Types of Resume

Types Of Resumes

The chronological and functional resumes, or some combination of these two formats, are the standard types of resumes used by job seekers in today's employment market. To select the type which best supports your needs, review the following information. Many professional recruiters discount functional resumes and consider them as a "red flag", since many applicants use them to disguise a lack of experience or unstable work history.

Chronological Resume (Preferred)

In this type of resume, job history is organized chronologically with the most recent information first. Job titles and organizations are emphasized and duties and accomplishments are described in detail. A chronological
resume is easy to read, since it highlights names of employers and job titles, and emphasizes career growth. It is best suited to those whose career goals are clear and whose job objectives are aligned with their work history.

A chronological resume is advantageous when:

1. your recent employers and/or job titles are impressive;
2. you are staying in the same career field;
3. your job history shows progress;
4. you are working in a field where traditional job search methods are
utilized (e.g., education, government).

A chronological resume is disadvantageous when:

1. you are changing careers;
2. you have changed employers frequently;
3. you want to de-emphasize age;
4. you have been absent from the job market.

Functional Resume

Stay away from a function resume if at all possible. In a functional resume, skills and accomplishments developed through work, academic, and community experiences are highlighted. Your skills and potential can be stressed and lack of experience or possible gaps in work history de-emphasized. However, it is important to realize employers often view functional resumes more critically for these very same reasons.

The functional resume is advantageous when:

1. you want to emphasize capabilities not used in recent work experience;
2. you want to emphasize personal qualities relevant to the job such

as industriousness, cooperative attitude, related interests, and aptitudes;
3. you want to focus on capabilities rather than lengthy employment history;
4. you are changing careers/re-entering the job market;
5. your career growth in the past has not been continuous and progressive;
6. you have a variety of unrelated work experiences;
7. your work has been free-lance, consulting, or temporary in nature.


The functional resume is disadvantageous when:


1. you have little work experience;
2. you want to emphasize promotions and career growth;
3. you are working in highly traditional fields, such as teaching,

accounting, and politics, where employers should be highlighted.

Combination Resume

This format combines the best elements of the chronological and functional types. It presents patterns of accomplishments and skills in a section headed "Areas of Effectiveness" or "Qualifications Summary." But it also includes a brief work history and education summary. This format is advantageous for those who wish to change to a job in a related car