What’s the Best Resume Format for Me?

Chronological, Functional, and Combination are the most common formats to a resume. With all these choices how do you know which one is right for you? To market yourself to the fullest read the following to determine when to use each format!

Chronological: A chronological resume is a traditional resume that begins with listing your most recent experience. This style is most effective for individuals who have quality work and employment. The chronological resume shows past employers and titles that are notable. It draws attention to promotions and other elevation in your work history.

• Pro: This resume matches your work history to your skills and abilities because the employer is able to see exactly where you got each skill from and how long you have been using it!

• Con: If you do not have that practical experience, then it will draw attention to that. Your work history may not have relevant experience. Not to worry! A Functional or Combined resume style may be right just right for you!

• TIP: This resume style works best for those individuals with work experience in the field of the job they are applying for.

Functional: In the functional resume style skills and qualifications are categorized by function. These are the most effective in stressing skills established through a non-work experience (volunteer, class, etc.). A functional resume is easier to navigate around overlapping work and allows you to use experiences that have been gained in the classroom; after all we do spend a significant amount of time there and are learning a great deal! A functional resume is used when applying for a position in which you have no direct experience.

• Pro:This style highlights all your skills you have to offer an employer even if it was gained through a non-relevant experience. Oh the wonders of transferable skills!

• Con: This does not tell the employer what skills were gained from each of the specific positions held. However, if you have one or two positions that pertain to the field you are entering and would still like to highlight those great skills you have from other places check out the Combination resume!

• TIP: Students commonly use this resume style because of the skills and information learned through school and the number of part-time jobs. Many of the positions held may not relate to your field of choice but you will be surprised the skills that can transfer over! Remember those volunteer opportunities and the number of skills and abilities taken away from them!

Combination: The combination resume merges the two prior formats, catering to your skills. It is used when the employer needs your work history and related skills. This format is good when your most recent work is not your most relevant.

• Pro: It still allows you to include certain positions in full detail while still including the skills from class, volunteer, or other unrelated positions.

• Con: An employer may not know exactly where the skills were gained from, but after all the resume is to get you the interview where you can answer any questions they may have!

• Tip: When you have held jobs that are not related to the position or field but you had one great internship that is related to the position a combination resume would be great. You are able to give details about the internship and still include all the skills from your past jobs and experiences.
  

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