How to choose a resume format

Initially, the primary purpose of writing a resume is to describe the knowledge and qualifications in a particular profession briefly. For your part, you should try to make this description as profitable as possible. The better one can sell the candidacy, the more conditions the employer can offer for him/her.

One of the most important parts when developing and writing a resume is choosing the right arrangement. This way, a candidate can convey information about oneself in the best way. Nevertheless, today, few people know how to format credentials properly. In this article, we will try to correct this situation.

Types of resume formats

It goes without saying that depending on the skillset and career path, the application should be in different arrangements. At the same time, more experienced specialists focus on knowledge and qualifications. In turn, specialists who do not have practical exposure mainly focus on high-quality education and achievements in the framework of educational practice. In any case, someone definitely needs to know exactly which format is better to choose in order to succeed.

Today, there exist three main CV types:

1. Chronological application arrangement;
2. Functional resume structure;
3. Combined application structure.

Using reverse chronology as a structure for resumes

This option remains the most commonly used. In fact, this is the most straightforward resume style most often found by recruitment managers. This format is also called ‘regular’.

If an applicant decides to use this type of resume style, then he/she can focus most on such a section of the resume as knowledge. Besides, you’ll need to list the exposure in reverse chronology. In other words, in the first place will become your last place of work, and the end of the list will close your first job.

In this case, a similar layout of the credentials without fail contains the following types of information:

• Contact information;
• Summary;
• Professional title;
• Work skillset;
• Skills;
• Education;
• Additional sections.

Using functional application structure

This document structure is also often referred to as a skill-based application. According to statistics, this format is used less frequently. Using this format, the candidate tries to shift the focus from such a point as work experience. On the other hand, all attention is paid directly to the skills possessed by a specialist applying for a job.

Using the data structure, a candidate needs to specify the following data:

• Contact information;
• Application summary;
• Professional title;
• Skills Summary (the bulk of content);
• Additional Skills;
• Work skillset;
• Education.

Common type: combined CV features

Judging by the name this resume type combines both of the previous formats. A similar symbiosis of the chronological and functional format becomes the most effective and optimal option to date. Many of the hiring professionals point out that using this format, a candidate can pay equal attention to skills and work history.

Despite all the apparent advantages of this format, it also has a small minus. Focusing on exposure and skills, one simply may not have a place to indicate information about possible volunteer work experience or interests. Remember that recruiters rarely read more than one page of an application. This rule does not apply only to those specialists who have pervasive experience.

Moreover, the combined model includes:

• Contact information;
• Skills summary;
• Additional Skills;
• Work Experience;
• Education.

How to choose the most optimal CV type

After we have analyzed different types of arrangements, it’s time to make a specific choice based on your personal data. Do not forget that work experience is not the only factor that influences the choice of credentials model. You also need to understand:

1. What position you apply for;
2. Which company you want to go to for an interview;
3. What goals you pursue when writing your resume.

Among other things, choosing a grounding format is just a selection of a specific tool that will help make the CV more attractive. However, this can also be achieved thanks to various CV layouts and other formats of which there’s a considerable number to date. For example, if the future job involves the usage of creative skills, then one definitely needs to think about how to design a CV as original as possible.

Who needs the reverse chronological grounding layout?

• Candidates with varying levels of work skillset;
• Candidates who want to find work in an area where they already have experience;
• Candidates who do not have long breaks between job searches;
• Candidates who apply for a position in traditional industries (finance, accounting, and so on).

Who needs a functional grounding model?

• Professionals with an extensive skillset;
• Specialists who want to change the previous field of activity and try their hand in a new direction;
• Specialists who have not worked for a long time;
• Specialists who are related to the so-called creative professions.

Candidates who can use the combined format

• People who have managed to make a reasonably good career and have the appropriate skills in various industries;
• People who have the experience, however, have not worked for a long time;
• People who have a wide range of skills and unique knowledge;
• People who apply for vacancies in both creative and traditional fields.

Do not be surprised if you see that in some models, the parameters of the candidates match. The fact is that each of the specialists has her/his own unique set of skills and circumstances that can simultaneously accommodate several categories. Thus, if you do not know exactly which of the formats is most optimal for you, try to focus on the combined version.