A resume is a summary or overview of a candidate’s professional history. Candidates have a variety of options for drafting their resumes. Every format has its own characteristics that allow you to tell more about the candidate. These key characteristics include career goals, experience, qualifications, perception, and other personal traits. To view samples of each type, candidates can visit a resume website. Below is a description of each type of resume and their characteristics.

Reverse Chronological Resume

* The candidate’s career details are listed in reverse chronological order. The most recent qualifications and experiences are listed first, followed by older career details. The experience section is the most important part of the resume.

Employers want to see candidates’ immediate professional experience. Therefore, they prefer resumes to be read in reverse chronological order. This is the traditional, most popular and preferred type of resume.

* This template is for candidates with extensive experience in the same field and similar organizations who wish to move up in the same industry. This template can be used for traditional jobs or industries. This template can be used for multiple job applications that correspond to the same profile.

Functional Resume

* The order in which the career details are listed is based on their importance and relevance. Instead of focusing on the experience, it lists the abilities, accomplishments and skills of the candidate. All similar responsibilities are listed together. The names of the organizations and their tenure are separately listed.

This is a very uncommon resume template. Some recruiters view the candidate negatively. This gives the recruiter the impression that the candidate wants to conceal certain details about his career. Candidates should not use it.

* This is for candidates with gaps in their careers or who have worked in a variety of fields. It is also useful for candidates who want to change careers or return to the job market after a break.

Combination Resume

* This format is a combination of functional and reverse chronological format. It lists the details of your career in reverse chronological order. This includes achievements, skills, and experiences. It includes the name of the company and the length of the job.

* This format allows you to link the accomplishments of the candidate and the abilities. This format shows the recruiter how the candidate’s knowledge and skills will be of benefit to the company.

* This format is very popular as it retains all the benefits of both formats but also reduces any negative aspects. This format can make resumes long and repetitive.

* It is suitable for candidates with different career paths. Both students and professionals with similar or vague experience can use it. It can be used to help with career progression and career change.

Target Resume

* Matching the content with job requirements is the main focus. The recruiter wants to see the same key elements of the candidate’s professional life as the candidate. You can have the information in reverse chronological order, or you can make it up.

This format is very result-oriented because it provides the details as the recruiter requires. It makes it easier for recruiters to scan your resume by including buzzwords. It is highly effective in convincing recruiters about your capabilities.

* This resume is suitable for candidates who are clear about their job, the requirements, and the responsibilities. Target resumes are not for those who are unsure or ambiguous. You can only use it for one job posting.

For a job search to be successful, it is important to choose the right format for your resume. Therefore, you should analyze your career strengths, objectives, and match them to the templates on a resume website before you start writing your resume.