Choosing the Right Format for Your Resume :

A resume is like an advertisement for your services, you want to use a resume format that best highlights your job skills and  accomplishments . There are three different types of resumes ; Chronological, Combination and Functional Resume formats are used today and each resume format has a distinct set of advantages and disadvantages.

Choosing the right resume or picking the right resume depends on your consistency and depth of work experiences you have accumulated so far in your career. 

Chronological Resume :

Definition: 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. Your education, skills, and other information are listed after your experience.
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.

Chronological Format should consider :

• If your recent work experiences are aligned with the job that you are seeking, then one of the advantages of the chronological resume is that these job descriptions and job titles  are highlighted in the chronological format.
• The progression of your career is easy to follow, since the chronological resume lists jobs in a timeline sequence.  The sequence of jobs listed in this resume format is a reverse chronological order.
• Since the chronological resume has a built-in timeline, it is believed to be more fact based.  The advantage here is that the chronological resume carries with it additional credibility in the eyes of the hiring manager or recruiter.

Sample of a Chronological Resume

Combination Resume :

Definition: A combination resume lists your skills and experience first. Your employment history is listed next in chronological order.
When you use a combination 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.

• If you're a student with little work history, then the combination resume format allows you to showcase your skills first before revealing your short work history.
• If you've worked for the same company for a long time, or held the same type of position for a while, a combination resume allows the reader to see the skills you've accumulated while at work.
• If you are making a radical career change, once again, this format places emphasis on achievements and skills first, rather than pointing out that this is a big change in your career path.

Sample of a Combination Resume

Functional Resume :

Definition: A functional resume focuses on your skills and experience, rather than on your chronological work history. A functional resume is typically used by job seekers who are changing careers or who have gaps in their employment history.

Functional Format should be considered :

• If your career path is not immediately apparent. 
• If you're new to the workplace, such as a graduating college student.
• When you have employment gaps in your career. 
• If you changed jobs after every two or three  years.
• Finally, if you are "overqualified," or are looking upwards from your past jobs.

Sample of a Functional Resume