Types of Resumes

Chronological

Lists information, most recent to least recent, and focuses on where and how skills were obtained. This style is effective when:

• The name of last employer and/or school is well recognized.
• Applying to highly traditional fields.
• Staying in the same field as your prior positions.
• Past job/leadership titles are impressive.
  

The chronological style may not be effective when:

• Work history is sporadic.
• You have changed employers frequently.
• There is no previous work experience in your target field.
  

Download a sample chronological resume (PDF, 149 KB)

Functional

A functional resume focuses on your professional skills by grouping positive attributes together, rather than straight work experience.  Events are listed in reverse chronological order (the most recent events at the top).  The focus of a functional resume is your talents and where they have been cultivated and put to good use. This style may be effective when:

• Skills and where you developed them are your greatest strengths
• You lack formal work experience.
  

The functional format may not be effective to use when:

• Capabilities and accomplishments are unclear.
  

Download a sample functional resume. (PDF, 100 KB)

Combination

Weaves the best from the chronological and functional formats together by classifying positions and responsibilities under functional headings in reverse chronological order. The focus is on skills and emphasizing the environments in which they were developed. This style may be effective when:

• Highlighting capabilities not used in recent work experience.
• Skills and where you developed them are your greatest strengths.
• Much of your work has been freelance, consulting or temporary.
  

The combination format may not be effective to use when:

• You lack relevant work experience.
• Capabilities and accomplishments are unclear.
  

Download a sample combination resume. (PDF, 79 KB)

It is important to remember that some industries may require unique resumes.  For example, the Federal Government requires applicants to include specific information you would not include on a standard resume.  Do your research to determine the appropriate resume and follow the job description carefully.

Download a sample federal resume. (PDF, 124 KB)

Download a sample finance resume. (PDF, 56 KB)