Following is an overview of the three most common resume formats, along with information to help you decide which style will enable you to put your best foot forward:

 

Chronological
This format is the most common and widely preferred, and lists your work experience in reverse order, beginning with your most recent job. These resumes are easy to follow and give the hiring manager a picture of your career progression. This style is a disadvantage to jobseekers whose current experience is not directly tied to the position for which they're applying (i.e., you're applying for a job in accounting but your most recent position was in retail).

 

Functional
A functional description of your work history highlights your skills and achievements instead of the specific positions you've held, which are mentioned in broad terms or omitted altogether. This type of document is recommended for those possessing little related experience, re-entering the workforce after an extended period or whose information presented chronologically would not accentuate their transferable skills. In the above example, the functional resume would highlight those aspects of the job seekers background that involved accounting, for example a summer internship at an accounting firm. If you decide to adopt this style, include an explanation in your cover letter. The main drawback to this approach is that many employers view these resumes with suspicion and assume you may have something to hide. What you say in your cover letter can alleviate some of those concerns.

 

Combination
A mix of chronological and functional approaches has gained acceptance among career counselors and employers as a happy medium for job seekers who have not had a traditional career progression but have skills that qualify them for the position being advertised. This style provides your work history while calling out specific abilities and accomplishments. It can be especially useful for job seekers who are looking to change careers and highlight general skills and personality strengths, or for those or applying for an area in which they have tremendous enthusiasm but limited direct experience. Unfortunately, some employers who prefer chronological resumes may still feel you're using this style to hide a lack of experience. You'll need to anticipate and try to overcome those objections in your cover letter and during the interview.