Whenever people start looking for a job they understand that the very first they need is a resume and sometimes a cover letter. Therefore, the first step of their job search efforts is usually resume writing. However, before you even start developing a resume you should know which format of a resume will be the most effective in your attempts to attract the attention of employers. The thing is that a resume format can either help highlight your relevant qualifications or "hide" the most important information behind the bunch of other experiences. So neglecting this part of the process can lead to negative job search results. In order to avoid such outcome, we want to share with our readers 3 types or formats of a resume. Hopefully, after reading this article you will be able to know which format suits your needs better.
Reverse-Chronological, Functional and Combination
Each of the formats has its own advantages and disadvantages and it is up to you to decide which one would be better for you. The most popular type of resume is a reverse chronological format. This kind of resume assumes that a candidate lists one's work experiences from the most recent jobs to oldest. That gives a chance to hiring managers to evaluate your recent qualifications first. Also, it helps them see your career progression as this struсture allows presenting your career path in terms of promotions and achievements. We recommend using this resume format for those job seekers who wish to apply for jobs in the same industry and who have a vertical career progression to show. We believe that such a structure is good for job seekers of all career levels (entry level, mid-level, and executive level). That is why it is the most popular resume format among job seekers and right so because that is what most hiring managers expect to see.
A functional type of resume is to be used by executives and managers. The purpose of this kind of resume is to focus on strong relevant qualifications and skills rather than career progression. It might help hide work experience gaps if you had any. So if you have any large gaps or you want simply to promote a specific skill set then this one is right for you. You must be careful though because not all hiring managers like a functional type of resume but if you craft it professionally it can help you show off your achievements. This format is perfect for those who wish to make a big career change. We don't recommend choosing this format if lack transferable skills or if you are a recent graduate who lacks experience.
A combination format of resume assumes the combination of two previous formats. It does contain the most relevant skills and qualifications section as in functional resume. However, it is usually followed by the section that lists past employment history. This one is a middle ground between a reverse-chronological and functional formats. This type of resume is recommended for those who want to showcase their well-developed skill set and those who are looking for a job in a different industry. This one doesn't go well for those who wish to focus on the educational experience or lack relevant experience
