Choosing the Right Format

Get Hired in 30 Days! Your Professional Resume Choosing the Right Format

The format you pick for your resume can be a game-changer in how recruiters and hiring managers view your qualifications. Each format showcases different strengths, and the one you pick should highlight your best assets. Here’s a rundown of the most common resume formats, when to use them, and why one might be the best fit for you.

Common resume formats

Chronological resume

This is the most widely used format and presents your work experience in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent position. Ideal for anyone who’s held internships, part-time jobs, or even participated in school projects, it puts your freshest and most relevant experiences right up front.

Why it works for new young professionals:
A chronological resume emphasizes your academic background and work history, presenting a clear and logical progression that recruiters can easily follow.

Functional resume

A functional resume shifts the focus from work history to skills and qualifications. This style is a go-to for those with gaps in their employment or career changes.

Why it’s not ideal for you:
A functional resume might not help you stand out as someone entering the workforce. It’s better to be transparent about your experience, even if limited, rather than trying to cover it up.

Combination resume

A mix of chronological and functional formats, combination resumes showcase your skills while providing a timeline of your work history. This more complex format is unnecessary for recent grads who will benefit from a straightforward approach.

When it might work:
If you have specialized skills that directly apply to the job but your work history doesn’t highlight them clearly, a combination resume can help. However, most new job seekers are better off sticking to a more straightforward format.

Curriculum vitae (CV)

Think of a CV as a resume on steroids—it’s packed with your academic achievements, publications, and research. It’s typically used for academic roles or when applying for graduate programs.

When to use it:
A CV is the way to go if you’re eyeing a career in academia or applying to grad school. It allows you to showcase your scholarly work more comprehensively.

Creative resume

Creative resumes, designed to stand out visually, are often used in fields like graphic design or marketing. While these resumes use unique designs, readability and professionalism are still essential.

When it’s appropriate:
If you’re applying for a creative role where design skills are a must, a creative resume can help you stand out from the pile—but be careful not to sacrifice clarity for aesthetics.

Why a chronological format is the best for young professionals:

For most recent graduates, the chronological resume is the best option. Here’s why:

1. It’s easy to follow

A chronological resume presents your education and work history in a simple, linear format. This makes it easy for hiring managers to see your qualifications and academic background.

2. It emphasizes what’s most relevant

Education and recent experiences are often your strongest selling points early in your career. This format puts them front and center, highlighting your most relevant accomplishments.

3. It’s professional and widely accepted

The chronological resume is the standard format in most industries. Using it shows that you understand professional norms. Also, this format is accepted into all applicant tracking systems.

4. It’s adaptable

This format makes it easy to adjust your resume for different jobs. You can shift the focus to emphasize different experiences or skills based on the job description without complicating the overall structure.

Insider Tip

Stick to fonts like Arial, Times New Roman, or Calibri to ensure readability.

Don’t

Don’t use overly complex formats like the combination or functional resume unless there’s a specific reason. Hiring managers appreciate simplicity and clarity, especially when reviewing entry-level candidates. As the saying goes, keep it simple.

Key Takeaways

Use a chronological format: This is the best choice for recent grads because it highlights your education and recent experiences in a clean, straightforward way.
Keep it professional: Avoid complicated or overly creative formats. Employers want clarity, not confusion.
Consider exceptions for grad school or creative fields: Use a CV for academic roles or a creative resume if you’re applying for design-focused positions.

Previous Topic

Back to Lesson

Next Topic