Continuing with the theme of deconstructing ones resume, we last talked about the importance of grammar, syntax, and punctuation. Before submitting your resume, go over these three elements of writing with someone and make several edits of the resume. The organization and formatting of the resume is also important.

Organization refers to the placement of your sections in the resume from the header to the footer. Make sure you have your name, address, phone numbers, email address, and URL. A side note: Do not use your present company's URL. If you have purchased your domain name and have designed the page, include this in the header. Isn't this a great way to show recruiters your talent and skills?

Once you have that in place your next section would be the Objective, Professional, or Summary of Qualifications. Having your specific goal or brief summary at the top lets the reader know your intent of submitting the resume.

You would then follow-up with Employment, Education, Professional organizations and certificates. Depending on your recent employment or graduation status, you would flip-flop Education and Employment. Rounding out the resume sections would be Awards and Languages.

Formatting your resume would come down to your overall experience as a job seeker. If you are a stay at home mom coming back to the workforce, took a professional sabbatical, or were a missionary working abroad, a functional resume might be the way to go. The functional format allows readers to focus on your skills, knowledge, and abilities as opposed to the gaps there might be due to time off. Chronological is the one that is most used by job seekers starting with the most relevant experience and going back at least 10 years. Experiences between 10 to 15 years should be considered if it will add value to your resume.

As you gain more experience, you will have several versions of your resume. Keep them all and check to see how you have grown professionally in your industry or career.