There is no right way to organize your resume. Different formats create different effects - and a different picture of you! Determine which format (Chronological, Functional or Combination) will put you in the best light.
Chronological Resume
In the chronological resume, job history is organized sequentially, with the most recent job listed first. Job titles and employers are emphasized and duties and accomplishments are described in detail.
Use the chronological format if:
- you have an impressive list of recent employers and/or job titles
- your job history shows progress
- you are staying in the same career field
Don't use the chronological format if:
- you have changed employers frequently and/or have gaps in your employment
- you don't want to emphasize your age
- you are changing career fields
To see a sample of a chronological resume, click here.
Functional Resume
Functional resumes highlight skills and accomplishments developed through work, academic and community experiences. This approach lets you group your education, experience and activities into categories that support your job objectives.
Use the functional resume if:
- you have a variety of unrelated work experiences
- you want to market skills and experiences gained through academic coursework or volunteering
- you are changing career fields
Don't use the functional resume if:
- you have little work or leadership experience
- you are entering a traditional field (education, government, etc.) where employment history is important
- you want to emphasize your career growth
To see a sample of a functional resume, click here.
Combination Resume
The combination format merges the direct approach of the chronological format while stressing skills like the functional format. This format is great if your experience is limited, widely varied or not clearly related to your job objective.
To see a sample of a combination resume, click here.
The initial look employers will give your resume will be quick, so no matter what resume format you decide to use, be sure to put the most important points first. Craft the right resume, and it will get you noticed!
For more information about writing winning resumes, check out these FastFocus stories:
Sample of a chronological resume
Kelly Williams
487 South Birch Street
Chicago, IL 60561
(773) 555-3554
Objective
To obtain a position in retail management that utilizes my skills in sales and marketing.
Education
B.A., Psychology, Marquette University, May 2005
Experience
Sales Manager, The Gap, Chicago, IL
2005-present
Managed three departments with annual sales of approximately $7 million. Hired, trained and supervised a culturally diverse workforce of 8 full-time and 11 part-time employees. Reorganized displays, developed new marketing approaches and improved customer service that resulted in 15 percent increase in annual sales. Received 'Manager of the Year' award in 1997.
Assistant Buyer, Crate & Barrel, Chicago, IL
2002-2004
Maintained inventory levels for two departments with annual sales of $4 million. Developed more competitive system of vendor relations that reduced product costs by 7 percent. Worked closely with department managers in maintaining appropriate inventory levels for best-selling items.
Salesperson, Bath and Body Works, Milwaukee, WI
2001-2002
Responsible for improving sales in three departments with annual sales of $3 million. Reorganized displays and instituted new customer service policies for improved customer relations. Sales initiatives resulted in a ten percent increase in annual sales. Awarded 'Employee of the Year.'
Extra-curricular Activities
Team leader, Alternative Spring Break
2002
Coordinated trip and volunteer efforts to work with the homeless in Philadelphia, PA.
America's Best
2003
Educated grade-school children on the dangers of drugs and alcohol.
References
Available upon request
Back to top
Sample of a functional resume
Hugh Michaels
2389 Maple Drive
Baltimore, MD 21224
(410) 555-4573
Summary of Qualifications
Extensive and diverse health care experience in both primary care and research hospital settings. Knowledgeable of current regulatory standards and biomedical technology. Strong background in designing, implementing and directing patient care programs. Experienced with hospital care information systems.
Administration
- Oversaw in-service educational programs.
- Acted as liaison between medical and nursing staffs.
- Administered all operations for in-patient and ambulatory patient care units.
- Participated in auditing medical records for compliance with accreditation standards.
- Coordinated patient visitation volunteer program at University of Minnesota.
Research
- Incorporated findings into clinical applications.
- Compiled data for research studies.
- Collaborated in development of clinical investigations.
- Assisted in biomedical research at the University of Minnesota lab.
Health Care
- Planned, implemented and evaluated holistic care for diverse patient populations.
- Designed and directed teaching of hospital care information systems.
- Worked extensively with biomedical technology.
Education
B.S., Nursing, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, May 2004
Employment
Crisp Regional Hospital, Cordele, GA
Clinical Nurse, January 2005-present
References available upon request
Back to top
Sample of a combination resume
Peter Kay
239 Oak Road
Los Angeles, CA 91776
(202) 555-8236
Objective
To obtain a position that allows me to utilize my skills as a Web designer and HTML programmer.
Relevant Skills
- Programming languages:
C++, Cobol, HTML and PERL
- Systems:
Apple, IBM and UNIX
- Software:
Adobe Acrobat, Aldus Pagemaker, Adobe Photoshop, Corel Photopaint, Microsoft Word, QuarkXPress and Windows.
Experience
- Develop, design, script and program Web pages.
- Designed over 25 sites integrating the latest Web resources to improve revenue for clients.
- Strong background in computer systems, hardware and software.
- Ability to develop and implement databases to aid in organization.
Employment
HTML Programmer
Myrtle Public Relations, Los Angeles, CA
November 2004- present
Graphic Designer
Myrtle Public Relations, Los Angeles, CA
May 2004-November 2004
Assistant Graphic Designer
Niles Park District, Niles, CA
September 2003-May 2004
Assistant Computer Operator
Niles Park District, Niles, CA
May 2003-September 2003
Honors
Deans List
Alpha Lambda Beta
National Merit Scholar
Education
University of California in Los Angeles
BA in Communications, May 2003
Back to top
Add to:
