Format

Résumés come in two main formats:  Chronological and Functional

The style you select is your individual decision based upon the best overall impression that you wish to create.  Be sure to pick the format that best sells your expertise and experience.

Chronological

• Information is listed in time order, typically from most recent to least recent
• Highlights individual work experiences
• Advantages:  Easy to read, effectively describes work history, easy to prepare
• Disadvantages:  Focuses heavily on dates, can miss opportunities to summarize skill sets

Functional

• Focuses on skill sets
• Organizes information from employment, volunteer work, internships and practicums, by separating them into section headings
• Advantages: Sells your skills in a targeted fashion toward a desired position, easy to read, doesn’t draw attention to gaps in employment history
• Disadvantages:  While describing experience relevant to a particular skill, this format can exclude other important skill sets