Whether you’re new to the job search process or a veteran job seeker, one thing has always stayed the same: resumes are complicated yet necessary. Creating or updating a resume is the first difficult task of the job search process and often involves many edits.
If you’ve ever wondered what’s the right way to set up your resume, there’s not necessarily a right answer. But there are many options, especially with the increase of social recruiting.
So, let’s take a look at the various types of resumes:
Traditional Resumes
The traditional resume will not soon be outdated and is necessary for (almost) any job interview today. But the way in which these pieces of paper are organized vary depending on your style and sometimes even your job industry.
1. Chronological Resume
A chronological resume starts by listing your work history in reverse chronological order, with the most recent position listed first. Your education, skills, or honors will then follow below. This resume is largely preferred by employers because it’s much easier to skim through your important work history.
2. Functional Resume
A functional resume focuses more on your skills, experience, and expertise rather than the timeline of your work history. These types of resumes often have “skills clusters” that are specific and target a specific job. The great thing about functional resumes is that it emphasizes nontraditional or new skills for job seekers looking to switch careers.
3. Combination Resume
Combination resumes are for job seekers who want the best of both worlds. This type of resume highlights skills and experience, while also highlighting a chronological work history. It’s important to note that with chronological resumes, it’s not necessary to highlight job accomplishments within your work history, as you should be doing this in your skills and accomplishments section.
Nontraditional Resumes
With the rise of digital media and social media, nontraditional resumes have turned that bland piece of paper into an exciting tour through a job seeker’s best skills and work history. Take a look at a few fresh ways to showcase your best assets.
1. Infographic Resume
The infographic resume is a visual tool to showcase the best of your skills and experience. These resumes are SEO targeted and provide a great way for job seekers to stand out from the crowd. However, not every infographic resume is going to be a slam dunk. Because infographics are driven by visuals and statistics, an infographic resume needs to showcase some great numbers and facts about you. Try using Visualize.me to get started with your own infographic resume.
2. Video Resume
Another nontraditional resume that is gaining traction is the video resume. These resumes can often serve as a resume and cover letter in one. In a video resume, the job seeker creates a short video (typically one to two minutes) that explains why he or she is right for the job and exactly how they will contribute. These videos serve as a great way for a hiring manger to quickly understand who the job candidate is, as well as get a better sense of their personality and demeanor.
3. Social Resume
Regardless of what type of resume you choose, your resume content should always target the job for which you’re applying! Although targeted resumes may take more time, its benefit is tried and true.
What type of resume do you prefer? How do you feel about nontraditional resumes?
