Different Resume Formats
A resume represents employment history, education and skill set on one sheet of paper to use when applying for a job. A good resume also includes contact information, career objectives, community activities and references. Resumes come in several types of formats; each format depends a lot on the job available.
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Chronological
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The chronological resume format is the most common format used when applying for a job, giving a chronological list of work and educational history. Like all resumes, it includes the name, address and telephone number at the top. Next should be a brief three- to six-line statement where an employer can get a brief summary of the applicant's qualifications, strengths and anything else deemed important to getting the job. The next section lists the work history--jobs that are relevant to the position and accomplishments of each position. The next section should contain business affiliations (if any). Underneath that section, list the applicant's education with the highest degree first and pertinent achievements. The next heading lists technical skills; highlight special software, computer systems, even language fluency. The final part lists personal accolades and includes organizations, nonprofits or church groups that exhibit community involvement-- especially leadership positions.
Functional
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The functional resume focuses on abilities and achievements in the workplace especially when there's a gap between jobs or jobs without promotion; it's best for people who are returning from unemployment, do freelance/contract work and people who change jobs frequently. Job seekers also use this type of resume to highlight their professional accomplishments in a new career. After listing the name, address and phone number, a section lists strengths of the individual--leadership, planning and assessment--anything that exemplifies overall qualities for employment. The next sections include employment history, professional affiliations, education and personal activities.
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Hybrid
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The hybrid format is a combination between the chronological and functional resume formats. It lists work history in a chronological fashion after listing work skills. After listing a "summary of qualifications," job applicants list their "professional experience" including each job held, beginning with the most recent position going back to the first. In each section, bullet points list accomplishments and responsibilities in a detailed manor, followed by any business associations and personal activities.
Curriculum Vitae
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A resume in the curriculum vitae format (otherwise known as CV) is the most different of all formats and is most popular in the education field and for employers overseas. Most resumes act as a summary of an individual's life; the CV means "course of life" designed to outline education, research and publishing history. After listing contact information, education is first with the highest degree reached, including major and dissertation topic. A section then follows detailing work done within the academic environment through on-campus work, like establishing help centers and professional counseling services. Research is next, listing assistantships, publishing history and any groundbreaking studies authored by the job applicant; teaching experience, professional affiliations and personal activities round out the bottom of the resume.
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References
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