Best Resume Formats for 2019 [3+ Professional Examples]

Best Resume Formats for 2019 3+ Professional ExamplesBest Resume Formats for 2019 (3 Examples)September 23, 2019 By Mark Slack, CPRW Choosing the proper resume format is a crucial step for job hunters. Learn about and view three resume format examples, and plek the one that gives you the best chance at success.Build My Resume NowA good resume format will help you highlight your marketable traits and downplay your weaknesses. Do you know which one is best for you?Table of ContentsThree Professional Resume FormatsChronologicalFunctionalCombinationInfographic Whats the Best Resume Format?Resume Formatting 4 Tips on How to Format a ResumeThree Professional Resume FormatsThere isnt a clearcut best resume format but modern recruiters and HR professionals have narrowed it down to three standard resume styles. Your ideal choice depends on your education and work history.There are three current resume formats used by job seekersChronological (or Reverse-Chronological)FunctionalCombination ( or Hybrid)Each resume format is designed to highlight different strengths like hard skills and professional experience, or hide weaknesses like employment gaps and terminations.Heres an in-depth look at each type, and how to pick one that suits you.1. ChronologicalA chronological resume (sometimes referred to as a reverse-chronological resume) is the fruchtwein standard resume format. It lists your most current job at the top of your work history section, followed by your earlier experiences in chronological order.A chronological resume helps youShow recruiters that your most recent work experience is relevant to their needsPresent yourself in terms of promotions and upward career mobilityDemonstrate that youve had a normal career without work gaps or terminationsSample resume format chronologicalChronological resumes place more emphasis on your relevant work experience.Note how the professional experience section takes up the most space on the chronological format. While hiring man agers evaluate you in a variety of ways, theyll mainly focus on your work history (if you have one).Picking the chronological format will help you highlight your career successes, and show that you have relevant work experience. I should use a chronological resume format if...I want to demonstrate vertical career progression.I want to apply to a job in a similar field.I dont have large work experience gaps. I shouldnt use a chronological format if...I have multiple gaps in my employment history.I am considering working in a new industry.I frequently change jobs.2. FunctionalThe functional resume format will frame you in terms of your skills and abilities ones that must be relevant to the job youre applying for.Unlike a chronological resume, the functional format ignores when and where you learned your skills. Instead of presenting a chronological work history, youd simply list your most relevant skills at the top.In a functional resume, outlining your work experience is optional. Simply include your company name, location, and job title, and dont add work responsibility bullet points.A functional resume helps youPresent your relevant skills and abilitiesDemonstrate your readiness to perform the jobRemove focus from your work historySample resume format functionalFunctional resumes showcase your key job skills and accomplishments.Since the functional resume focuses on your skills, youll need to work hard on your skills section. We have several strategies you can use to effectively list skills for your resume, but the key is making them relevant to the position.Dont just list your skills haphazardly, or the hiring manager will be unimpressed with your application. I should use a functional resume format if...I have unusually large gaps in my employment history.I am in the midst of a big career change into a new industry.I want to promote a specific skill set. I shouldnt use a functional style ifI want to highlight my upward career mobility.I am a student or entry-level candidate that lacks experience.I lack relevant or transferable skills.3. CombinationA combination resume combines elements from the reverse-chronological and functional formats. They typically follow this structureBegin with a resume profile, resume summary, or summary of qualificationsLead with a core skills section (like a functional resume)End with a detailed work experience section (like a chronological resume)If this seems like a dizzying amount of information to include, thats the point. Combination resumes are ideal if you have an extensive skill set and a long career.A combination resume helps youMarket your professional skill-set, while also emphasizing your work historyFocus on transferable skills if youre considering a career changeDemonstrate your mastery of the skills and duties youve gained during a long careerSample resume format combinationCombination resumes embrace professional skills and experience, highlighting each area equally.As you can see, the combination resume format includes ample information regarding a candidates skills while detailing key pieces of work experience.If your skills and work are of equal importance to your target job, this is a good resume format to use. I should use a combination resume format if...I want to showcase a relevant and well-developed skill set.I want to transfer to a different industry.I am a master at what I do. I shouldnt use a combination resume format if...I have zero work experience.I want to emphasize my educational background.I lack the relevant qualifications and skill set for a role.Infographic Whats the Best Resume Format?As weve already touched upon, job seekers have three standard resume formats to choose from when hunting for jobsThe Chronological Resume FormatThe Functional Resume FormatThe Combination Resume FormatEach style serves a distinct purpose, so only one will work best for your skill set and professional background.Use the following infographic and its flowchart t o quickly determine which one you should pick.Picking the best resume format is as simple as following our flowchart.Resume Formatting 4 Tips on How to Format Your ResumeUltimately its your resumes content that will land you interviews, but you should still make sure the layout is clean and tidy.Here are four quick resume formatting tips to ensure yours is not only formatted correctly, but also looks professional.1. Left-Align the ContentIn general, you should left align your resume. Unless your resume template was specifically designed with a different alignment, left is the standard.2. Maintain a One Page Length99% of the time, its best to limit your resume to one page.However, there are some reasons to break this rule. For instance, you might need a two page resume ifyou have an abundance of relevant professional experienceyoure writing a management level or executive resumeyoure an academic with multiple publications TipUnsure how long your resume should be? Learn how to hit th e ideal length while including all your current qualifications.3. Use .63 by 1 MarginsAfter years of debate, our team of experts have come to a consensus on resume margins.If you have a normal amount of relevant work experience, give your resume .63 left/right margins and 1 top/bottom margins. This combination strikes the perfect balance between making your resume look clean, while including as much information as possible on a single page.If your relevant work experience is either extensive or thin, you can play around with ansicht numbers to fill out the page, or ensure it doesnt spill onto another one. Just dont get carried away, or risk your resume looking bizarre and unprofessional.4. Stick to a Recommended Resume Font Style SizeRecommended font stylesBook AntiquaGeorgiaLatoTrebuchet MSArial NarrowGaramondCalibriHelveticaCambriaDidot (for headings)Recommended font sizeWhile the best font for a resume is debatable, experts agree that font size shouldnt fall below 10.5or exceed 12. Some fonts look better smaller, others bigger, so experiment until your resume looks professional and readable.Any specific questions about resume formats that we didnt answer? Please feel free to post them in the comments below. You can also try using our free resume builder, and let us take care of the formatting for you. Good luck on the job hunt

7 Things You Shouldnt Do at Work When Mercury Is in Retrograde

7 Things You Shouldnt Do at Work When Mercury Is in Retrograde Its about that time again -- the time where everything and everyone feels off. The dreaded Mercury retrograde.Mercury retrograde is one of those phrases you hear and read so often that you should probably know what it is, but you still might not be sure. So what exactly is Mercury retrograde? Its a period of time where planet Mercury seems as though it has reversed its path to revolve from west to east instead of east to west. But the planet is actually just orbiting more slowly around the sun. Which, according to astrologers, can have effects on our horoscopes, especially Leos, Aquariuses, Taurses, and Scorpios. Sorry, guys.While you cant prevent Mercury Retrograde, you can take a few precautions to deal with its innumerable effects and hopefully not do too much damage to your work life. Weve outlined a few tips below to help you get through this horrible time1. Dont initiate any important conversationsTry to avoid any t ruly difficult or influential discussions with coworkers or bosses. With your brain being fuzzy and your emotions a little off, its best to prolong hard conversations. Youll come to a better agreement when all parties are fully mentally prepared.2. Dont dismiss others emotionsEveryone is feeling a little off during this time. And no ones emotions deserve to be disregarded -- you never know what other difficulties your colleagues are also dealing with on top of the dreaded retrograde.3. Dont react without taking deep breathsPrevent any overreactions or emotional outbreaks by taking at least three deep breaths before allowing yourself to react to something that is upsetting you. Exercise and meditation can also be helpful in dealing with your emotions and preserving your mental sanity.4. Dont make any huge irreversible changesTry to avoid quitting your job, starting a new relationship, ending an old relationship, or virtually any other life-altering decisions while Mercury is doing it s thing. Your feelings may completely reverse after this period is over, causing you to regret whatever it is that you did.5. Dont pass judgmentsWhile you were fortunate enough to read this article and prevent any regrettable workplace events from taking place, others may not have been as lucky. So try not to judge others for how they are dealing with Mercury (they may be a Taurus, you never know).6. Dont talk badly about people behind their backsEven though you shouldnt normally do this anyway, make an extra effort to be friendly and understanding. Your iffy mood could affect how you are viewing other people, and you never want to create a bad relationship with a colleague.7. Dont calm your nerves with bad spending decisionsWhile work may be extra frustrating during this time, try not to resort immediately to retail therapy. Access your creative side. Go to the beach. Take a hot joga class. And then we give you permission to buy yourself a little something.8. Avoid all confrontatio nsRefer to number seven if your limit is being pushed by any Mercury-effected coworkers or bosses. Wait until you have full mental clarity to tell your boss how you really feel (but even then, you probably shouldnt).