Best Resume Formats that Will Make You Stand Out
Feb 6, 2021
An important step in your job-seeking is to capture the attention of a recruiter. The most effective way to do this is using a great resume. To make yourself stand out from other applicants, learn how to write the best resume using our formats.
There are a few different resume formats we want to discuss: chronological, functional or hybrid. Each format is appropriate for different professionals with various backgrounds and objectives. Yet, the common and overarching goal is to build a resume that shows why you are a good fit for the job.
JobsDecoder provides career planning services including optimizing your resume. We will walk you through how to figure out the type of resume you need to land the job you want.
1. Chronological
A chronological resume lists your experience in reverse-chronological order. In other words, it is simply a list of work experience , starting with the most recent and working backwards. This is the most commonly used type among others.
Pros:
- Recruiters are used to seeing chronological resumes
- Demonstrates a consistent career path and advancing history
- Easier to update and build from scratch
Cons:
- Employment gaps may look more obvious
- Not a good choice if you’re changing careers
when should you use chronological resume?
Let’s put this into an example. Let’s say you’re a senior data scientist with several years of experience. You’ve been in the same industry for years and each role you’ve taken is more senior than the previous one. Then your best bet is to go with a chronological resume for your next job. A chronological resume would demonstrate a solid and consistent employment history. It will help you land the job.
However, avoid using chronological if you have many gaps in your employment. Also, listing an experience unrelated to your field is not advised. For instance, if you have experience as a server at a restaurant, don’t list it in your web developer resume.
2. Functional
While a chronological resume attempts to highlight experience, a functional resume focuses more on skills.
Pros:
- Highlights your skills and de-emphasizes the gaps in work history
- Great for individuals considering career changes
Cons:
- Recruiters might think that you’re hiding something
- Not a popular choice-there aren’t many great templates/examples
when should you use functional resume?
A functional resume could the best choice if you’re a recent high school/college graduate or if you’re thinking about changing your careers. It also works best if you have a lot of gaps in your work history. This format highlights what’s most relevant for the job you’re pursuing.
3. Hybrid
This format is straightforward. As the name says, it is a combination of chronological and functional resumes. A hybrid format could a better choice over a functional resume if you have some experience and little gaps.
Pros:
- Emphasizes both your skills and work experience
- Avoids leaving an impression that you’re trying to hide employment gaps
- Great for Jobseekers with a lot of tech and soft skills
Cons:
- Employment gaps are still present
- There may be a confusion about chronological order of work experience
when should you use hybrid resume?
A hybrid resume may be best for individuals making a career transition. It is also great for people who have worked in multiple industries. If your work history does not directly relate to the role you are applying for, this format can be a great choice for you. The format is very flexible and if you are looking to include some keywords/terms from your job description, you should use it.
Wish you the best luck… and Happy Job Hunting!
#Resume #Interviews #Career #Career Planning
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