Different Types of Resume's 

Resumes aren’t a one-size-fits-all solution. The type of resume you use—and how you tailor it—can make or break your chances of landing that dream role. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting your career, choosing the right format and approach is key to making your application stand out.

Here’s a guide to understanding the different types of resumes, when to use them, and how to ensure yours stands out.

1. Chronological Resume

This is the go-to format for most job seekers and employers. It lists your work experience in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent role.

• Best For:

  • People with a steady career path and relevant experience.

  • Applicants targeting roles in the same industry as their previous jobs.

• What It Highlights:

  • Career progression.

  • Relevant experience and accomplishments.

• How to Make It Stand Out:

  • Use strong action verbs (e.g., “led,” “achieved,” “implemented”).

  • Include measurable results (e.g., “Increased sales by 25% in Q2”).

  • Tailor your job titles and responsibilities to match the job description.

Pro Tip: Avoid long lists of outdated responsibilities—focus on achievements that align with the role.

2. Functional Resume

This format focuses on skills and accomplishments rather than your work history. It’s ideal for showcasing transferable skills.

• Best For:

  • Career changers.

  • Job seekers with gaps in their work history.

  • Freelancers or consultants with varied projects.

• What It Highlights:

  • Core competencies and skill sets.

  • Achievements that demonstrate expertise, regardless of job titles.

• How to Make It Stand Out:

  • Organise skills into categories relevant to the job (e.g., “Project Management,” “Technical Skills”).

  • Provide specific examples of how you’ve applied each skill.

  • Add a brief summary of your work history at the bottom for context.

Pro Tip: Use this format sparingly—some recruiters prefer seeing a clear work timeline.

3. Combination (Hybrid) Resume

This format blends the best of both worlds, combining a strong focus on skills with a chronological work history.

• Best For:

  • Applicants with a mix of transferable skills and relevant experience.

  • Mid-career professionals looking to highlight both achievements and progression.

• What It Highlights:

  • Key skills at the top, followed by detailed work experience.

  • A well-rounded view of your qualifications.

• How to Make It Stand Out:

  • Use the skills section to showcase what sets you apart.

  • Align your work history with the job’s requirements.

  • Include industry-specific keywords for applicant tracking systems (ATS).

Pro Tip: This format is great for technical or specialised roles that require both skill and experience.

4. Creative Resume

A creative resume stands out visually and showcases your personality.

• Best For:

  • Creative industries like design, marketing, or media.

  • Roles where visual communication is key.

• What It Highlights:

  • Your creativity and ability to think outside the box.

  • Your personal brand.

• How to Make It Stand Out:

  • Use bold layouts, colours, or infographics (but keep it professional).

  • Include a portfolio link or QR code to showcase your work.

  • Ensure it’s still ATS-friendly by pairing it with a standard text resume.

Pro Tip: Always check if the employer welcomes creative resumes—some prefer traditional formats.

5. Targeted Resume

This is a customised resume tailored specifically for a single job application.

• Best For:

  • High-priority job opportunities.

  • Applications where you want to go the extra mile.

• What It Highlights:

  • How your skills, experience, and goals align perfectly with the job.

• How to Make It Stand Out:

  • Mirror the job description’s language and keywords.

  • Address the company’s specific needs with tailored achievements.

  • Include a customised summary or objective at the top.

Pro Tip: While time-intensive, a targeted resume often yields better results for competitive roles.

6. CV (Curriculum Vitae)

A CV is an in-depth document that provides a comprehensive overview of your career, including academic achievements, publications, and research.

• Best For:

  • Academic, scientific, or research roles.

  • Jobs that require detailed professional histories.

• What It Highlights:

  • Academic credentials and specialised expertise.

  • Professional accomplishments in depth.

• How to Make It Stand Out:

  • Organise sections clearly (e.g., “Education,” “Publications,” “Research Experience”).

  • Include citations and links where applicable.

  • Keep it relevant—tailor each CV to the specific role.

Pro Tip: A CV can span several pages, but don’t include irrelevant or outdated details.

Final Tips for a Standout Application

• Tailor Every Time: One size does not fit all. Customise your resume for each role.

• Proofread, Then Proofread Again: Typos and grammar mistakes can ruin a great first impression.

• Omit Full address: Avoid residential bias and leave this off your resume/ CV.

• Use Keywords: Match your language to the job description for ATS compatibility.

• Keep It Concise: Stick to one or two pages unless you’re submitting a CV.

• Show, Don’t Tell: Quantify achievements (e.g., “Increased efficiency by 30%,” not “Improved processes”).
  
  Choosing the right resume format and tailoring it to the job can set you apart from other candidates. By understanding the strengths of each type of resume, you can strategically present yourself as the perfect fit for any role.  Check out our next article here:  Cover Letter vs. Resume
  
  Best of luck in your job search!