Universally, there are countless ways of writing a resume. Some of them are standardized, while the others have more of a personified format. Truth be told, there is no ‘perfect type’ of resume that meets all the requirements at once. Each resume format has its upsides and downsides. In the previous articles, we talked about resumes in general and the essential elements inside a resume. In this article, you will know about the four most common types of resume formats that rule the corporate industry around the world.
- Chronological resume
- Functional resume
- Targeted resume
- Combination resume
Want to know what is the best resume format for you? Let’s know them in detail to find out the perfect fit for you!
Chronological resume
The beginning of this resume contains the introduction and is then followed by the professional history of the individual in ‘reverse-chronological order. It means the most recent qualification would be at the top, and so on.
That being said, chronological resumes might put back your best achievements behind the latest ones.
At present, it is considered by many as the most popular resume format. It is an ideal choice for individuals who want to highlight their plethora of experiences and achievements.
Functional resume
Opposite to chronological resumes, functional resumes focus more on the skills, abilities, strengths, and expertise rather than on the reverse-chronological layout of professional experience.
Functional resumes are either used by freshers or by individuals who want to conceal career change and gaps. They are a preferred choice as they highlight the things as per the individual’s needs.
What sets apart a functional resume from the rest?
- Here, the attention is drawn to other important things, so the work experience section is less amplified.
- A large chunk of the functional resume is dedicated to writing the introduction and skill set possessed by an individual.
Targeted resume
Just like the name, targeted resumes are focused on the job position an individual is applying to. They are written after an in-depth study of the skills an individual possesses and the job profile.
On the brighter side, targeted resumes can be crafted to highlight experiences and skills that are crucial for the position and increase the chances of selection. These resumes are preferred when applying for a higher position in a company.
Combination resume
The combination resume is the lovechild of a chronological and functional resume. It takes the best aspects of both and churns them into a more flexible resume format. As a result, it is considered one of the most flexible and individual-oriented resume templates.
Combinations resume talk equally of the experiences and the skill set of an individual.
This is an ideal choice for individuals having a great deal of experience and skillsets in substantial amounts. In this way, a combination resume is able to give the best of both worlds to an individual on a single sheet of paper.
Conclusion
No matter the type, the sole aim of a resume is to reflect your expertise and help you land your dream job. Now that you know the different types of resumes, you know what type of resume is best for you. If you are a beginner, a functional resume is the go-to resume format for you. On the other hand, if you want to accentuate your experiences, a combination or reverse-chronological resume would go well. In the end, the choice is yours. As long as the format supports your candidature at its best, you should not think about anything else.
