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The following are three popular types of resumes. See your Placement Counselor for help in determining which would best suit your needs.
Chronological Resume
The chronological format (or "reverse chronological" format)
starts with your current job and then travels back in time. It lists
dates, job titles, employer and employer's location for each job.
Under each job heading, list some of your duties and achievements in
the most enticing language you can muster.
Pros: Many employers prefer this format because of its
familiarity. It is easy to read and understand. It can work well for
job hunters who are staying in the same field, are applying in a
conservative industry or have an unbroken job history that shows them
climbing the career ladder.
Cons: This format also points up gaps in job history or lack of experience quite effectively, so if you fall into these camps, consider another format.
Functional Resume
The functional format emphasizes your skills and accomplishments.
Achievements are grouped under headings like "Personnel
Management" or "Public Relations" or "Cost
Containment". Jobs and titles are listed at the end, sometimes
glossing over the years of employment.
Pros: This format can be a good one for those changing careers by pointing out the types of skills that can be transferred to the new line of work. The functional approach can also minimize flaws, such as gaps in work history or lateral employment moves.
Cons: Some resumé screeners hate any format that is not the
tried- and-true chronological.
Hybrid Resume
Hybrid formats exist because career paths refuse to conform to what
was once considered normal. A consultant, freelancer or temporary
worker might list a job title -- perhaps "Balloon Animal
Artist" -- and follow that with a list of some clients and
achievements on each job. A homemaker reentering the work force might
list volunteer achievements -- "Coordinated school gift wrap
fund-raiser for three years, achieving a 30 percent increase in sales
each year" -- followed by the more remote job history.
Pros: This format allows for flexibility and creativity. Structure it the way that works best for you. Cons: Same as the "Functional" resumé -- some screeners dislike any format that is not familiar to them.
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