It’s not uncommon to have more than one resume. There is more than one way to organize your resume. Do a little research to decide which one works best for your situation.
Once you've established a plan for your job search, and a target list of employers, your next step is to put together a great resume. Taking time to make sure your resume represents you well may be the most important step of all. It’s often the first thing a potential employer sees about you, and you don’t want it to be the last. We’ve listed four types of resumes below, but first let's take a quick look at cover letters.
A Cover Letter typically goes in front of the resume to indicate the position you’re pursuing, where you heard about it, and a bit of information about yourself. It should introduce the resume accompanying it. A cover letter should entice the reader to want to read the resume. It is normally not more than one page or two or three paragraphs. Sample Cover Letter
Chronological Resumes present an individual's information in a timeline listing each job and education accomplishment in order, beginning with the most recent.
Works best for…
This resume works well for the person with several years of relevant experience. By presenting your career information by dates, beginning with your present or most recent position, employers will easily see the jobs held by the individual and the increasing amount of responsibility. Sample Chronological Resume
The Functional Resume arranges information into sections that allow you to highlight your skills, knowledge, and accomplishments rather than your work history. The work history is usually displayed near the end.
Works best for…
If you have a work history that is mixed because you frequently change jobs, the Functional Resume will work best for you. Because this resume format highlights your abilities more than your work experience, it can be used if you are trying to transition into a new career. This resume design also works well if you have gaps in your employment history or are reentering the workforce. Sample Functional Resume
Combination Resumes combine the Chronological and the Functional Resume formats into one. A Combination Resume lists your work history in chronological order, but also lists your skills, experience, and achievements.
Works best for…
The Combination Resume allows you to highlight skills relevant to the job that you are applying for and also provide the chronological work history, which is much easier to follow. Sample Combination Resume
A Targeted Resume may be Chronological, Functional or Combination in design, but is targeted for a specific company or position. When you think about it, every resume should be Targeted or designed with a specific job or employer in mind.
Works best for…
This resume format works best for a specific company or job. List only the skills, education, work experience and other supporting accomplishments related to the specific job. Consider using the Targeted Resume to contact an employer on your target list, even without a specific job opening, to express interest in that particular company. How to write a Targeted Resume.