Reworking my resume - which format do you use?

[Tradd]

I'm in the midst of reworking my resume, with the help of several friends. I just thought I'd ask others who are currently in the job market or handle resumes a lot on the job:

What format are you seeing a lot of and what do you prefer (for current HR/management folks)?

I've been using the same narrative format for something like 12 years. It definitely needed updating. The friends who are helping told me to go to bullet points, and get rid of my street address, keeping email address/mobile number only (and marking it as a mobile number). However, since I may be applying for out of state jobs, I might have a second version with address.

Thanks!

[SteveinMN]

However, since I may be applying for out of state jobs, I might have a second version with address.
I might rethink that.

The purpose of a resume is to get you an interview. Are the positions for which you're applying likely to come with company-paid relocation? I know that's getting harder to find outside of executive positions, so you likely will be relocating yourself. If you're willing to do that, then the fact that you currently live out of state is of no matter to a prospective employer. However, someone going through lots of resumes for a position will be looking for easy filters to apply so they can knock out resumes right away. "Out of state" is a very easy filter to apply -- even if it knocks you out of a job that otherwise you'd be qualified to interview for. Email addresses and mobile-phone numbers do not give away one's location so readily.

[Tradd]

I might rethink that.

The purpose of a resume is to get you an interview. Are the positions for which you're applying likely to come with company-paid relocation? I know that's getting harder to find outside of executive positions, so you likely will be relocating yourself. If you're willing to do that, then the fact that you currently live out of state is of no matter to a prospective employer. However, someone going through lots of resumes for a position will be looking for easy filters to apply so they can knock out resumes right away. "Out of state" is a very easy filter to apply -- even if it knocks you out of a job that otherwise you'd be qualified to interview for. Email addresses and mobile-phone numbers do not give away one's location so readily.

Company paid relocation would be rare. I'm just thinking along the lines of interview scheduling. I can't just pop over tomorrow for an interview. Would need at least a bit of notice.

[sweetana3]

Tradd, I would not sell myself short on what you could get for those little three letters. It might be that the perfect company NEEDS you and your knowledge and those 3 letters and relocation for a single employee who does not own a home is peanuts. Never know for sure.

[Yossarian]

I see a lot of resumes, but I can't recall any without an address. Unless you are absolutely desperate for an extra line I'd leave it on there.

[pinkytoe]

I am looking at large batches of resumes right now for an open positon at work (mid-levelish). I am not actually selecting the candidate but am pulling it down to the top 12. After the first 50 or so, the mind begins to numb unless something just pops out at you. Address is a filter of sorts since it is easier to get local candidates in - but not an absolute. Format - something a little bit different but not bizarre. Something that makes it easier to find visually? The letter of interest is always my first go to in narrowing the field. The resume itself is just backup as a persuasive letter catches one's interest first.

[Tradd]

Tradd, I would not sell myself short on what you could get for those little three letters. It might be that the perfect company NEEDS you and your knowledge and those 3 letters and relocation for a single employee who does not own a home is peanuts. Never know for sure.

Sweetana, I'm not going to sell myself short, but I am most definitely practical. In my industry, paid relocation is almost always reserved for top management, such as branch managers, and then often only if the employee is transferring between branches of the same company.