Types of Resumes | Minnesota State CAREERwise (2024)

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Which resume format is right for you?

There are three common resume formats: chronological, functional, and combination. The table below describes and gives the pros and cons of each. Use it to decide which is best for you.

Resume FormatsChronological ResumeFunctional or Skills-based ResumeCombination Resume
OverviewLists your work history in reverse order, starting with your current or most recent job and working backwards.Focuses on skills and strengths important to employers. Omits specific dates, names, and places. De-emphasizes a spotty work history.Blends the flexibility and strength of the other two types of resumes.
AdvantageEasy to write. Emphasizes steady employment record. Employers like to see job titles, level of responsibility, and dates of your work history.De-emphasizes a spotty work history. Allows you to highlight specific strengths and transferable skills that might not be obvious when outlined in purely chronological order.Shows off a strong employment record with upward mobility. Show how the skills you have used in the past apply to the job you are seeking. Emphasizes transferable skills.
DisadvantageCalls attention to employment gaps. Skills can be difficult to spot unless they are listed in the most recent job.No detailed work history. Content may appear to lack depth. Disliked by many employers. It makes them think you may be trying to hide your age, employment gaps, lack of relevant experience, lack of career progression, or underemployment.Work history is often on the second page, and employer may not read that far.
Best usedTo emphasize past career growth and development in the same career. Or when the name of a former employer may be significant to prospective employer.To emphasize transferable skills you have used in volunteer work, paid work, or coursework. Use this or a combination resume if you are a new graduate, have limited work experience, are changing careers or doing freelance work, or you do not want to call attention to your age.To show off your skills developed throughout your work history instead of the specific positions you have held. Use when you are making a career change and names of former employers may not be obvious to prospective employer.
Don't use ifThere are gaps in your work history, when calling attention to your age could be a problem, you have changed jobs often, or you are entering the job market for first time or after a long absence.You want to emphasize growth or development or if your duties and responsibilities in recent jobs were limited.Your experience is limited, or there are wide gaps in your work history.
Resume samplesChronological (pdf)

School to Work Chronological (pdf)

Chronological Template (pdf): develop your resume

Skills Resume(pdf)

Skills Resume Template (pdf): develop your resume

Resume Variation

Targeted Resume
OverviewHighly focused document aimed at a particular job; a "capsule" of work experience
AdvantageBrief and direct. Easy to read.
DisadvantageMay focus too tightly on one particular job. Content may appear sparse.
Best usedWhen job target is specific or you need separate resumes for different career paths.
Don't use ifYou aren't prepared to put the effort into writing an excellent resume.
Resume samplesTargeted Resume Sample 1 (pdf)

Targeted Resume Sample 2 (pdf)


Source: Creative Job Search, Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development.

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Types of Resumes | Minnesota State CAREERwise (2024)

FAQs

What are the 3 main types of resumes? ›

Top 3 Types of Resumes. The most commonly used resume types are chronological, combination, and functional. Though they follow different formats, each includes the same elements: Name and contact information (always at the very top of the resume)

Are the four different types of resumes? ›

Four Resume Types: Which is Right for Your Job Search?
  • Chronological Resume.
  • Functional Resume.
  • Combination Resume.
  • Targeted Resume.

What are red flags on a resume? ›

The most common resume red flags are typos, formatting issues, missing or incorrect contact information, employment gaps, overlapping dates, job hopping, lack of customization, lack of achievements, failure to showcase data, unusual add-ons, lack of relevant experience, use of gimmicks, and unwillingness to follow ...

Which type of resume is most effective? ›

A chronological resume is a good choice for anyone whose employment history shows a consistent, advancing career path . For example, you might select a chronological resume format if you have spent the past several years in the same industry and each role you have held was more senior than the last.

What are the 4 main types of resumes and when should they be used? ›

Chronological, functional, and combination resumes are traditional resume formats that you can use for all job types. Despite being called one type of resume, a targeted resume should form the basis for every resume format.

What are the 3 C's of a resume? ›

We're here to help with a few key tips to make your resume stand out amongst hundreds of applicants. Read on for the three “C's” we recommend: Categorization, Conciseness, and Consistency. Before you begin creating or editing your resume, understand the key categories an employer will scan for.

What are the 5 types of resume? ›

The 5 different types of resumes are - chronological, functional, combination, infographic, and targeted resume.

What is the most common resume format? ›

The most commonly used resume format is the chronological resume. On a chronological resume, your work history is listed by job title, beginning with your current or most recent job. The chronological resume works best for job seekers who: Want to showcase a steady employment history.

How many jobs is too many on a resume? ›

You should list all the jobs you've had that are relevant to the position you're applying for. Usually, you'll list 2–4 jobs on your resume, but that number can change based on your experience level.

What color stands out on a resume? ›

The best color scheme for your resume depends on your industry and the image you want to project. Neutral colors like navy blue, gray, and black are universally accepted and convey professionalism. Shades of purple, blue, green, or other colors can be used to highlight specific sections or headings.

How far should your resume go back? ›

Generally, experts recommend keeping about 10-15 years of work experience on your resume, but that guidance changes depending on your professional history. Your resume is one of the first things a potential employer sees about you.

What do resumes look like in 2024? ›

For the majority of job-seekers, the best resume format in 2024 is the reverse-chronological resume format. This resume format involves listing your resume information (e.g. your work experience and your education) starting with the most recent one and going backward through relevant jobs, degrees, or qualifications.

What should we avoid when creating a resume? ›

You do this by avoiding these ten common mistakes in résumé writing:
  • Too Much Information.
  • Résumé Template without Any Imagination.
  • Wrong Level of English.
  • Wrong Contact Information.
  • Ignoring technological skills.
  • Focus on responsibilities rather than results.
  • No stats/data/quantified data.

What are two of the most popular resume types? ›

Which resume format is right for you? There are three common resume formats: chronological, functional, and combination.

What are the 3 major differences between resume and curriculum vitae? ›

The differences are: (1) A resume is one page (max. two) whereas the CV can be longer, (2) A resume is used for job hunting in all industries, the CV is used for jobs and admissions in Academia, (3) The resume is tailored to the specific job you are applying to, whereas the CV is a comprehensive overview.

What is a 3 page resume? ›

Consider a three-page (or longer) resume if: You're a senior-level manager or executive with an impressive track record of leadership accomplishments. You're in an academic or scientific field with a list of publications, speaking engagements, courses, licenses, or patents.

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