Resume Styles

Even though resumes have become a less important part of some job searches, there are still many styles or formats and many online resources that are free to help build a resume. Be sure to check with prospective employers if they require a resume.

This is an overview of some of the most-used styles. All styles include the same information, but each format presents the information in a different way.

 For examples of each type of Resume, click here.

Chronological Format

The Chronological format is the traditional style. Many employers expect this format. It is organized by date and job title and emphasizes whom you worked for, what you did, and when you did it. The Chronological format lists your work history in reverse order, beginning with your present job and working backwards.

Advantages:

• Most widely used and accepted.

• Useful for job search in the same or similar field.

• Shows growth, progression in one field or company.

• Demonstrates consistent work history.

• Particularly useful for more traditional fields, such as the military, government, finance or education.

Disadvantages:

Because this format emphasizes work history, it will draw attention to:

• A spotty work history.

• A mixed work history.

• Frequent career changes.

• Short work history (new graduate or inexperienced).

• Long absence from the job market.

Functional Format

The Functional format emphasizes major skills and accomplishments from your complete work history. Unlike the Chronological resume, the Functional format organizes the work history into two separate sections: (a) Skills and Accomplishments and (b) Reverse chronological work history describing company, job title and employment dates.

Advantages:

• Highlights your skills and accomplishments and can be focused easily to meet the qualifications of a job description.

• Is easily adapted to specific skill requirements for specialized positions.

• Highlights related accomplishments from educational history/or prior jobs

• Reduces emphasis on frequent career changes, a spotty work history or multiple, concurrent jobs.

• Accents strengths for those with little recent experience and are re-entering the work force.

Disadvantages:

• Emphasizes what you did, not when and where you did it.

• Limited number of functions demonstrated in your work history.

• Traditional companies prefer chronological or combination formats.

• Does not highlight professional growth, increasing responsibilities or promotions in your field or company.

Combination Format

The Combination format resume brings together the best of the Chronological and Functional styles. It highlights both accomplishments and history. It works well for those with over 10 years work experience.

Advantages:

• Can clearly present a lot of information in a short amount of space.

• Demonstrates progressive career development.

• Highlights job titles, company, responsibilities and accomplishments.

• Emphasizes related skills and accomplishments.

Disadvantages:

• Can be up to two pages.

• Takes more time to develop.