Resume formats can not only determine the way a hiring manager sees you but also how the Applicant Tracking Systems parse each section you include in your resume. Depending on which aspect of your professional life you wish to highlight, there are different resume formats to choose from. Below, is a breakdown of the most popular and commonly used ones.
Resume Examples – Choosing a Resume Format
Let us not forget that the resume objective is to capture the recruiter’s attention in the few seconds he/she has to spare skimming each resume. So, the goal is to strategically place the key information about yourself, like relevant experience and accomplishments at the top of the resume. Once you get a job interview, you can go into more detail about yourself.
To choose the right format, first evaluate your career history and what how you would ideally want your career to be like in the future. Then choose between:
- Chronological format – Great format if you have been in the same industry for the majority of your career, have no major employment gaps (no more than six months is the rule of thumb), your work history shows promotions or growth, and want to apply for another job (in the same industry). Go on google and type “resume sample with chronological format” to see some examples.
- Functional format – Probably the best format for people that have taken some time off and are now re-entering the workforce, as well as new graduates with little to no work experience. Its format does not focus on employment history, rather than the candidate’s skills, including transferable ones if they are changing career paths. However, it needs to be done extremely well to make a good impact and by no means should it be used to hide employment gaps. Go on Google and type “resume sample with a functional format” to see some examples.
- Combination (Hybrid) format – It is a combination of the functional and chronological resumes and is ideal to use if you have notable gaps in your employment history but a decent work experience (i.e. a veteran re-entering the workforce). This format maintains the chronological style but pinpoints accomplishments and skills just as much as it does with work experience. It is a great option to take the focus off of work gaps without making it feel like you are trying to hide something. If you search on Google, you will see what a resume with combination format looks like.
CV or Resume Sample?
Many people confuse a CV (curriculum vitae) with a resume. However, these two are nothing alike regarding length, purpose, and layout. For example, a CV has a clear chronological order that lists a candidate’s entire career while a resume will only provide a brief, targeted list of achievements and skills. To see the difference, look at resume sample for an internship position online, and CV sample for a Science position. The difference is evident.
CV vs Resume Tips
- Use a resume when you apply for jobs other than research and academic positions.
- Resumes are only one or two pages long. Making them longer or more detailed instantly turns them into CVs.
- CVs are not tailored to each position, unlike resumes. Any changes are mentioned in the cover letter.
When trying to craft your own resume, things could be a bit challenging at first. So, it might be a good idea to start with a resume sample (there are thousands of free resume samples online) and just type in your details. Kindly note, though, that it is always best to write unique resumes, tailored to the specificities of each job.
