Resume Formats using a Word Processing Program
A resume is nothing if not a sales document. It's the first introduction between you and potential employers, and it has to prove that you're professional, talented, and worth their time. You might think it wouldn't matter how your resume looks or what type of format you use, but in reality those little things can make a huge difference in getting noticed by recruiters.
In this article we'll show you the top 10 formats used in modern word processing programs so that you can choose which one is best for your career path. Keep in mind that these are very general, and there are other forms besides these that might work for you (especially given your industry).
When using a resume to apply for a job, you'll want to use the same type of formatting as the position being applied for. For example, if you're applying for an accounting position, your resume will most likely also have to include things like proper formatting of math equations and proper use of standard accounting types like euros and cents.
Each format discussed here is designed first and foremost to be used in word processing programs such as Microsoft Word or OpenOffice Writer. That said, they shouldn't be so complicated that they're hard to read or decipher. They should be easy on the eyes, and easy to read.
Throughout this article, we'll be using a fictitious example of a sales representative at a company called Black Box Company that makes widgets. This sales rep will have sales experience in various industries, working in both domestic and international markets.
You may also want to include an objectives section if you're just out of college and really don't have any work experience under your belt. If you're writing a resume for an internship, you may want to include a section called "Academic Skills" or something similar.
Interview Questions & Answers - Resume Formats 1. What is the title of your resume?
2. How long have you known that you wanted to be a salesperson?
3. What are your top three particular skills?
4. What have been the hardest challenges faced during your career in sales? 5. What prompted you to join Black Box Company as a Sales Rep? 6. What do you think makes Black Box Company such an attractive company to work for? 7. How familiar are you with Microsoft Word, OpenOffice Writer, and Excel ? 8. Do you have any questions on our program or position description? 9. What are your career goals? 10. What days, times, and hours would be best to contact you? 11. Are you willing to work in our Full Time or Part Time positions? 12. Do you have any questions for us at this time? 13. Would we have any reason to contact you within the next 2-3 weeks with further information regarding your application? 14. Do you have any questions for us at this time? 15. How would we know when to expect a response from your end regarding your resume submission? 16. How long do you anticipate it taking to receive a decision on your resume? 17. What other resources do you have available to you for obtaining employment? 18. Would we be able to contact you in the next 2-3 weeks with any updates regarding your application? 19. Do you have any questions for us at this time? 20. Is there anything else that we can provide information on that may help assist with your consideration for employment at Black Box Company ? 21. What additional information do you feel would benefit us in making a hiring decision? 22. Do you have any other questions for us at this time? 23. Why do you feel this position is a good match for your skills and qualifications? 24. What would make your experience in sales most relevant to the type of work you would be doing at Black Box Company ? 25. In what industries have you worked, and in what positions? 26. Please provide contact information (phone number and email address) so we may reply within 2-3 business days with the information that was requested from you. 27. We will be checking for your response within 2-3 business days via email to the information requested from you above. 28. When we receive your response, we will reply within 2-3 business days with the information we requested from you. 29. If we do not receive a response from you after 3 business days, please notify us by email. 30. We will be checking for your response within 4-6 business days via email to the information requested from you above in our previous correspondence within 2-3 business days of your email inquiry. 31. We will reply to your email within 6-8 business days confirming that our position has been filled at Black Box Company . 32. Are there any additional questions regarding this position? 33. Do you have any additional questions for us at this time? 34. Would you like to continue with this interview? 35. Thank you for your time and interest in Black Box Company .
Please note that all examples are in American English.
How to Write a Resume Using Microsoft Word (Format 1)
If you're using Microsoft Word, Format 1 is the easiest resume to use. You'll open it up, paste in the information, and close it without any editing or errors. It's also the most common type of resume used by employers today because it's simple to read and easy to follow. Below is an example of a Microsoft Word Resume Template:
Sample Resume Template
You can find free Microsoft Word Resume Templates online (and more are always coming out). The best resources I've found to locate a resume template are:
How to Write a Resume Using Microsoft Word (Format 2)
If you're using Microsoft Word, format 2 is the easiest resume to edit. The open and close of this type of resume tends to be less confusing and there's a lot less cluttering in the middle of it. It's also great for people with very minimal experience who don't necessarily have anything interesting to say at the top of their resumes. It's also great if you make mistakes on it, which can be easy with pre-filled templates. Below is an example of a Microsoft Word Resume Template:
Sample Resume Template
You can find free Microsoft Word Resume Templates online (and more are always coming out). The best resources I've found to locate a resume template are:
If you're using OpenOffice Writer, format 2 is the easiest resume to use. The open and close of this type of resume tends to be less confusing and there's a lot less cluttering in the middle of it. It's also great for people with very minimal experience who don't necessarily have anything interesting to say at the top of their resumes. It's also great if you make mistakes on it, which can be easy with pre-filled templates.
Conclusion
You'll use format 2 most of the time if you're using Microsoft Word, but if you're using OpenOffice Writer use format 1.
When to Use a Resume: You can only use a resume when applying for a job. You can't resume your education. Which Resume is Best: If you're interested in Sales Jobs, look for a template with the word "Sales." This will make it easier for employers to see that you understand sales and have experience in sales. It will also help them determine if you have more experience in that field than other candidates. If you need more information about this topic, visit my article about which resume is best for sales resumes .