Resume Format - How to Choose the Right Style
Choosing the right resume format can be just as important, if not more important, than the actual content of the document.
Each style has its own unique set of characteristics, as well as, advantages and disadvantages.
The type of resume you choose depends on factors such as your work history, your career goals, related skills, and past achievements you want to emphasize.
Lets start with Chronological Resume.
Chronological resume format is most commonly used and it's preferable for many obvious reasons.
It's simple.
Many employers are familiar with this type and know what to look for.
You should also choose this type if you have a consistent record of job employment with no long term work gaps.
When you write chronological resume, always remember to list your jobs in reverse chronological order, starting with you most recent employer on the top of the list.
Your main goal is to list your last 4-5 employers, write comprehensive job description and clearly state the responsibilities and achievements in each job position.
Functional Resume.
This format is not as common as the other two types of resume, however its real advantage is that it emphasizes your skills, accomplishments and qualifications over the history of work experience.
This format is better to use in case you were unemployed or worked from home for long periods of time, usually a year or more.
Also you should use it if you're looking for career change and would rather show your and qualifications rather than past work experience that does not relate to the position you're.
Unlike chronological format, where larger part of resume is taken by work experience, the summary plays a the most essential role.
Many employers usually do not prefer this type of resume because in the past, this format was used by job seekers who were looking to hide gaps in their work experiences.
Hybrid Resume.
Hybrid resume functions exactly how it sounds.
It's combines characteristics of both chronological and functional resume.
It allows job seekers to emphasize their important skills and qualifications as well as show relevant work experience.
The resume puts equal importance on summary section as well as past work experience.
Hybrid resume is preferred by most recruiters because it's not only list your job history but shows your skills that can contribute to the position you're seeking.
Ideally you want to find out about the job you're applying and show how your qualification and your core skills will make an impact to the company you're applying.
Each style has its own unique set of characteristics, as well as, advantages and disadvantages.
The type of resume you choose depends on factors such as your work history, your career goals, related skills, and past achievements you want to emphasize.
Lets start with Chronological Resume.
Chronological resume format is most commonly used and it's preferable for many obvious reasons.
It's simple.
Many employers are familiar with this type and know what to look for.
You should also choose this type if you have a consistent record of job employment with no long term work gaps.
When you write chronological resume, always remember to list your jobs in reverse chronological order, starting with you most recent employer on the top of the list.
Your main goal is to list your last 4-5 employers, write comprehensive job description and clearly state the responsibilities and achievements in each job position.
Functional Resume.
This format is not as common as the other two types of resume, however its real advantage is that it emphasizes your skills, accomplishments and qualifications over the history of work experience.
This format is better to use in case you were unemployed or worked from home for long periods of time, usually a year or more.
Also you should use it if you're looking for career change and would rather show your and qualifications rather than past work experience that does not relate to the position you're.
Unlike chronological format, where larger part of resume is taken by work experience, the summary plays a the most essential role.
Many employers usually do not prefer this type of resume because in the past, this format was used by job seekers who were looking to hide gaps in their work experiences.
Hybrid Resume.
Hybrid resume functions exactly how it sounds.
It's combines characteristics of both chronological and functional resume.
It allows job seekers to emphasize their important skills and qualifications as well as show relevant work experience.
The resume puts equal importance on summary section as well as past work experience.
Hybrid resume is preferred by most recruiters because it's not only list your job history but shows your skills that can contribute to the position you're seeking.
Ideally you want to find out about the job you're applying and show how your qualification and your core skills will make an impact to the company you're applying.
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