The first step to any job search is creating your resume, or touching it up. But how should you structure it? Should you use Chronological, Hybrid, or Functional formatting? Most often, people use the chronological format, putting experience as the first section with the most recent job first. But what if you don’t have relevant experience, what do you do? Most people don’t even realize that is not the only type of resume. Don’t worry, we will use this blog to cover the different types, and when you should use them.
There are a few different types of resumes. Each serves a different purpose, and you should evaluate which works best for the position you are in.
Regardless of which style you choose, here are some rules of thumb:
- Make it simple and easy to read
- Only include relevant information
- Use active words
- Stick to a professional font
- Include name and contact information
As for the different types of formats to choose from, here is a summary of each type.
Chronological
The most common type of resume is chronological. This format is an easy-to-read, generic resume that highlights experience. This resume style is best when you are applying to a position in which you have direct experience. This resume works best if you have several years of experience, you are staying in the industry, and you have little to no gaps between positions. This is what recruiters most commonly like to see. However, just because that’s what’s easiest, doesn’t mean it’s the best for you. Most commonly, we see it structured into these sections, in this order, Name/contact info, brief summary, experience, education, skills.
Hybrid
Hybrid is the next common type, it’s a mix between the three of types of formats. This format is particularly useful in many instances. It can be great for candidates who are just joining the workforce, changing careers, or re-entering the workforce. The hybrid resume starts with the skills section rather than the experience section. This allows you to highlight the skills you have obtained rather than the places you have previously been employed. This is probably the most useful resume if you are applying to a position where you may not have experience, but have the skills required. The standard structure for this is Name/contact info, brief summary, skills, experience, education.
Functional
Functional resumes are scarce but can be so useful when it comes to undergoing a career change, applying for an entry-level position, or returning to the workforce. The functional resume structure allows you to highlight how your strengths relate to the position and takes away some of the importance on the specific timeline of your professional experiences. This is less common than chronological or hybrid resumes, but given the right position, it could be the best one for you!
Choosing how you format your resume can really impact your application and could give you a better chance at getting to the interview table. Of course, you should still focus a lot of your energy on the guts of the resume. Don’t include information that isn’t relevant, and use words that mirror those in the job description. Use different action words throughout your resume such as “generated”, “facilitated”, “created”, “built” and “maintained”. No one wants to see “I did this… I did this…”. Instead, it is more professional to take the “I” out completely and just use action words.
Don’t know where to start? Check out Building Your Resume: Top 3 Do’s and Don’t’s… From a Recruiter!
