A key fundamental in helping you to gain an advantage over the other applicants is to use these styles in the correct way. There are many different styles that can be used when composing your resume. Both the Chronological and Functional styles will be looked at as they are the most common styles.
Listing your work experience starting with the most recent first is a Chronological Resume. Under each position you have held you should write a short description of your duties. Its advantages are that it is easy to follow and displays your career development well. Your main achievements are not demonstrated and it doesn’t draw attention to your other skills which are some of the disadvantages. If your career is continually progressing this style will be appropriate. Provided you are not moving to a different field of employment, the Chronological Resume style could be the right one for you.
A Functional Skills Resume displays your skills and main accomplishments followed by your job history. With this style, your major achievements are highlighted. Its main disadvantage is it makes following your work experience difficult for a prospective employer. It would be to your advantage to use the Functional Resume style if you haven’t progressed or are looking for a career in an area where you have little or no experience. Should there be a number of gaps in your employment history or if you are continually changing jobs then you would be sensible to consider using this style.
Other Resume styles would include Targeted, Imaginative and Combination.
Totally focused on one specific target or position, only relevant supporting material is presented in the Targeted style of resume. There must be a different one prepared for each position you are applying for. On the other hand an Imaginative Resume style would be used when applying for a position in areas like graphic design and would be similar to a mini-portfolio.
Together, the Functional and Chronological Styles give the Combination Resume Style. To give you more flexibility, try combining a number of elements from each of the different styles. Carefully consider the differences in styles in the light of the position you are applying for as it is a reflection of the way you present your skills and experience. You shouldn’t feel limited by the style, instead you should change the style if neccessary.
