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Two columns ago we discussed assessment and last month how to convert assessment results into a "3X5 card" that positions you and heads your resume. Now, we'll discuss how to select a format for the resume.

Most books and articles suggest three choices: reverse chronological, functional or functional-chronological combination.

Practically speaking, the reverse chronological and combination functional-chronological are the two real choices since they are what readers expect and are simplest to write well. A functional resume with no chronology is usually trash canned; people want to know who you worked for and what your titles and dates of employment were, at least for the last 10 to 15 years.

Chronological resumes on the other hand give a lot of critical information people want: where you worked, what you did (title), how long you worked there, how your career has progressed. If you decide to use a functional resume, make sure that some chronological segment exists within the resume to give a mental picture of your career (see chart 1).

Resume readability and overall appearance are even more important than format. Most reviewers scan and eliminate resumes as quickly as possible (hiring is a screening out process more than a screening in process). The average length of time one takes to evaluate a resume is about 12-15 seconds, so, it is critical to make your resume as "reader-friendly" as possible (see chart 2).

The two sample resumes shown are fictitious, but demonstrate several key principles. Careful reading shows there is almost no difference in the copy, virtually all the difference is in format.

With the chronological version Josephine is "straight-lining" her job search: she's continuing along the same career path. With the functional version she is seeking a career change, featuring transferable skills and listing but not leading with positions held.

The use of capitalization, bold facing and overall layout make it easy for readers to scan either formatand form a quick picture of what the candidate offers. Also, both have skill-related nouns, active verbs and quantifiable results.

Chart 1

Chart 2

Source: 1999 Resume Survey Report.
Survey conducted and report produced by Morris Associates, Inc.

SAMPLE FUNCTIONAL RESUME
JOSEPHINE SNYDER
200 South Street, NW Washington, DC 20036 (202) 555-1212

Seek position where financial transaction experience and management, decision-making and communication skills can help a firm to be profitable.

SUMMARY:
Experienced manager with 15 years supervisory experience. Possess strong analytical and decision-making skills, communicate and work well with people. A self-starter with strong service, team work and time management skills.

MANAGEMENT: Directed a staff of seven. Maintained workflow within the department to be service-oriented. Trained and supervised 22 staff underwriters over a five-year period.

ANALYSIS AND DECISION-MAKING: Analyzed credit and property risk in $850 million worth of mortgage loan transactions. Approved or rejected claim applications depending on risk determination.

COMMUNICATIONS: Communicated with branch office's personnel and accounting staffs to work on problems and achieve mutual decisions.

FINANCIAL TRANSACTIONS: Directed the underwriting of all conventional mortgage loan applications, which were in-branch originated. Worked with branch personnel in the submission of loan packages ranging from $35,000 to $400,000 to insure quick approval.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE:
FIDELITY BOND CORPORATION, Arlington, VA, 1987-Present
Manager, Residential Underwriting (1990-Present)
Branch Underwriter (1987-1990)

FIRST VIRGINIA MORTGAGE, INC., Vienna, VA, 1985-1987
Branch Underwriter

EDUCATION:
BA, Political Science, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, 1985. 1989 FNMA Seminar on CONDO/PUD approval process and spot loan programs. Also completed course on General Mortgage Banking through the Philadelphia Mortgage Bankers Association.

PERSONAL:
Enjoy sailing and painting. Experienced using IBM-compatible PCs for word processing, budgeting and other spreadsheet operations, (WordPerfect 6.1, Windows 95, Lotus 1-2-3). Active volunteer with Literacy Action. Member, Board of Directors, Reading Is Fundamental program.

SAMPLE CHRONOLOGICAL RESUME

UNDERWRITING MANAGEMENT

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This information submitted by Morris Associates, Inc., a career transitions, outplacement and business learning solutions firm in Washington, D.C. For more information: Call (202) 835-1750.