Finding a job after you graduate can be really tough. You’re going up against seasoned professionals in your field with tons of experience. And with the stress of finding your footing while being independent, the pressure to stand out is incredible.
Because of all these factors, it matters more than ever that you’re able to stand out in your job application process. And part of this means crafting a really great resume.
Crafting a great resume means, before anything else, choosing the right format.
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Here Are the Three Types of Resume Format That You Should Consider.
Chronological Resume
This is the industry standard. In all likelihood, you’ve come across a chronological resume at one time or another in the past. In this resume format, prominence is given to your work experience. First, you give your name, contact information, and a ‘Career Objective’ or ‘Personal Statement’ section. Then you list your work history from most recent to least recent, and then finish off with a ‘Skills’ and ‘Education’ section. While this resume format is great for listing accomplishments and extracting vital job search keywords, it can be a tricky format to use when you don’t have a lot of experience.
Functional Resume
The focus of the functional resume is almost the direct opposite of the chronological resume. The functional resume draws attention to your skills, career goals, accomplishments, and drive, rather than just your work history. In this resume format, you include your contact information and personal statement, and then list all your skills. Then, you end with your education and work history. This resume is useful for people like recent graduates who need to emphasize aspects other than their work history to help them land a job. However, some recruiters are slightly suspicious of functional resumes as it makes it look like the applicant is trying to hide something.
Hybrid Resume
A hybrid resume takes the best of a chronological resume and a functional resume and meshes them together. In this format, you include your contact information and personal statement, then a long list of your skills. In a hybrid resume, you give more space to your work history, giving details of your duties and accomplishments. You then end with a solid ‘Education’ section. This type of resume is great for people who have some work experience, but whose soft and transferable skills are their main strength.
