Resume Format Guide - Live Assets

Resume Format Guide

December 28, 2021 -

With the ongoing labour shortage, now is the perfect time to start your job hunt or make a career change. But before you start, you need to get your resume in order, including picking a suitable resume format: chronological, function or hybrid. Depending on your professional experience and the role you apply for, one format will be more effective than others.

 

A guide to the different resume formats and their pros and cons

Chronological Resume

The chronological resume is a traditional and commonly used format. This type of resume organizes your work experience in reverse chronological order. Focusing on your most recent positions and experiences and then working its way backwards.

 

Chronological resumes often arrange information in this order:

  • Contact details
  • Objective statement
  • Work experience
  • Relevant skills
  • Education
  • Additional information

 

Pros: Chronological resumes are the most commonly recognized resume formats. Employers prefer this style because they can quickly scan work history and professional development to determine a candidate’s suitability.

 

Cons: The chronological format emphasizes employment gaps or lack of professional experience. Skills and credentials can be challenging to find, making it a poor choice for those in the middle of a career change. 

 

 

Functional Resume

The functional resume is the least commonly used out of the three formats. Resumes in this fashion mainly focus on skills and abilities rather than order of work history. Rather than emphasizing work experience, the functional resume prioritizes credentials and professional skills.

 

Functional resumes often arrange information in this order:

 

  • Contact details
  • Summary or objective statement
  • Relevant skills
  • Work experience
  • Education
  • Additional information

 

 

Pros: The functional resume doesn’t draw attention to employment gaps, making it a preferable choice for those returning from a lengthy sabbatical. It is a great option for new graduates, freelancers, or anyone who wants to emphasize their transferable skills.

Cons: Some employers might be wary of a functional resume as this format can easily hide a candidate’s spotty work experience, making employers hesitant.

 

 

Hybrid Resume

When combining the above styles, you get a happy blend known as the hybrid or combination resume. A hybrid resume showcases the candidate’s skills and experiences through the context of the job they are applying for, even when coming from a differing field or industry.

 

Hybrid resumes often arrange information in this order:

  • Contact details
  • Objective summary
  • Work history
  • Relevant skills summary
  • Education

 

Pros: The hybrid resume is a practical choice for job seekers who are highly skilled and trained in their field. This type of resume bodes well with most employers as it clearly and equally demonstrates both skills and professional experience.

 

Cons: Like the chronological resume style, hybrid resumes can make employment gaps or job-hopping work histories at the forefront. This style is also newer, and employers might not be as familiar with it as with chronological resumes.

 

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