Definition: A chronological resume puts the focus on your previous work experience and the responsibilities you had while there. It draws from the advancement and vertical moving you have done and accounts for the majority of time during the past 15 or 20 years. It is primarily "fact-based" and tells who, what, where, and when. It should never exceed two pages. Only print or copy on one side of a page.2. You probably should use a chronological resume if:
4. Disadvantages:It is the most common type and is preferred for most situations!
It is very easy to follow.
It shows job stability.
It can show steady growth in responsibility.
It emphasizes job titles and the companies you worked for.
It describes duties and accomplishments.
It can emphasize "job hopping."Skill/ Functional Resume
It can infer too much about your age.
It can show lack of experience.
It can draw too much attention to gaps in employment.
Definition: A skill/functional resume puts the focus on the professional skills and experience that you gained from your employment, your formal education and training, and generally on the transferrable skills/functions you have previously acquired. Primarily, this is the "how" type. Many are only one page in length. However, if the information is relevant, one-and-a-half to two pages is acceptable. Only print or copy on one side of a page.2. You probably should use a skill/functional resume if:
...you are reentering the job market after an absence.3. Advantages:
...you have had long time-gaps between employment.
...you have had numerous job changes.
...you are looking for another job in a very different field or industry.
...you think your age is a barrier:
--too young
--old
...you haven't shown advancement in responsibility or have had lateral moves.
...you have had several unrelated occupations.
...you are a mature individual with a varied background and numerous areas of expertise.
...you are a new graduate from high school or college.
...you are a dislocated worker who is retraining and/or has retrained and want to use newly acquired education to make a career change.
...you have skills and abilities other than those you are currently using and you desire to make a change.
...you have extensive military background and experience.
...you are self-employed and operate your own business.
Definition: A targeted resume is written for a very specific job in a very job-specific manner. It is very similar to a skill/functional resume listing skills, experience, and accomplishments which are specifically targeted to a given job announcement.2. You probably should use a targeted resume if:
...you are very clear about the specific job you are looking for.3. Advantages:
...you are willing to do a number of different resumes--one for each specific job or direction you have in mind.
...you have skills and capabilities but no direct work experience in a specific area.
...you are applying for a position within the company or department where you are currently employed.
Definition: An academic or curriculum vita is a resume that summarizes an applicant's personal history, academic or intellectual development, and professional qualifications. Academic vitae (the plural word) are primarily used for teaching positions, workshop facilitator positions, or other academic situations. Curriculum vitae are primarily used in occupations that are not academic related and involve extensive writing, research, editing, publications, or presentations of material.2. You should use a vita if:One of the most common and perpetuated major mistakes is the actual placement of the word "Vita" or "Curriculum Vitae" at the top of the first page. Never do this! It isn't necessary.
...you are applying for a teaching job and you have published books, articles, short stories, or other professional pieces.3. Advantages:
...you are applying for Community College, University, or other post-vocational teaching and/or research situations.
Example 1: