Descriptionof the Many Types of Resumes That Are Used
While manypeople may think that a resume is a resume, there are really several differenttypes of choose from, each with their own unique appeal and use. While you cancertainly apply for any number of jobs and use the same resume, you will getbetter response from using the right resume, no matter what job you areapplying for. The various resumes that you might choose from include:
Reversechronological
Functional
Hybrid
Accomplishment
Targeted
Linear
Professional
AcademicCurriculum vitae
Of these, theformat that is favored by job recruiters and others who would like to be ableto scan your resume in a rapid, easy manner is the reverse chronologicalresume.
The ReverseChronological Resume
Humanresources staff and job recruiters like the reverse chronological resume simplybecause they are so easy to read, giving them a clear listing of the jobs thatyou have held in a reverse order. It is a good resume format to show steadywork history, that you are moving in a set pattern in your education and careerpaths and that you are a traditional type of employee. It is suggested byexperts that this format is best for use when applying for solid andtraditional based industries including banking or finance, education,accounting and similar career choices.
The reversechronological resume format can be a problem for those who have had many briefor temporary jobs or those who have lengthy gaps between jobs. It may also showother negatives such as sticking in a job for too long even after the careerreached its peak and may pigeonhole you into one industry.
Who ShouldUse this Format?
People whoshould use the reverse chronological resume format include:
Thosewho have either a steady school or education record without gaps or withoutmaking any notably backward moves
Thosewho have worked for a respected member of the industry that you would like toenter or have had a steppingstone position to that industry.
Who ShouldNot Use this Format?
The reversechronological resume format might not be a good idea for certain people. Peoplewho should not use this format include:
Thosewho are new to the employment world, including recent high school or collegelevel grads or those who are returning to the working world after a longabsence.
Thosewho have less than positive work histories including those who have haddemotions or other problems in their past.
Thosewho are looking to get out of their current line of work completely.
FunctionalResume Format
Anotherformat to consider for your resume is the functional resume. Instead offocusing on when you worked and where, this format highlights what skills youlearned or refined along the way. There are several reasons that the functionalresume may be a good choice for the employee, but not favored by the employer.The basic functional resume does not include the dates and other informationthat most employers like to see.
Who ShouldUse this Format?
Thefunctional resume might be best for:
Thosewho are looking to completely change their career path after many years workingin one industry.
Thosewho are new graduates or former military personnel.
WhyBosses/Resume Readers May Not Like It
The main goalof the resume is to get a job, which starts with catching the eye of human resources,the boss or whoever is holding it at that moment. Some resume styles arefavored by these people over other formats because they are easier to read ormore clearly highlight what they are looking for. The functional resume mightbe less than desirable because:
Itis not always as clear as the other styles
Itmay appear to the resume reader that you are trying to hide or downplay employmentgaps or other problems
Becauseit does not include dates in its true form, may leave the reader wondering ifthis experience was ten days ago or ten years ago.
The HybridResume Format
As the nameimplies, the hybrid resume format is a combination of both the reversechronological resume and the functional format. It takes all of the strengthsof the two resume types and combines them into one resume. However, it maybecome more wordy or longer than the typical resume reader would actually read.
TheAccomplishment Format
For those jobseekers who have plenty to actually brag about, the accomplishment resumeformat might be the better choice. It is the resume that is used in certainindustries, particularly in the executive levels. It is also a good choice inthose industries that are traditionally considered to be mobile such asadvertising, communications and publishing. This is a good format not only forthose who are new to the employment world after finishing their education butto those who have been working in the industry in the self-employed sector fora number of years.
TargetedFormat
When you knowexactly what job you want, or what job title you are going for, the targetedresume format is the best to use. It is used basically to highlight your skillspoint- by-point to the skills listed by the company, whether those skills were postedin the newspaper advertisement or a recruiting letter.
The problemwith this format is simple: if you are applying for a job with a company thathas several open positions, you may not be considered for the others becauseyou were so clearly set on one job.
LinearFormat
A linearresume goes line by line to discuss what you are ready to offer to an employer.Because it includes a lot of white space and is typically easier to read, itcan stand out from the crowd, a huge benefit especially in a very tight jobmarket.
It does notpack in a lot of information which can also be considered a plus, however someemployers may consider it a method of trying to hide things. It is often aresume that will get a second or third look though, so it is a good choice formany occupations and types of job seekers.
ProfessionalFormat
While expertssuggest that a resume be kept to a maximum of two pages with one page beingoptimal, the professional resume format is often much longer and can be as manyas three to five pages long and is best used by those who are seeking uppertier type jobs or in certain professions that would certainly need theadditional experience and education. For instance, doctors, scientists andlawyers as well as those seeking positions that are above general managershould use the professional format resume.
AcademicCurriculum Vitae (CV)
Like theprofessional formatted resume, this is a lengthier document, typically six toeight pages for someone who has been in the industry for many years, about halfas long for a new professional. Again, resume readers have to go through pilesof resumes and other documents, so the benefit here would be to use anexecutive summary page which is a very brief overview of experience, skills andother qualifications. If your job title or correct means of address includesthe word “doctor,” this is the resume type for you. If you can shave orcondense information into another format, it might be beneficial to the reader;however, make sure that you are not missing any good information in so doing.
It can bevery confusing to find the right format for you and your occupation. Read thenext article where we define and discuss what kind of resume is best for eachoccupation.