Favorite resume templates?

[lhamo]

I need to update my resume and am struggling with the format. I don't really like how it turns out when I use strict chronological approach, so leaning toward a "combination" approach that puts major skills at the top, followed by the listing of previous positions. Does anybody have a link to a good template that they like, or useful on-line resources you have utilized when reworking your resume? Thanks for any leads or suggestions...

lhamo

[Mrs. Hermit]

I will be glad of any answers and suggestions, too. I am looking to re-enter the work force after 29 years of raising kids, and am trying to figure out the current resume process.

[Jilly]

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[fidgiegirl]

I think the purpose matters more . . . what is the reason for updating the resume? Making a conference proposal would be different than a US job search than a China-based job search, I would imagine . . .

[herbgeek]

I really like the approach of Liz Ryan who focuses on the unique value you bring, a human voiced resume. She has a linked in group, as well as a yahoo mailing list. You can find links on humanworkplace.com. I rewrote my resume with a different focus after reading through a bunch of her stuff- I found it narrowed the employers that would be attracted to my resume, but the ones who really liked my resume were the employers I would really like to work for. She focuses on your finding your power, and going into a job search with some mojo, and avoids the whole groveling aspect.

[lhamo]

I really like the approach of Liz Ryan who focuses on the unique value you bring, a human voiced resume. She has a linked in group, as well as a yahoo mailing list. You can find links on humanworkplace.com. I rewrote my resume with a different focus after reading through a bunch of her stuff- I found it narrowed the employers that would be attracted to my resume, but the ones who really liked my resume were the employers I would really like to work for. She focuses on your finding your power, and going into a job search with some mojo, and avoids the whole groveling aspect.

That sounds just like what I need! I should have explained that I'm not looking so much for a pre-existing template that I can plug my information into as inspiration for how to structure things. My skill set and career path are pretty atypical, so a lot of the standard resume advice doesn't seem to fit very well.

thanks for all the suggestions above, too. I'll check them out.

lhamo

[gimmethesimplelife]

This may not help Lhamo at all, due to differing skill sets, but my last resume? I did it in five minutes at Phoenix Workforce Development with their free to use and very very very simplistic resume writing software.....this is the resume that got me an interview to a five month job in Utah with a clean slate with a new company. So my advice - though likely not applicable for many here - don't stress to much about resume formats because you just don't ever really know.....I was AMAZED that I got a call for an interview at this point! Rob

[treehugger]

I'm a huge fan of the functional/skills/experienced-based resume, as opposed to the chronological-based type, and it sounds like this is what you are asking for. I know you aren't looking for templates, but it still might help you to look at examples. Google those terms and there are tons of hits.

What helped me the most the last time I was building a resume and looking for a job was to take a Job Search Strategies course (2 Saturdays) at my local junior college. Priceless assistance! This was 5 years ago though, so I don't have any up-to-date links or references to share.

Kara