Missoula Job Service

Resume Formats

There are many different kinds of resumes. The two most common formats are:

1. Reverse Chronological--an arrangement of your qualifications in reverse chronological order, that is, the most recent information listed first. This is the resume format that most employers prefer.
2. Functional--an arrangement by skills and abilities possessed. This style is often used by career changers and some students who have no work experience.

Some of the other formats include:

1. Combination--as the name implies, this style is a combination of a functional and a chronological resume. It highlights most relevant skills and accomplishments while still showing when the skills were acquired. It can be very confusing if not well organized and requires more effort and creativity to prepare.
2. Target--personalized to company, shows research and written specifically to employer's needs. This style should be revised for each employer and can be time consuming to prepare. Any of the other styles can be made into a targeted resume.