The Two Column Resume

The most common resume format used is the chronological resume. This consists of a linear progression of jobs throughout an individual's career. The style is a logical and straightforward approach that is widely recognized by many employers.

Another style that is gaining popularity is the two column resume. Also known as the vertical or newsletter format, it consists of information set up in columns in its presentation. The end product is meant to be visually appealing by breaking up sections of texts. This approach can work well with certain occupations.

When To Use It. The vertical format can be great to use for professions requiring creativity and thinking outside the box. Jobs that require an innovative approach to problems such as website designers and internet marketers can benefit from this format. The style can show the artistic side of a candidate that the chronological type lacks.

Appearance. The design of the resume depends on the personal taste and target goals for the job seeker. The resume can mimic the way information is presented in the chronological format but text is broken up in columns to make it more noticeable. Another technique is to leave a one inch column on the side and use that space to display artistic work of the applicant or quotes from previous employers and references. Permission should be sought before using these on a resume.

Writing The Resume. One of the drawbacks for this resume is that it is time consuming and requires much detail. It requires in depth knowledge of the word processing system being and knowing how to use the tools to set it up. Some job seekers may seek the assistance of a professional resume writing service to construct the resume. Many Professional Resume Writers have the experience in setting up and writing resumes in this format.

Personal Touch. This type of format allows the job seeker to approach their resume with a more individualistic feel. After reviewing several chronological resumes that start to look alike, it can be monotonous for a hiring authority. A different approach reflected in the newsletter format highlighted by the unique accomplishments of the applicant can make an applicant stand out.    

Converting The Paper Resume To Electronic Format

The traditional paper resume is meant to capture the attention of a real person. Most authorities involved in hiring for a company take a few seconds to read a resume put on paper. Candidates strive to show something compelling that  makes an impression with a company representative. An electronic resume or resume designed to be viewed online is set up differently. People read things differently on a computer screen than a paper item. The use of online searches also affect how the resume is prepared.

1. Use More White Space. A paper resume with much white space can make the resume less interesting. A real paper resume uses well written content broken up with boldfaced terms to make them visually appealing. For electronic  resumes, white space improves readability and breaks spaces up to make reading them on screen less straining.

2. Change Text Shorten blocks of text to cature the attention of the reader. Place the most important information at the beginning as people pay less attention to information as they scroll down a computer screen. Format headings on the left margin to make the information noticeable.

3. From Verbs To Keywords A common practice with paper resumes is to use verbs to describe accomplishments. Electronic resumes should use keywords and nouns. When an internet search is conducted by a hiring authority or recruiter, nouns are used such as job titles. To get the resume noticed on the internet, keywords consisting of nouns give better results.

4. Getting The Resume Out The resume is only as good as the ability to distribute it to the right parties. An effective resume distribution service can take a resume and send it to recruiters and job boards for the most effective results.  A targeted resume distribution service can send resumes to employers that the applicant is especially interested in.

Focus On Employer Needs With The Resume

Many times job seekers will construct a resume based on what they perceive are the employer's expectations. They look at a job description and craft their resume on it beleiving it is what the employer seeks. The basic experience and education information is listed as well as some acheivements that seem relevant to the position. In many cases this only scratches the surface of what an employer is looking for.

Hiring a new employee is a period of uncertainty for employers. They do not want someone with just the  qualifications to do the job but a candidate that can benefit them the most. Employers want people that can produce revenue, protect assets, and minimize costs. Often it is not the best qualified candidate that gets hired but the one that shows a hiring authority they can bring the best results.

A resume may need to be reworked in order to address an employers needs. A professional resume editing service can provide this. Professional resume writers know the trends and movements in different  industries. They act as a third party able to take the skills and abilities of an applicant and connect them to the necessities of the hiring organization. A resume editing service can provide the following benefits:

1. Communication. The resume effectively shows why the employer should hire you.

2. Clarity. The resume shows proven results with tangible information from previous employment.

3. Convincing. The resume distinguishes you from other candidates and makes you stand out.