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Many job seekers get so focused on the main points of their resume, they overlook one of the most crucial decisions they have to make: Format.

There are no resume guidelines that are set in stone with regards to format. However, there are a number of formats that have a proven track record of success for admin positions and jobs in almost every other career.

The traditional format is based around listing an employment history in reverse-chronological order – starting with the most recent experience. Instead of focusing on work history, the functional resume format focuses on the job seeker’s skills and experiences. Some professionals use a hybrid format that focuses equally on work history and skills.

Below is a breakdown of each resume format and suggestions on which one you should use the next time you are seeking an admin position.

Traditional Format

A resume that focuses on work history is known as a “traditional resume” because it’s the most popular format, and therefore, it’s the one that hiring personnel are most familiar with. Research shows the average hiring manager looks at any given resume for 12 seconds or less. Therefore, using a familiar-looking resume means valuable seconds of viewing time won’t be wasted trying to figure out where useful information is located.

If you’re an experienced admin professional, the traditional format is the one for you. This format is the best way to showcase all your experience and achievements in the field. Since you’re a seasoned professional, you don’t need to emphasize your admin skills. Hiring managers reading your work history will quickly get a sense of your skill set by simply looking at the positions you’ve held.

Functional Format

A functional resume concentrates more on abilities acquired as opposed to work history. Functional resumes generally spotlight a handful of essential areas of experience, as well as list responsibilities and achievements for each area of experience. These skill groupings ought to be specifically defined, such as “clerical skills” or “communication skills,” and loaded with plenty of context, in addition to focused on the admin job you are seeking.

A functional format does include a work history, but this section is usually listed at the bottom of the page and in an abbreviated form that only includes the names of employers and dates of employment.

You should consider using this format if you’re a recent graduate with little work history, if you have large gaps in employment, or if you’re switching to a career in administration.

Hybrid Format

A Hybrid format puts a dual focus on both work history and abilities. This format can be effective for people who have relevant admin experience in the past, but not an admin career, per se. For instance, maybe you managed a retail store during your college years, but pursued a career in the financial industry afterward.

At Action Group Staffing, we regularly consult with job seekers on the best way to write a resume for their particular needs. If you’re currently looking for assistance in your job search, please contact us today.


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