To help you understand the main differences between various résumé styles, the following illustrates the same résumé in chronological, functional and combination formats. Also provided below is a comprehensive list of common mistakes to avoid and useful tips to help your résumé to compete in today's competitive workplace:

Chronological

This is the most commonly used résumé format. It is straightforward, and easily traces a candidate's career path and progression in a given field. Experience and accomplishments are listed in reverse chronological order, with the most recent job positioned first. Because it leaves little to the imagination and makes it difficult to hide employment gaps, the chronological résumé is the most preferred format of employers and recruiters.

Chronological Format Example:

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Wireless, Inc., Brooklyn, NY 1998 - Present
Sales Representative

• Prospected and sold communications services to business accounts spanning the Northeast and Midwest regions.
• Consulted clients on the cost-effective advantages of switching over from standing services, resulting in a 15% new market penetration with revenues at $1,850 at close of 2000.

Anderson Doors, Bronx, NY 1993 - 1998
Business Development Manager

• Conducted competitive analyses on European markets to formulate conceptual strategies that cemented key alliances with distributors throughout Italy and Germany.
• Aggressively marketed Anderson's company logo and message in print and television advertising campaigns, heightening brand awareness across U.S. and European consumer markets.

 
Functional

This is a skills-based, achievement-oriented format. Experience and accomplishments are listed in sections with specific headings that extract and showcase ONLY what is directly applicable to the targeted position. Because it is somewhat vague and sometimes omits dates, it is the least preferred résumé format of employers and recruiters.

Functional Format Example:

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Sales Management

• Prospected and sold communications services to business accounts spanning the Northeast and Midwest regions.
• Conducted competitive analyses on European markets to formulate conceptual strategies that cemented key alliances with distributors throughout Italy and Germany.

Market Penetration

• Consulted clients on the cost-effective advantages of switching over from standing services, resulting in a 15% new market penetration with revenues at $1,850 at close of 2000.
• Aggressively marketed Anderson's company logo and message in print and television advertising campaigns, heightening brand awareness across U.S. and European consumer markets.

Combination

This format combines the chronological and functional formats into one! As with the functional format, it lists experience and accomplishments in sections with specific headings directly applicable to the targeted position. However, it lists employment information under a SEPARATE category (only title, company, location, and dates). Since it easily tells the reader how a candidate is qualified for a position while also providing an employment history, it has fast become a favorite résumé format among many employers and recruiters.

Combination Format Example:

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Sales Management

• Prospected and sold communications services to business accounts spanning Northeast and Midwest regions.
• Conducted competitive analyses on European markets to formulate conceptual strategies that cemented key alliances with distributors throughout Italy and Germany.

Market Penetration

• Consulted clients on the cost-effective advantages of switching over from standing services, resulting in a 15% new market penetration with revenues at $1,850 at close of 2000.
• Aggressively marketed Anderson's company logo and message in print and television advertising campaigns, heightening brand awareness across U.S. and European consumer markets.

WORK HISTORY
Wireless, Inc., Bay Shore, NY 1998 - Present
Sales Representative
Anderson Doors, East Islip, NY 1993 - 1998
Business Development Manager