4.Resume Checklist

5.Tips On References

3 Types of Resume Styles

There are 3 types of resume styles:

1.Chronological

2.Combined

3.Functional

Chronological

This is the easiest type of resume to prepare. This style of resume works well for people who have a strong consistent work history that is directly related to the job they are currently seeking. Start with your most recent work experience and education and work backwards.

Advantages of Chronological Resumes

  presents your career path in a logical order

  focuses on specific jobs and functions

  effective for those who know what they want

Disadvantages of Chronological Resumes

  shows frequent job changes

  shows sameness of jobs and functions

  no summary or highlights of qualifications/skills

Combined

This type of resume is effective for people with a proven track record. the combination resume takes the best features of the chronological (work history) and functional (summary of qualifications section) resumes. A combination resume can be very powerful as it allows you to emphasize your skills and accomplishments as well as providing a chronological account of your work and educational background.

Advantages of Combined Resumes

takes best features of chronological and functional resumes

provides excellent overview of your skills to an employer

includes all pertinent information that an employer may be seeking (such as educational and work background)

Disadvantages of Combined Resumes

  NONE!

Functional

This type of resume is most effective for those who have had a variety of work experience not directly related to the position they are currently seeking. A functional resume is also an effective style for recent graduates with little or no work experience and those who have been away from the workforce for an extended time.

Functional resumes allow you to emphasize the important positions and responsibilities that you've held. Instead of a job by job account of your work history, relevant skills are grouped together to form categories. Order the categories by their relevance to the position you are applying for. If you are applying for a position as a computer software specialist, your computer and technical skills would be the first thing you would want the employer to see. Head the categories by function performed and list accomplishments and skills underneath.

Advantages of Functional Resumes

allows you to expand on information, emphasize accomplishments

provides opportunity to minimize any negatives in your employment history such as gaps, job jumping, etc.

Disadvantages of Functional Resumes

Due to the lack of chronological work history, employers may assume that you are trying to hide the fact that you are a job jumper, an older worker, or someone with employment or education gaps or minimal work experience.