Types of Resumes: Which One Is Right for You?

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There are several types of resumes, each with a different format and purpose. Here are some of the most common types:

1. Chronological Resume: This is the most traditional resume format, in which your work history is listed in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent job. This type of resume is useful if you have a strong work history with no significant gaps.
2. Functional Resume: This type of resume focuses on your skills and experience rather than your work history. It is useful if you have gaps in your employment or are changing careers.
3. Combination Resume: This type of resume combines elements of both the chronological and functional formats. It highlights your skills and experience while also providing a chronological work history.
4. Targeted Resume: This type of resume is tailored to a specific job or industry. It highlights your skills and experience that are most relevant to the job you are applying for.
5. Creative Resume: This type of resume uses design elements such as color, graphics, and typography to make it stand out from traditional resumes. It is useful in creative fields such as graphic design or advertising.
6. Curriculum Vitae (CV): This type of resume is more comprehensive than a traditional resume and is often used in academic or research fields. It includes detailed information about your education, research experience, publications, and presentations.

When choosing a resume format, consider your work history, skills, and the job you are applying for. Tailor your resume to the job description and company culture to increase your chances of getting an interview.

For a step-by-step through writing a resume and cover letter as well as creating an effective LinkedIn profile, check out Resume 101: How to Write an Effective Resume, LinkedIn Profile, and Cover Letter.

A chronological resume is a traditional format that lists your work experience in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent job. Here are the steps to write a chronological resume:

1. Choose a professional font and format: Use a professional font such as Arial or Times New Roman, and keep the format clean and easy to read. Use bullet points to organize your information.
2. Add your personal information: Include your name, address, phone number, and email address at the top of the page.
3. Write a professional summary or objective statement: A summary statement should highlight your qualifications and experience, while an objective statement should state your career goals and how you can contribute to the company.
4. List your work experience: Starting with your most recent job, list your work experience in reverse chronological order. For each job, include the job title, company name, dates of employment, and key responsibilities and achievements.
5. List your education: List your education in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent degree. Include the degree, major, institution, and graduation date.
6. Include any relevant skills or certifications: If you have any relevant skills or certifications, include them in a separate section. This can include computer skills, language skills, or industry-specific certifications.
7. Customize for the job: Customize your resume for the job you are applying for. Use the job description and company website to tailor your resume and highlight your qualifications and experience that are most relevant to the job.
8. Proofread and edit: Before submitting your resume, proofread it carefully for typos, grammatical errors, and clarity. Ask a friend or mentor to review it as well.

Remember, your chronological resume should be easy to read and clearly highlight your qualifications and experience. Use quantifiable achievements and action verbs to demonstrate your accomplishments and skills.

A functional resume is a type of resume that emphasizes your skills and accomplishments, rather than your chronological work history. Here are the steps to write a functional resume:

1. Choose a professional font and format: Use a professional font such as Arial or Times New Roman, and keep the format clean and easy to read. Use bullet points to organize your information.
2. Add your personal information: Include your name, address, phone number, and email address at the top of the page.
3. Write a professional summary or objective statement: A summary statement should highlight your qualifications and experience, while an objective statement should state your career goals and how you can contribute to the company.
4. List your skills: Create a skills section that highlights your relevant skills and accomplishments. Use bullet points to list your skills and provide examples of how you have used them.
5. Provide specific accomplishments: Use specific examples of your accomplishments to demonstrate your skills. For example, instead of saying “good communication skills,” provide an example of how you improved communication between departments.
6. List your work experience: List your work experience in reverse chronological order, but keep the emphasis on your skills and accomplishments. For each job, focus on the skills you used and the accomplishments you achieved, rather than the job duties.
7. List your education: List your education in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent degree. Include the degree, major, institution, and graduation date.
8. Customize for the job: Customize your resume for the job you are applying for. Use the job description and company website to tailor your resume and highlight your qualifications and experience that are most relevant to the job.
9. Proofread and edit: Before submitting your resume, proofread it carefully for typos, grammatical errors, and clarity. Ask a friend or mentor to review it as well.

Remember, your functional resume should highlight your skills and accomplishments, rather than your chronological work history. Use quantifiable achievements and action verbs to demonstrate your skills.

A Curriculum Vitae (CV) is a comprehensive document that provides detailed information about your academic and professional background. Here are the steps to write a CV:

1. Choose a professional font and format: Use a professional font such as Times New Roman or Arial, and keep the format clean and easy to read. Use bullet points to organize your information.
2. Add your personal information: Include your name, address, phone number, and email address at the top of the page.
3. Write a professional summary or objective statement: A summary statement should highlight your qualifications and experience, while an objective statement should state your career goals and how you can contribute to the company.
4. List your education: List your education in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent degree. Include the degree, major, institution, and graduation date. You can also include relevant coursework and academic awards.
5. List your professional experience: List your work experience in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent job. For each job, include the job title, company name, dates of employment, and key responsibilities and achievements. You can also include any research or publications.
6. Include any relevant skills or certifications: If you have any relevant skills or certifications, include them in a separate section. This can include computer skills, language skills, or industry-specific certifications.
7. List your professional affiliations: List any professional organizations or affiliations that you are a member of.
8. Include references: Include the names and contact information of 2-3 professional references.
9. Customize for the job: Customize your CV for the job you are applying for. Use the job description and company website to tailor your CV and highlight your qualifications and experience that are most relevant to the job.
10. Proofread and edit: Before submitting your CV, proofread it carefully for typos, grammatical errors, and clarity. Ask a friend or mentor to review it as well.

Remember, your CV should be comprehensive and provide detailed information about your academic and professional background. Use quantifiable achievements and action verbs to demonstrate your accomplishments and skills.

For help writing an effective Curriculum Vitae (CV) check out YOU’RE HIRED!: The ultimate guide to CV writing.

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