4 Major Types of Conventional Resume Formats

What are the Different Types of Conventional Resume Formats?

This article defines the significance of a resume and provides details on different generally accepted resume format and types

When it comes to applying for jobs, your resume is the first chance that you have to make a first impression. This document can be considered as your proxy in the corporate world. That is to say that resume is your advertisement. As such, it’s important to decide which type of "ad″  ̶  in this case, resume format  ̶  you will use in your job application. However, when deciding which type of resume to use, you have to think about your personal circumstances.

In addition, depending on the type of job you are applying to, there are several basic types of resumes you can use to apply for job openings. Each resume type is useful for different purposes because not all resumes are befitting the requirements of all professions.

Also since no two persons have the exact same background of experience, skills and education, no two resumes are exactly alike. To this end, there are generally four main types of resume templates that you can use to show your qualifications and apply to job openings. The four standard types of resumes include

1. Functional,                 2. Chronological,

3. Combination, and      4. Targeted.

Below is detailed information on each type of resume, including when to use each.

1. Functional Resume

Functional resume focuses on your skills rather than your work history. Instead of having a “work history” section at the top of your resume, you should have a section that lists various skills that you have developed over the years. These skills should be targeted to the job you are applying for. Employment history is secondary, and might not be included at all or might be listed concisely under the details of your skills.

A functional resume also helps you highlight your achievements in a better understood manner if you have worked in several companies in the same position. This type of resume is a great way to focus on the skills that you have that would help to distinguish you from the other applicants.

When to use: You may want to choose the functional resume if you are changing careers to a field very different from your previous experience or you have large gaps in your work history. This is also a good type of resume to use for first time job hunters (new graduate). It is also useful if you are new to the workforce and have limited work experience or have a diverse background with no clear career path

2. Chronological Resume

A chronological resume is a resume which starts by listing your work history, with the most recent position listed first and continuing in reverse order to the earliest. Employers typically prefer this type of resume because it provides a quick snapshot of work history and accomplishments, with most recent positions up front. A chronological resume is the most common type of resume that people use.

This resume format is good for demonstrating growth in a single profession. To give potential employers a sense of the kind of work you have done in the past and what you are capable of doing, key accomplishments and qualifications are included in each position listed.

When to use: If you have a strong and solid work history, your experience is in line with the job you are applying to, and you have no lapses between employments, use this format. Chronological resumes benefit people who have progressed in their professional life. If you are just starting your career (just out of school), or if you are changing career fields, you should consider a different resume type.

3. Combination Resume

The combination resume is also called hybrid resume. Combination or hybrid resume lets you detail both your skills and experience, while also backing it up with your work history. In other words, the combination resume is actually a good a combination of the best parts of a functional resume and a chronological resume. This type of resume lists your skills and experiences first at the top. The next part to this resume is a list of your work history in reverse chronological order.

However, the work history is not the focus of the resume, and typically does not take up much space on the resume. This type of resume allows you to highlight the skills you have that are relevant to the job you are applying for (what makes you the best fit for the job), and also provide your chronological work history. Combination resume helps you to give the employer all the information he or she wants.

When to use: It is recommended for mid-career changers and recent graduates. Also if you want to detail work experience to show hiring managers the type of employee you are.

4. Targeted Resume

A targeted resume is a resume customized to specifically showcase the skills and experience you have that are relevant to the position you are applying for. Everything from your objective, your qualifications to educational experience mirrors the job requirements.  This resume is the most difficult type to use because you need to update it or change the skills that you focus on for each individual job that you apply for.

It is the most time-consuming and it definitely takes more work than just applying with your existing resume. However, it's well worth the effort, especially when applying for job that is a perfect match for your qualifications and experience.

When to use: If the jobs perfectly match your experience and qualifications. However, you have to be careful when developing a targeted resume, you need to be as accurate as possible and not to embellish career highlights simply to reflect the job. 

Wrapping Up

A great resume will get you to the top of the applicant pile. But the first step that you need to take is to choose the type of resume you will write for yourself that will best fit the job you are applying to. It is good that you now know that all resumes are not the same basic template. Thus, you can now begin to write your job winning resume. To Your Success!