Organizing information:

Each format organizes information differently and has distinct advantages and disadvantages. The following examples will help you determine which format is most appropriate for you.

1. Chronological: This type of resume lists work experience in reserve chronological order. It is best for the person who has had extensive experience in a chosen career field.

Chronological Resume Advantages:

Allows different formatting to include key words and career highlights

Human resource interviewers, recruiters, and employers seem to prefer this format

Easiest to prepare since it is arranged by titles, companies and dates

Steady employment record is highlighted

Provides interviewers with a guide

Chronological Resume Disadvantages:

Reveals employment gaps (It is recommended that any employment gaps include reason, e.g.: job search, family responsibilities, travel, or educational opportunity in cover letter)

May not emphasize areas that you want to maximize

Skills and achievement in last position must match current position search

2. Functional Resume: Generally is not recommended because it raises to many red flags

Organizes wok experience into skill cluster

Dates and places of employment are left out

Re-entry and recent grads may find this style effective

A special section, Analysis of experience, is written instead of listing employment history. Usually three or four areas are emphasized, showing results and accomplishments

Sections may be arranged in any order

Functional Resume Advantages:

Stresses selected skills and experience areas that are marketable or in demand

Attempts to camouflage a spotty record

Allows the applicant to emphasize professional growth

Position not related to current career goals can be played down

Functional Resume Disadvantages:

Employers are suspicious and need to see additional work history information

It does not allow you to highlight companies or organizations for whom you have worked

3. Combination Resume

This type of resume combines the skills and achievement section from the functional format with the employment history listing from the chronological format

Combination Resume Advantages

Provides opportunity to emphasize the applicants most relevant skills and abilities

Order of sections on the combination resume can be changed to market yourself in the best possible light

Good tool for almost anyone; however, re-entry people, recent college graduates and career changers find it particularly useful

Provides opportunity to highlight skills, while showing evidence of employment

Combination Resume Disadvantages:

Employers can lose interest unless it is very well written and attractively laid out

Manik Thapar (MBA)
http://www.careerpath.cc