Resume Formats

The outward appearance of your resume is as important as the content. The length depends upon your experience. Most students and recent graduates should be able to incorporate this information on one full page. Your use of underlining, "white space," bold type, italics, and capitalization will enhance the appearance of your resume.

A chronological resume presents your education and work experience in a straightforward, reverse chronological order (most recent first). If the majority of your work experience is related to your stated job objective, this style can be effective.

A functional resume differs from a chronological resume by concentrating on your skills that relate to your stated objective rather than on the jobs you have had. A functional resume is particularly effective if your work experience has not been closely related to your job objective, if you are changing careers or if you are seeking a promotion. In this format you elaborate on the skills necessary to perform the desired job and how you have demonstrated those same skills in a different type of job.

Sometimes a combination format will adequately suit a jobseeker's needs. This can, for example, help to highlight both a chronological employment history while simultaneously highlighting some outstanding skills and achievements.

• Resume 101
• Action Words for a Resume
• Action Statements for a Resume
• Resume Checklist
• Resume Worksheet