A better question, is the format you are using the correct one?

Will it market your relevant skills and career background in the best possible way?

Below is a brief description of four different types of formats commonly used by educators.

Chronological Resume

The information is organized by dates - the most recent position first, working backwards 10-15 years. This stresses positions you held and schools or companies where you worked. Recruiters and hiring managers tend to like this resume format because it's easy to read and demonstrates job seekers' continuous career growth. This format is used when the individual has steady career history and shows advancement, no employment gaps and is applying for the same line of work.

Functional Resume

This is organized by relevant skills or functions. These accomplishments are near the beginning of the resume, rather than with past jobs. The record of employment is listed but without responsibilities. Hiring managers and recruiters usually dislike this resume format, as it's easier to disguise a poor work record. This works well for problem careers, job hoppers, older workers, career transitioners, or academic deficiencies.

Combination Resume

A combination resume mixes the above formats. Information is organized in relevant skills and functions, followed by job titles, schools/companies and a brief description of responsibilities. The combination resume format is very well received by hiring authorities. This powerful presentation shows relevant skills and accomplishments at the beginning, but is later supported by the strong employment section.

Academic Curriculum Vitae or CV

This is a condensed biographical statement, which can run anywhere from 3 to 20 pages, emphasizing professional qualifications, achievements, and activities. A curriculum vitae presents lists of achievements, rather than a narrative presentation of material. CV's usually begins with "Education" and details of your doctoral dissertation, followed by academic accomplishments such as awards, presentations, teaching, lectures, publications, committees, research, and other relevant professional pursuits. CV's are academic and credentials-based, instead of being accomplishment-oriented like a traditional resume. This format is used for scientists, academics, and physicians.

Don't let choosing the wrong resume format cost you job interviews. If you don't have time to research what school districts are looking for or if you are not sure where to start, we would enjoy working with you on this important project.