Types of resume format
1. Chronological Resume
Chronological Resume Sample
2. Functional Resume
Functional Resume Sample
3. Combination Resume
Combination Resume Sample
4. Targeted Resume
Targeted Resume Sample
5. Infographic Resume
How to Make an Infographic Resume
Best resume writing tips and practices
Do you know all the types of resumes?
We don't think so!
There are several types of resume formats, each with its distinct quality. A resume is a crucial tool in a job search, as it serves as your first impression to potential employers.
With an appropriate resume format, you can showcase your skills, qualifications, and experience in a way that grabs the attention of hiring managers and increases your chances of landing an interview.
In this comprehensive guide, we will discuss the various types of job resumes, and provide samples to help you create the perfect resume for your job search. We will also answer some frequently asked questions related to resume writing.
Types of resume
There are several types of resume formats, each with its unique features and benefits.
Choosing the right format for your resume depends on your work history, skills, and the type of job you are applying for. Let's explore each format in detail.
1. Chronological Resume format
A chronological resume, or reverse-chronological resume, is the most common and traditional type of resume format.
It is organized in reverse chronological order, which means that your work experience and education are listed in reverse order, starting with your most recent experience or education.
This type of resume is a great option for those with a consistent work history and a clear career progression.
It allows hiring managers to easily see your career growth and how your experience has prepared you for the position you are applying for.
Chronological Resume Sample
John Doe
123 ST Road, New Delhi, 110003|
|(011) 2456-7890 |
|johndoe@email.com|Summary
Highly motivated and detail-oriented professional with 5 years of experience in marketing and communications. Skilled in creating compelling content, managing social media platforms, and developing successful marketing campaigns. Seeking a challenging role to utilize my skills and experience to contribute to the growth of a dynamic organization.
Work Experience
Marketing Manager, ABC Company (June 2019 – Present)
- Developed and executed marketing strategies that increased company revenue by 20%
- Managed a team of 5 marketing professionals and provided training and guidance
- Created engaging content for social media, email marketing, and print materials
Marketing Specialist, XYZ Corporation (August 2016 – May 2019)
- Coordinated and executed successful product launches that resulted in a 30% increase in sales
- Assisted with the development of marketing plans and budget management
- Managed the company's social media accounts and created engaging content
Education
- Bachelor of Science in Marketing, State University (August 2012 – May 2016)
- Graduated with honors
- Completed relevant coursework in marketing, advertising, and communicationsSkills
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite
- Experience with Adobe Creative Suite
- Knowledge of SEO and SEM strategies
- Excellent written and verbal communication skillsc
Overall, a chronological resume is a great option for those with a consistent work history and clear career progression. It is easy to read and understand, making it a popular choice for recruiters and hiring managers.
2. Functional Resume
A functional resume is a type of resume that highlights an applicant's skills and abilities rather than their work experience or education.
This type of resume is useful for individuals who are looking to change careers, have gaps in their employment history, or have limited work experience.
Unlike a chronological resume, a functional resume organizes information by skill sets and achievements rather than by job titles and dates.
The emphasis is on the skills and abilities that the candidate possesses that are relevant to the job they are applying for.
Functional Resume Sample
Here is an example of a functional resume:
Jane Smith
456, RT Road, Mumbai, India 400001|
|(020)3456-7890 | janesmith@email.com|Summary
Highly motivated and results-driven professional with extensive experience in project management, team leadership, and process improvement. Skilled in developing and implementing innovative solutions to complex business problems. Seeking a challenging role in a dynamic organization where my skills and expertise can be utilized to drive growth and success.Skills
- Project Management: Led cross-functional teams to successfully deliver multiple projects on time and within budget.
- Process Improvement: Identified and implemented process improvements that resulted in cost savings and increased efficiency.
- Team Leadership: Managed teams of up to 10 individuals and provided coaching and mentorship to ensure high performance.
- Strategic Planning: Developed and executed strategies that increased revenue and market share.
- Communication: Exceptional written and verbal communication skills with the ability to effectively communicate with stakeholders at all levels.
Professional Experience
Project Manager, ABC Corporation (2018 – Present)
- Successfully led cross-functional teams to deliver multiple projects on time and within budget.
- Implemented project management best practices resulting in improved efficiency and cost savings.
- Developed and executed project plans that aligned with strategic objectives.
Process Improvement Manager, XYZ Corporation (2016 – 2018)
- Identified and implemented process improvements resulting in cost savings of over $100,000 annually.
- Developed and delivered training to employees to ensure the successful adoption of new processes.
- Coordinated with cross-functional teams to implement new processes and ensure alignment with strategic objectives.
Education
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, State University (2012 – 2016)
- Graduated with honors
- Relevant coursework in project management, process improvement, and strategic planning
Certifications- Project Management Professional (PMP)
- Lean Six Sigma Green Belt
A functional resume is ideal for those who want to highlight their skills and abilities instead of their work experience. It is an effective way to showcase your strengths and achievements and can help you stand out from other candidates.
You can make the functional resume format clearer by appropriately reordering the sections to highlight skills.
The skills section comes before the professional experience section, allowing the recruiter to see the candidate's skills and abilities upfront, followed by specific examples of how they've applied them in their work experience.
3. Combination Resume
A combination resume, also known as a hybrid resume, is a type of resume that combines elements of both chronological and functional resumes.
This type of resume is ideal for candidates who want to highlight their skills and accomplishments while still providing a detailed work history.
In a combination resume, the skills and accomplishments are typically listed first, followed by a chronological work history.
This approach allows the candidate to showcase their strengths and achievements up front, while still providing a detailed account of their work experience.
Combination Resume Sample
Here is an example of a combination resume:
John Doe
123 GRT Avenue, Noida, UP, India-121003|
|(0120) 2456-7890 | johndoe@email.com|Summary
Highly motivated and results-driven professional with 5 years of experience in project management, team leadership, and process improvement. Skilled in developing and implementing innovative solutions to complex business problems. Seeking a challenging role in a dynamic organization where my skills and expertise can be utilized to drive growth and success.Skills
- Project Management: Led cross-functional teams to successfully deliver multiple projects on time and within budget.
- Process Improvement: Identified and implemented process improvements that resulted in cost savings and increased efficiency.
- Team Leadership: Managed teams of up to 10 individuals and provided coaching and mentorship to ensure high performance.
- Strategic Planning: Developed and executed strategies that increased revenue and market share.
- Communication: Exceptional written and verbal communication skills with the ability to effectively communicate with stakeholders at all levels.
Professional Experience
Project Manager, ABC Corporation (2018 – Present)
- Successfully led cross-functional teams to deliver multiple projects on time and within budget.
- Implemented project management best practices resulting in improved efficiency and cost savings.
- Developed and executed project plans that aligned with strategic objectives.
Process Improvement Manager, XYZ Corporation (2016 – 2018)
- Identified and implemented process improvements resulting in cost savings of over $100,000 annually.
- Developed and delivered training to employees to ensure the successful adoption of new processes.
- Coordinated with cross-functional teams to implement new processes and ensure alignment with strategic objectives.
Education
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, State University (2012 – 2016)
- Graduated with honors
- Relevant coursework in project management, process improvement, and strategic planning
Certifications
- Project Management Professional (PMP)
- Lean Six Sigma Green Belt
A combination resume is a great option for those who want to highlight both their skills and work history.
By combining elements of both the chronological and functional resumes, this format allows the candidate to showcase their strengths and accomplishments while still providing a detailed account of their work experience.
4. Targeted Resume
A targeted resume is a type of resume that is specifically tailored to a particular job or position.
It focuses on highlighting the candidate's skills and experiences that are most relevant to the job they are applying for.
This type of resume is highly effective because it directly addresses the needs and requirements of the employer, making the candidate stand out from other applicants.
Targeted Resume Sample
Here is an example of a targeted resume:
Jane Smith
|23 Main Street, New Delhi, India 110003|
|(011) 2456-7890 |janesmith@email.com|Summary
Highly skilled marketing professional with 5 years of experience in developing and executing successful marketing campaigns. Seeking a challenging role as a Marketing Manager at XYZ Corporation where I can leverage my skills and experience to drive growth and success.
Professional Experience
Marketing Specialist, ABC Corporation (2018 – Present)
- Developed and executed successful marketing campaigns that resulted in a 25% increase in revenue.
- Coordinated with cross-functional teams to ensure the successful implementation of marketing initiatives.
- Conducted market research to identify new growth opportunities.
Marketing Coordinator, DEF Corporation (2016 – 2018)
- Managed social media platforms and developed content for email marketing campaigns.
- Assisted in the development and execution of marketing plans for new product launches.
- Conducted competitive analysis to identify areas for improvement.
Education
Bachelor of Science in Marketing, State University (2012 – 2016)
- Graduated with honors
- Relevant coursework in marketing strategy, market research, and digital marketing
Skills
- Marketing strategy development and execution
- Market research and analysis
- Social media marketing
- Email marketing
- Project management
- Data analysis and reporting
A targeted resume is a highly effective tool for job seekers because it directly addresses the needs and requirements of the employer.
By highlighting the candidate's most relevant skills and experiences, a targeted resume can help them stand out from other applicants and increase their chances of landing an interview.
5. Infographic Resume
An infographic resume is a visual representation of a traditional resume.
Instead of using paragraphs of text, an infographic resume uses charts, graphs, icons, and other visual elements to convey information about the candidate's skills, experiences, and accomplishments.
This type of resume is highly creative and can help a candidate stand out from other applicants.
Here is an example of an infographic resume:
An infographic resume includes all the basic elements of a traditional resume, such as the candidate's name, contact information, summary, and professional experience.
However, instead of using bullet points and paragraphs, the resume uses visual elements to highlight the candidate's key achievements and skills.
Infographic resumes are best suited for creative industries, such as graphic design, marketing, or advertising, where visual creativity is highly valued.
However, it's important to note that not all employers appreciate this type of resume format.
Candidates should research the company and industry to determine if an infographic resume is appropriate for the position they are applying for.
How to Make an Infographic Resume?
There are many online tools available to create a free infographic resume. You can create a visually appealing resume with these options:
1. Canva
Canva is a popular graphic design platform that offers a variety of templates and design elements to help you create an eye-catching infographic resume. You can use their drag-and-drop editor to customize your resume with colors, fonts, icons, and graphics.
2. Venngage
Venngage is an easy-to-use infographic maker that offers a range of templates and design options for creating professional-looking resumes. You can use their built-in data visualization tools to highlight your skills and experience.
3. Piktochart
Piktochart is a user-friendly infographic creator that offers a range of templates and design elements to create visually appealing resumes. You can easily customize your resume with their drag-and-drop editor, and add icons, graphics, and images to make it stand out.
4. Visme
Visme is a versatile infographic maker that offers a range of templates and design options for creating visually appealing resumes. You can use their drag-and-drop editor to customize your resume with charts, icons, and other design elements.
An infographic resume is a highly creative way to showcase a candidate's skills and experiences. While it's not suitable for every industry,
it can be highly effective in creative fields and can help a candidate stand out from other applicants.
Best resume writing tips and practices
1. Tailor your resume to the job you're applying for. Highlight the skills and experiences that are most relevant to the position you're applying for.
2. Use clear and concise language. Avoid using jargon or overly technical language that may not be understood by the hiring manager.
3. Use bullet points to make your resume easy to read. Use action verbs to describe your accomplishments and responsibilities.
4. Keep your resume to one or two pages. Avoid adding unnecessary information that may distract from your qualifications.
5. Use a professional email address. Avoid using a personal email address that may be unprofessional or inappropriate.
6. Use professional font and formatting. Stick to simple and easy-to-read fonts like Arial or Times New Roman, and use formatting like bold or italic to highlight important information.
7. Include relevant keywords. Many companies use automated systems to screen resumes, so include keywords from the job description to ensure your resume gets through the initial screening process.
8. Focus on achievements, not just responsibilities. Highlight specific accomplishments and quantifiable results that you achieved in your previous roles.
9. Include your education and relevant certifications. List your education and any certifications or licenses that are relevant to the position you're applying for.
10. Proofread your resume for errors. Make sure to double-check your resume for spelling and grammatical errors, and have someone else review it as well to catch any mistakes you may have missed.
By following these best practices, you can create a strong and effective resume that highlights your skills and experiences and makes you stand out from other applicants.
FAQs
Q: How do I choose the right resume format for my job search?
A: Consider your work history, skills, and the type of job you are applying for when choosing a resume format. If you have a consistent work history, a chronological or reverse chronological resume may be best. If you have gaps in your employment or are changing careers, a functional or combination resume may be more suitable.
Q: Should I include references on my resume?
A: It is not necessary to include references on your resume. Instead, have a separate list of references ready to provide upon request.
Q: How long should my resume be?
A: Aim for one to two pages in length. If you have extensive work experience or are applying for a higher-level position, a longer resume may be appropriate.
Q: Can I use a resume template?
A: Yes, using a resume template can be a helpful starting point for creating your resume. However, be sure to customize the template to fit your unique skills, experience, and the job you are applying for.
Q: How do I make my resume stand out?
A: To make your resume stand out, focus on showcasing your unique skills and qualifications that are most relevant to the job you are applying for.
Use strong action verbs and adjectives to describe your accomplishments and responsibilities and consider using a targeted or infographic resume format to further differentiate yourself from other candidates.
All the best!
