Now that we’ve gotten the aesthetics out of the way, the next thing to decide is the format for your resume. There are three types being used today and you have to decide which one is the best for your situation. You may also have more than one type of resume depending on the position you are applying for.
I’ll discuss each type of resume briefly here:
Chronological:
This is the traditional style of resume that lists your professional experience chronologically, starting with your most recent position. The majority of resumes are written in this format, and this is also the format most employers are accustomed to seeing. This style is particularly effective in the following cases:
- You have professional experience in the position you are applying for.
- You can demonstrate measurable results from the employer’s work activities (for example, “Marketed departmental events, resulting in 50% increase in attendance.”)
- You’ve held impressive job titles, and/or have worked for big-name employers.
Functional:
This style of resume became popular in the 70’s and 80’s but is still viewed skeptically by some employers. It summarizes your professional “functions” or experience and avoids or minimizes your employment history. Just be aware that employers are used to seeing chronological resumes so make sure you have a definite reason for selecting a functional resume format. This format is often used in the following cases:
- “Older workers”, since it minimizes dates
- “Career changers”, since it outlines transferable work skills
- Recent graduates who don’t have a lot of professional experience in their field, but DO have relevant coursework or training
- “Returning employees” after an absence from the workforce since it minimizes dates
- You want to emphasize skills you have that haven’t been used in recent work experiences
Combination:
The combination resume uses the best components of the chronological and functional styles. More recently, the combination resume has included accomplishments under each position or function rather than simply outlining duties and responsibilities. This style allows for flexibility in designing a strong sales tool. Again, since employers are used to a reverse chronological format, consider this style when:
- Each position you held involved a different job description
- You have held internships or volunteer positions that directly relate to the position you are applying for
Next time, I’ll talk about the ever important Job Objective. You may be surprised by how much it’s changed since you last wrote a resume.
Until then,
