Most employees know how to format a standard resume. After all, most workers will have submitted a resume when they first applied for the jobs they hold. When asked to create an internal resume, though, many workers find themselves lost. Internal resume formats are generally quite different from the formats used by workers in search of a new job opportunity. That is because internal resumes are often used for business reporting purposes, and as a way for companies bidding on projects to demonstrate the experience and dedication of their staff members.

Use Preferred Format
Before responding to the request for an internal resume, check with your manager about what type of format to use. In many cases, companies will provide a standard resume format for internal resumes. When a standard resume format is available, it is important to follow that format to the letter. If the resume format dictates that company-specific and industry-specific experience and training be listed first, do not intersperse information from other jobs you have held. If no standard format exists, check with your human resources department to see if one can be developed. In the meantime, pull a copy of your standard resume and start listing your experience and training.

List Relevant Experience
When companies ask for an internal resume, they are generally most interested in the job- and industry-related experience their workers hold. For instance, a pharmaceutical or scientific research company might want to know about the patents their engineers and scientists hold and any inventions they have created during their tenure. A software company might be most interested in the type of software their programmers use the most. Start your internal resume by listing the experience you have that relates most closely to the job you do every day. If the resume format allows, continue by listing your other experience and qualifications.

Verify Your Information
For many workers, college ended years ago, and the details of that college career can become a bit fuzzy. That is why it is so important for workers to verify any information before putting it on the internal resume. Many companies have processes in place to review a random sample of internal resumes and verify the educational and degree information listed there. The purpose of this process is to catch workers who lied about their qualifications to get their jobs, but if you do not list your own degree dates and titles accurately, you might get caught up in the next sweep.