Choosing a Resume Format - Which Is Best for You?

Getting a job nowadays is tougher than ever. That's why it is important to write an effective resume. There are actually three basic resume formats. Knowing which format is relevant in your case is crucial to securing that first interview. So in this article, we'll give you an overview of the three formats as well as some tips on how to write a good resume.

• Functional Resume - this type of format emphasizes your skills rather than your education or work history. Skills and accomplishments are grouped together and they are placed before the work history section of the CV.

• Chronological Resume -focus is placed on past employment. Your work history including name of company, length of stay, and title are all emphasized prominently at the beginning of the resume.

• Combination Resume - the features of the functional and chronological resume are integrated in the combination resume. Your abilities are emphasizes while including your job history at the same time. This format has become a favorite among upwardly mobile professionals because of its flexibility.

Now that you know about the three different types of resumes, the next concern is choosing one that is suitable in your position. There is one important question you need to ask:

Do I have direct experience in the position I'm applying for?

If your previous work experience is relevant to the position, then using a chronological resume will work well. It will show that you have in-depth understanding of the task at hand. On the other hand, if you don't have any experience in the industry, using a functional resume is more appropriate. It allows you to that you have transferable skills that will be useful for the job.

The functional resume also highlights certain aspects that are not used in chronological resumes including qualification summaries, performance profiles, career objectives, and skills summary. If you decide to choose the functional format, it is important to be aware that some employers can become wary. In a way, they have a point because the purpose of a functional resume is to downplay your lack of experience for a particular position.

Meanwhile, the combination format is used for different reasons. For example, individuals who have shifted careers but have previous experience in the position they're applying for will find combination resume very helpful. Other individuals who can benefit from using the combination format include applicants who just graduated from college, have been absent in the workforce for some time, and those who had gone through a lot of career changes.

The combination resume format allows you to highlight your credentials and skills. It usually involves creating a career summary to emphasize your traits, skills, and accomplishments. The resume may also include a position statement and job objective.

At the end of the day, it is important to realize that your resume and cover letter provide an opportunity for you to sell your skills to potential employers. Get this right and you can expect to be invited for an interview for a more in-depth discussion about your abilities.

Jason Kay is a professional resume writer. He recommends reading resume writer reviews before choosing a service to write your resume.