Job Resumes

How to know what type to use

There are 3 different types of Job Resumes.

Chronological Resumes
Functional Resumes
Combination Resumes

Which one you use is depends on where you are in your career. Generally speaking chronological resumes are the most popular. However functional and combination resumes have their place.

Chronological Resumes focus on your work history.
Make sure to list your employment in reverse chronological order i.e. listing your most current job first. You should make sure to show that you have extensive experience in your field of work and that your work responsibilities have increased over time (e.g. promotions).

This type of resume is the most popular but should only be used if you have a solid work background and if you are applying in your field of expertise. If you are looking at changing careers or fields, are a recent graduate, have moved from job to job or have a gap in your work history a functional or combination resume would be a better choice for you!

Functional Resumes: where a chronological resume will focus on your experience, a functional resume will emphasize your skills.
I have dedicated a separate page on the use of functional resumes.

In brief, a functional resume is best for a candidate that does not have a lot of work experience or someone changing fields. However, if you cannot demonstrate having the skills needed to do the job, opt for a chronological resume.

Combination Resumes emphasizes your skills while also highlighting a solid work history.
You should list your jobs in reverse chronological order (last one to first) while highlighting the accomplishments and skills you gained in each one.

Don’t use a combination resume if you do not have a solid work history- use a functional resume instead. Also, this resume is not right if you cannot demonstrate having the skills required for the job. This resume is best if your past job titles do not sufficiently describe your job responsibilities.

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Sample Functional Resume Sample resume- Teacher Sample Sales Resume Sample manager resume

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