Resume Guides

About Resume Formats

Chronological Resumes

Listing employment sequentially, most recent first, chronological resumes are more traditional as they enable recruiters to follow your work history in order. Things recruiters will look for include: length of tenure for each position, career progression/promotions, career switches, scope of responsibility, industry, client types, etc.

Effective chronological resumes provide a clear, albeit brief description of the role for each position held and a clear outline of promotions. Additional resume areas might include: education; professional development; technical skills; selected achievements; and competencies. Challenges with chronological resumes include the following:

• It may be tough to weave a consistent story across many different roles/responsibilities
• Job seekers are often tempted to create resumes that read more like laundry lists of everything they've ever done, rather than include only relevant information and results-oriented achievements
• Employment gaps and career changes are tough to play down
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Functional Resumes

Grouping achievements and responsibilities under broader competencies (e.g. Project Management, Design, Customer Service), functional resumes focus instead on a few key skills. A listing of employers and titles may follow beneath with or without dates.

Effectively written functional resumes provide a clear, consistent overview of an individual's background along field-specific critical skills. Challenges with functional resumes include the following:

• They are tough to write, given that they often lack the context provided by a chronological resume
• Employers tend to suspect career transitions or employment gaps when they see functional resumes
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Hybrid Resumes

A combination of both the chronological and functional can be artfully mastered once you have a clear understanding of the specific role you intend to pursue and how your achievements may best be compiled to demonstrate clear competencies for critical requirements. Using the chronological format as a base, competencies may be illustrated beneath each job description. Of course, many variables determine whether or not this format is the best for your particular situation. A resume writer can strategize and determine the best approach for your particular needs.

Power Verbs are purposefully chosen verbs that when used consistently, emphasize skill level and competency.