The Resume Formatting options

Formats for Resumes:
1. Chronological
Possible Headings: Experience, Education
Skills (computer, language), Activities

2. Functional or Skills
Possible Headings:
Experience, Education, Skills (computer, language),


PROFESSSIONAL EXPERIENCE

A media resume should begin with the job candidate’s media experience – especially jobs, internships or work on the campus newspaper – rather than the candidate’s education.

All experience that reflects your career goals, paid or unpaid.

Internships and your responsibilities at them

Paid volunteer positions that reflect your interests and skills, especially if you held a position


EDUCATION

GPA if 3.5 or above

Coursework and papers can be highlighted as a special subsection under Education. For instance, it helped get me in the door at CNN that I had taken Media Ethics and Media Law. For papers, you can give a one-sentence description of the length focus and scope of your paper or project (ex: Analyzed and compared journalistic styles in the Washington Post, Washingtonian magazine and Washington Business Journal”)

Awards and scholarships including Dean’s List, etc.

If you paid for your own education: Self-financed 100% of college expenses

Conferences or special meetings you've attended or participated in that have to do with the area of the job for which you are applying.

Conferences or special meetings you've attended or participated in that have to do with the area of the job for which you are applying


INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE

International experience, including semesters abroad and other significant travel experience. If you lived in another country or spent time overseas, this shows a broader range of experiences.


SKILLS

Computer programs you are proficient at using


ACTIVITIES (OR INTERESTS)

If you have any odd skills or abilities, you might consider putting that under "interests" or some other title like that. For instance, a high school has been the Alabama Chess Champ. While it might not directly relate to the jobs he is applying for, adding it to his resume indicates he’s smart, has a diversity of interests, an ability to disciple himself and it sets him apart.


REFERENCES

The cliché "references available upon request" is useless. Many managers would say if they want references, they will ask for them, since only finalists for a position will get asked. Just be ready to present them. Also, references takes up vital space, especially when it's just one page. Besides, when you are asked for references, it's a wonderful signal that you are truly being considered in the final batch for hire.

If you decide to include references, make a courtesy call and ask them if it is ok to use them as a reference. Tell them who might be calling and what skills you’d like to emphasize. Include their relationship to you, such as “former supervisor”. It’s good to have a letter of recommendation on file in case you are asked by prospective employers to provide them on short notice.


Sites to check:
Columbia School of Journalism
http://www.journalism.columbia.edu/cs/ContentServer/jrn/1175295263587/page/1175295282679/simplepage.htm