What are the Various Types of Resumes

Article on frequently asked resume question "What are the Various Types of Resumes"

While many people think there are only two ways to create a resume: the right way and wrong way-there are actually four standard types of resumes that people use every day-and with success-to get interviews and subsequent job offers. Of course, there are other formats or types than those listed here, but the following four are most assuredly the most commonly used and won.

Chronological: A chronological resume basically lists the career history according to date. So, your job positions-equipped with employer and dates-would be listed from present or most recent position first, to the last (probably four or five positions back). It should be noted that this is also a reverse chronological resume-meaning most recent to previous work history.

Functional: A functional resume gears its attention on your overall skills, education, and qualifications-with career history not being as prioritized. This is typically used for those just entering the workforce, people with unexplained work history gaps, and minimal work experience.

Combination: Combination resumes are probably the most commonly used resume types as this is what employers prefer. They offer a section first, on experience and skills; followed by the itemized employment history-so that you can highlight your most valuable skills and experience, and then move on to show step by step, your career history.

Targeted: A targeted resume-or customized resume-is one that targets its efforts to the requirements of a specific company or job opening. The basic format is left intact as standard to one of the previous types, but then altered to gear its qualifications, past responsibilities, and present skills and experience to what the short and long term needs and goals of the open position and/or company are.