Types of resumes

Overview of the various kinds of resumes

Depending on the type, resumes can highlight your professional skills while also providing hiring teams with a glimpse into who you are and your personality traits:

1. A general resume is best for entry-level positions, as well as those that don’t emphasize creativity or outside-the-box thinking. 
2. The functional resume focuses on skills and abilities rather than a chronological work history. It’s a good fit if you are changing careers or have gaps in employment. 
3. Many individuals who have just graduated from college will use a functional resume, as it allows them to highlight their strengths without drawing unnecessary attention to their shortcomings. 
4. The reverse chronological resume lists your work experience from the most recent to the earliest. It’s a good option if you have steadily progressed through various roles within the same field. 
5. The mixed resume combines elements of both functional and reverse chronological formats. It offers flexibility in presenting both your skills and work history. If you have lots of hard skills, an extensive educational background, and a strong work history, consider a mixed resume.
6. The infographic resume uses graphical elements to present information concisely. It’s useful for making complex data visually appealing and easy to digest. 
7. The creative resume is often used in creative fields like digital design. You can showcase your originality and demonstrate how you can contribute to the company’s creative endeavors. 

A few other types of resume formats to be familiar with include the following:

• Video resume: Uses video content to share your skills and background
• Chronological resume: Lists experience in chronological order, as opposed to reverse order 
• Federal resume: Structured according to specific guidelines for applying to jobs with the federal government 
• International resume: Tailored to meet the standards of employers in different countries. 

The types of skills to put on resumes will vary by type. For example, employers in certain countries may want to know more about soft skills and your family background. On the other hand, prestigious organizations may place a high emphasis on the educational institutions you attended.

With that in mind, it’s vital to highlight what employers are most concerned with when it comes to types of skills for resumes. You should align the style, format, and composition of your documents with their preferences so you can stand out. 

Functional resumes (and when to use)

A functional resume, also known as a skills-based resume, emphasizes your talents and abilities rather than your chronological work history. These types of documents are what you’ll see in many resume examples. They are ideal if you have gaps in your employment history or are transitioning to a new career.

Instead of listing your past jobs in reverse chronological order, a functional resume groups your skills and accomplishments under specific categories relevant to the job you are applying for. 

For example, if you’re applying for a marketing role, you might have sections for digital marketing, content creation, and project management. You can highlight your qualifications and downplay less relevant or less recent job experiences. 

Reverse chronological resume (and when to use)

A reverse chronological resume represents the most traditional and widely used format. It lists your work experience in reverse order, starting with your most recent position and working backward. Your first job should be the last item listed under your work experience section.

The reverse chronological format can be particularly effective if you have a strong, steady work history in the same field. It showcases your career progression and highlights how you have continually built your skillset. 

For instance, if you are applying for an accounting position and have consistently worked in finance roles, use the reverse chronological order format. Make sure to include supporting sections like a professional summary, education, and a list of skills. 

"Choosing the right resume format can significantly impact your job search success and help you stand out.”

Mixed resume (and when to use)

A mixed resume blends elements of both the functional and reverse chronological format. It highlights your skills and achievements while also providing a detailed work history. If you have a strong work history and lots of transferable skills, use a mixed resume.

For example, let’s say you are a project manager and have extensive experience in both leadership and technical roles. A mixed or combination resume showcases your ability to lead while also shedding light on your technical expertise. You want to give employers a glimpse into the full depth and breadth of your capabilities. 

Creative resume (and when to use)

A creative resume incorporates visually appealing design elements, multimedia, or unconventional formats to make a strong impression on your audience. You should consider this structure if you work in graphic design, marketing, media, or a related field. 

You can showcase your creativity and originality via colorful graphics and unique layouts. If you really want to stand out, consider adding interactive elements to your documents. 

Consider a creative resume if you are a graphic designer or other creative. Make sure to include elements that showcase the skills the employer is looking for.

Generally, you should avoid a creative resume format if you are applying for more traditional jobs that value professionalism and conventions. If you submit a creative resume and cover letter to hiring teams in rigid fields, they may see you as a poor fit for the company.  

Infographic resume (and when to use)

An infographic resume uses visual elements to present information in a digestible and engaging way. This type of document can be a good option for roles that involve data visualization or marketing. 

Showing employers that you can present complex information clearly demonstrates your skills and illustrates that you are a good fit for the position. 

For example, let’s say you are a data analyst applying for a new position. An infographic resume shows your proficiency with data tools and showcases your ability to interpret and present data insights. 

Remember, your resume is only half of the equation. You also need an awesome cover letter to wow hiring teams. Explore our cover letter samples. 

Choosing the right resume format

There aren’t any one-size-fits-all types of resumes. Consider factors such as your career stage, industry, and personal preferences when selecting a style and format for your resume. 

If you are early in your career or switching fields, stick with a tried-and-true option like a mixed or functional resume. You can highlight your transferable skills while drawing attention away from your lack of experience in the field. 

On the other hand, if you have a strong track record in a specific industry, consider a reverse chronological format. It’s a layout that employers are familiar with and can efficiently showcase the depth of your career experience. 

You can highlight each major stop in your career journey and illustrate how you’ve continually worked your way up the professional ladder. 

After you’ve found a resume format that aligns with your professional goals, it's time to focus on making the rest of your application stand out. Choose a job letter template that matches your resume to ensure consistency and uniformity across both documents. 

Which types of resumes are the best fit for your career? 

Choosing the right resume format can significantly impact your job search success and help you stand out. Always consider industry norms and your specific background when customizing your resume and cover letter for each job application. 

Do you need more insights about resumes, cover letters, and job applications? Check out Jobseeker and our growing library of resume articles to learn more. You can also use our cover letter generator to create a stellar letter that perfectly complements your resume.