If there is no perfect resume, how can you hope to create a document that all employers would want to see? The answer comes from a change in emphasis. Stop thinking about resumes any way, designed to present yourself as you think an employer would want to see you. Start writing resumes your way.

A good resume presents your past achievements as well as the assets and capabilities that qualify you for this new job. As you get better at communicating your qualifications, you will approach the job of writing your resume with confidence. The seven steps to success are good guidelines, and they should inspire confidence. But before you start writing, it is also a good idea to understand the different types of resumes and the purposes they serve. The following sections describe some traditional types and formats of resumes.

Chronological, Functional, and Combined Resumes

Chronological resumes present information in reverse chronological order, starting with the present and working backward. Students and recent graduates usually list education first, and all other job seekers list experience first. They traditionally use one-word headers to identify content sections. As you've read and heard again and again, they are usually no longer than one or two pages in length.

Functional resumes present candidate skill sets and discussions independent from job descriptions, if those descriptions are included at all. In this resume type, skill listings come before all other content. Such summaries tend to be lengthy, presented with hope that some broadly chosen phrases might stick in the minds of readers and encourage interviews. In this model, it's employers, not the job seekers, who define the job being sought. Most resume guides recommend functional formats for career changers or for those who are keeping their options open, while the chronological format is usually recommended for all others.

Combined resumes contain skill or qualification profiles, like the functional format, but they also incorporate the chronological format by presenting work history, educational background, and other content in reverse chronological order.

Targeted and Customized Resumes

Recent resume guides use words like targeted and customized. Targeted resumes include either a branding statement or a clear objective and/or description of professional goals. They are aimed at a specific job opening and allow you to address your skills and qualifications in regard to the position. Like targeted resumes, customized resumes are often created for a specific job title or employer, particularly when you know the desired skills and hiring criteria. These are the most powerful resumes because they speak directly to potential employers.

Combinations, Permutations, and Confusion

Some guides advise you to include all the schools you attended. Some suggest you include only those schools where you were conferred a degree. Many books and articles emphatically suggest that you list courses, while as many others strongly urge you not to because your potential employers will already have a good idea of what courses someone with your major took. Some suggest you present all scholarships and honors, no matter how small, because the longer the list, the more impressive it is to potential employers. Still others encourage you to present a selected list of scholarships and honors. But when it comes to grades, everyone agrees: Only include good grades and averages!

Advice regarding experience is equally conflicted. Some say describe all jobs — no matter how small — in active terms, in hopes that some of those verbs will catch a prospective employer's eye. Others state with conviction that you should only include impressive jobs. Should you list volunteer and community service experience? Some say yes, but some say no; the same goes for personal interests. In years past, the phrase “References available upon request” indicated the standard close of the resume. Most resume professionals now omit this phrase and see it as unnecessary.

The Modern Resume Your Way

As you focus on your chosen career field and articulate your abilities, your resume writing and your job search will be inspired. A resume that projects “me and my goals” will strengthen the rest of your job search; it will also have an impact on the outcome. Keep your goals firmly in mind; they will enhance the power and purpose of your resume. Plan and implement strategic actions.

Goal setting is critical to all resume-writing and job-search efforts. Overall, goal development and articulation are the most crucial components of resume writing and your comprehensive job search.