There are several options for how you can format your resume in terms of layout. The main types are:

• Chronological
• Functional
• Combination

There is no perfect way to set up a resume. You are trying to appeal to a reader that you haven’t met and, in reality, most employers do not want to read resumes in the first place. As you read the following descriptions, keep in mind that one is no better than the other. The layout you use will depend on your needs.

Chronological

This type of resume is arranged in chronological order, with the more recent experiences listed first. The template that you completed as part of your pre-assignment essentially asks for information in chronological order.

Functional

This type of resume organizes information by function and skill. It is helpful when people are trying to take their current skillset and transfer it into a new or slightly different type of work. These resumes also play down dates or employer names in order to highlight the most important content.

In this format, you will use headings that apply to specific skill areas, such as Management, Training, Sales, etc. The sample resume that we provided for the front-end supervisor that wanted to move into a training and development position follows this format.

Some resume writers may tell you to avoid a functional resume. They will tell you that the hiring manager assumes that you are trying to hide something (like being out of work for a while, being in prison, or job hopping). That is not necessarily the case. Use the style of resume that markets you in the most effective way possible.

Combination

These resumes use a combined approach, as their name suggests. You need to choose the approach that explains you best to the employer.

More than one resume?

Don’t panic! Not everyone needs more than one resume. However, some people have a diverse backgrounds and are qualified for two different jobs. The only difference in their resumes might be the objective statement used for each. For example, a teacher may be qualified to teach and to work as a counselor. One resume will not work for both jobs, even though a lot of the information will be similar.

Many employers require that applicants apply for jobs through their Web sites. You may be able to send them an electronic copy of your resume or you may have to reformat it so that it fits their requirements for submission.

If an employer has a form that you need to copy and paste your information into, simply take your polished, branded, beautiful resume, select all the text, and change it to one font (often Times New Roman or Arial). Watch carefully as you paste your information into the employer’s format since you might lose some of your formatting. For example, bulleted list formatting may disappear. If that happens, place a dash at the beginning of each line.

Don’t shy away from electronic applications. As they become more sophisticated, your information is stored effectively for future job openings. This is slightly better than the old system where you have to re-apply to the same company every three months because they shred paper copies regularly. Do be aware, however, that once a company uploads your information to their database, it may be stored there forever. If you apply for twelve different jobs at one company over an 18-month period, make sure that the information you submit is consistent and honestly presented. Follow their directions for submission closely.