by When it comes to job hunting, what are the four different types of résumés?
Understanding the resume types can help you decide which one best suits your career path. Each format offers unique advantages depending on your work experience, skills, and the position you're targeting.
In this article, we'll explore the 4 types of resumes and when to use them. We will help you determine which one can highlight your qualifications most effectively.
Types of resumes
A well-written application can emphasize different strengths, whether it’s your skills, work history, or education, and can make a big difference in how you are perceived.
The main types of resume formats are chronological, functional, combination, and targeted.
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1. Chronological resume
Chronological resume format types organize your employment history by the dates you’ve held each position.
It begins with the most recent job and moves backward through earlier roles, with employment dates clearly listed next to each job title.
- Who should choose these resume types?
- People with a consistent career trajectory: If you've worked within the same industry and have advanced through roles, it allows you to highlight that progression.
- Job seekers with little to no gaps in employment: Those who have a steady work history can use this format to showcase uninterrupted career growth.
- Individuals pursuing similar roles: If you're applying for a job in the same field, this structure effectively emphasizes your relevant experience.
Pros:
- Hiring managers can quickly scan your document and understand your professional background.
- You can show how your responsibilities and skills have developed over time, illustrating your upward mobility and growth.
- It’s straightforward and shows how your previous positions relate to the one you're applying for.
- If you've spent a significant amount of time at a single company, it underscores your loyalty and commitment.
Cons:
- If you’re changing industries, this format makes it harder to highlight your transferable skills.
- If you’ve had long breaks between roles, this can raise questions for recruiters.
- Listing duties and responsibilities in multiple jobs that are alike might not provide much new information.
- Breakdown of the sections typically found in a chronological resume:
- Contact Information
- Objective or Summary (optional)
- Professional Experience
- Education
- Skills
- Certifications and Training (optional)
- Volunteer Work or Additional Experience (optional)
Chronological types of resumes example:
Johnathan Miller
Phone: (555) 123-4567 | Email: johnathan.miller@email.com | LinkedIn: /in/johnmiller | New York, NYSummary
Experienced marketing professional with expertise in digital marketing, brand strategy, and social media management. Proven track record in driving revenue growth through targeted campaigns and data-driven decisions. Seeking to leverage marketing skills in a senior-level role.
Professional Experience
Senior Marketing Manager
Ogilvy & Mather, New York, NY
March 2021 – Present
- Lead a team of 8 marketing professionals to develop and execute comprehensive digital marketing strategies, increasing company revenue by 25% in the first year.
- Manage paid search, social media, email marketing, and SEO campaigns, driving a 40% increase in website traffic and 15% increase in customer conversions.
- Develop and launch a rebranding strategy that resulted in a 30% growth in brand recognition and customer engagement.
Marketing Coordinator
Etsy, Brooklyn, NY
June 2017 – February 2021
- Coordinated marketing campaigns across various digital platforms, including email, social media, and paid search.
- Increased lead generation by 20% year-over-year through optimized email marketing campaigns and content strategy.
- Assisted in the creation of brand guidelines and marketing collateral, ensuring consistent messaging across all platforms.
Marketing Assistant
The New York Times, New York, NY
August 2015 – May 2017
- Supported senior marketing team members in the execution of multi-channel marketing campaigns.
- Created and curated content for the company’s website and social media channels, increasing online engagement by 15%.
- Managed marketing analytics tools to track performance, contributing to a 10% improvement in campaign ROI.
Education
Bachelor of Science in Marketing
New York University, New York, NY
Graduated: May 2015
Skills
- Digital Marketing Strategy
- Social Media Management
- SEO & SEM
- Data Analytics & Reporting
- Email Marketing Campaigns
- Content Creation & Copywriting
- Adobe Creative Suite
Certifications and Training
- Google Analytics Certified (2023)
- HubSpot Content Marketing Certification (2022)
- Facebook Blueprint Certification (2020)
Volunteer Work
Social Media Volunteer
The New York Public Library, New York, NY
January 2019 – Present
- Manage social media accounts, helping increase the library’s online presence by 30%.
- Develop content that highlighted upcoming events, book releases, and educational programs, engaging over 10,000 followers.
2. Functional resume
Functional types of resumes emphasize skills and abilities rather than chronological work history.
Instead of listing jobs in order, this layout focuses on skills grouped into categories, showing expertise relevant to the position.
- Who should choose these resume types?
- Career changers: If you're switching industries, this format highlights transferable skills rather than unrelated past roles.
- Job seekers with employment gaps: It helps downplay inconsistent work history by focusing on qualifications.
- Project-based workers: If you have diverse experience from various projects, you can showcase abilities instead of listing every position.
Pros:
- Highlights skills and knowledge over employment dates.
- Helps minimize attention to gaps in work history.
- Ideal for people with diverse or unconventional career paths.
- Allows tailoring of abilities to the specific job application.
Cons:
- Hiring managers might find it harder to understand work experience at a glance.
- Some recruiters may see it as an attempt to hide a lack of expertise or any gaps.
- Lacks a clear timeline of career progression, which could raise concerns.
- Breakdown of the sections typically found in a functional resume:
- Contact Information
- Objective or Summary (optional)
- Skills and Competencies
- Professional Experience (limited details)
- Education
- Certifications and Training (optional)
- Volunteer Work or Additional Experience (optional)
Functional types of resumes example:
Sophia Reynolds
Phone: (555) 987-6543 | Email: sophia.reynolds@email.com | LinkedIn: /in/sophiareynolds | Chicago, ILSummary
Creative and detail-oriented graphic designer with over 6 years of experience in branding, UI/UX, and digital illustration. Adept at transforming concepts into visually appealing designs. Seeking to apply artistic and technical skills in a dynamic environment.
Skills and Competencies
- Graphic Design & Branding: Experienced in developing visual identities, logos, and marketing materials for businesses across industries.
- UI/UX Design: Skilled in wireframing, prototyping, and designing user-friendly interfaces using Adobe XD and Figma.
- Illustration & Digital Art: Expertise in creating vector graphics, digital illustrations, and custom artwork for branding and promotional use.
- Software Proficiency: Advanced knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign), Figma, and Sketch.
- Project Management & Collaboration: Strong communication and teamwork skills, ensuring seamless collaboration with clients and developers.
Professional Experience
Freelance Graphic Designer
Chicago, IL
2018 – Present
- Design branding materials, websites, and packaging for over 50 clients in retail, technology, and fashion industries.
- Develop social media graphics and digital advertisements, boosting client engagement by an average of 35%.
- Manage multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring timely delivery while maintaining high design standards.
UI/UX Designer (Contract)
BluePixel Agency, Chicago, IL
2021 – 2023
- Collaborated with development teams to create intuitive user interfaces for mobile apps and e-commerce websites.
- Conducted user research and usability testing to refine designs and improve customer satisfaction.
Education
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design
School of the Art Institute of Chicago, IL
Graduated: May 2017
Certifications and Training
- Adobe Certified Expert – Photoshop (2022)
- Google UX Design Professional Certificate (2021)
Volunteer Work
Design Mentor
Chicago Creative Network, Chicago, IL
2020 – Present
- Mentored aspiring designers, providing guidance on portfolio building and career development.
- Conducted workshops on digital illustration and branding techniques.
3. Combination resume
Combination resume types merge elements of chronological and functional applications.
This style emphasizes both skills and relevant experience while maintaining a structured work history. It provides a comprehensive view of qualifications while highlighting career progression.
- Who should choose these types of resume?
- Professionals with strong expertise and steady work history: If you have specialized knowledge and consistent experience, this layout effectively showcases both.
- Career changers with relevant skills: Those transitioning to a new industry can highlight transferable abilities while maintaining a clear timeline.
- Applicants targeting senior roles: If you're looking for leadership positions, this format allows you to emphasize strategic competencies alongside past roles.
Pros:
- Highlights specialized abilities while maintaining a structured employment section.
- Shows growth while allowing flexibility in emphasizing strengths.
- Useful for those moving into leadership positions or new industries.
Cons:
- Can result in a longer document, which may be less skimmable.
- Requires careful formatting to ensure clarity and avoid redundancy.
- Some recruiters may prefer a purely chronological layout for quick scanning.
- Breakdown of the sections typically found in a combination resume:
- Contact Information
- Summary or Objective
- Skills and Core Competencies
- Professional Experience
- Education
- Certifications and Training (optional)
- Volunteer Work or Additional Experience (optional)
Combination types of resumes example:
Daniel Carter
Phone: (555) 456-7890 | Email: daniel.carter@email.com | LinkedIn: /in/danielcarter | San Francisco, CASummary
Results-driven software engineer with experience in full-stack development, cloud computing, and system architecture. Adept at designing scalable applications and optimizing performance. Seeking a lead developer role to drive innovation and efficiency.
Skills and Core Competencies
- Software Development & Architecture: Expertise in designing and implementing scalable applications using Python, Java, and JavaScript.
- Cloud Computing: Proficient in AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud for deploying secure, high-availability systems.
- Database Management: Strong command of SQL and NoSQL databases, ensuring efficient data storage and retrieval.
- Agile Development & Team Leadership: Experience leading cross-functional teams using Agile and Scrum methodologies.
- Cybersecurity & Performance Optimization: Skilled in identifying vulnerabilities and enhancing application security while optimizing speed and efficiency.
Professional Experience
Senior Software Engineer
TechNova Solutions, San Francisco, CA
2020 – Present
- Design and implement microservices architecture, reducing application downtime by 40%.
- Lead a team of 5 engineers in developing a secure payment gateway, increasing transaction efficiency by 30%.
- Optimize existing codebase, improving system performance and reducing load times by 25%.
Software Engineer
CloudWave Technologies, San Jose, CA
2017 – 2020
- Developed and deployed RESTful APIs, enhancing system interoperability and functionality.
- Collaborated with UX designers to refine front-end interfaces, improving user engagement.
- Conducted security audits, reducing system vulnerabilities and strengthening data protection.
Education
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
University of California, Berkeley, CA
Graduated: May 2016
Certifications and Training
- AWS Certified Solutions Architect (2022)
- Google Professional Cloud Developer (2021)
Volunteer Work
Tech Mentor
Code for San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
2019 – Present
- Conduct workshops on best practices in software development and cloud computing.
- Guide aspiring developers on career paths and technical skills.
4. Targeted resume
A targeted resume is tailored to a specific job, emphasizing qualifications, experience, and skills that align with a particular role.
Unlike other formats, this structure adapts content to highlight the most relevant aspects for a position, ensuring a strong match with employer expectations.
- Who should choose these resume types?
- Job seekers applying for a particular position: If you’re only targeting one role, this approach ensures your document aligns perfectly with the job description.
- Professionals transitioning industries: By customizing skills and experience, this format helps applicants highlight relevant abilities from past roles.
- Candidates aiming for competitive roles: If you’re applying for high-demand jobs, a tailored resume can increase your chances of standing out.
Pros:
- Maximizes relevance by aligning with requirements.
- Increases chances of passing applicant tracking systems (ATS).
- Demonstrates strong attention to detail and a focused career trajectory.
- Highlights only the most valuable qualifications for the role.
Cons:
- Requires extra time and effort to customize for each application.
- May omit certain skills or experiences that could be valuable in other positions.
- Needs frequent updates to match different job postings.
- Breakdown of the sections typically found in a targeted resume:
- Contact Information
- Summary or Objective (customized for the job)
- Key Skills (tailored to the role)
- Professional Experience (focused on relevant positions)
- Education
- Certifications and Training (optional)
- Additional Sections (optional, depending on job relevance)
Targeted types of resumes example:
Emma Richardson
Phone: (555) 234-6789 | Email: emma.richardson@email.com | LinkedIn: /in/emmarichardson | Seattle, WASummary
Detail-oriented project manager with experience in construction and site development. Skilled in budget management, risk assessment, and contract negotiations. Seeking a senior project management role at Skyline Builders to lead high-impact infrastructure projects.
Key Skills
- Project Planning & Execution: Expertise in scheduling, budgeting, and coordinating large-scale construction projects.
- Risk Management & Compliance: Experience ensuring projects meet safety standards, zoning regulations, and environmental requirements.
- Vendor & Stakeholder Coordination: Strong negotiation skills for managing contracts, suppliers, and client expectations.
- Cost Control & Resource Allocation: Proven ability to optimize budgets and reduce unnecessary expenditures.
- Leadership & Team Management: Adept at leading cross-functional teams and mentoring junior project managers.
Professional Experience
Senior Project Manager
Northwest Construction Group, Seattle, WA
2018 – Present
- Oversee commercial and residential developments valued at over $50M, ensuring on-time and within-budget completion.
- Negotiate supplier contracts, reducing procurement costs by 15%.
- Implement new risk management protocols, cutting project delays by 30%.
Project Manager
Evergreen Builders, Tacoma, WA
2014 – 2018
- Managed multiple infrastructure projects, ensuring compliance with safety and environmental regulations.
- Developed and maintained project timelines, increasing overall efficiency by 20%.
- Supervised subcontractors and coordinated with government agencies to streamline permit approvals.
Education
Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering
University of Washington, Seattle, WA
Graduated: May 2013
Certifications and Training
- PMP Certification – Project Management Institute (2020)
- OSHA Safety Certification (2019)
Additional Information
Industry Conference Speaker
- Presented at the 2022 Northwest Infrastructure Summit on "Optimizing Construction Budgets in a Post-Pandemic Economy."
Different types of resumes comparison
| Type | Structure | Ideal For | Advantages | Drawbacks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chronological | Lists positions in reverse order, starting with the latest. | Those with a steady path. | Highlights progression, familiar to employers. | Emphasizes frequent changes. |
| Functional | Emphasizes expertise and accomplishments over job sequence. | Career changers, individuals with breaks in employment. | Showcases strengths without focus on timeline. | Can appear vague or raise concerns about experience gaps. |
| Combination | Integrates skill-based and time-ordered elements. | Professionals with diverse experience. | Balances capabilities with track record. | Can become lengthy or complex. |
| Targeted | Adjusted for a specific role, using any format. | Applicants tailoring their documents to match a job. | Aligns closely with employer expectations. | Requires more effort for customization. |
Conclusion
Choosing between different types of resumes is essential for presenting your professional experience in the most compelling way.
Whether you opt for a chronological, functional, combination, or targeted resume, selecting the format that aligns with your goals to set for yourself at work can make a significant difference in how you are perceived by potential employers.
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