By Mary-Margaret Walker with Ellen Guon Beeman
I joined LinkedIn years ago… one of the first 100,000 original members… because I saw the immediate value. Late last year, I noticed for the first time that LinkedIn believes in the same job title approach that I do… they just do it vertically, as that reads better for a website. In a resume, though, we do this horizontally.
When you’re updating your resume, you want to make sure that it’s tight, clear, and upsells you well. And the most important part of your resume is your previous job history and relevant experience. You want to make this something that stands out clearly, and is easily and quickly understood by prospective hiring managers.
Here’s the format that we recommend…
Job title – Company – Company Location (optional) – Dates of Employment
Do this as one line, bolded across the top of each position with the separation punctuation of your choice (usually commas).
Why this order?
- Job Title: The most important piece of information is the job you are currently doing. The hiring manager needs to know this instantly… are you qualified for their job? The job title can answer this question for you in one glance.
- Name of Company: The second most important piece of information is where did you do it.
- Location: Not as important but it gives hiring professionals a general idea of where you live and have lived and if you are willing to relocate.
- Dates of Employment: This is uniquely important all by itself and by putting it at the end of the line it is easily found. The dates should be stated in years only. Leave off the months.
We can write much more about the art of the resume, and how a good resume can open new opportunities for you, but this is a good starting point. As always, be honest in your resume, think about what the hiring manager needs to know, and be positive about everything you’ve already accomplished!
