Technical Report Writing

Lecture # 4
 What is a Resume?
• A  resume is a one- to two-page
document that sums up a job seeker's
qualifications for the jobs they're
interested in.
• More than just a formal job
application, a resume is a marketing
tool that job seekers use to
communicate their value to employers.
 What is the purpose of a resume?

• The purpose of a resume is to provide a summary of

your skills, abilities and accomplishments.
• It is a quick advertisement of who you are.
• It is a "snapshot" of you with the intent of capturing
and emphasizing interests and secure you an interview.
• It is not an autobiography.
• Your resume is a primary tool in your job search, it
needs to be carefully written and critiqued.
 What Goes into a Resume?
• A resume summarizes the most important
information an employer needs to know
when they consider a new hire.
• The job seeker's relevant qualifications,
training, and work history are listed under
easily understood resume headings such as
"Summary of Qualifications," "Professional
Experience," or "Education."
 A typical resume will include…

• Contact information
Job seeker's name, address, phone numbers, and email.
• Objective or Summary of Qualifications
Relevant and impressive qualifications for the desired position,
presented at the top of the page, directly under the contact
information.
• Work History
Present and/or past employment, including dates, companies, job
titles, and relevant skills and accomplishments.
• Education
Highest level of education completed.
If appropriate for your field or job, it can also include
topics under such headings as Achievements, Licenses,
Computer Skills, Professional Affiliations, and Related
Coursework.
 Who Needs a Resume?
• You'll need to submit a resume if you're applying
for a job with an organization that doesn't rely
solely on standard, handwritten application
forms.
• Companies that require resumes will say so in
their job postings, and those that don't will ask
you to fill out an application.
• But it's also a good idea to have a typed resume
to submit with the application form, especially if
your handwriting can be difficult to read.
Types of Resumes
 Traditional
and
Functional Resume
WHAT IS A TRADITIONAL RESUME?
 Traditional Resumes
• Also known as chronological resumes or
reverse chronological resumes.
• They are the most commonly used format.
They list work history in chronological
order, starting with your most recent job
down to your earliest.
• This resume is preferred by most employers
because it provides a quick snapshot of work
history, with most recent positions up front.
 Who should use a Traditional Resume?

• If you have a solid work history.

• Your experience is aligned with the job you are applying to.
• you have no lapses between employment, use this format.
• The chronological resume format will not work well if you
are new to the workforce, or if you are changing careers.
The Benefits of a Traditional Resume
• It is one of the most commonly used styles.
• It makes the information easier to absorb.
• Ideally, it shows the progression of a career
clearly.
• It can be easier to compile, too, since its
orientation toward dates helps you to nail
down the details of your own job history.
 Main Disadvantages

•It can easily show gaps in your work history and raise ‘red
flags.’

•If you are changing career direction, a traditional resume will

add little information to your new employer, who will be more
concerned about the transferable skills that you are bringing
rather than the detail of your experience in an unrelated sector.
WHAT IS A FUNCTIONAL RESUME?
 Functional Resumes
• Functional resumes focus on your
skills and experience first.
• This type of resume de-emphasizes
the dates in which you have worked.
• Employment history is secondary,
and is listed under the details of your
skills.
 Who should use a functional resume?

A functional resume is particularly useful for people

who:
• Have gaps in their work history.
• Are re-entering the workforce.
• Have frequently changed jobs.
• Are looking to transition into new careers.
• Don't exactly fit the mold of what recruiters are looking
for in the positions they want.
The Benefits of a Functional Resume
• A functional resume can increase the chances of
getting an interview, even if you don’t have the
exact work experience required for the position.
• Relevant skills are highlighted and lack of
experience is less noticeable.
• Functional resumes do not show detailed
employment history. This hides work gaps in cases
where candidates are re-entering the workforce.
• A functional resume is suitable for someone who
has frequently changed jobs.
 Main Disadvantages

•A functional resume can play against you with recruiters who

assume you are excluding details of your employment history
because there is something to hide.

•Functional resumes do not clearly showcase career growth or

development in past responsibilities.

•This format doesn’t work well in traditional fields or with

conventional firms that look for specific information in the
resumes they receive.
 Comparison Table
Functional Traditional
Focal point Skills Work experience

Work experience Not detailed Detailed

Time on each position Not present Present

Skills Present Not present

Use for changing career Convenient Not convenient

Layout Creative / Non-conventional Professional / Traditional

Shows relevant skills for the new Has detailed information about job
Main Benefit
position positions and activities

Recruiters may not favor it, as it isn’t The lack of experience is more obvious
Main Downside
straightforward about previous jobs than in other formats
A functional resume emphasizes your skills and accomplishments. In contrast,
a traditional resume concentrates mainly on your work history and the details of
the jobs you’ve had.
Think about whether your skills or your previous positions strengthen your
resume. What will the recruiters find most interesting about you?
If you are in any of the following situations, read carefully to decide which of
these formats is best for you

TRADITIONAL OR FUNCTIONAL
RESUME??