Resume Guide

Choose a format that works best for you.

Once you have selected a career field, it is important to select a resume format. There are two types of resume formats: functional and chronological. You may choose one or a combination of both.

The type of resume format you use depends heavily upon the career field you select. For example, a resume for a management position will likely be in a chronological format. For skill intensive career fields, functional resume formats work best.

Functional Resume Format

Advantages Disadvantages
Emphasizes skills
Includes a wide variety of experience
Masks spotty work history
De-emphasizes career growth
De-emphasizes managerial/supervisory skills

Chronological Resume Format Advantages Disadvantages

Emphasizes career growth
Emphasizes growth in responsibilities'
Emphasizes loyalty to company
Highlights job titles
Not ideal for changes in careers
Can expose spotty work history


Note: Try your best to limit your resume to one page. The advent of online recruiting has resulted in a flood of resumes to employers. Applicants that are able to describe themselves and what they want in one page have an advantage over the competition.

Combination Formats


The two variations of the functional and chronological formats that are highly effective are:

The Combination Format - is functional in style (emphasizes skills, duties and functions) but also includes titles and dates of employment.

The Targeted Format - focuses on a specific position and job duties that either an employer wants to fill or is part of your main objective. In a targeted resume, you tell the prospective employer that you have the skills and personal characteristics to succeed in the position. It shows that you have done some research about the position and the employer.