Which Resume Format Works Best?

The three types of resume formats widely acceptable are:

1. Chronological Resumes - Written with a reverse timeline where more recent items come first.
2. Functional Resumes - Written with emphasis on categorizing career experience in broad functional areas.
3. Combination of chronological and functional styles in one document.

Despite what you may hear from professional resume writers, there is no one right way to write a resume. These resume writing tips to help select the best resume format come from Peter Newfield, resume writer at Career-Resumes.

~~You are targeting a job that is a step up the ladder from your current position and you have at least three years experience in the field. Use a chronological resume.

~~You are targeting a job or career that is a lateral move and you have at least three years experience in the field. Use a chronological resume.

~~You are targeting a position in a different but somewhat related field where you would use skills that you have used in your current job. Use a combination resume.

~~You have a long, progressive career history in the same field and are targeting a lateral or upward career move. Use a chronological resume.

~~You are targeting a position in the same field but with significantly different required skills and job description. Use a combination resume.

~~You are military separating from the service and targeting a civilian job. Use a combination format.

~~You are in a technical field where you have used many different technologies, been involved in many projects, and have a broad array of skills. You are targeting a similar position or moving up. Use a combination format.

~~You have significant hurdles in your employment history such as large gaps, significant job hopping, or legal troubles and are targeting a position in your field. Use a functional format.

~~You are changing fields completely and your prior work history has no relevance to your new career (e.g. moving from computer programmer to chef). Use a functional format.