Résumés are used for three things: to get an interview, to introduce yourself, and to provide a documented, factual work history. You may not like it, but you've got to have one, and if you don't have a great résumé, you will be lost in the quagmire of job search.

What are Résumés used for?

1. To get an interview - Your potential employer will look at your résumé for 10-20 seconds (if you're lucky). If your résumé doesn't stand out, it's almost guaranteed to go into the "circular file" (shredder), never to be seen again. CAP Systems tries to keep your résumé to one page whenever possible (unless going into upper or executive levels) and we use specific key words to quickly show the potential employer your transferrable skills and abilities.

2. To introduce yourself - Tell the potential employer where you live, how to contact you, where you've worked, what you've done, your educational background, and your community involvement. CAP Systems sorts through what you need to tell and, more importantly, what you don't need to tell.

3. To provide a documented, factual work history - Don't lie. Don't embellish. Keep it simple, but impressive, focusing on transferrable skills and abilities. Try to use the standard "rule of thumb" which is to go back 10 years or 4 jobs - whichever comes first. Then include your educational background including recent seminars and workshops. CAP Systems stands behind our clients - if you tell us it's true, we believe you - but if you stretch the truth, outright lie, or embellish who you are - we are not responsible for the trouble you'll be in when you get to your new job and can't do the work!

NEXT UP: Types of Resumes

Chronological Resume

A review of your work history beginning with your last job in reverse chronological order, i.e., list your current job first, the job you had prior to your current position second, the job you had prior to your second job third, and the job you had prior to your third job. The standard "rule of thumb" is to go back 10 years or 4 jobs in your work history.

Functional Resume

A functional resume focuses on transferrable skills and abilities in no particular order and may or may not include past employment dates. Functional résumés are used when you've done a lot of job-jumping, have been out of or are re-entering the work-force, or are changing careers. It can hide gaps in your work history, including terminations or demotions, while highlighting your transferrable skills.

Performance Resume

Combines the Chronological and Functional formats and indicates a clear progression of work history, summary or responsibilities, accomplishments and achievements. The performance résumé is noted for its unique appearance that de-emphasizes problem areas in your work history, highlights accomplishments and emphasizes job performance. This type of résumé doesn't appear to sell strengths over gaps and weaknesses and presents both accomplishments and work history in chronological order.

Computer-Scannable Resume

This type of résumé is used with the latest technology available through medium to large companies and numerous state and federal entities due to the large volume of résumés they receive. The companies invest well over $100,000 to scan résumés and match keywords found in the résumé to job openings in the company. Layout, fonts, and formats are very plain (usually in Arial font) to ensure a correct scan and placement in the appropriate job category. In addition, there can be no bold, italics, or underlining of any words, as it will through the scannable program off and place you in categories of work that you don't belong.

What do you do with your Résumé once you have it?

Get it circulating!

Snail Mail- Flat or folded? Either way is OK, as long as you don't mind being put in a pile on someone's desk with 300 other applicants! Just make sure to use a heavier weight (28-32 lbs.), bright white or cream-colored paper on all the documents you send to them including your cover letter, résumé, and reference lists.

Fax - They may not look the greatest when they get there, but more and more employers are requesting you fax the résumé. So, if they ask, do it and do it quickly - especially if they ask! Find out the name of the person to fax it to so you can use that contact to follow-up on your résumé submission.

Hand it out and pass it on - No matter where you go, keep copies of your résumé in your car. You never know when you'll meet someone who wants to know more about you or who may have a lead on a job. If they have a lead, ask them to please pass your résumé on to the person doing the hiring.

E-mail - Send your résumé to most e-mail addresses as an attachment. If they don't accept attachments, cut and paste your résumé directly into the e-mail itself. You'll lose the formatting, but that is becoming less important to employers who just want the information quickly.

Employer Website - Researching specific companies over the Internet is the best way to target a specific job. Most companies will accept résumés through their websites as attachments. If not, cut and paste your résumé into the company's online application.

Internet Posting Boards - examples: monster.com, wantedjobs.com, hotjobs.com, americanjobs.com, jobsearchengine.com, etc.

Internet Job (Re)Search - examples: iseek.org, manpower.com, jobbankusa.com, flipdog.com, hotjobs.com, etc.

Now that you have read about Types and Uses of Resumes, may we suggest that you take the next step and check out Types of Job Search Letters. It is important to us that we are able to help people as they recover and prosper after job loss, so please contact us with suggestions, corrections, and even your personal experiences. If you found this article or video to be helpful, we'd love for you to share it with a friend. Also, be sure to check out all of the amazing resources for your career transition in the ILostMyJob.com Book Store!

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