There are 4 different types of resumes. Depending on the type of job you are applying to and your career situation, different resume formats may apply. The four standard types of resumes include:
- Chronological
- Functional
- Combination
- Targeted
Chronological Resume
This is the most commonly used resume format, and what most people traditionally think of when they hear the word resume. It starts by listing your work history, with the most recent positions listed first. Employers tend to prefer this style of resume because they can see your most recent jobs and what your job duties and accomplishments for each are. Before your work experience, an objective or career summary is often included as well. After your work experience, education, certifications and other skills are listed.
Functional Resume
A functional resume focuses on your skills and experience, rather than on your chronological work history. A few common situations where a functional resume is used by job seekers who:
- Looking for a career change
- Have gaps in their employment history
- Whose work history is not directly related to the job they’re applying for
- Have frequently changed jobs
- Are reentering the workforce
- Entry level job applicants
A functional resume works well in these situations when you have acquired transferable skills, and group those skills together under themes, rather than present a chronological work history. While it’s not the central focus of your resume, you should still be prepared to answer questions about your work history.
Find a sample functional resume here.
Combination Resume
This type of resume is ideal for people who want to emphasize both their skills as well as their work history. This is a good way to answer the readers’ questions about career changes, gaps in work history and other potential resume red flags.
A combination resume allows you to state your most relevant qualifications up front. It also provides an employment timeline, which many employers will want to see. It combines the best of a chronological and functional resume. The formatting also allows for some flexibility so you can structure the resume so it works best for you. This type of resume works well for:
- Students and new graduates
- Workers with a steady employment history
- Career changers
- Job seekers re-entering the job market
- Experienced workers with an extensive work history
Targeted Resume
A targeted resume focuses on a specific job opening. It’s written to highlight the skills and experience relevant to a particular position. A targeted cover letter is typically written as well. This type of resume takes more time and effort, but it helps hiring managers see why you are a good fit for the position. By customizing your resume, you can highlight specific skills and achievements, or other parts of your job history that match closely with the requirements listed in the job description.
Employers tend to like this type of resume over a generic resume that has probably been sent out to numerous other companies. It shows them that you are serious about the position you are applying for since you took the time to write a specific resume. Out of the different types of resumes, it is the one that will stand out the most.
Regardless of which type of resume you choose to use, always be sure to proof read and make sure there are no typos or errors, and that it is grammatically correct. Also make sure to avoid any other resume red flags that will cause your resume to not be considered.
