The Newsletter Format
Also called a vertical or columnar format, the newsletter format follows a two- or three-column layout (four columns generally look too busy). Visual distinction is the hallmark of a newsletter format. Accordingly, it is most appropriate for professions that appeal to the senses (television, advertising, graphic design). It can also be used for disciplines such as sales and customer service. Be cautious about using this format if you’re in a very conservative field or pursuing management positions.
The content can be written in either traditional business style or newspaper style. Résumé earlier (Steve Horstman Resume) illustrates the newspaper style. Layout is a matter of mastering the column function on your word-processing program.
Some Newsletter Formats That Worked
Just a moment ago I cautioned you against using a newsletter format for management positions. Nonetheless, the following example (see Résumé below) of a two-column newsletter format worked well for this loss-prevention manager because it “buried” his current employment (in an industry unrelated to his career goal) at the bottom left of the page and accented his strongest selling points at the visual center of the page (his position as vice president of safety management).
The résumé of Jennifer (below), a new graduate, illustrates a three-column format. Note the dotted line under category headings to help set off new sections.
Maude Marvalla’s résumé (see below) uses the double-column layout to showcase some impressive excerpts from letters of appreciation.
Point
Visually appealing. Reflects a creative mindset. Distinguishes you from the dozens/hundreds of other candidates applying for the same job.
Pitfalls
- Not well received in traditionally conservative settings (such as government, public accounting, or legal).
- Until résumé-scanning software masters the recognition of columns, this format is akin to dropping paragraphs into a food processor. Your keyword phrases may come out as alphabet soup.
