education, skills and achievements. We recommend choosing a resume that suits your needs and preferences. In addition, make sure it offers you the best options for customizations. Indeed, the best resume layout can make your information clear and attractive.
Free resume template downloads can help craft a professional and attractive resume. Depending on the industry, you need to choose colors and icons. WPS Office offers unique resume templates that are designed to meet your unique needs. Most importantly, you can fit information on one page because it is recommended for most industries. Our resume builder can help create the perfect layout for your resume.
Top Resume Format Templates
Are you looking for top-ranked resume formats? Of course, using the right resume format is essential to secure a job position. Also, there are a number of options for choosing a resume. You must choose a resume template that suits your industry. In this section, we will review some of the top resume format templates. Let’s find out more!
Simple White Resume for Working
Here comes one of our top resumes – Simple White Resume for Working. Indeed, it is the most commonly used resume for working. This modern resume template includes a detailed work experience section followed by education and skills. It lets you discuss your job duties and accomplishments in your previous jobs.
Creative Resume for Graduates
No doubt, creativity is the most important skill in the workplace. You can show your creativity using a creative resume template. It is a great option for anyone who wants to customize their resume for a specific job. This kind of resume template can focus on your skills, qualifications and experiences.
Fresh Simple Resume
If you are searching for a simple resume template, this is one of our best choices. Fresh Simple Resume template can create a well-crafted resume without any hassle. Most importantly, it demonstrates the most relevant skills and accomplishments. As a result, this resume can make you a strong candidate for the job position. What else are you looking for?
What Should a Resume Look Like?
Ideally, a resume should not contain more than one or two pages. Also, it should include details about your qualifications and skills from your previous jobs. Most importantly, an ideal resume is aligned to the specific job position. Make sure to follow an easy-to-read, organized format. For that purpose, most people opt for free resume templates downloads.
What is the Best Resume Format for a College Student?
If you are a college student, look no further than a functional resume format. No doubt, it is the best resume format for college students. As college students lack professional work experience, it is important to choose a format that focuses on relevant skills, internships and extracurricular activities. This is where a functional resume format comes in handy for fresh graduates who are looking for their first job.
Conclusion
Free resume templates are available in three popular resume formats: Chronological Resume, Functional Resume and Combination Resume. For a college student, a functional resume is a perfect choice. On the other hand, experienced candidates can use a chronological resume format because it demonstrates professional job history in detail. Undoubtedly, a reverse chronological resume is one of the most common and popular ones among others.
Looking for the best resume builder that provides free resume templates downloads? Indeed, WPS Office is a top-ranked resume builder to cover all your needs. It offers a variety of free resume templates, a few of which are discussed above. Whether you are a fresh graduate or an experienced candidate, WPS Office has something for everyone.
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