There are a number of possible resume formats. The key is to choose a format that best allows you to communicate your features and benefits to the employer. Don't worry about following too many rules; create a unique format that works for you.

Chronological resumes

These resumes present your experience in chronological order, with the most recent experience listed first. They are the most commonly used types of resume. They highlight the most relevant information first, i.e. what you are doing now or most recently. Employers tend to like them.

Use a chronological resume if:

• You have a solid track record in the area in which
  you are applying for a job.
  
• The most recent experience you have is directly relevant to the position for which you are applying.
  

Take care if:

• Your most recent position has no relevance to the position for which you are applying.
  
• Your strongest experience relevant to the job was years ago.
  
• You are looking to change careers or industries.
• You have very little work experience.
• You have an unstable work history or big gaps in your experience.

Functional resumes

The functional resume focuses on your skills rather than the jobs you have held. At most, it will make passing reference to your job history. Employers can be wary of these, since they are often used to cover weaknesses in the application.

Use a functional resume if:

• You have little or no working experience, but can sell yourself on skills developed through study, voluntary experience or life experience.
• You have not had a job for a long time.
• Your working experience is not relevant to the job you are applying for.
• You have an unstable work history.

Take care if:

• You are applying to a traditional employer who will be used to traditional chronological resumes.
  
• The skills you hold are not directly relevant to the job you are applying for. The functional resume generally only works if it is very well tailored to a job.
  

Combination resumes

The combination resume combines features of both the functional and the chronological resume. It highlights the key skills that are relevant to the job, but also provides a summary of work history.

Use a combination resume if:

• You are changing careers, but have relevant skills to offer in the job you are applying for.
• Your most recent job is not the strongest experience to support the application.
  
• You have not succeeded in achieving interviews with a chronological resume.
  
  

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