The tables below give pros and cons of chronological, functional and combination types or resumes. The Format
Variations table provides a comparison of Keyword versus Targeted types of resumes.
This information can help you determine which
resume type is
right for you.
| Format
| Chronological
| Functional
| Combination
|
|
Characteristic
|
Presents information in reverse order, most recent experience listed first.
Offers concise picture of you as a potential employee. |
Brief and well-structured.
Focus on skills, not history.
De-emphasizes a spotty work history. |
All the flexibility and strength of the functional and chronological combined. |
|
Advantage
|
Easy to write.
Emphasizes steady employment record.
Format is familiar |
Focuses on specific strengths and skills important to employers. |
Shows off a strong employment record with upward mobility.
Showcases relevant skills and abilities and supportive employment record.
Emphasizes transferable skills. |
|
Disadvantage
|
Calls attention to employment gaps.
Skills are difficult to spot unless they are listed in the most recent job. |
No detailed work history.
Content may appear to lack depth. |
Work history is often on the second page and employer may not read that far. |
| Use
|
To emphasize past career growth and development.
When continuing in the same career.
When the name of former employer may be significant to prospective employer. |
When entering the job market or when reentering after a long absence.
When work experience has been varied or unrelated.
When changing careers.
When primarily consulting or doing freelance work. |
When shorter functional format would be too sketchy.
To offer a complete picture of abilities and work history. |
|
Don't Use If
|
There are gaps in your work history.
Calling attention to your age could be a problem.
You have changed jobs often.
Entering job market for first time or after a long absence. |
Want to emphasize growth or development.
Responsibilities and functions in recent jobs were limited. |
Experience is limited.
There are wide gaps in work history. |
|
Resume Samples*
|
Work-to-Work: for switching jobs
School-to-Work: recent graduate
Blank Worksheet: develop your resume |
Work-to-Work: for switching jobs
No Paid Work Experience
Blank Worksheet: develop your resume |
No Paid Work Experience
Work-to-Work Job Seeker
Blank Worksheet: develop your resume |
Resume Samples* - Consider attending one of Minnesota WorkForce Centers workshops to receive personal help with your resume. Or visit Creative Job Search to get tips online.
|
Format Variations
|
Keyword
|
Targeted
|
|
Characteristics
|
Allows for focused resumes that target skills. |
Highly focused document aimed at a particular job.
A "capsule" of work experience. |
|
Advantages
|
Skills are listed briefly and at the beginning of the resume.
Easy for employer to scan and find skills. |
Brief and direct.
Easy to read. |
|
Disadvantages
|
May be redundant information to include keywords at the top of your resume.
Still an unfamiliar format to many employers. |
May focus too tightly on one particular job.
Content may appear sparse. |
|
Use
|
For all scannable systems of job screening.
For all new graduates, those reentering the work place or changing careers. |
When job target is specific.
When you need separate resumes for different career paths. |
|
Don't Use If
|
There is rarely a time you cannot use this variation. It can be used in combination with any or all of the other formats. |
You are not prepared to put the effort into writing an excellent resume. |
Source: Creative Job Search,
Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development.
Page last updated in July 2008.
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