There is no single "correct" résumé format. Since individuals have different career interests, apply for different positions, and possess a unique set of skills and experiences, every résumé should reflect that uniqueness and individuality. Copying someone else's résumé is seldom a good idea since they possess different skills, abilities, and experiences.
The CHRONOLOGICAL RÉSUMÉ is the most commonly used type. Education and experience are listed with the most recent first. The information is typically divided into sections and listed under headings such as career objective, education, related experience, skills, co-curricular activities and interests. Titles, organizations, and dates are emphasized and duties and accomplishments are briefly described. A chronological résumé is best used when moving from one position to another in a similar field.
(Chronological Résumé: Sample 1; Sample 2)
The COMBINATION RÉSUMÉ emphasizes major areas of accomplishment and skills and allows you to organize them in a way that supports your career objective. A combination résumé is the better format to use when looking to move from one career field to another. If, in creating descriptions for your résumé, you notice patterns of skills emerging from your various experiences, the combination type of résumé may work best for you. Organize your skills under headings such as administrative and management, human relations, research and analytical (see Transferable Skills). Beneath these headings you can describe your experiences comprehensively, whether the experiences were paid, volunteer, or co-curricular. Dates, actual titles, and places of employment are in a subordinate position, usually at the bottom of the document.
(Combination Résumé: Sample 1; Sample 2)
The FUNCTIONAL RÉSUMÉ is a variation on the combination résumé. It focuses on a clear, specific job target (you would have a different résumé for each type of position for which you are applying). It lists only capabilities and supporting accomplishments that relate to the job target listed at the top. This format is best for those individuals looking to re-enter the workforce after a period of absence.
(Functional Résumé: Sample 1; Sample 2)
Résumés for musicians (and other performing artists) often take on a much different format. See the handout "Résumé Preparation for Musicians," available in the Career Center.
Recent technological advances make it important for most job seekers to develop SCANNABLE, PLAIN TEXT, OR ELECTRONIC RÉSUMÉS. These formats make it possible for an organization to store many résumés and select résumés by searching for key words that indicate your experience, skills, and training. Some Internet job sites also allow for a posting of your entire résumé, rather than requiring you to enter all of your information on their form. Although these résumés can resemble any of the above-mentioned formats, there are important characteristics that must be met to ensure that your résumé will have the intended impact. These characteristics are discussed here.
