If you are like most people, you probably started learning about how to write a resume during university. It was probably a resume workshop conducted by an external trainer (like us!) or an in-house career advisor. They would have told you what to include in a resume, the do’s and don’ts, how to write about your skills, and all that shenanigans.
In this post, we want to highlight the top 3 resume types you may come across, and how/when/where you can use them.
Common elements across all three resume types.
Regardless of which resume type you choose to use, they are all used for the same purpose – job searching. Therefore, they will have similar elements, which include these main sections:
- Name
- Contact information (email & phone number, LinkedIn/portfolio link optional)
- Work Experience
- Education
However, depending on your resume type, these may appear differently.
#1 Chronological Resume
This is perhaps what you are most familiar with, as most people typically use it. In a chronological resume, you will list down your education and work experience in reverse chronological order. This means that your latest (or current) work experience will be at the top, followed by your previous or older work experience. It makes it easier for the reader to know your history, where you have been, and what you have accomplished at each organization.
For most job applications, you can easily use a chronological resume. It is the easiest and most common one, mainly because it is easy to read and scan. The recruiter or hiring manager can easily see your career progression from your work experience. It is also easier to update, you can just include any new information at the top whenever you have a new job or achievement.
#2 Functional Resume
A functional resume is also known as a skills-based resume. We expect a lot more people will be leaning toward this resume type in the near future, especially with so many people considering switching careers and industries. It can also be useful for career comeback people – those with gaps in their work history (due to retrenchment, studies, personal/family matters, etc).
This resume puts more emphasis on your transferable skills, rather than your chronological work experience. The major difference between a chronological resume and a functional resume is the expanded skill sections, where you will highlight relevant skills and provide examples of your accomplishments in utilizing those skills. When doing this, you may include examples from various jobs or projects under one skill heading.
If you are considering switching industries, using a functional resume is one way you can highlight your transferable skills and showcase your competencies for the new industry, even without any relevant work experience.
#3 Combination Resume
As the name goes, a combination resume is a mix of chronological and functional resume types. It allows you to highlight relevant in-depth skills that you have developed but also gives you ample space to showcase your professional work experiences. This can also be used by people who are considering switching industries, where the two industries are somewhat related to one another and may have some overlapping in terms of skills and experiences.
A combination resume is probably one that you have used in the past unknowingly, especially as a fresh graduate. But, instead of highlighting your ‘skills’, you may have highlighted other areas like leadership experiences or extracurricular activities, where you wanted to showcase your soft skills outside of the classroom.
For more seasoned professionals, using a combination resume may also help you to highlight your top relevant skills, while also focusing on your most recent and important work experiences.
Join us for a resume workshop!
Now that you’ve learned about the three different resume types, it’s time to work on yours! If you are wondering how to write about your skills and experiences on your resume, join us for our public Resume Workshop. We will be joined by Shamila Farouk, an HR professional who will share some of her experiences in recruiting candidates. We will work with you on your own resume, giving you on-the-spot feedback and review based on the jobs that you want to apply for. Get your tickets now as seats are limited!