Resume Formats & Styles

Resume Formats

There are three types of resume formats you may choose to use.  All three are valid.  

	Chronological
	Functional
	Combination

Chronological resumes consist of a Heading, Objective, Summary, Work History, Additional Skills (this one is optional), Additional Experience (this one is also optional), and Education.

Functional resumes consist of a Heading, Objective, Summary, Skills, and Education (this one is optional).  Note that there is no mention of work history on a functional resume.

Combination or Functional Combination resumes consist of a Heading, Objective, Summary, Skills, Work History, and Education.  On a Combination resume the Work History becomes merely a listing of job titles, companies, locations, and years worked.  All skills and accomplishments are included under either Skills or Summary.

Which One Should  You Choose?  

The Chronological format works well if you are staying in the same career field, you have an unbroken employment record, and a record of steadily increasing responsibilities reflected in your job titles (e.g. Supervisor, Manager, Engineer Assistant, Design Engineer, Senior Industrial Engineer). This format lists your work history chronologically, from most recent position back through the last 10 to 12 years.

The Functional format works well for marketing or networking purposes.  No dates or work history are given on a functional resume, which will leave questions in the minds of most hiring managers. There is an automatic assumption that you are trying to cover vast gaps in your work history.  However, this format works well as a marketing or networking tool in situations where you wish to generate interest but not give out personal information, such as your work history.

The Combination resume works well if making a career change, OR if you have gaps in your employment history, OR if you are a contractor.  A combination resume highlights your skills first, then a brief work history.

A Combination format will be especially useful if your relevant skills are not immediately obvious when someone looks at your chronological work history (e.g. Project Manager, Project Manager, Senior Project Manager, Senior Project Manager).

Combination resumes have gained steadily in popularity throughout the last ten years.  You will find that many hiring managers feel that the Combination with its emphasis on skills gives them a better idea of the problem-solving abilities of the candidate, while many human resources professional and recruiters will insist on the Chronological format.

You may choose to develop resumes for varying purposes using any of the three formats.  The more you work with your resume, the more you will be challenged to discover about yourself.   A resume should be seen as an organic document which changes over time as you change, reflecting NOT what you have done, but what you can do.  

Employers are looking for an indication of your abilities and how those abilities can work for them, do your skills match the job requirements, can you bring something unique which will benefit them NOW.

Sample Resumes  

Within the three basic resume format types, there are a large number of format style variations accepted.  Take a look at some sample resumes in the different formats:

	Chronological #1 (recruiter)
	Chronological #2 (software technician)
	Chronological #3 (nurse/medical)
	Chronological #4 (administrative support - accounting)
	Chronological #5 (airline/travel industry)
	Chronological #6 (accounts payable / computer operations)
	Chronological #7 (administrative support)
	Chronological #8 (self-employed)
	Chronological #9 (mixed employment background)
	Chronological #10 (sales & marketing support)
	Chronological #11 (graphic arts)
	Functional #1 (re-entering work force)
	Functional #2 (highlighting skills, no dates)
	Functional Combination #1 (held several positions using various skills)
	Functional Combination #2 (industry transition)
	Functional Combination #3 (held same position for over 15 years)
	Functional Combination #4 (held same position for over 15 years)
	Functional Combination #5 (skills version of Chronological Sample #5)
	Functional Combination #6 (clerical skills)
	Functional Combination #7 (out of work force for over 15 years)
	Functional Combination #8 (marketing and communications)
	Functional Combination #9 (art instructor)

Resume Styles

Resumes, like other products representing ourselves (hairstyles, clothing, accessories), go through style changes.  There are fads in resume writing, just as there are in fashion.  Remember the many colors of paper used for resumes back in the 1980's?  The lime green and hot pink?  No more.  These colors do not lend themselves well to copying or scanning.  Stay with white or very light off-white paper for your resume. Check out Resume Tips for more information.

Photos?  A sure way to get your resume tossed in the circular file in most organizations.  Why?  Because, having a photo in the file could be used against the organization in a discrimination suit (i.e.  you didn't hire me because . . , or you hired him/her because . . .)

Listing your personality traits, 'references available' or 'resume for' on your resume?  In most cases, don't bother.  It is understood that most job seekers are going to say that they are highly motivated and looking for a challenging position.  It is understood that references should be available upon request.  It is understood that this resume is for whomever's name is at the top of the page.  Again, styles have changed.

Of course, everything said on this site applies primarily to job search in the United States.   While well-written resumes are universal in application, there are some differences in style which vary from country to country.  In some countries, photos should be submitted along with your resume.  In other countries, a complete biography, including your mother's maiden name, is expected.  If you are applying for an overseas position, be sure to check the resume and cover letter requirements for that country before writing and submitting your resume.  You will find an excellent resume book for your purposes on the book list as well as an international job search site on the links page.