In this article, we will discuss the three most popular professional resume formats and how to use each of these resume formats to put forth a competitive job application. During your research and brainstorming process, make sure to look at resume templates and resume format examples, as well as resume templates for word, resume templates for google docs, and resume templates for free.
Depending on the nature of your career and professional background, you may prioritize finding professional resume templates or simple resume templates. Use whatever works best for you!
There are lots of factors to consider when putting together your ideal resume. Your resume is your one chance to make a good first impression and land an interview. In order to create a solid, professional resume that is reflective of your skills and qualifications is tailored to the specific job listing, is compatible with Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) technology, and brings you the attention you need to land an interview in a competitive job market, you’ll need to do your research! Look at sample resume formats to get a better idea of what will work best for you.
Perhaps the most efficient way to write a competitive, professional resume, is to use a professional resume builder or one of the best resume templates in 2022, easily available online. You may even consider using a resume template with a cover letter included.
The best, most popular resume format is the chronological resume. This professional resume format is written in reverse chronological order — listing your most recent employment history first and ending with your most-dated employment history.
This resume format for jobs is considered standard and is most favored by job recruiters and hiring managers. This is because these resumes are clear, concise, easy to read, and follow an overall narrative. The other benefit of writing a chronological resume is that this type of resume is readily interpreted by Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), a popular hiring tool used by the majority of companies.
Another professional resume format is the functional resume. A functional resume is a more innovative resume format that focuses on job skills instead of on employment history. This can be helpful for young professionals, people changing careers, as well as for workers with gaps in their employment history. A functional resume allows job seekers to craft a compelling narrative as to why they would be a unique asset to the company by focusing on their passion, initiative, and overall professional job skills.
The potential downside to a functional resume is that a job recruiter or hiring manager may be suspicious of this format. They may wonder if the applicant is trying to hide something, such as potential gaps in employment or a lack of industry-related work experience. Overall, functional resumes are a bit more creative and rare. They certainly have their time and place; just be aware that they are not as standard and as a result, are not as immediately accessible to hiring managers and job recruiters.
The final professional resume format is the hybrid resume. There is no one correct way to write a hybrid resume. A hybrid resume combines elements of chronological and functional resumes. For many job seekers, chronological resumes hold a lot of appeals, but still, something is appealing about the innovative functional resume format. Due to this, many job seekers alter their resumes to further highlight job skills and other more creative, project-based credentials. This resume format is referred to as a hybrid resume.
Something else to consider about functional and hybrid resumes is that Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) cannot interpret the data as efficiently. Therefore, your credentials, job skills, and work experience may be categorized and stored incorrectly. With the rise of Applicant Tracking Systems technology and online job listings, it is crucial to submit a resume that is compatible with these technologies. Otherwise, you risk having your resume overlooked, despite your overall qualifications.
Resume templates are an invaluable resource for job seekers because they ensure that you will follow professional resume formatting standards. By choosing a job resume template that is well-suited to your needs, you will be able to demonstrate your unique qualifications in a way that is clear and concise, while simultaneously ranking well in the company’s hiring database (created by its Applicant Tracking System) and impressing your future employers.
While you put together your ideal resume, make sure you follow professional resume standards. Here’s a checklist to keep in mind as you get started:
While it is important to always be mindful of these tips, especially as they relate to your overall formatting, professional resume templates will help give you a jump-start. With the help of a professional resume template, you will have a streamlined, professional resume.
The job market in 2022 has continued to evolve since the beginning of the pandemic in 2020. Not only have industries been forced to adapt to these unprecedented times, but workers’ standards and priorities have shifted significantly. There have been more job openings than job seekers in recent years. Effectively, this has increased workers’ collective bargaining power. Overall, workers are increasing their workplace standards, especially in regards to healthcare coverage, benefits, pay, and the option for more flexible hours.
Since the beginning of the pandemic in 2020, workers have begun to favor remote or hybrid work environments. These environments eliminate many workplace stressors, such as long commutes and transportation factors, as well as interpersonal office dynamics. In fact, according to studies, workers tend to be more efficient and productive outside of an office setting.
Many workers favor the freedom and flexibility that accompanies remote or hybrid work and are motivated to complete their work on time. In terms of overall job trends of 2022, many anticipate the rising popularity of the 4-day workweek. This is largely due to the increased efficiency of remote and hybrid work environments.
Workers are also increasingly gravitating towards self-employment, with the “gig work” economy currently on the rise. Through gig work, workers are realizing the true monetary value of their time, effort, and skill set. Professionals are learning to ask for, and expect to be paid for, their true monetary worth. Gig work has also presented itself as a powerful possibility for supplemental income.
Remote and hybrid work environments are an important 2022 job trend to keep in mind for recruiters and job seekers alike. This is because companies are able to hire from a more diverse applicant pool. Physical location no longer plays such a crucial role in the hiring process. Now companies and workers can enjoy more options and overall flexibility. This also means, however, that workplace competition is also on the rise. Overall, this is why it is becoming increasingly important to learn how to write a professional resume and cover letter and to make sure that your LinkedIn profile is up-to-date.
Consider using a professional resume builder or resume template when applying for jobs. You may also choose to hire a career coach. Reach out to learn more about our resources as you move forward with your job search and job applications.
Discover free resume templates, professional resume builders, and other valuable resources.
Find out more about the inner workings of an Applicant Tracking System. How common are they and why do companies use them?
Learn how to stand out to colleges by emphasizing the finest college extracurriculars. Look inside for further resources as well!
College applications are becoming increasingly more competitive so it’s important to start thinking about college early in your high school career. Extracurricular activities are an important factor for your college applications, especially as you brainstorm ways to stand out to colleges.
This is because extracurriculars and clubs help demonstrate your passions, interests, values, and personality to college admissions committees. College essays and extracurricular activities also help personalize the admissions process, especially at highly-selective institutions. If you’re wondering what clubs look good on college applications or how many extracurriculars for college, read on!
Start thinking about your college applications now. Plan ahead by considering what extracurricular activities look good on college applications. Discuss opportunities with your high school guidance counselor, teachers, coaches, and mentors. Don’t be afraid to ask for help with college applications. You may even consider hiring a college counselor, especially since college acceptance rates for the class of 2026 have decreased significantly.
In this article, we will discuss tips for college applications, as well as some of the best extracurriculars for college applications. Learn more about how to stand out to colleges and put together a competitive college application!
Joining academic clubs is a great way to enrich your high school career while actively preparing for college. Through your involvement with these high school clubs, you will gain opportunities to make meaningful friendships and forge productive, working relationships with your academic advisors.
It is important to foster meaningful connections with teachers early in your high school career who will be able to write thorough and thoughtful college recommendation letters during your senior year of high school. This is an important tip for college applications, especially as you consider how to stand out on college applications.
Consider joining one (if not several) of the following clubs in order to pursue personal interests, develop your passions, and impress college admissions committees as you start thinking about your college applications. Check in with your teachers and high school counselor about extracurricular activities offered through your school.
The following gallery includes some of the best extracurriculars for college applications. Use this to start brainstorming about what clubs are good for college.
Colleges want to admit passionate students who invest in their dreams. For many students, the arts play an important role in their lives outside of academics. Students with significant performance experience exhibit confidence and professionalism, and are often skilled at public speaking.
College admissions committees want to admit diverse, vibrant student bodies. If you are wondering what are good extracurriculars for college applications, involvement in the arts is an important factor for many colleges.
Many schools recruit talented student performers with the expectation that students will continue their artistic and musical involvement during their college careers. Vocalists, instrumentalists, actors, poets, and visual artists can offer a lot to their future college communities in terms of cultural enrichment.
The following list includes creative extracurricular activities suitable for artists, musicians, writers, and actors. Use this list to gain inspiration and start brainstorming ways to actively prepare for your college applications and learn how to stand out to colleges.
College admissions officers want to admit students who are serious about their personal and academic goals and are able to take the initiative. This is why it is important to showcase your leadership skills in your college applications, especially as you start thinking about what makes you stand out to colleges as you move forward with your college applications.
College applications can be incredibly competitive, especially if you are interested in attending an elite institution such as an
Ivy League college. Leadership positions and opportunities are a great way to demonstrate your passion, commitment, and dedication while helping you learn how to stand out to ivy league colleges.
There are lots of leadership opportunities to pursue in high school. Some high school clubs naturally foster leadership abilities through the nature of the club. This is often the case with extracurriculars and clubs involving student government, mock trials, model congress, or other related activities.
Another way to pursue leadership opportunities is by acting as an executive officer for a high school club. These roles often include acting as the president, vice president, secretary, or treasurer.
There are countless ways to demonstrate your leadership abilities. The list to the right includes some of the best extracurriculars for college that will help you gain leadership experience as you continue to prepare for your college career.
Many prestigious schools recruit talented student-athletes; this is especially the case for Ivy League schools. Being recruited is an important aspiration for many high school athletes. This is not the only way, however, that athletic participation can enhance your college application.
Participation in sports can highlight important values such as hard work, determination, teamwork, and a desire for excellence. Athletic coaches can be valuable resources for students as well, especially when considering who to ask for personalized college recommendations.
There are countless ways to participate in athletics during high school. As is the case with all extracurriculars and clubs, continued involvement throughout your high school career will help demonstrate commitment, passion, and responsibility.
The following list includes popular athletic extracurricular activities. Learn valuable life skills about teamwork, hard work, and communication by joining a team!
There are countless ways to invest in your community by pursuing various volunteer opportunities. Giving back to your community is an important way to demonstrate passion and initiative. Volunteer opportunities can also grant your college application a competitive edge, especially as you consider how to stand out to ivy league colleges.
Working with professionals and organizations in your community can be an important opportunity for personal, academic, and professional growth. These opportunities could also result in meaningful college recommendation letters, as well as potential employment or internships.
Demonstrate your passion and commitment by including various volunteer opportunities on your college applications. The examples to the right will give you some good ideas to get started!
Internships and part-time and/or summer jobs can help you stand out to colleges on your college applications. These opportunities will help demonstrate personal initiative, responsibility, maturity, and commitment. Jobs and internships can also help expose you to potential career options, as well as present you with valuable networking opportunities, as you transition into college and start thinking more seriously about your potential career. This is an important tip for college applications.
The possibilities for employment and internships are endless. Do your research and see what’s available in your area. Reach out to teachers, your high school guidance counselor, coaches, mentors, and other professionals in your life to find out more about opportunities that may be available to you in order to help with college applications and learn how to stand out to colleges.
Consider pursuing an internship at a library, museum, education center, hospital, publication, or research center. There may be opportunities for one-on-one mentorships available to you as well, whether you are interested in the arts, sciences, finances, media, or more.
Academics, class ranking, college essays, and SAT scores are all important college admissions factors. Extracurricular activities and clubs, however, are equally important. This is why it is important to be involved in your community through your involvement in academic clubs, the arts, athletics, leadership opportunities, volunteer opportunities, internships, and work experience.
College admissions officers appreciate students who commit to clubs, teams, and extracurricular activities all four years of high school. This is because continued involvement shows passion, commitment, and responsibility. When thinking about how many extracurriculars for college, focus instead on how to best contribute meaningfully to a few extracurricular activities. This is among the top tips for filling out college applications.
College essays and extracurricular activities are important ways to share personal details on the Common App. It’s important to use every opportunity available to you to personalize your college applications and give admissions committees a reason to want to admit you to their college. This is especially true today, as applications become increasingly more competitive.
As you continue your high school career, make goals for yourself and seek out additional college planning resources to help with college applications. If you feel like you could benefit from professional, individualized assistance, reach out to learn more about our services.
