Get The Job You Want, Even When No One's Hiring: Take Charge of Your Career, Find a Job You Love, and Earn What You Deserve

Chapter 52. You Can Package a Strong Resume in Many Formats

The first decision you need to make is which type of resume best suits your needs. There are three basic options to choose from. None of these is intrinsically right or wrong; they are simply different ways to package your experience and qualifications. Obviously, some resume styles will fit your circumstances better than others, so you'll need to choose your own format carefully.

Here are your three options, along with their respective pros and cons:

• Chronological. The chronological resume is the most common type of resume. Because it's arranged by time, a chronological resume is the easiest to organize and write. It's also the easiest to read (which is another plus in the sales and marketing process). The chronological resume is the standard, tried-and-true resume format, which I recommend to 95 percent of my clients. A chronological resume is the right choice when (1) you're continuing in the same occupation and/or industry; (2) your career shows a clear pattern of increasing levels of responsibility; and (3) your employment history has no significant gaps. Cons: Any gaps in your work history will be obvious. Limited work experience can also be very apparent. And if past jobs don't tie in directly to the type of positions you're seeking now, or if you're changing careers completely, it may be tougher to sell your capabilities to a new employer using the chronological resume.

• Functional. The functional resume organizes your ...