There are four 4) mainstream types of resumes. They are the Chronological, Curriculum Vitae (CV), Functional, and, what I call the “Hybrid.” They each have their unique characteristics and unique way of helping you to showcase your qualifications for dream job; but, do you know that one type of resume is more common than the other three? Do you know that one is also considered to be more straightforward than the other three as well?
Well, if you said, the “Chronological resume,” you hit the nail on the head.
The Chronological resume is the longest existing resume type. It is the first resume type that is typically taught to entry-level job seekers. The reason being is that entry-level job seekers, are new to the labor market, or they just graduated from high school, a specialized training program, or college, typically start out by relying heavily on their educational credentials until they obtain more experience in their chosen filed. They may also be new to higher level of position in the labor market, so they typically don’t have more than possibly one year, if that, of directly related experience at the level that they are aspiring to. Because of this, their light experience usually will not support the CV, Functional, or Hybrid resume types, which typically requires more substance than an entry-level candidate or career changer, has to offer.
The Chronological Resume is also considered to be the most straight-forward resume type because its design and approach are simple. It documents your educational and professional backgrounds in reverse date order, so it’s easy to follow. Its format also makes it easy for you to develop//update a quality resume quickly, so don’t discount it.
It typically consists of a Professional Summary immediately after your heading. Then, you can enter your detailed educational history, in reverse date order, of course, before moving to your detailed employment history.
Then finally, your extra-curricular activities, such as sports, community service and volunteer services, that show communications, sportsmanship, leadership, and other characteristics that employers look for in new team members, will be last.
So if you happen to run across a position that you’re interested in today and you think you can’t apply because your resume is not submission-ready…think again. Most people can usually pull together a chronological resume fairly quickly. It is also simple for the reader to follow because all of the details are in straight-forward, reverse chronological order. The main difference that I recommend to highly-experienced job seekers vs. the less-experienced, is that you can list your educational credentials after the work history section of your resume if you have five or more years of directly-related experience in your career field of choice. Because you are more of a journey level job seeker, on your way to supervisory or management positions, you don’t have to rely as heavily on your education as you probably had to in the past.
So, I encourage you to not discount the value of a well-written chronological resume. It could land you that nice job that you’ve had your eyes on.
Until next time, Career Search Success to You. Go Get Your New Job! I’m Cynthia Okonkwo with HR by Nnamtique. Have an awesome day!
