Dear Daughters,

Résumés aren’t one size fits all. Explore the three RÉSUMÉ EXAMPLES—chronological, functional, and combination—to find out which kind works best for you.

The ideal resume format for 2023 must be able to pass applicant tracking systems. Demonstrate your worth as a potential employee. And assist recruiters in making the right decision by inviting you to the interview.

But which resume format is the most effective?

Resume Examples:

CHRONOLOGICAL RESUME

A chronological résumé is the most traditional format and lists experiences according to the order in which they took place.

John A. Smith 123 Main StreetWoodmont, MO 60000(314) 555-5555jsmith@mail.comwww.johnasmithtv.com

Experience Reporter, Woodmont College Wrap-UpWoodmont, MOFall 2014–present Report on sports for small college television station. Interview prominent members and coaches of Woodmont College sports teams. Train freshmen reporters on basic broadcasting practices. Edit video using Final Cut Pro.

Education Woodmont College, Woodmont, MO, B.A. in Journalism; anticipated graduation: spring 2018— G.P.A.: 3.8/4.0Liberty High School, Liberty, MO; graduated spring 2014— G.P.A.: 3.9/4.0

Additional InformationAwards Woodmont College Rising Reporter Award, 2015

Activities and Interests Running Member, Missouri Young Toastmasters Club

Other Information Woodmont College Debate Team. Team orator, 2014–present St. Mary’s Hospital. Volunteer, 2012–present Liberty High School Track Team. Team member, 2010–2014Fluent in Spanish

FUNCTIONAL RESUME

John A. Smith123 Main StreetWoodmont, MO 60000(314) 555-5555jsmith@mail.comwww.johnasmithtv.com

Summary I’m a team player with solid reporting skills looking to expand my career in a broadcast setting.

Summary of Qualifications On-Air Talent Report on sports for small college television station. Fluent in Spanish and able to report in the language.

Journalism Skill Report on breaking news involving Woodmont’s local sports teams. Interview prominent coaches and members of Woodmont College sports teams. Train freshmen reporters on basic broadcasting practices.

Technical Experience Update television station’s website with the latest sports news. Edit rough footage using Final Cut Pro.

Enthusiasm for Sports Member of high school track team. Currently training for a marathon. Community Involvement Volunteer, St. Mary’s Hospital Member, Missouri Young Toastmasters Club

Summary of Experience Reporter, Woodmont College Wrap-Up, Woodmont, MO, fall 2014– present

EducationWoodmont College, Woodmont, MO, B.A. in Journalism; anticipated graduation: spring 2018Liberty High School, Liberty, MO; graduated spring 201

COMBINATION RESUME

John A. Smith123 Main StreetWoodmont, MO 60000(314) 555-5555jsmith@mail.comwww.johnasmithtv.com

Selected SkillsOn-Air Talent Fluent in Spanish and able to report in the language.Report on sports for small college television station.

Journalism Skill Report on breaking news involving Woodmont’s local sports teams.Interview prominent coaches and members of Woodmont College sports teams. Train freshmen reporters on basic broadcasting practices.

Technical ExperienceUpdate television station’s website with the latest sports news.Edit rough footage using Final Cut Pro.

Related Work ExperienceReporter, Woodmont College Wrap-Up, Woodmont, MO, fall 2014– present

EducationWoodmont College, Woodmont, MO, B.A. in Journalism; anticipated graduation: spring 2018— G.P.A. 3.8/4.0Liberty High School, Liberty, MO; graduated spring 2014— G.P.A. 3.9/4.0

Additional InformationAwards Woodmont College Rising Reporter Award, 2015Activities and InterestsRunning Member, Missouri Young Toastmasters ClubOther InformationWoodmont College Debate Team. Team orator, 2014–present St. Mary’s Hospital. Volunteer, 2014–present Liberty High School Track Team. Team member, 2010–2014

Alternative Kind of Resumes

While the three most popular resume formats are functional, combination, and chronological, there are four other formats to be aware of.

TARGETED RESUME

A targeted resume is one that is created especially for the business and position you are applying for. This moniker is a little deceptive, though, as each CV you send needs to be tailored to the organization and function.

Thankfully, you won’t need to start from beginning each time you apply by creating a new resume and cover letter. You can use the keywords from the job description in your cover letter and existing resume (regardless of its format). You may say “consumer” instead of “customer,” for instance. Your application will probably rank higher in the ATS if this is included.

Include personal details in your cover letter as well, such as what the company’s objective means to you or why you enjoy their products. By personalizing your application, you can show that you’re not just applying for any position you might be qualified for but are actually interested in.

PROFILE RESUME

A resume with a profile or a profile resume also has a slightly deceptive name. A profile resume features a “profile”—a few succinct phrases outlining your professional qualifications—at the start of the document.

In the end, this is really another term for “professional description” or “statement of qualifications,” and the top three resume formats typically include this information.

INFORMATIONAL RESUME

You may have seen across resumes with infographics or other artistic components. Although they provide your CV a distinctive design, ATSs often can only read text. Adding images, illustrations, or any other nontext component raises the possibility that your resume will be ranked poorly. Directing people to your online portfolio to show them samples of your work is a great idea if you’re applying for a creative career or want to use infographics as part of your application.

MICRO RESUME

A micro resume is a resume that is so brief that it may be printed on the back of a business card. Choose a handful of the most important things you want a potential employer to know about you and your professional background instead of trying to cram everything into a resume in a font size too small to read.
Although business cards may seem antiquated, you never know when you might meet someone who can help you advance in your profession. As a result, it’s important to have a sound elevator pitch and to hand out something with your contact information and a summary of your professional qualifications to ensure that they remember you favorably.

You should start working on your resume now that you know the different kinds and how to use them. Attend Forage’s no-cost Resume Writing Masterclass and discover the secrets of writing a winning application.

As always,

Love mom

If  you need help creating a resume check out this blog article