Lesson 16 — Activity 1:

Preparing Your Résumé



By this time in your high school career, you probably have had some experience in preparing for the workplace, including writing a résumé. In this activity, you will review some of the key points of résumé writing to polish your skills in this area.

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There are three main types of résumés:

  1. Chronological résumé — Chronological refers to time. A chronological résumé is written in chronological order to show your education and work experience. This résumé will start with what you are presently doing and work backwards. This type of résumé works well to show that you have a steady education and employment history.
  2. Functional résumé — A functional résumé shows your skills and abilities without linking them directly to your work experience. This type of résumé can be a good choice when you have limited employment experience or when there are gaps in your work experience.
  3. Combination résumé — As the name suggests, a combination résumé combines some of the features of the chronological résumé with some of the features of the functional résumé. It allows you to highlight your skills and abilities first, and then list your work experience.

Of the three types of résumés, the most common is the chronological résumé. This type of résumé is what most employers are familiar with. It is often the best choice for you to use when trying to showcase your work experience for possible employers.

A very helpful website for information and career planning is the Alberta Learning Information Service (ALIS) site at www.alis.gov.ab.ca.

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Click here to go to the ALIS website to view examples of the three types of résumés: chronological, functional, and combination. When you click the link, you will arrive at a page called "Résumé Types." Read the outline and three examples for each résumé type. Print a sample that appeals to you to use when you do the next assignment.

Now that you have reviewed the three types of résumé formats and looked at some examples, you will review your understanding of the common elements of résumés. Click here to go to the ALIS website to view the Résumé Checklist. Print a copy of the checklist to use when you do the next assignment.


Digging Deeper!

Click on the Play button below to watch a video on the five important tips to remember when writing your résumé.