Figuring out which is the best resume format can be difficult if you're a fresher. You more than likely lack significant experience, and this can leave you at a loss when you sit down to write your resume. Consider what kinds of experience you do have, and think carefully about the type of job to which you're applying.
Which is the best resume format for a Fresher?
A chronological resume organizes your past jobs and work experiences in a logical format. You more than likely don't have enough experience to write a good chronological resume. However, if you have extensive work experience or are a non-traditional student, then give the chronological resume format a try. Otherwise, the best resume format for you will be a functional resume format.
A functional resume puts the emphasis on your skills and abilities. This format is useful for those who have taken time away from the workforce, those who have recently changed career paths and those lacking significant work experience.
If you are new to resume writing, know that LiveCareer's Resume Builder can help you get the work done fast, with step-by-step guidance in creating all resume sections, plus pre-written bullet points crafted by professional resume writers.
Which Sections You'll Want to Include
Start by writing out all of your skills and accomplishments that you can think of that are relevant to the job. When writing a functional resume, remember to list your most important accomplishments first.
In an experience section, feel free to include internships, volunteer experience or extracurricular activities. Think back on times in which you exceeded expectations or held a leadership role, and always do your best to quantify your accomplishments in terms of concrete examples.
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Include sections on volunteer experience, educational background and any on-the-job training you may have received. It's possible that you have very little work experience, so you'll want to include the experience you received in non-traditional settings. Incorporate your craft skills, do-it-yourself know-how, community organizations, clubs and any special skills you might have into the traditional summary statement and experience sections. Your skills may include your ability to speak another language or work with computers or any financial expertise that you might have. The functional resume is the best resume format because it can be flexible enough to fit any type of experience you have.
Arrange your resume in a series of sections that categorize your skill sets. Instead of creating a section for each job, you'll want to make a section for each type of skill that you offer. Begin each of the lines in these sections with an active verb to give the writing a consistent tone and structure. Verbs such as "oversaw" or "ensured" help to drive the point home. Focus on specific problems that you solved while you were performing each activity, and draw attention to any area where you accomplished more than was expected of you.
Tips for Freshers Writing Their First Resume
Think about what the most relevant selling point is when going through all of your sections. Give your strongest asset a place of honor up at the top of your resume. If you wanted to market yourself as a computer expert, for example, then include in your introduction something to the effect of, "Proven strong technology leader with great deal of personal experience working with computers."
You might not be sure if this is the best resume format for your specific situation. LiveCareer has a variety of resources available and advice tailored for freshers writing their first resumes. With a little practice, you can put together a resume that stands out from the competition.
