What is the most effective resume format?

Since each individual possesses a unique set of talents, skills, abilities, experience, and training, there is no one format best for everyone.

Although there are more than a dozen different formats, they are all a variation of 3 basic categories:

1) Chronological:

In most cases, a chronological resume is benefited by a summary of qualifications that quickly shows relevant skills to an employer.

The chronological format — with a summary of qualifications — is typically the most effective type of chronological format as it quickly shows relevant skills to an employer, thus enhancing your first impression and making relevant skills less likely to be missed in a quick screening.

The chronological format — without a summary of qualifications — stresses your past, rather than your current goals, so it is easy to be pegged unfavorably and/or screened out if your work history does not match your current employment objectives.

The chronological format works well if your past employment meets several criteria, including:

Your work history is directly related to the type of job for which you are now applying, and ideally shows progressive responsibility in a specific career direction
The amount of experience you have (number of years) falls into an appropriately marketable range
You are presently employed
The industry (or type of organization) where you worked in the past is similar to that for which you are now applying
Your length of employment at each position falls into an acceptable range
If your most recent work history is not directly related to your current employment objective, it would be better to use a Combination Format that focuses more completely on your relevant functional skills, training, and accomplishments before getting to your employment history.

2) Functional:

The functional format presents qualifications that support your current employment objective by focusing on your skills and experiences without showing your work history. A functional format may also show a brief work history at the end of the resume, but without job descriptions and accomplishments.

The functional format is often used to hide unfavorable elements in a candidate's employment history, therefore it may be viewed with caution by human resource professionals, i.e., causing them to ask "What is this candidate trying to hide?" This is particularly true when the work history is omitted entirely (which we do not recommend).

The functional format gives you greater control than a chronological format over the way in which skills, experience, and training are presented. This format is appropriate for those whose current employment objectives are completely unrelated to their work history. It is best not to combine non-complementary skills, e.g., truck driving and office management, as it can do more harm than good; it may appear that you do not have a solid focus.

3) Combination:

The combination format combines the features of the chronological and the functional formats. It allows you to focus more thoroughly on your marketable skills and qualifications first and foremost before presenting your employment history. In almost all instances, the combination format is a better choice than a straight functional format.

The combination format is also a better choice than the chronological format with a summary of qualifications —if your most recent work history is not directly related to your current employment objectives — as it focuses more completely on your relevant functional skills, training, and accomplishments before presenting your employment history.

Other Resume Writing Resources:

15 Tips for Writing Great Resumes
Applying for Federal Jobs
Sample Resumes from Quintessential