1. Reverse chronological is the format most widely used for all job functions. Recruiters are most used to seeing it and drawing their own conclusions from it.
2. Unusual formats force the recruiter to adapt their mental set to your categories. Even standard functional formats require more effort, and make it harder for your resume to get considered.
3. Although in many cases, some of the skill categories identified in functional resumes are relevant to the job, in others, they are a poor match for the view the recruiter has of the job.

Other formatting tips: use no smaller than a 10 point font, choose a standard font such as Times-Roman, Arial, Palatino or Helvetica, at least .75 inch margins on all sides, consistent style throughout. Check the page breaks. Use the word processor’s formatting features (tabs, tables, indents, etc.) rather than rely on the space bar.

Objective or Summary

There’s been debate among resume experts about the relative merits of an “objective” statement versus a “summary” statement. Use a summary statement:

1. Most people are somewhat flexible when it comes to considering employment opportunities. However, a good objective statement is not flexible – it’s written specifically to say, “this is what I want.” Unless you are only willing to take a position that meets your specified objective, such a statement is limiting.
2. However, in this day of word-processed resumes, it is easy to craft a new objective for each different job. So why not? Because if your “objective” can change so easily, it is not really an objective, and there’s a better alternative to compromising your integrity.
3. A memorable summary statement can serve as a mnemonic to help the recruiter remember you – as well as your ability to describe gritty reality (you) in glorious intangibles.

“Memorable” is a key word; a summary statement that sounds like every other summary statement is worse than useless. As bland as resumes often are, part of the point of writing one is to sound different. A good rule of thumb is three or four lines. If it’s longer than that, it’s no longer a “summary.” Put it in the cover letter.
Tips for a good summary statement: no more than four lines; use accurate bold and descriptive language; don’t use the redundant “senior HR executive;” use phrases such as “recognized as…” or “demonstrated expertise” to imply an external perspective.

Activities, Accomplishments and Business Results

For at least ten years, professionals in Human Resources have talked about being a strategic partner. The language in many HR resumes, however, frequently says nothing about the business. To write a resume that shows a real partnership, look at each of your statements:

1. Does it describe the business purpose for which the activity was undertaken, or accomplishment achieved? For example, consider: “Conducted salary surveys.” This speaks to familiarity with compensation, but does little to convey a proactive sense of business connection. Instead, write: “Improved effectiveness of hiring program for key technical positions by recommending market-appropriate revisions to the salary range.”
2. Does it put the business result first? Doing so consistently reveals your business focus.
3. Can it be combined with another statement under a broader business goal? When you start thinking from a business perspective, it’s often easy to consolidate.
4. Does it put you to sleep? Instead of lists of bullets, put your accomplishment in business context.
5. Behavioral interviewers who want to hear about a Situation, Action and Result will appreciate your use of a shortened version of this approach in your resume.
6. Are you enthusiastic about the point you’ve written? If not, eliminate it, consolidate it with another item, or rewrite it in a broader context, since the hiring manager may use your resume to interview you. You will be much more successful in the interview if your resume leads to questions about experiences that you can be enthusiastic about.

If you monitor each of the statements in your resume from these perspectives, and make appropriate revisions, your resume will read significantly better.

Other tips: consider saying something descriptive about the company in the context of your role, for example, “…..for this 600 person software development company;” accept credit for efforts of team in which you played an active part – you can clarify if needed in the interview.

Education

Keep it simple. Like your experience, start with your most recent degree first, then other degrees, certifications and training. If you are currently enrolled in a degree program, list it first, clearly stating that it is “in progress”. DO NOT give an expected graduation date more than six months in the future. Including dates of graduation is generally a bad idea for HR jobs, because age is normally not a bona fide occupational qualification.

Important Considerations

If you send your resume as a Word attachment, use the form, “firstname lastname resume.doc.” That identifies your one and only resume for the recruiter.
Some people recommend a “keyword” section to help search engines identify your skill set. Include this at the end of the resume. Only use keywords that are actually relevant.

Conclusion

These tips can help you sound like the business-focused HR professional you are. Just take your current resume, put it into a reverse chronological format, think about the business purpose behind each bullet, reframe it, consolidate points where possible, and then think up a true and wonderful summary description that will make someone want to meet you. Good luck.