Michael P. is ready to modernize his resume. He writes, “I’ve been using the same resume style for the past 10 years – a chronological style. Are there any new resume formats I should use?”

My response: Much has changed in ten years – today’s resumes are aggressively written personal marketing tools, strategically positioning candidates to be chosen for interviews. For the most impact, your resume should be driven by accomplishments instead of job descriptions. Your resume should also have an abundance of industry keywords, as many companies are storing resumes electronically and you need keywords to get found in an applicant search.

Instead of a strictly chronological resume, consider creating a combination resume that incorporates a Qualifications Summary. Your summary describes your top credentials and entices hiring managers to learn more about you. Feel free to email me if you have additional questions on how to modernize your resume.