Selecting the right format helps highlight your strengths and present your experience in the best light. Here are the three primary formats:

1. Chronological Resume:

• • Lists work experience in reverse chronological order (most recent job first).

  • Best for individuals with a consistent work history.

  • Ideal when applying for roles that align with past experience.

  • Example: If you’ve worked in customer service for three years and are applying for a similar role, this format showcases your steady progression.

  • Pro Tip: Include measurable achievements, such as "Increased customer satisfaction scores by 20% through improved training programs."

2. Functional (Skills-Based):

• Focuses on skills and abilities rather than work history.

• Great for students with limited job experience, career changers, or those with gaps in employment.

• Emphasizes competencies like communication, problem-solving, and technical skills.

• Example: If you’ve developed leadership skills as a club president but haven’t had a leadership role in a job, this format highlights those transferable skills.

• Pro Tip: Use clear categories like "Leadership Skills" or "Technical Abilities" to organize content effectively.

3. Combination (Hybrid):

• Blends elements of chronological and functional formats.

• Perfect for showcasing both relevant skills and a solid work history.

• Ideal for individuals with a mix of strong skills and some relevant experience.

• Example: If you’ve acquired technical skills through coursework and internships, this format can illustrate both your knowledge and practical application.

• Pro Tip: Start with a skills section that matches the job description, followed by a concise work experience list.

Want to learn more? Visit Northampton Community College's Job Hunter's Guide for additional insights on choosing the best resume format for your needs.

A strong opening statement sets the tone for your resume and captures the reader’s attention.

• Professional Summary:

  • A 2-3 sentence snapshot of your experience, skills, and strengths.

  • Example: "Motivated business student with strong communication skills and internship experience in marketing. Proven ability to manage social media campaigns that increased engagement by 25%."

  • Pro Tip: Tailor your summary to the specific job by using keywords from the job description.

• Objective Statement:

  • A clear, concise statement about the type of role you're seeking and how you can contribute.

  • Example: "Seeking a customer service role where I can apply my problem-solving skills and passion for helping others."

  • Pro Tip: Focus on how you can add value to the employer, not just what you hope to gain.

Employers want to quickly see what you bring to the table. Use this section to showcase your top skills.

• Hard Skills (Job-Specific):

  • Include technical abilities like proficiency in software, tools, or languages.

  • Example: "Proficient in Microsoft Excel, Salesforce CRM, and Canva for content creation."

• Soft Skills* (Transferable):

  • Highlight interpersonal abilities like communication, teamwork, and leadership.

  • Example: "Strong team player with proven success in cross-departmental collaborations."

• Pro Tip: Use bullet points and keep descriptions brief yet impactful.

*The National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) defines career readiness competencies that are crucial for navigating today’s job market. These competencies go beyond what you learn in the classroom, preparing you to excel in real-world professional environments.

Learn more about NACE (National Association of Colleges and Employers) competencies at https://www.naceweb.org/career-readiness/competencies/career-readiness-defined/.

This section tells the story of how you’ve applied your skills in real-world settings.

• Formatting Essentials:

  • Include the job title, company name, location, and dates of employment.

  • Example: "Sales Associate | ABC Retail | Tucson, AZ | May 2022 – Present"

• Crafting Impactful Bullet Points:

  • Focus on achievements, not just duties.

  • Start each bullet with an action verb.

  • Use numbers and metrics whenever possible.

  • Example: "Increased event attendance by 30% by developing and executing a new marketing strategy."

  • Pro Tip: Prioritize recent and relevant experiences that match the job you’re applying for.

Highlight your academic background and any additional training that adds value.

• Essential Details:

  • List educational institutions, degrees earned, and graduation dates.

  • Example: "Pima Community College – Associate of Arts in Business Administration, Expected May 2025"

• Relevant Coursework:

  • If applicable, mention courses related to the target job.

  • Example: "Completed courses in Marketing Strategies, Data Analytics, and Project Management."

• Certifications & Training:

  • Include industry-recognized certifications.

  • Example: "Certified in Google Analytics and HubSpot Inbound Marketing."

Many employers use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to filter resumes. Make sure yours gets through.

• Keyword Integration:

  • Identify keywords in the job description and use them naturally in your resume.

  • Example: If the job requires "project management," make sure to include that term in relevant sections.

• Formatting for ATS:

  • Use standard fonts like Arial or Times New Roman.

  • Avoid tables, graphics, or unusual layouts.

  • Save your resume as a PDF unless otherwise specified.

  • Pro Tip: Test your resume by copying the text into a plain text document to see if it remains clear and legible.

First impressions matter, and small errors can leave a negative impression.

• Review your resume multiple times to eliminate spelling, grammar, or punctuation errors.

• Pro Tip: Ask a friend, mentor, or the EECS team to review your resume.

Ready for a personalized review of your resume?

Reach out to the EECS team at careerservices@pima.edu for guidance and constructive feedback.