When it comes to crafting the perfect resume, a "top-down" approach is still an employers' favourite, a recent Accountemps survey confirms. Six out of 10 hiring managers interviewed said they prefer a chronological resume with the most recent work history first over those organized by job function and skills.
"Most employers prefer a chronological resume, where a job seeker's career progression is outlined in a clear and easy-to-follow format," says Kathryn Bolt, president of Accountemps' Canadian operations.
"While professionals who are in a transition or have lengthy gaps in employment may favour functional resumes, they should keep in mind that most employers still would rather see the work history presented in a chronological format and any career challenges addressed directly."
Accountemps offers advice for avoiding common resume hurdles:
- Employment gaps. Offer a brief explanation of employment gaps in your cover letter. In this economic environment, hiring managers understand people could be out of work through no fault of their own.
- Limited work history. Bolster your work experience through internships, part-time work or temporary assignments obtained through a reputable staffing firm. Include relevant volunteer activities in the work experience section of your resume.
- Appearing overqualified. Provide a summary of pertinent skills and strengths at the top of your resume, in addition to a chronological listing of your work experience. Emphasize and quantify how you've contributed to bottom-line success in previous jobs and how that experience would apply to a prospective employer's needs.
