4 Different Types of Resumes for Job Seekers—and How to Choose the Best for You

Your resume is your first impression on potential employers, so it’s significant to choose the correct format. There are several types of resumes, each with its own strengths depending on your background, encounter, and career goals.

Whether you’re a recent graduate, a career switcher, or a seasoned professional, we’ll assist you comprehend the different resume kinds, their pros and cons, and how to decide which one is correct for you.

Choose the perfect resume for your industry and encounter, then apply to one—or many—of these open jobs on The Muse »

4 different types of resumes—and who they’re best suited for

There are four main types of resumes commonly used by job seekers: chronological, functional, graphic, and combination resumes. These types of resume formats now your skills and encounter differently, so understanding their differences is key to making an informed selection.

1. Chronological resume

A chronological resume is the most traditional and widely used format. It lists your work encounter in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent position.

Pros:

• straightforward to read: Employers are familiar with this format, so it’s straightforward to scan.
• Highlights career growth: It’s ideal for candidates with a powerful work history and obvious upward career progression.
• Shows longevity: It emphasizes a steady employment record, which can appeal to employers.

Cons:

• Gaps are obvious: Any career gaps or job hopping will be noticeable.
• Not ideal for career changers: This format may not be the best fit for those shifting industries or roles, as it focuses more on encounter rather than skills.

Best for:

• Candidates with a consistent work history
• Job seekers applying for positions within the same industry
• Professionals aiming to showcase upward career growth

This might assist: How to Write a Chronological Resume (Plus Example!)

2. Functional resume

If you desire to recognize what the most functional type of resume is, this is the one you’re looking for. A functional resume focuses on skills and abilities rather than your chronological work history. It groups skills into relevant categories, putting less emphasis on specific job titles or dates of employment.

Pros:

• Emphasizes skills: It’s great for candidates who have transferable skills but lack extensive encounter in a particular role or industry.
• Hides gaps: It’s ideal for those with employment gaps or who have had short-term positions.
• Flexible format: This allows you to tailor the resume based on what skills are most relevant to the job.

Cons:

• Less ordinary: Some employers might be less familiar with this format, which could navigator to confusion.
• Lack of context: Since work encounter isn’t the main focus, employers might discover it harder to comprehend how your skills were applied in real work situations.

Best for:

• Career changers or those with non-traditional career paths
• Job seekers with gaps in their employment history
• Candidates looking to highlight specific skill sets

This might assist: What Is a Functional Resume? Example and Tips on How to Write Yours

3. Combination resume

A combination resume, as the name suggests, blends the features of both different kinds of resumes: the chronological and the functional resumes. It lists skills at the top of the resume, followed by a reverse-chronological listing of work encounter.

Pros:

• Balanced way: It offers a mix of both skills and encounter, making it easier to highlight qualifications while also demonstrating work history.
• Versatile: This format works for various industries and career levels.
• Customizable: You can adjust the emphasis between skills and encounter depending on the job you’re applying for.

Cons:

• Can be lengthy: Because it includes both skills and work encounter, this type of resume can get long, which may overwhelm hiring managers.
• period-consuming to make: It can receive more attempt to organize your information effectively in this format.

Best for:

• Professionals with a affluence of skills and encounter
• Job seekers who have varied or extensive encounter in multiple fields
• Candidates who desire to highlight both their skills and work history equally

This might assist: Do You require a Combination Resume? Here’s How to recognize (and How to Write One)

4. Graphic resume

A graphic resume uses visual elements like color, icons, charts, and distinctive layouts to now your qualifications creatively. These resumes are often designed using graphic design software and focus on making the document visually appealing.

Pros:

• Visually engaging: It stands out from traditional resumes and catches the eye of hiring managers.
• Best for creative roles: It’s ideal for industries like marketing, design, and advertising where innovation is valued.
• Shows design skills: It demonstrates your ability to make aesthetically pleasing documents, especially useful for design professionals.

Cons:

• May not be ATS-amiable: Many applicant tracking systems (ATSs) battle to read graphic resumes, which can outcome in your application being rejected automatically.
• Not suitable for all industries: In more conservative or traditional industries (like finance or law), a graphic resume might be seen as unprofessional.
• Takes more period to make: It requires more attempt to design and may require software knowledge.

Best for:

• Creative professionals, such as graphic designers, marketers, or artists
• Job seekers in industries where innovation and visual showcase are highly valued
• Candidates looking to showcase their design skills directly within their resume

Now that you recognize the four resume types and formats, which type of resume is best? Below are some considerations to have in mind when choosing yours.

The correct type of resume for you

Choosing the correct resume type depends on your circumstance, including your work history, skills, and the job you’re applying for. ponder about what you desire to highlight—your career progression or your skill set.

Here are some guidelines to assist you make the best selection:

• Choose a chronological resume if you have a powerful work history in the same industry, with no significant gaps in employment. This is the best selection for professionals with a obvious career path and a history of promotions or increasing responsibility.
• Choose a functional resume if you’re making a career transformation, have gaps in your work history, or desire to highlight your skills over encounter. This format works well for people who have gained relevant skills through unconventional paths, such as freelancing, volunteering, or education.
• Choose a combination resume if you desire to equilibrium showcasing your skills and encounter. This is a excellent alternative for candidates with extensive encounter but who also desire to highlight particular skills that are relevant to the job.
• Choose a graphic resume if you’re applying for a creative role in fields like design, marketing, or media. This format allows you to showcase your innovation and design skills while still providing essential resume information. Just make sure it’s straightforward to read and ATS-amiable to ensure it doesn’t get overlooked.

Note: Even though there are different types of resumes, most recruiters still lean toward the traditional format. “Recruiters and hiring managers consistently declare that they prefer a more traditional resume format, with jobs listed in reverse chronological order, employment dates, and bullet points,” says Angela Ashurst-McGee, certified professional resume writer (CPRW), president and founder of Upword Resume. Still, the ideal resume format can vary depending on the industry and the specific role.

Can you use more than one type of resume?

Yes! It’s feasible to use various types of resume depending on the job you’re applying for. For example, you might use a chronological resume for one application and a functional resume for another. Regardless of the type, it’s always a excellent concept to tailor your resume to the position you’re seeking, so that would just be one more step anyway.

Bonus tips to make your resume work for you

Regardless of which format you choose among the several resume types, here are some general tips to assist your resume stand out:

• Tailor your resume to the job posting: Once again, customize your resume for each job you apply to by including relevant keywords and focusing on the skills and experiences most applicable to that role.

• Use action verbs: commence bullet points with powerful action verbs like “managed,” “led,” or “created” to display initiative and impact. (Here are 185+ action verbs to make your resume stand out.)

• Quantify achievements: Whenever feasible, include numbers that showcase your accomplishments, such as “increased sales by 30%” or “managed a throng of 10.” (Here’s how to quantify your resume bullets—even when you don’t work with numbers.)

• Keep it concise: Your resume should be no longer than one or two pages. Keep it concentrated on relevant information, and avoid unnecessary details. “recall, your resume is a workhorse document, it’s not a graphic design showcase,” Ashurst-McGee says. “Keep the format straightforward and focus on your workplace accomplishments.”

• Proofread: Typos and grammatical errors can quickly disqualify you from consideration. Always proofread your resume or have someone else review it before sending it out.

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The various types of resume you choose can make a significant difference in how you’re perceived by potential employers. By selecting the correct format for your encounter and skills, you can effectively showcase your strengths and boost your chances of landing that interview. discover the format that will work for you!

FAQs

What’s the best resume type for someone recent to the workforce?

For those recent to the workforce, such as recent graduates or individuals with limited professional encounter, the functional resume is often a excellent selection. It allows you to highlight your skills and education over your work history. However, a chronological resume can also work if you have relevant internships, volunteer work, or part-period jobs.

Explore the different types of resume to view which one best showcases your abilities and qualifications for the role you’re applying for.

What type of resume do employers prefer?

Many employers prefer the chronological resume because it’s straightforward to pursue and highlights your work encounter in a obvious timeline. This format shows your career progression, stability, and relevant job history, making it a favorite for hiring managers.

However, the preferred type of resume can depend on the industry and the specific job. For example, employers in creative or technical fields might appreciate a functional or combination resume if it better emphasizes skills and accomplishments. It’s always a excellent concept to review the job posting and business population when deciding which of the different types of resumes to use.

Should I include all of my job encounter on my resume?

Not necessarily. Include only the most relevant encounter for the job you’re applying to. Older or unrelated jobs can be left off if they don’t add worth to your application.

How often should I update my resume?

You should update your resume every six months or after completing any major projects, learning recent skills, or receiving promotions. Keeping it up to date ensures you’re ready to apply for recent opportunities quickly.