Your resume is a personal marketing tool in your job search journey, and selecting the most suitable format can significantly impact your success in landing your chosen position. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting out, choosing between various resume styles is pivotal in effectively showcasing your qualifications. The specific content and emphasis will depend on your qualifications and your target job. Here are some distinctive characteristics and applications of different resume formats to help you make an informed decision.
Resume types:
- Chronological Resume: It lists your work experience in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent job. A chronological resume is ideal for individuals with a stable job history in a specific industry, as it highlights your career progression and longevity in roles. You may want to explore alternative resume formats if you’re beginning your professional journey or transitioning to a new career. This is the most common format requested and most Applicant Tracking Systems can parse.
- Functional/Skills-based Resume: Focuses on skills and qualifications rather than your work history, with a section highlighting accomplishments and skills. It is effective for job seekers with employment gaps, frequent job changes, those transitioning to a new career, or individuals just entering the workforce. A functional resume frequently incorporates a resume summary or headline at the top, highlighting an individual’s skills and accomplishments. In some cases, a functional resume may omit the entire employment history or feature a brief list of work experiences toward the end of the resume.
- Combination Resume (Hybrid Resume): A hybrid resume blends elements of both chronological and functional resumes. It includes a summary of qualifications and skills and a chronological work history section. It is useful for individuals with a robust skill set and relevant experience who want to highlight their career progression. This type of resume allows you to highlight the qualities that make you the most suitable candidate for the job while ensuring that the employer sees your work history chronologically.
- Targeted/Mini Resume: A customized resume is tailored to a specific job, industry or employer, emphasizing the skills and experiences most relevant to the position. It is crafted for specific job applications to showcase the exact qualifications and achievements needed for that role. A mini resume could also be a valuable tool during job fairs or networking events as it includes your contact information and a summary of career highlights. Like the name suggests, a mini resume should not be any longer than one page.
- Video Resume: Instead of a written document, it is a video presentation where you verbally discuss your qualifications, experiences, and skills. Job seekers may consider using visuals or graphics to enhance the video presentation. Keep the video concise, typically a maximum of a few minutes. Practice your delivery and communication skills, which are crucial in this format. A video resume can be effective for jobs requiring strong communication and presentation skills, such as sales or public speaking. It showcases your personality and communication abilities. However, if it is not polished and perfect it can work against you so ensure you are objective when reviewing or get feedback from a trusted colleague.
- LinkedIn Profile Resume: LinkedIn’s completed profile can serve as an online resume. It is used for networking, job searching, and establishing an online professional presence that potential employers and recruiters can easily find. LinkedIn offers an option to provide a comprehensive overview of your professional background, including education, work history, skills, and recommendations. You can receive endorsements for your skills and recommendations from colleagues and supervisors, adding credibility to your profile. They could serve as an online reference. In addition, you can showcase your work by including links to projects, articles, presentations, and other multimedia elements on your LinkedIn profile, as well as apply for job openings directly on the platform.
Helpful hints for writing your resume:
- Proofread
- Keep it under two pages
- Be truthful
- Quantify your impact
- Include dates with your employment
- Do not include a picture or your age
You may notice in North America some other words being interchanged with resume, for example curriculum vitae (CV) or a bio. These are not the same thing, and in the vast majority of cases, if you are job searching a resume will always serve you best.
In summary, each type of resume has advantages and is suitable for different career situations. The choice of which one to use depends on your circumstances and the job you are applying for. A chronological resume emphasizes your career progression, while a functional resume spotlights your skills. A hybrid resume balances both. A tailored mini-resume showcases specific qualifications, and a video resume adds a personal touch. LinkedIn profiles offer online visibility and networking opportunities. So, take the time to assess your needs and the job you’re pursuing, and craft a resume that opens doors to your professional aspirations.
