How to Pick a Resume Format

Resumes come in many different formats. Whether it's a chronological, functional or combination format, your resume can grab an employer's attention by presenting information in an organized way. Pick a format that best showcases your qualifications for the job and draws the employer's attention away from any weaknesses in your background.

Instructions

1. Hide any gaps in your work history greater than 6 months by using a functional format for your resume. Emphasize a "highlights of qualifications" section and include the skills you have that qualify you for the job. Place your employment history at the bottom of your resume, including the names of your prior employers, job titles and dates of employment.

2. Pick a functional format if you are changing careers, you are a homemaker reentering the workforce or you have recently graduated from school. Draw the employers attention to your skills and education that qualify you for the job and use less space on your resume for your employment history.

3. Consider if you have the necessary type and amount of experience directly related to your target job. If so, choose a chronological format. Your strength is meeting the requirements of the target job through your work history. The employer's attention is drawn to these strengths with a chronological resume.

4. Choose a combination format for your resume if you have a reasonably good work history with at least some directly related experience. You can highlight skills and education at the top of your resume and describe your former job duties in an "employment history" section.

Tips & Warnings

• To make your resume effective, it must be tailored to your target job. Consider if a different resume format makes you appear more qualified for each job you apply to.