What to include in the different resume types

Common resume formats you can pick from include three, and you need to first understand the details you need to list. Though there are numerous resume templates online available yet you need to know properly what you need to include.

Reverse-Chronological, Functional, and Combination (OR Hybrid) are the types available, and you need to note that Each of these formats has its own pros and cons; understanding them is a basic necessity for the reason that it lays a significant impact on your job search.

Main Resume Formats and what to include

Reverse-chronological – the most common and practical resume format lists your work experiences and skills in reverse-chronological order.

A functional – functional resume, also known as a skills-based resume, differentiates from the others since it focuses more on your skills rather than your work experience.

Combination (or hybrid) – a combination of the other two formats focuses on both skills and experiences.

What you need to know about these resume formats are as follows:

#1 – Reverse-Chronological Resume Format

The reverse-chronological resume format is the most popular format.

Include in a reverse-chronological resume the following elements:

Contact Information – name, phone number, location, and email address. Include useful links, such as a LinkedIn or GitHub profile.

Resume Summary/Objective – brief 2-4 sentence summary of your work experience and objective for applying for a given position.

Professional Title – Highlight your title, serving as a mirror to the exact position you’re applying for.

Work Experience – reverse-chronological order Work Experience lets you talk about achievements over responsibilities.

Skills Section – List Skills relevant to the position you’re applying for.

Education – Educational history needs to be listed properly in this.

Optional Sections – volunteering, projects, portfolio, and hobbies help fill up some space on your resume.

#2 – Functional Resume Format

Also called a skills-based resume format, the functional resume format, also set by Resumod, focuses more on skills rather than work experience.

Recent graduates or career changers need to use this as work experience is not the main focus of the resume.

Include the following elements in a functional resume:

Contact Information

Resume Summary or Objective

Work Experience

Education

Professional Title

Skills Summary

Additional Skills

It’s different from a reverse-chronological resume as the focus of the functional resume is the Skill Summary.

#3 – Combination (Or, Hybrid) Resume Format

The combination resume format, also known as the “hybrid,” resume format serves as a mixture of the functional and reverse-chronological formats.

A skill summary section is a vital part of it, but it has a greater focus on the work experience.

The typical sections on a combination resume, also set by Resumod, are the same as that of a functional resume, but the difference is the focus on work experience.

Include these elements in a combination resume:

Contact Information

Skill Summary

Education

Additional Skills

Work Experience

A functional resume ensures that there is a zero or minimal work history, putting equal emphasis on both.

The most common and useful format In 2023

Applicant tracking systems read Reverse-Chronological resumes without any problems.

All recruiters and hiring managers know this format.

Regardless of whether you are a recent graduate or a senior professional, Applicant tracking systems are the easiest format to work with.

The only time it’s recommended to go with a functional or combination resume is when you are a career changer.

Combination or hybrid resumes emphasize your skills over work experience. Recruiters are unfamiliar with the resume formats like the combination and functional and disqualify you.

When in doubt, it’s suitable to go for the reverse-chronological resume.

Essential Resume Formatting Tips

Are you looking for an easy way to avoid all the hassles of formatting your resume? Just use an Online Resume maker to help structure your resume, and you don’t need to worry about the contents!
Don’t extend over one page when you want a summary of your work experience.
Use standard section headers including the work experience- “Work Experience,” and not “work history.” applicant tracking systems look for the heading Work Experience to pull information from.
Pick a resume font helping you stand out.
Structure work experience section: Company Name, Location, Job Title, Start and End Dates, Responsibilities, and Achievements.
Ensure that you list correctly the responsibilities and achievements, in bullets. Prioritize achievements over responsibilities, but ensure that you are not going beyond 6-8 bullet points per position.
Save your resume as a PDF or a Docx for the reason that the formats can be read by applicant tracking systems. Don’t submit a JPEG!

Resume Templates To Use Right Away

There is also a need to know the easy-to-read, professional resume template.

#1. Simple Resume Template

Simple, yet professional Simple resume template – is well-designed, skimmable, and the favorite of the recruiter.

#2. College Resume Template

the perfect resume format for a recent graduate has more emphasis on skills than work experience, but it doesn’t overdo it like the functional resume format.

#3. Professional Resume Template

all-time favorite resume template created with several recruiters is easy to read and skim, and recruiters find whatever information they’re looking for!

#4. Modern Resume Template

resume design Modern Resume Template with a traditional structure and formatting of a traditional resume stands out.

#5. Creative Resume Template

If you are looking for jobs in the creative industry Creative resume template is perfect for careers in marketing, advertising, and design.

Final words

There is no set best resume type or format. Choose different resume styles for different jobs, employers, or phases of your career. Look for opportunities to show the hiring manager as the best candidate for the job.