Career Services - Penn State Altoona - Penn State University

TYPES OF RESUMÉS
This packet includes copies of a few sample resumés to help you create your resumé with its own unique format.
Chronological and functional resumés are two formats to consider.
Chronological
This format is used by traditional students who are transitioning from college into the workforce. Present education
is listed first, followed by present and previous work experience. Most recent jobs are listed first and then previous
job experiences are listed (reverse chronological order). Under each entry, use verb phrases to show skills gained
through experience. This is an appropriate format if you have experience directly related to your career goal.
Functional
This format is used by career changers and students with many years of professional experience to explain their
experience using major skill headings, while job titles, employers, and dates are listed separately. This type of
resumé is especially useful when your work experiences are not directly related to your career objective but shows
that you have obtained transferable skills.
TOP RESUMÉ QUESTIONS ANSWERED
Is it better to use a pre-formatted template or blank Microsoft Word document when writing my resumé
Using a blank Microsoft Word document is preferred over the use of a pre-formatted template for several reasons.
Blank Word documents offer greater flexibility and more effective space usage when formatting pages, whereas
templates can be more restrictive and limiting. Also, a Word document resumé provides individualized stylistic
formatting options. Pre-formatted templates are easy to spot and they allow little room for uniqueness.
Where do I include my study abroad experience
Study abroad experiences are best included within the Education section of your resumé. Such information should
be formatted in a manner that is consistent with the other items found within that section (see sample on page 8 for
format). However, if you completed an internship or other related experience while studying abroad, you may choose
to further elaborate on that opportunity as part of the Experience section of your resumé.
How important is it for me to list my GPA
Many organizations and graduate schools use GPA as a criterion for identifying viable candidates to continue
through the application process. If your cumulative or major GPA is a 3.0 or above, it is beneficial to list it.
Are summer work experiences important in a professional resumé
Summer and/or part-time work experiences can serve to demonstrate a variety of important skill sets that you have
developed, which adds breadth to your resumé. Transferable skill sets that employers seek include leadership,
teamwork, diversity appreciation, interpersonal savvy, organization, problem-solving, communication, strong work
ethic, analytical, initiative, technological, adaptability, detail-oriented, self-confidence, tactfulness, creativity,
strategic planning, and entrepreneurial.
3 • Resumes and Cover Letters