What Type of Resume Do You Need?

A resume is designed to provide a summary of your skills, abilities, work history, accomplishments and contact information. The intent is to secure you an interview. Your resume is the primary tool in your job search, which makes it imperative that it id properly written with a good format. It is often a potential employers first impression of you truly don't get a second chance to make a first impressive. Did you know that there are different types of resumes? A good resume writer will help you determine which one is best for you.

The Chronological or Traditional Resume

A chronological resume starts by listing your work history, with the most recent position listed first. Your jobs are listed in reverse chronological order with your current, or most recent job, first. Employers typically prefer this type of resume because it's easy to see what jobs you have held and when you have worked at them. This type of resume works well for job seekers with a strong, solid work history.

The Functional Resume

A functional resume focuses on your skills and experience, rather than on your chronological work history. It is used most often by people who are changing careers or who have gaps in their employment history. I've also used this design for college students who are just entering the workforce and don't have a lot of experience.

The Combination Resume

A combination resume lists your skills and experience first. Your employment history is listed next. With this type of resume you can highlight the skills you have that are relevant to the job you are applying for, and also provide the chronological work history that employers prefer.

The Targeted Resume

A targeted resume is a resume that is customized so that it specifically highlights the experience and skills you have that are relevant to the job you are applying for. It definitely takes more work to write a targeted resume than to just click to apply with your existing resume.

However, it's well worth the effort, especially when applying for jobs that are a perfect match for your qualifications and experience.

Sources: 1. AboutCareers.com, Resume Types: Chronological, Functional, Combination by Alison Doyle 2. Lcc.edu, What Is the Purpose of a Resume?

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