Resume Formats

What are the Different Resume Formats and Which Type is Best for You?

There are several types of resume formats that can be used when applying for a job. The resume format that you choose depends on your skills, job experience, and education. Depending on your situation, the resume format you choose may be different from the traditional one. You can use one resume format or you can use a combination or resume formats to fit your needs.

Chronological Resume Format

The most common resume format is the chronological resume. This type of resume format accentuates your work history and is the best option for someone who has a lot of work experience in the field they are applying in. This resume format lists work experience from the most recent to the oldest and is readily accepted by employers because it is easy to see what type of jobs you have held. Although the chronological resume is the most common resume format, it may not be the best for you.

Functional Resume Format

Another resume format is the functional resume. This resume format differs from the chronological format because it puts more emphasis on skills and abilities than work history. The functional resume format is good for recent graduates and people without a lot of work history in the field they are applying in. If you are changing careers, have big gaps in work history, or none at all, the functional resume format is best for you. It is becoming more common and is a widely accepted resume format.

Combination Resume Format

If you want the best of both worlds, you should consider the combination resume format. This resume combines both types of resume, chronological and functional and puts the emphasis on whichever area is the strongest. Employers like this type of resume format because they can get a good idea of your work history as well as the skills and abilities you possess that make you a good candidate for the job. If you have a solid work history as well as many skills that are relevant to the job you are applying for, this is the type of resume for you.

Targeted Resume Format

If you want the best results, be sure to use a targeted resume format. Instead of writing one generic resume, the targeted resume format does just what it says; targets your resume to the specific job you are applying for. No matter which resume format you choose, be sure it is customized for the job and company you are applying for. There is no better resume format than the targeted format so be sure to incorporate it into your resume.

Resume Format

The resume format or resume style is the first decision you’ll probably have to make in writing your resume.

The decision about which resume format to use depends upon your situation. There are 3 main resume formats to consider – chronological, functional and the combination or hybrid.

Chronological Resume Format

The most often used resume format is the chronological work history, starting with the most recent job and going backwards in time. It’s traditional, conservative, and the one you should use if you have a consistent job history with reasonable amounts of time spent with each employer. Job hopping shows up quickly in this resume format.

Functional Resume Format

Inconsistent employment histories, job applicants wishing to change industries, people who’ve been out of the work force for a while such as mothers, or students who are just entering the work force may want to use the functional resume format. It details your skills, abilities and achievement without reference to work history. This resume format is not a favorite of human resource professionals, because they can’t see your work history. As a resume format, it is probably the least desirable choice to make.

Combination or Hybrid Resume Format

The combination or hybrid resume format gives you the best of both worlds. You can put a summary of your achievements, skills and talents right up front. Then you can do a chronological work history in the next section. This is the easiest resume format for the HR professional who must scan hundred of resumes. Because of that you get the most bang for your buck, so to speak. Pack it with action words, and achievements. If you are not sure how to do this go online and do a search. There are lists of action and power words on many different sites.

If you are in a highly technical field, then you’ll want to do more research on the specific resume format to use. Making it easy for the resume reader to see who you are and what you can do is the name of the game.

Resume Writing General Rules

Regardless of the resume format you decide upon, there are some general rules to follow in the completion of your resume. Make sure to leave lots of white space in the resume format. This will make it seem easier to read and thus more inviting to the reader. Check and recheck spelling, grammar and parallel construction (using the same tense in all descriptions, using the same form of the verb in action words, using periods and commas consistently and being consistent with the use of capitals.

Free Resume Format

Picking the Best Free Resume Format

If you are looking for the best format for your resume, you will find tons of free resume formats on the internet. Picking which free resume format is the best for you can be as hard as writing the resume it’s self. There are a few things you should consider when choosing a free resume format including your skills, work history, and the type of job you are applying for.

The basic free resume formats are chronological and functional. Depending on your circumstances, the free resume format you choose may be either chronological, functional, a blend of the two, or a completely different format altogether.

Free Resume Format, Chronological

The most common free resume format is the chronological format. This format lists work history in descending order (most recent to oldest) and put the emphasis on skills attained form work experience and the length of time in a particular field. The chronological format is a good free resume format if you have a lot of work experience. Employers will be able to see that you have been dedicated to the field and have gained a lot of knowledge and experience.

Free Resume Format, Functional

Another common free resume format is the functional format. This format puts the emphasis on your skills and qualifications that do not necessarily come from job experience. Any job experience will be listed along with other qualifications that make the candidate ideal for the position applied for. This free resume format is good for people with little work experience in general or little work experience in the particular field they are applying in. The functional format is more about what you have learned that qualifies you for the job rather than what jobs you have had similar to the job you are applying for.

Free Resume Format, Combination

Many people benefit from a free resume format that is a combination of both of these common formats. Listing your relevant employment, skills, qualifications, and abilities would be considered a combination of the two formats. You can find many free resume formats that are a combination of the two and they will show you how to utilize the benefits of both types. Including all the information you can that is specific to the job you are applying for is important, and will give your resume a greater impact.

The free resume format you choose will depend on your work history and abilities. If you have a strong work background in your field, a chronological resume is the best bet. If you have little or no work experience, a functional resume is best. For those with a combination of work experience and skills, a combination of both free resume formats is ideal.