A traditional resume is a one- or two-page document that lists your work experience, skills and education in chronological order. This type of resume is most commonly used by people who have a steady work history and clear career progression.
If you have a solid work history and are looking to showcase your skills and experience in a straightforward way, then a traditional resume may be the right choice for you. Keep reading to learn more about how to write a traditional resume.
When to Use a Traditional Resume?
There are a few situations when a traditional resume makes sense:
- You have a steady work history with no significant gaps.
- You are looking for a job in the same field or industry as your previous experience.
- You want to showcase your career progression in a clear and concise way.
- You have few or no job-related skills to highlight.
You do not want to call attention to any issues in your employment history, such as frequent job changes or lengthy periods of unemployment.
If any of the above describes you, then a traditional resume may be the best option. Let’s take a closer look at how to write one.
How to Write a Traditional Resume?
A traditional resume should be clear and concise, listing your work experience and skills in chronological order. Here are a few tips to keep in mind when writing your traditional resume:
Start with your contact information, including your name, address, phone number and email address.
Include a brief summary of your professional qualifications. This can be a one- or two-sentence overview of your most relevant skills and experience.
List your work history in reverse chronological order, starting with your current or most recent job. Include the company name, job title, dates of employment and a brief description of your responsibilities for each role.
If you have gaps in your employment history, consider using a functional resume format instead.
Include a section on your education, listing the schools you attended and any degrees or certificates you earned.
If you have any relevant job-related skills, include them in a separate section. This can include computer skills, foreign language proficiency or other useful abilities.
Finally, proofread your resume carefully to ensure there are no grammar or spelling errors. You may also want to have someone else take a look at it to catch any mistakes you may have missed.
Now that you know how to write a traditional resume, you can get started on putting together your own. Just remember to keep it clear, concise and free of any errors, and you’ll be on your way to landing the job you want.
