The more resumes you look at, the more confused you can get especially since there are so many different formats to choose from. Most people don’t realize that the format is one of the most important choices when writing a winning resume. Get this wrong and you could effectively be hiding your own career highlights from the reader. Show
The bad news is that you only get about 10 seconds attention from the person screening your resume so you best make a good first impression. The good news is that I have narrowed it down to only three formats worth considering. Here they are, complete with reasons why you should choose them and in what order the content should be in your resume. Chronological format:The chronological resume is the most used out there, it’s the employer’s favorite as it is very easy to read and it’s hard to hide anything in it. It works brilliantly when you have stayed consistent in your career. As long as the job you are applying for is in the same field, the full chronology will be relevant to the reader and therefore the focus is on your experience. Your employment history is actually in reverse chronological order and your current position will be at the top of the list. The chronological resume doesn’t work well when you have gaps or when you have shifted industries often, as it will expose your weak points.
Functional format:The functional format should be used when you want to draw attention away from your work experience due to job hopping, a very long career, a very short career, long gaps, re-entering the job market and so forth. The functional resume focuses on what you can do, what your achievements are and your core competence. This format is used by graduates, people seeking to change their career completely and anyone with employment gaps that don’t add any value to their experience. If you are looking to change industries, make sure to focus on transferable skills such as sales or people management. A word of warning; employers are known to raise their eyebrows when they see a functional resume so only use this format if you absolutely have to.
The combined formatThe combination format is exactly what it sounds like; it combines the chronological and functional formats to give you the best of both worlds. It allows you to use the tasty features from the functional resume but you can still fly in under the radar in the eye of the reader. Examples of people that can benefit from this would be someone wanting to change careers and has some relevant skills for the new field. It can also be useful when someone wants to pack more skills in than the work experience section allows for or would not bring out adequately.
5 housekeeping rules that apply to all formats:
Great, so which format do I use again?If you can, go with the chronological as it’s everyone’s favorite. If you are shifting careers and possibly have transferable skills, go combined. If you have a short career or big holes in your experience, go functional. Which format do you use and are you getting interviews? Let us know in the comments below! RELATED: What Is the Best Resume Font, Size and Format?
iStock.com/Tero Vesalainen
A good resumé calls attention to the skills and achievements that best fit the job you’re applying for. A well-written resumé can get you an interview.
The best type of resumé to showcase what you have to offer depends on your work history and the kind of work you’re applying for. To help find the right type resumé to use, check the box beside each sentence that is right for you:
If you check these 3 boxes then you need a chronological resumé.
If you check these 3 then you need a functional resumé.
If you check these 2 then you need a combination resumé. In some cases, a resumé is not what you need, and you should be writing a lengthy curriculum vitae, or CV, to land the job. But in most cases, you will use a resumé. Chronological resuméA chronological resumé lists your work, education, and training history in order from newest to oldest. Employers know this type of resumé well. It may be easier to write than the other types, especially if you have a steady work history. Advantages of a chronological resumé
Disadvantages of a chronological resumé
When to use a chronological resuméA chronological resumé may be best for:
Chronological resumé outline and examplesFunctional resuméA functional resumé highlights your skills and abilities instead of your work history. It arranges your abilities in skill groups directly related to the job you’re applying for. A functional resumé plays down any gaps in your work history, but it can be hard to write. Advantages of a functional resumé
Disadvantages of a functional resumé
When to use a functional resuméA functional resumé could be a good fit if you are:
Functional resumé outline and examplesCombination resuméA combination resumé first organizes your achievements in skill groups to show what you can bring to the job. Then it briefly outlines your work history. If your experience is not directly related to the job you want, this type of resumé is useful. It will draw attention to your skills and what you can do. Advantages of a combination resumé
Disadvantages of a combination resumé
When to use a combination resuméA combination resumé works well for balancing attention between your relevant skills and your work history. Combination resumé outline and examplesCurriculum vitaeA curriculum vitae (CV) is a longer, more comprehensive document than a resumé. It is always organized chronologically and can be up to 10 pages long. Advantages of a CV
Disadvantages of a CV
When to use a CVA resumé is usually the preferred document for applying to jobs in Canada. But you can use a CV if you are applying for graduate studies or professional programs, academic or executive-level positions, and professional association memberships or designations. A CV should be used only for these types of applications, or when requested by the employer. Choose the right resuméUse the resumé type that can best show the skills and training you have that fit the job you’re applying for. You can also ask an employer directly what type of resumé the organization likes to see. Call the organization’s main number and ask to speak to the human resources department or the hiring manager for the job you’re interested in. Whichever resumé type you choose, make sure it’s simple and short, free of mistakes, and easy to read. That’s the kind of resumé most likely to get you an interview.
Was this page useful? |