Which Resume Type is Right for You?

There are two main resume types, and their structures are designed to demonstrate different experience levels and goals. Choosing the right format is crucial to catching the attention of a hiring manager. As you read through the descriptions below, think about your own personal experiences and professional goals to determine which format will best showcase them.

* Reverse Chronological Format. This is the most commonly used and most preferred resume format. It lists your professional experience in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent employment and working its way down to your oldest job. This format allows hiring managers to easily see your career progression and identify how you've moved up the professional ladder.



If you have a large amount of experience, it's important to highlight the positions that are most relevant to the one you're currently seeking. Hiring managers don't care about the string of fast food and retail jobs you had 10 years ago; instead, they want to see what you've done that directly relates to the position for which you're applying.

o The downside: This format makes any long absences from employment glaringly obvious. If this is an issue, you probably want to use the functional resume format described below.



* Functional Resume Format. This type of resume format allows you to create a comprehensive view of your skills and experiences without having to focus on when or where they were developed. It's beneficial for several groups of people: Those who are just beginning their careers; those who are entering the workforce after a long absence; those who are changing careers; and those whose work experience isn't directly related to the position they're seeking.



Feel free to include volunteer work and academic coursework if the skills you gained doing those are relevant to the position at hand.

Both resume formats outlined above are capable of showcasing an applicant's skills, experiences and goals. Determining the right format for you is the first step toward creating a winning resume that will help you land the job of your dreams.



Darlene Zambruski is the Managing Editor of ResumeEdge, a leading online provider of professional resume writing services. The company's hand-picked team of resume writers specializes in 40 different industries and works to provide professional resume and cover letter writing services for people seeking employment in a wide variety of fields.