What's the best resume template for your industry?

Your resume is your first impression on a potential employer, so you want to make sure it showcases your skills, achievements, and fit for the role. But how do you choose the best resume template for your industry? Different industries have different expectations, preferences, and standards for resume formats, layouts, and content. In this article, we'll help you find the best resume template for your industry by covering the following topics:

1 The three main types of resume templates

There are three main types of resume templates: chronological, functional, and hybrid. Chronological resumes list your work experience in reverse chronological order, highlighting your career progression and achievements. Functional resumes focus on your skills and abilities, rather than your work history, and are useful for career changers, gaps in employment, or entry-level positions. Hybrid resumes combine elements of both chronological and functional resumes, balancing your skills and experience in a relevant way.

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Larry Robbin

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I think this approach misses the mark of what makes a resume effective. The most important thing about a resume is not the format or content. The most important thing is how it gets to the hiring authority. An average resume that is given to the hiring authority by a person they know and trust will beat out a great resume that comes without that connection. Social capital is what makes a great resume. In my experience about 70% of hiring is done through referrals and not from resumes being sent to an employer without any connection to the employer. If you are going to look at what is important in a resume, look at how it gets to the employer

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2 How to choose the best resume template for your industry

The best resume template for your industry depends on several factors, such as the level of formality, the type of skills required, the degree of competition, and the ATS compatibility. Generally, chronological resumes are preferred for industries that value experience, stability, and results, such as finance, law, or engineering. Functional resumes are suitable for industries that emphasize creativity, innovation, or transferable skills, such as marketing, design, or education. Hybrid resumes are versatile and can work for industries that require a mix of skills and experience, such as IT, sales, or healthcare.

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3 How to customize your resume template for your industry

When selecting the best resume template for your industry, you must customize it to make it stand out and match the job requirements. To do so, you should use keywords and phrases that are relevant to your industry and the job posting. Additionally, a professional and readable font, color, and style should be used to match your industry and the company culture. Furthermore, you should use bullet points, headings, and white space to organize your resume and make it easy to scan. Numbers, metrics, and achievements should be used to quantify your impact and demonstrate your value. Action verbs and specific examples should be used to show how you solved problems or improved performance. Lastly, proofread your resume for spelling, grammar, and formatting errors before sending it.

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4 How to test your resume template for your industry

Before submitting your resume, it's important to test it to ensure it meets the expectations and standards of your industry and the employer. You can use tools like Jobscan or Resume Worded to check how well your resume matches the job posting and ATS criteria, while Hemingway or Readable can help you simplify language, avoid passive voice, and reduce jargon or cliches. Canva or Enhancv can also be used to check the visual appeal and design of your resume. Additionally, you should ask for feedback from someone in your industry or a career coach, who can provide honest and constructive advice on how to improve your resume and tailor it to your industry.

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5 How to update your resume template for your industry

Your resume is not a document that should remain stagnant, but rather one that should be updated regularly. Whenever you gain new skills, certifications, or awards that are relevant to your industry and the jobs you are applying for, complete a new project or task that showcases your value and impact in your industry, change your career objective or target role, or discover new keywords, trends, or best practices in your industry, you should update your resume template for your industry. Doing so will ensure that your resume is always current, pertinent, and effective.

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6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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What's the best resume template for your industry?

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1 The three main types of resume templates

2 How to choose the best resume template for your industry

3 How to customize your resume template for your industry

4 How to test your resume template for your industry

5 How to update your resume template for your industry

6 Here’s what else to consider

Job Search Strategies

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What's the best resume template for your industry?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 The three main types of resume templates

2 How to choose the best resume template for your industry

3 How to customize your resume template for your industry

4 How to test your resume template for your industry

5 How to update your resume template for your industry

6 Here’s what else to consider

Job Search Strategies

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