resume format for english exam

• Different Formats of a Resume

Definition of a resume is a professional document which throws light upon one’s professional and personal details. Effectively, a resume helps a person to apply for a job. Further, a resume contains your work experience, education details, personal information, achievements etc. Best resume templates will help you to create a good first impression when you are applying for a job. Let us discuss the meaning and formats of resume in detail.

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Meaning and definition of resume.

Meaning of Resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV) is a brief summary or description of your educational qualifications, previous work experience, soft and technical skills, personal information, etc. Resume is sent to an employer or HR when you are applying for a job.

Chronological, Functional, and Combination Resume are three different formats of Resume. It is really important for Job seekers to understand the right format of Resume and Cover Letter .

A resume is a chance for a prospective employee to elicit his suitability for a job position to the employer. Evidently, a well-written resume can do wonders for the adventures of a job hunt.

Cover Letter is most important for freshers for creating a good first impression while job hunting. Learn how to create an effective cover letter here in detail .

Generally, the following details are common to all types of resumes

• Personal Particulars
• Academic qualifications
• Education qualifications
• Experience section: Functional or chronological
• Additional information that may include languages known and things worth mentioning

Browse more Topics under Resume Writing

• Essential Elements of a Resume
• Cover letters
• Sample Resumes and Exercises

Common Parts Of A Resume

• Contact information: This should include one’s name, address, phone number etc.
• Objective(optional): The objective of a candidate should be in relation to the job being applied for.
• Education section: This section elicits one’s educational qualifications and details. In general, we should limit these details to the major qualifications.
• Experience section: Candidates with experience of working in the field can use this section to their advantage. Generally, the experience is listed in reverse chronological order.
• Skills: This section illustrates the various skills, strengths, and knowledge that the applicant posses, making him competent for the job.
• Projects : To point out the work done in the field of work, a candidate can use the projects section.
• Activities:   The activities section puts forward the applicant’s membership in organizations.
• Honours: Lastly, the honours section can be used to showcase the applicant’s awards, achievements, and scholarships.

Formats of Resume

• Chronological Resume Format – Most commonly preferred resume
• Functional Resume Format – Resume for employees with multiple numbers of skills
• Combination Resume Format – Resume for employees with long work experience and employment history

Three most common formats of resume are Chronological Resume, Functional Resume, and Combination (Hybrid) Resume Format.

Chronological or Reverse Chronological is the most commonly preferred resume format by recruiters and Hiring Managers. Because readability of chronological resume format is easy to understand.

If you have multiple skills then you should go for a Functional Resume.

And employees with an extensive work experience should go for combination aka hybrid format. Because combination format allows showing multiple career achievements and skills.

Chronological Resume Formats

The chronological resume is the most commonly used resume in the professional world. This is primarily because this format of resume is easy to scan and puts emphasis on professional details including work history. As a matter of fact, the work experience of a candidate is listed in reverse chronological format. This makes it one of the best resume format.

In other words, a chronological resume lists out the progression of the applicant’s career from the past to the present. To point out, this type of resume puts emphasis on a candidate’s career.

Hence, such a resume is tailored for candidates with loads of experience. Employers often look for experience, because such candidates need only a little conditioning before working on projects.

A chronological resume is not an alternative for candidates who are beginning their career, changing the field of work, have gaps in career history or have frequently changed jobs.

Download the Chronological Resume format here .

Functional Resume Formats

A functional resume, unlike the other formats of resume, focuses on the skills and experiences that prove the competence of a candidate.

Evidently, it does not emphasize the work history of a candidate. Rather it highlights the skill set developed by a candidate that makes him suitable for selection.

Thus, a functional resume is not suitable for an applicant with little or no work experience. In fact, the functional resume is a nice alternative for the ones who have to skip the chronological resume.

This means a functional resume works well for people who are beginning their career, changing their field of work, have gaps in the work history or have frequently changed jobs.

Download the Functional Resume format here.

Combination Resume Formats

The combination resume lies in the middle of the two extremes, chronological and functional resume. The resume starts with a summary of the skills and strengths of the candidate followed by his work history. As can be seen, neither the work history nor the skillset is the subject matter of the resume.

This means that a combination resume provides just enough information to the employer by mentioning the work history and skillsets in a manner that neither of them gets into the limelight. In essence, this type of resume gets the best out of both the functional and chronological resume.

Download the Combination Resume format here .

Other Types Of Resume Formats

Definitely, the above-mentioned resumes are extensively used in the business world. However, there are some unorthodox ones which have made their way into this list. Some of them are:

Infographic Resume

Targeted resume, non-traditional resume.

Unlike the traditional resume, which uses plain text to display information, an infographic resume can use design elements to display the same information. In fact, these design elements generally include layout, colour, design, formatting, icons, and font styling.

As the name suggests, a targeted resume is a perfectly tailored resume, customized to display only the relevant skills and information to strengthen the candidature of an applicant. Of course, we need more time to build a targeted resume than a commonly used resume.

A non-traditional resume may include elements like photos, graphics, graphs, charts etc. Further, it can be an online resume or a video resume. Such a resume perfectly showcases the candidate’s creativity. Evidently, a non-traditional resume finds most use in creative fields like design, journalism and so on.

 Solved Example on Formats of Resume

Q: What are the different formats of a resume?

Ans:  The types of resume are:

• Chronological
• Combination or Hybrid
• Infographic
• Non-Traditional

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Resume Examples for 2024 & Guides for Any Job [90+ Examples]

In today’s competitive job market, having an impactful resume is more essential than ever. 

However, many job seekers struggle to craft a resume that effectively highlights their skills and experience and, in turn, misses out on potential job opportunities. 

This is where our extensive library of resume examples comes in. 

By looking at examples of resumes for different industries and professions, you can gain great insight into what works and what doesn’t, get inspired to present your own qualifications, and stand out from the competition.

Let’s dive in!

15+ Resume Examples

#1. architect resume example.

Here’s what this architect resume example does right:

• Lists related experience. This resume highlights the relevant professional experience the candidate gained in the field during their internship.
• Mentions achievements and responsibilities. The candidate backs up their claims by going into detail about their achievements and responsibilities. 
• Focus on personal projects. By dedicating a section to their personal projects, this candidate makes up for their lack of work experience and shows off their dedication to the industry. 

#2. Business Resume Example

Here’s what this business-related resume example does right:

• Prioritizes work experience. The work experience section is arguably the most important section in every resume, which is why this candidate has given it a priority by giving it enough resume space and going into detail about their previous positions. 
• Highlights accomplishments. To make their professional experience even more impactful, this candidate has supported all their claims with quantifiable achievements. 
• Lists the right optional sections . The candidate adds more value to their resume by including the organizations, honors, and conferences as optional sections.

#3. Computer Science Resume Example

Here’s what this computer science resume does right: 

• Prioritizes technical skills. Technical skills are essential when it comes to IT-related roles, which is why this candidate has prioritized them over soft skills.
• Keeps the education section concise. With such extensive professional experience in the field, the candidate has opted to keep their education section short. 
• Lists relevant social media profiles. Listing websites like GitHub and LinkedIn is a great way to provide recruiters with additional information about your skills. 

#4. Data Analyst Resume Example

Here’s what this data analyst resume does right: 

• Includes a strong resume summary . This candidate showcases their key skills and qualifications from the get-go, which is much more likely to get recruiters to read their resumes from start to finish. 
• Highlights technical skills. Data analysts work with “big data,” so this candidate prioritizes their quantitative and technical skills over other resume sections. 
• Lists relevant professional certifications . The resume lists the candidate’s most noteworthy professional certificates. 

#5. College Resume Example

Here’s what this college resume example does right: 

• Lists relevant social media profiles. By including their Medium and LinkedIn accounts, this candidate gives the hiring manager a chance to know them more professionally. 
• Highlights achievements . Although they lack work experience, the candidate has listed everything they’ve achieved during their academic career, thus showing they’re a promising candidate. 
• Mentions the right optional sections. Adding hobbies and interests and foreign languages to a resume is a huge plus for a candidate with no work experience.

#6. Customer Service Resume Example

Here’s what this customer service resume does right: 

• Includes both soft and hard skills . Customer service roles require a mix of soft and hard skills, so this candidate has listed both. 
• Mentions quantifiable achievements. To make their achievements more impressive, the candidate has backed up their work achievements with data and numbers. 
• Lists foreign language skills. Foreign languages are a huge plus when you’re working in customer service and this resume does a good job highlighting the candidate’s foreign language skills. 

#7. Digital Marketing Resume Example

Here’s what this digital marketing resume does right: 

• Follows the reverse chronological format . This format is the most popular one worldwide and is easily the safest choice.
• Grabs attention with a resume summary. In a single glance, the recruiter can tell that the candidate is a digital marketing professional with the right amount of experience.
• Lists relevant skills. The digital marketing specialist resume above lists in-demand marketing skills like Google Ads, SEO, and others.

#8. Graduate Resume Example

Here’s what this graduate resume example does right:

• Starts off with a well-written resume objective . The resume objective does a great job of showing off the candidate’s promise and industry-related experience. 
• Includes work experience. The candidate has gained professional experience while they were a student and they’ve made sure to include that in their resume. 
• Takes advantage of optional sections. Sections like volunteer experience, and personal projects and achievements can help make up for the lack of extensive experience in the industry. 

#9. HR Resume Example

Here’s what this human resources resume example does right: 

• Follows the right format. The reverse chronological format lists the candidate’s latest experience and achievements first, which is exactly what recruiters want to see. 
• Highlights professional experience. With so many years in the industry, this candidate has dedicated the biggest part of their resume to their work history. 
• Includes courses and certificates. To make their achievements even more impressive, the candidate has included all their courses and certifications. 

#10. Medical Assistant Resume Example

Here’s what this medical assistant resume example does right: 

• Starts off with a memorable resume summary. The candidate lists their years of experience, skills, and passion for the industry, making it more likely for the hiring manager to read the rest of their resume. 
• Lists the candidate’s certificates. There are many certifications one can obtain in the medical field, and this candidate proves how professional they are by listing theirs. 
• Highlights the candidate’s extensive work experience. Experience speaks louder than a thousand words, which is why this resume example provides the work experience section its due space. 

#11. Project Manager Resume Example

Here’s what this project manager resume example does right: 

• Uses bullet points. The candidate uses bullet points to organize and present the information which makes this project manager resume example look neat and structured.
• Keeps their education section relevant. The candidate only includes their key education details, such as their Bachelor’s degree and a field-related minor.
• Takes advantage of additional sections. The candidate takes advantage of the extra space on their project manager resume by including relevant additional sections, such as their industry-related certifications and academic achievements

#12. Bar Manager Resume Example

Here’s what this bar manager resume example does right:

• Includes relevant social media profiles. Details such as your LinkedIn profile or Instagram handle make you look more professional (as long as they’re work-related). 
• Mentions industry-related skills. Instead of listing a bunch of unrelated skills, the bar manager resume example above only lists industry-relevant skills.
• Quantifiable achievements. This applicant quantifies their achievements as much as possible, showing the bar owner how they stand out amongst other candidates.

#13. Supervisor Resume Example

Here’s what this supervisor resume example does right: 

• Lists relevant contact details . The supervisor resume example above leaves out redundancies like marital status or age and includes relevant information, like a LinkedIn URL. 
• Features as many accomplishments as possible. To really highlight their candidate’s professional experience, the supervisor example lists achievements over responsibilities. 
• Lists the right kind of skills. This supervisor's resume example doesn’t list every skill under the sun. Instead, they keep the section relevant by only listing skills required from a supervisor. 

#14. Teacher Resume Example

Here’s what this teacher resume example does right:

• Mentions industry-relevant skills. The candidate lists all the soft and hard skills a teacher should have. 
• Includes hobbies and interests . By including hobbies and interests, the hiring manager will see the candidate as more than just a resume. 
• Lists volunteer experience. The candidate reinforces their teaching experience by including their teaching volunteer gigs and experience. 

#15. Writer Resume Example

Here’s just what this writer resume example does right: 

• Impressive resume summary. The resume includes a brief but effective resume summary that highlights the candidate’s skills and top achievements.
• Relevant contact details. This writer resume example contains relevant contact information, including the candidate’s name and surname, email address, phone number, location, professional website URL, and LinkedIn URL. 
• Short education section. A writer’s skills and experience matter more than their education. For this reason, this candidate kept their writer resume’s education section short and sweet. 

#16. Web Developer Resume Example

Here’s what this web developer resume example does right: 

• Focuses on technical skills. Technical skills are essential for web development, which is why this candidate has prioritized theirs.
• Grabs attention with their work experience. Their rich work experience, listed in reverse chronological order, shows the candidate is a promising professional.
• Keeps their education section minimal. With such extensive work experience and training, the candidate has kept their education section concise.

65+ More Resume Examples and Guides 

Couldn’t find a resume example for your field? Worry not!

Below you can find a number of other resume examples for different fields and industries:

• Accountant Resume
• Administrative Assistant Resume
• AI Engineer Resume
• Animator Resume
• Babysitter Resume
• Banking Resume
• Bank Teller Resume
• Barbie's Resume
• Barista Resume
• Bartender Resume
• Bookkeeper Resume
• Business Analyst Resume
• Career Change Resume
• Caregiver Resume
• Cashier Resume
• College Application Resume
• College Freshman Resume
• Consultant Resume
• Construction Project Manager
• Creative Resume Examples
• Data Entry Specialist Resume
• Data Scientist Resume
• Dentist Resume
• DevOps Engineer Resume
• Digital Marketing Manager Resume
• Editor Resume
• Electrical Engineer Resume
• Elon Musk's One-Page Resume
• Engineering Resume
• Esthetician Resume
• Europass CV
• Event Planner Resume
• Executive Assistant Resume
• Federal Resume
• Financial Analyst Resume
• Flight Attendant Resume
• Game Designer Resume 
• Graphic Designer Resume
• High School Resume
• Illustrator Resume 
• Interior Designer Resume
• Internship Resume
• Java Developer Resume
• Military to Civilian Resume
• Marketing Executive Resume
• Minimalistic Resume Examples
• Nanny Resume Example
• Nurse Resume
• Office Assistant Resume
• Office Manager Resume
• Operations Manager Resume
• Paralegal Resume
• Pharmacist Resume
• Photographer Resume
• Program Manager Resume
• Real Estate Agent Resume
• Receptionist Resume
• Recruiter Resume
• Research Assistant Resume
• Restaurant Manager Resume
• Retail Manager Resume
• Richard Branson's One-Page Resume
• Sales Resume
• Sales Associate Resume
• Satya Nadella's One-Page Resume
• Server Resume
• Social Worker Resume
• Software Engineer Resume
• Stay-at-home Mom Resume
• Student Resume
• Student Resume Templates
• Taylor Swift Resume
• Video Editor Resume
• Volunteer Resume
• Waiter/Waitress Resume
• Warehouse Worker Resume
• Web Developer Resume
• Welder Resume

5+ Examples of Resume Templates

Your resume template can play an important role in helping you make a great first impression on the hiring manager. 

Specifically, your industry, work experience, or skills all impact how your resume should look, so make sure to choose the right template when making your resume: 

#1. Traditional Resume

A straightforward format that gives equal importance to all resume sections , emphasizing skills and work experience.

#2. Creative Resume

Land your dream job in the creative industry by using this creative resume template. 

#3. Minimalist Resume

A simple and easy-to-follow resume template. Perfect for more conservative industries which prefer less flashy templates.

#4. Basic Resume

This easy-to-personalize basic resume layout can be ready in under ten minutes through our resume builder .

#5. IT Resume

One of the best resume layouts to choose when you wish to showcase your IT expertise.

#6. Modern Resume 

It can be hard to stand out from the crowd, but this modern resume sample will take care of this.

#7. General Resume

5+ Resume Examples by Career Level

#1. no experience resume .

Are you a student with no experience ? Learn how to write a compelling resume with our guide! 

#2. College Freshman Resume

Learn how to ace your college freshman resume with our comprehensive guide! 

#3. Graduate Resume

Fresh out of college? Write an impactful graduate resume to land your first gig after college. 

#4. Career Change Resume

Going through a career change? Perfect your career change resume to make the transition as smooth as possible. 

#5. Manager Resume

#6. Executive Resume

The Perfect Resume Structure 

Not sure how to structure your resume?

Here’s our tried-and-tested resume layout :

• Choose the right resume format or pick a template. If you’re formatting your resume yourself, follow the reverse-chronological format and make sure to follow the right layout rules. Alternatively, you can use one of our premade resume templates and not have to worry about formatting your resume one bit. 
• Add relevant contact details and make sure they’re mistake-free. You shouldn’t be missing information such as your full name and job title, e-mail address, and where you’re based. Optionally, you can also include some relevant social media profiles, such as your LinkedIn.
• Include a resume summary or a resume objective. Done right, a resume summary will show the hiring manager you’re a relevant candidate from the get-go and have them read the rest of your resume.
• List your work experience, placing special focus on your achievements. Your work experience becomes more meaningful if you include your achievements in your past roles and manage to make them quantifiable.
• Mention your top soft and hard skills. List any skills you have that are relevant to the job you’re applying for in a seperate section. 
• Keep your education section short and concise. Unless you’re an entry-level candidate with little-to-no work experience, keep your education section short and to the point. 
• Leverage optional sections like “Languages,” “Certifications,” or “Hobbies and Interests.” Fill up the rest of your resume space with optional sections that can highlight your strengths and qualifications as a candidate (e.g. foreign languages you speak, certifications you’ve obtained over the years, or your hobbies and interests).

3 Examples of Resume Formats 

#1. reverse chronological resume format.

This resume format highlights your experience and key professional achievements by listing your latest position and acquired skills first. It’s the most popular resume format among recruiters and the one we advise job seekers to use in 99% of cases. 

#2. Functional Resume Format

A functional resume , also known as the skill-based resume, is a resume format that focuses on your professional skill test as opposed to work experience. You’re better off using a functional resume if you’re a recent graduate with no work experience, if you’re switching careers, or if you have a long employment gap . 

#3. Hybrid Resume Format

A combination resume combines the two traditional resume formats: the reverse-chronological resume and the functional resume.

As such, this format places emphasis on a candidate’s skills and work experience. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Resume Examples

1. Are resume examples helpful?

Resume examples are helpful for several reasons. For starters, they can inspire you to write an A+ resume that meets the industry’s requirements. 

Also, resume examples can show you the best practices for listing your work experience and achievements, can guide you through your resume formatting and can help you understand exactly what the end result should look like.

2. How were these resume examples created?

All our resume examples and resume templates were created in full collaboration with industry-leading HR professionals.

This means that they meet all job market requirements, are modern and impactful, and meet recruiters’ standards worldwide.

3. What if I can’t find a resume example for my job?

While we’ve tried to list as many resume examples as possible for different jobs across several industries, it might happen that you can’t find the resume example that perfectly matches your needs. 

If that’s the case, you can check out our guide on how to write a resume , and learn to create an effective resume regardless of industry.

4. What is the best resume format in 2024?

The reverse-chronological format is still the best resume format in 2024. It remains the most widely used and preferred format by employers and recruiters alike. In this format, you list your work experience in reverse chronological format, starting with your most recent position and working backward.

This format showcases our most recent and relevant experience, making it easier for employers to see our career progression and accomplishments. 

5. Are these resume examples free? 

Yes, most of these resume examples can be used for free in the Basic account, while there is also a selection of templates included in the Premium account. All of them though can be tested for free in our editor. 

6. Do you also have cover letter examples?

Yes, we have an entire article dedicated to cover letter examples for different fields and jobs. Not just that, but you can also find tips on how to write a great cover letter and an FAQ section to answer any question you may have. 

7. Should my resume and cover letter match?

Yes, having a cover letter that’s consistent with your resume in terms of style, tone, and content can be a plus for your overall job application. In a nutshell, a matching resume and cover letter can increase your chances of getting an interview by demonstrating your professionalism, attention to detail, and suitability for the role. 

Conclusion 

And that’s a wrap!

We hope the examples and guides provided in this article can help you create a powerful and effective resume that highlights your unique qualifications and experiences. 

Whether you're a recent graduate, a mid-career employee, or a seasoned professional, there are tips and templates here to help you create a compelling resume for any job.

For more career advice, make sure to check out our career blog . 

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Best Resume Formats (With Examples and Formatting Tips)

How to Choose a Resume Format

• Chronological Resume
• Functional Resume
• Combination Resume
• Other Elements

How to Format Your Resume

Maddy Price / The Balance

The right resume format will grab the hiring manager’s attention immediately and make it clear that you’re the best candidate for the job while deemphasizing aspects of your career that you’d prefer not to highlight.

There are three basic types of professional resume formats:

• Chronological
• Combination

Some resume formats will work better than others for your situation. For example, if you have a  gap in your resume , a history of job-hopping, or a career path that’s taken some strange twists and turns, a  functional resume  might be the best choice because it emphasizes skills over linear job experience.

On the other hand, if you can show a clear progression toward your current job opportunity, a  chronological  or combination resume might be the best option.

Your choice will depend on your career level, work experience, and job history. The job description might also make a difference. So, be flexible when choosing a resume format.

If you create several versions of your resume, including a comprehensive, a targeted, and a short teaser resume, you'll have the flexibility to market your credentials quickly and easily.

Which resume format is best for you? We’ll break down the advantages of each type and offer detailed resume layout examples to help you make your decision.

Keep page length in mind as you format your resume. One to two pages is fine for most situations; three or more pages is relevant for senior-level, government, and academic positions.

Chronological Resume Example and Template

The most common resume format is chronological (sample below). It lists your work history in reverse chronological order, with your most recent work history listed at the top. You may also add a summary or objective, and you'll want to include your education and credentials as well.

The advantage of this type of resume is that it highlights a linear progression in your career. In other words, if you've been focused on one type of career and you want to show how you've progressed on that path, a chronological resume is the way to go. It's also standard for some types of jobs, like teaching or government positions.

To create your own chronological resume, you can download the chronological resume template below (compatible with Google Docs and Microsoft Word) or review the example.

Chronological Resume Example (Text Version)

Jennifer Elliot 1890 Grant Street Cleveland, OH 44109 555-123-1234 j.elliot@email.com

Career Summary

Analytical and detail-oriented legal professional leveraging recent JD training and 6 years of law office experience to excel as a Junior Associate Attorney with an established law firm. Well-versed in federal, state, and municipal court filing processes, rules, and deadlines, with direct experience in commercial litigation and specialized training in e-Discovery methodologies. Unparalleled multitasking and time management skills, deftly managing heavy caseloads from initial client intake through all phases of discovery, drafting, pretrial, trial, and appeal.

Professional Experience

US District Court, Cleveland, OH Law Clerk Intern , 2019-Present

• Serve as Law Clerk to the Chief Judge of the US District Court for the Northern District of Ohio.
• Perform legal research; draft bench orders, opinions, and memos, carefully verifying accuracy of all citations.
• Communicate with counsel to confirm deadlines and address case management issues.
• Use advanced verbal and written Spanish skills as court translator when warranted.

Hatchett, Garner, and Winn Attorneys, Cleveland, OH Paralegal , 2013-2019

Skillfully managed caseload of ~70 ongoing cases for national law firm specializing in commercial litigation. Scheduled and facilitated client interviews, performed legal research, prepared documents and exhibits for trial, and ensured timely submission of all pleadings and court filings.

• Proactively earned Certified E-Discovery Specialist certification from ACEDS.
• Researched, acquired, and trained firm’s attorneys in use of Symantec eDiscovery Platform.
• Entrusted by senior partners to prepare firm records for inspection during IT and cybersecurity audits.
• Served as Vice President of regional paralegal association (2014 to 2016).

Education and Credentials

Juris Doctor (JD), 2021 Cleveland-Marshall College of Law, Cleveland, OH

Associate of Applied Business in Paralegal-Legal Assisting , 2013 Rhodes State College, Lima, OH

Certified E-Discovery Specialist (ACEDS), 2017

Technical Proficiencies: Microsoft Office Suite, LexisNexis Concordance, Symantec eDiscovery Platform, Westlaw, MyCase Legal Practice Management Software, Clio, and Photoshop.

Functional Resume Example and Template

Functional resumes focus on skills. They are organized by different types of skills or experiences, rather than by chronological work history. Functional resumes are good for people with gaps in employment history or whose work history is not directly related to the job.

With this type of resume, your skills are listed first. List the skill first, and then go into more detail about that skill. Follow your skills with your education and work history.

You can create a functional resume by downloading the functional resume template below (compatible with Google Docs and Microsoft Word) or by following the example.

Functional Resume Example (Text Version)

Jennifer Elliot 1890 Grant Street Cleveland, OH 44109 555-555-5555 j.elliot@email.com

Summary of Qualifications

Analytical and detail-oriented legal professional leveraging recent JD training and 6 years law office experience to excel as a Junior Associate Attorney with an established law firm.

• Legal Affairs : Well-versed in federal, state, and municipal court filing processes, rules, and deadlines, with direct experience in commercial litigation and specialized training in e-Discovery methodologies.
• Communications / Client Relations : Excellent verbal and written communications and legal drafting talents. Easily instills trust and confidence in clients stressed by challenging life events; handles private client data with 100% confidentiality and integrity. Fluent in Spanish.
• Information Management : Technical proficiencies include Microsoft Office, LexisNexis Concordance, Symantec eDiscovery Platform, Westlaw, MyCase Legal Practice Management Software, Clio, and Photoshop.
• Key Strengths : Finely-tuned analytical skills with a dedication to expanding subject knowledge and workplace competencies through continuous training. Unparalleled multitasking and time management skills, deftly managing heavy caseloads from initial client intake through all phases of discovery, drafting, pretrial, trial, and appeal.

Associate of Applied Business in Paralegal-Legal Assisting , 2012 R Rhodes State College, Lima, OH

Serve as Law Clerk to the Chief Judge of the US District Court for the Northern District of Ohio. Perform legal research; draft bench orders, opinions, and memos, carefully verifying accuracy of all citations. Communicate with counsel to confirm deadlines and address case management issues.

• Utilize advanced verbal and written Spanish skills as court translator when warranted.
• Researched, acquired, and trained firm’s attorneys in use of Symantec e-Discovery Platform.
• Entrusted by senior partners to ready firm records for inspection during IT and cybersecurity audits.
• Served as Vice President of regional paralegal association (2015 to 2017).

Combination Resume Example and Template

Combination resumes are a mix of the chronological and functional resume formats. They provide a chronological list of one’s work history, but they also have a section that focuses on different types of skills. This format shows employers both your skills and your experience. It's a good choice if you're changing careers or if you have a varied but steady work history.

With this type of resume, you'd start with a section to show your skills. The next section would show your job experience, followed by your education.   You might also include an objective or summary at the beginning. You can download the combination resume template (compatible with Google Docs and Microsoft Word) or review the example below.

Combination Resume Example (Text Version)

Analytical and detail-oriented legal professional leveraging recent JD training and 6 years law office experience to excel as a Junior Associate Attorney with an established law firm. Well-versed in federal, state, and municipal court filing processes, rules, and deadlines, with direct experience in commercial litigation and specialized training in e-Discovery methodologies. Unparalleled multitasking and time management skills, deftly managing heavy caseloads from initial client intake through all phases of discovery, drafting, pretrial, trial, and appeal.

E-Discovery

Technical Proficiencies

• Microsoft Office Suite, LexisNexis Concordance, Symantec eDiscovery Platform, Westlaw, MyCase Legal Practice Management Software, Clio, and Photoshop.

Litigation and Records Management

• Skillfully managed caseload of ~70 ongoing cases for national law firm specializing in commercial litigation. Scheduled and facilitated client interviews, prepared documents and exhibits for trial, and ensured timely submission of all pleadings and court filings.

Legal Research

• As Law Clerk to the Chief Judge of the US District Court for the Northern District of Ohio, performed extensive legal research, carefully verifying accuracy of all citations.

Communications and Outreach

• Utilized advanced verbal and written Spanish skills as court translator when warranted.

Work History

Law Clerk Intern, US District Court, Cleveland, OH, 2019-Present

Paralegal , Hatchett, Garner, and Winn Attorneys, Cleveland, OH, 2013-2019

Resume Formats With Headlines and Profiles

Studies have shown that recruiters spend only seconds reviewing a resume before sorting it to the “yes” or “no” pile and moving on. For this reason, many candidates choose to add a section highlighting their most relevant skills at the top of their resume. There are several ways to do this:

• Resume with headline :  A resume headline (also known as a resume title) is a phrase that summarizes why you are an ideal candidate. It usually appears near the top of your resume. Headlines can be used by a variety of candidates to highlight their best attributes and experience.
• Resume with headline and profile :  Including both a brief headline and a profile can provide the hiring manager with even more information about you.
• Resume with summary statement : A summary statement is a brief paragraph or two along with a short list of your strongest qualifications for the job. It is also known as a summary of qualifications.
• Resume with branding statement : A branding statement is a brief, catchy statement (usually 15 words or fewer) that showcases what you have to offer to a hiring organization.
• Resume with objective : A resume objective is a one to two sentence description of who you are as a candidate and what you are looking for in a position. Some employers prefer a resume profile or summary over a resume objective, but it's up to you to decide which option is best. While objectives used to be standard, today it varies by the industry and position you're applying for. A profile and/or summary statement serves the same purpose and is preferred by many hiring managers.

Employers want to hire candidates who are interested in their specific job opening, not just any job. Customizing your resume every time will make sure that your resume is tailored appropriately.

In addition to choosing a type of resume, you will also need to select a font and font size and make style choices (such as when to use bullets, bold, and italics). Choose a font that's easy to read and professional. Calibri, Times New Roman, Arial, and Tahoma are all good choices for a font.

Keep the font size large enough to be legible. The body should be a 10-12 point font, but you can use a slightly larger font for headings.

It’s also important to be consistent in your style choices. If you decide to bullet your experience, for example, do so throughout. Similarly, once you choose a font, stick with it for the whole resume.

Template for Writing Your Own Resume

Use the following template to generate the information you'll need to include in your resume. Next, you can revise your resume so that it’s in the format you want. It might take a few drafts to get it right, and it's helpful to have someone review your resume for typos and other issues.

Remember that this is only one example of a resume format. It's a starting point. You can add information not included here, including some of the introductory information listed above, and change the order of the resume as long as your contact information stays at the top.

Sample Resume Format

Your Contact Information

First and Last Name Street Address City, State ZIP Phone Email Address

Career Summary (optional)

This customized section of your resume lists key achievements, skills, traits, and experience relevant to the position for which you are applying can serve dual purposes. It highlights your relevant experience and lets the prospective employer know that you have taken the time to create a resume that shows how you are qualified for the specific job .

This section of your resume includes your work history. List the companies you worked for, dates of employment, the positions you held, and a bulleted list of responsibilities and achievements.

City, State Dates Worked

• Responsibilities / Achievements

Company #2 City, State Dates Worked Job Title

In the education section of your resume, list the schools you attended, the degrees you attained, and any special awards and honors you earned. College, Degree Awards, Honors

Skills Include skills related to the position/career field that you are applying for, such as computer skills or language skills.

References There is no need to include references on your resume or even to mention that references are available. Rather, have a separate list of references to give to employers upon request.

Key Takeaways

• The basic types of resume formats include chronological, combination, and functional resumes.
• Choose the best format for your personal and professional circumstances.
• Highlighting your most relevant skills at the top of your resume is a good strategy to showcase your most relevant qualifications for a job.
• Creating several versions of your resume will enable you to quickly and easily market your credentials.

CareerOneStop. " Select the Best Format ."

Monster. " How Long Should a Resume Be? "

Vermont Careers. " Resume Help ."

GCF. " Resume Formats: Choosing the Right One ."

The Ladders. " You Have 7.4 Seconds to Make an Impression ."

CareerOneStop. " Headline and Summary Sample ."

SHRM. " How to Write Powerful and Memorable HR Resumes ."

Monster. " Entry-Level Resume Objective Examples Are Outdated—Use a Career Summary Instead ."

Monster. " The Best Fonts for Your Resume Ranked ."

HubSpot. " Recruiters Reveal the 7 Best Fonts for Your Resume ."

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Résumé Formats

Résumés come in many formats, though they share typical categories of information and features. The three most common formats, which we'll address here, are the reverse chronological résumé , the functional résumé , and the combination résumé .

Reverse Chronological Résumé : This is the traditional format, in which work experience is highlighted and is listed chronologically with the most recent positions listed first. This is a good style for job seekers who already have professional experience in a specific field and who are looking for a new job within the same field.

Functional Résumé : This is a skills-based format, in which specific job skills are highlighted. This is a good style for job seekers without much professional experience, or for those who are looking to move into a new field.

Combination Résumé : This style highlights the job seeker's skills and also provides a chronological listing of experience. An excellent style for foregrounding skills but also providing a work history.

You can (and should) adapt the formats and résumé categories to your own experiences and skills, as well as to the job being targeted. You may want to develop a number of different formats for your résumé, to be used and adapted for different jobs. Don't rely on a single résumé to serve the purpose for all situations: you will need to adapt and revise your résumé and cover letter each time you target a new position.

Typical Categories in a Résumé

Contact information.

Your name and contact information should stand out clearly. Include your name, address, and phone number. You may also include your e-mail address. If your résumé exceeds one page, be sure that your name and contact information are listed at the top of every page.

Objective (Optional)

Your objective should be specific to the job you're targeting. Specify the position, field of work, or skills to be used on the job. Avoid vague statements such as, "I am looking for a challenge" or "I want to work with people." This is where to tell the potential employer, I want to work for you in such and such a capacity, and this is why/these are the skills I can bring to this position . (See sample résumés below.)

Summary of Qualifications (Optional)

Some job seekers substitute a Summary of Qualifications for the Objective. This is a brief description of your background, training, and skills. (See sample résumés below.)

Along with listing your degree (or anticipated degree), recent graduates may also want to include information on curriculum, honors, activities, and study abroad. (See sample résumés below.)

List your title, place of employment, city, state, and dates of employment. Write job descriptions that give evidence that you have the skills the employer wants. (See sample résumés below.)

Activities (Optional)

List activities that are either relevant to this position or can offer the employer a sense of your qualities and qualifications as a job candidate. If you're short on work experience, you may want to provide details of volunteer work or leadership positions you've held in the context of your education or the community. If space is at a premium, you may want simply to list the organizations you're affiliated with and your positions within them. (See sample résumés below.)

Honors/Awards (Optional)

If these are related to your education, you may want to list them above, in the education section of the résumé. If you have a substantial list of honors or awards, a separate category is probably appropriate.

Other Categories (Optional)

The categories in your résumé are used to highlight particular areas of strength or experience. You should create them and adapt them to fit your purposes. Some résumés include categories such as Computer Skills, Related Skills, Leadership, Special Training, Research Experience, Volunteer Work, Internships, etc. Design headings to draw attention to particular, related attributes or experiences.

References (Optional)

Some applicants use "References" as a heading and state "References available upon request." Others don't refer to references in the résumé at all. In either case, it's better to have a separate reference sheet. Most applicants don't provide this with the résumé, but do prepare it to take to a job interview. Employers will ask for references in advance if they want them.

Example of a Reverse Chronological Résumé

Example of a functional (skills-based) résumé, example of a combination résumé.

For additional résumé samples, see the UW Career Center's résumé information .

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Free English Lessons

How to write a cv in english – video.

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In this lesson, you can learn how to write a CV or resume in English.

If you’re wondering, ‘cv’ and ‘resume’ have the same meaning. the word ‘cv’ is more common in the uk, while ‘resume’ is more common in the usa., although some people say that there’s a difference, in everyday speech, a cv and a resume are the same thing: you write a summary of your employment history, your education and your skills in order to apply for a job., in this video lesson, you’ll see how to write cv in english that is clear and effective. we’ll share some useful language tips to make your cv clearer., quiz: how to write a cv in english.

Now, test your knowledge of what you learned in the lesson by trying this quiz. You can get help with some questions if you press ‘Hint’. You will get your score at the end, when you can click on ‘View Questions’ to see all the correct answers.

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1 . Question

What is the difference between ‘CV’ and ‘résumé’?

• 'CV' is more common in British English and 'résumé' is more common in the USA.
• A CV is a formal document, whereas a résumé is more informal.
• A CV is a complete list of your work and education, but a résumé is only a short paragraph.

2 . Question

Match the information with the sections of a CV where you might put it.

Sort elements

• Sales assistant: Horley & Smythe, July 2012 to May 2016
• A-levels: biology, chemistry, physics.
• Languages spoken: German, English.

3 . Question

Which two things are true about the style of a CV?

• In some places, it's common to use bullet points.
• Full sentences are required throughout.
• In some places, sentences are better than bullet points.
• No sentences are needed; you can just write a list of notes.

4 . Question

Which sentence would you expect to read on a CV?

• I spent two months volunteering with an NGO in South Africa.
• Joanne Phillips is the chief buyer for Marlinstoke Techtronics.
• You can contact me via email at any time.

Who are you talking about? Yourself or someone else?

5 . Question

Which two things should you include in the personal profile at the start of your CV?

• your key skills
• your career goals
• your hobbies
• your contact details

6 . Question

Which two ways could you explain what sort of work you want to do, in your personal profile?

• I am seeking new employment in the eco-tourism industry.
• I am looking to move into the online gaming sector.
• I want a job with more responsibilities.
• I would like to work as a team player.

7 . Question

In which sections of your CV should you always write the year when you did something? Choose two options.

• Employment History
• Skills and Hobbies
• Personal Profile

If you were reading a CV, would you need to know when someone went to university? What about how long they worked in their last job? What about when they learned karate?

8 . Question

What information should you include in your employment history? Choose two options.

• the companies you've worked for
• your main responsibilities at each job
• problems you had and how you solved them
• your academic qualifications

9 . Question

Complete the word that is missing from this sentence. The first letter is given for you:

I am a hotel reception manager with over ten years’ e .

10 . Question

What word combinations could you use on your CV with the following verbs?

Complete the expressions by dragging the sort elements into the right-hand column.

• new opportunities
• from university

11 . Question

Complete the word that is missing from this sentence. The first two letters are given for you:

After graduating, I did a six-month in at a Boston accountancy firm.

12 . Question

Which of the following verbs would be better substitutes for ‘make’ in the phrase ‘I made a product catalogue’? Choose two options.

13 . Question

What word, which is common on a CV, has both of these meanings?

– (noun) a difficult task, which requires particular effort or tests a person’s ability – (verb) to give someone or give yourself this sort of difficult task

• achievement

Try using the words in these two sentences: ‘I _________ you to find a solution’ and ‘it’s a real _________.’ Only one word fits both!

14 . Question

Which of these examples of a person’s responsibilities is not written in a good style?

• – Designed staff training programmes – Responded to customer enquiries
• – Designing staff training programmes – Responding to customer enquiries
• – Designing staff training programmes – Responded to customer enquiries

Look for a consistent style!

15 . Question

Complete the hyphenated word that is missing from this sentence. The first letter of each part is given for you.

My s -t goal is to work in an English-speaking environment, with a view to entering a managerial role later.

16 . Question

Look at these time references, which you might use on your CV. In which two is there a mistake?

• Over the recent fifteen years …
• During I started working …
• Having worked recently …
• During my degree …

17 . Question

Which information should not be included in the Education section of a CV? Choose one answer.

• a thesis or dissertation title
• exam results from secondary school
• your university grade
• your favourite subjects at school

18 . Question

Look at these examples of a university qualification, from someone’s CV. Which options are correct? Choose as many as you think are right:

• University of Edinburgh, 2013 to 2016, MA Applied Linguistics
• University of Edinburgh, 2013 to 2016, MA in Applied Linguistics
• University of Edinburgh, 2013 to 2016, MA of Applied Linguistics
• University of Edinburgh, 2013 to 2016, MA about Applied Linguistics

19 . Question

What word should you not use on your CV to describe your level of a skill?

20 . Question

Which version of this entry from a Skills and Hobbies section of a CV is correct?

• Skilled at using a range of audio and video editing software
• Skilled with using a range of audio and video editing software

1. How to Write a Personal Profile

Your personal profile is a short introduction to you, your key skills and your career goals. It generally goes at the top of your CV, under your contact information. Not all CVs include a personal profile, but many do. Many people we’ve spoken to find it the most difficult part to write. So, if you need a personal profile, what should you include? Aim to write four to five sentences. In the first sentence, introduce yourself. For example:

• I recently graduated from the University of Toronto in International Affairs with a 3.8 GPA, and I am seeking employment in the NGO sector.
• I am a web development professional looking to move into a senior role in an established company.
• I am a cardiology nurse with over ten years’ experience in Spain; I am now looking for a position in the UK.

Here, you can see language which you could adapt to your situation:

• I recently graduated from ________.
• I am a ________ professional looking to move into a ________ role.
• I am a ________ with over _______ years’ experience.

Take a few seconds: how could you use these sentences to talk about yourself? Pause the video if you want more time to think about it! Generally, you should write your personal profile in full sentences in the first person . You can write in the third person, but this can sound impersonal; it’s simpler to write in the first person, using ‘I’. After your introduction, write one to three sentences about the skills you will bring to the job you’re applying for. Be specific and focus on facts. Avoid using clichés like ‘team player’, ‘good communicator’ or ‘passionate’. These are overused in job applications; try to show your good qualities by giving specific examples instead. Let’s look at some examples here:

• During my degree, I did a six-month internship at a Toronto-based charity, and also volunteered for two local charitable organisations. This has given me an understanding of NGO work in both smaller and larger organisations, as well as the desire to learn more about the field.
• Over the last fifteen years, I have honed my technical skills by working on a wide range of projects, both working individually and in large teams. Recently, I have developed my managerial abilities by working as a team leader for my current employer.
• Since I started working as a ward nurse, I have pursued every opportunity to learn and develop my skills; consequently, I have been working as a specialised cardiology nurse for the past five years.

Because your personal profile should be short, it’s useful to organise your ideas using time references, like ‘during’, ‘over the last … years’, ‘recently’, or ‘since…’. Learn more phrases with this lesson on how to talk about time in English .

If you’re writing in the first person, this also helps you to avoid repetitive sentence structures. It doesn’t sound good if every sentence you write starts with ‘I’. End your personal profile with a sentence summarising your career goals. For example:

• I hope to build on my prior experience and make a meaningful contribution by working in an international NGO.
• Having worked mostly for start-ups and smaller firms, I would now like to challenge myself by managing projects and teams in a larger company.
• My short-term goal is to work in an English-speaking environment, with a view to moving into a training/teaching role in the medium term.

And you’ve finished! The exact order of sections on a CV can vary. However, in many cases, you’ll put your work history at the top, after your personal profile.

Let’s see more ways to help you learn how to write a CV in English and focus on how you can write about your employment history on your CV.

2. How to Write About Your Employment History

In this section of your CV, you should list the companies you’ve worked for, the dates you worked there, your responsibilities and any significant achievements. For example, you might write:

• Customer service supervisor, Juice-It, September 2016 to January 2019.
• Main responsibilities: responding to customer queries and complaints, creating and implementing surveys to gather customer feedback, organising training sessions for other staff members.

Often, you won’t write in full sentences to talk about your responsibilities and achievements. Instead, you’ll write lists, or possibly bulleted lists. There are two possible styles you can use, and you should choose one. One way is to write sentence fragments starting with an -ing verb. You saw this in the example just now. The other common possibility is to write sentence fragments starting with a past simple verb. So, for example, a full sentence about your work experience might be:

• I designed training programs for other staff members.

You could make this a fragment with an -ing verb, as in:

• Designing training programs for other staff members.

Or, you could make a fragment with a past simple verb, as in:

• Designed training programs for other staff members.

Of course, you can write in full sentences if you want! However, it’s more common to use one of these two styles on a CV in English. Just remember: don’t mix styles. If you’re writing in fragments starting with an -ing verb, then all of your bullet points should be in the same style. Also, when describing your responsibilities in a role, try to use active, specific vocabulary. For example, instead of ‘Making promotional materials in print and digital formats’, say ‘ Creating promotional materials’ or ‘ Designing promotional materials’. Using a more specific verb is better where possible, so it’s better to use ‘create’ than a more general verb like ‘make’. Instead of ‘Worked with customer data to suggest alternative strategies for sales team members,’ say ‘ Analysed customer data in order to devise more effective strategies for sales team members’.

Next, let’s add one more vital section to your CV in English.

3. How to Write About Your Education

On most CVs, education either goes at the top, after the personal profile, or after the work experience section. Here, you list the institution, qualification, grades and dates. For example:

• University of Warwick, 2015 to 2018, BSc in chemical engineering, two one.

Do you know what ‘two-one’ means? University grades for UK degrees are given in classes: first class, upper second class, second class, and so on. ‘Two one’ means an upper second class degree, which is the second highest grade. On a CV, you can write BSc in chemical engineering, or you might write it without the preposition.

• BSc in chemical engineering, two one.
• BSc chemical engineering, two one.

This might be all you need, but you might also add modules you studied, projects you worked on, or the title of your thesis or dissertation. Here, the simplest way to add this information is to use a colon to introduce a list, like this:

• Modules studied: chemical reactor design, distillation and absorption, process synthesis, …

You could also use this to list exams you took at school; for example:

• A-Levels: geography, English literature, politics, economics.

Do you know what A-levels are? They’re the exams you take at the end of secondary school in the UK. Usually, people take three or four subjects. Depending on where you are in your career, you might not need a lot of details about your education. If you’ve been working in your field for many years and have lots of relevant achievements, then you probably don’t need to go into details about your high school exam results.

At this point, you have the most important parts of your CV. Let’s talk about one more point in how to write a CV in English. There’s one more section you might add.

4. Writing About Skills and Hobbies

At the end of your CV, you might list relevant skills, such as other languages which you speak, certificates, or software you can use. You might also list your hobbies and interests. Should you add your hobbies and interests to your CV? Some people say yes, others say no. We don’t know—this lesson is about how to write a CV in English. Here, you can keep this simple; introduce a list using a colon, like this:

• Proficient with: Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign, MS Office, QuickBooks.

You can show different levels of skill by using different adjectives like ‘proficient’, ‘familiar’, or ‘competent’. ‘Proficient’ suggests a higher level of skill; ‘competent’ suggests a medium degree, while ‘familiar’ suggests a more basic level of skill. You can use these adjectives with the preposition ‘with’ plus a noun; for example: ‘proficient with AutoCAD’, ‘competent with WordPress’, or ‘familiar with a range of common double-entry bookkeeping applications.’ You can also use some adjectives like this plus ‘at’ plus an -ing verb. For example:

• Competent at building and styling web pages using HTML and CSS.
• Skilled at using a range of Abode Creative Suite applications for graphic or print design.

With languages, you can use a similar format; introduce a list using a colon , like this:

• Languages spoken: Arabic, Spanish, Portuguese.

If you want to add additional information to something, add it in parentheses, like this.

• Languages spoken: Arabic (fluent), Spanish (intermediate), Portuguese (basic).

As before, you’re not writing in full sentences here. That means you can be flexible with the structure; for example, you don’t need to add ‘and’ between the last two items on your list. However, you should still pay attention to grammar and structure, because it’s important to be consistent. Finally, you can add your hobbies and interests if you want. For example:

• Hobbies and interests: surfing, DIY, arts and crafts.

At this point, your CV should be close to complete. Don’t forget to proof read carefully before you send it! In most situations, recruiters won’t spend long the first time they look at your CV. Even small things, like spelling mistakes, can mean your CV gets thrown out. So, take the time to check everything.

Thanks for watching this lesson from Oxford Online English!

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Home » Job Tips » Resume Writing Tips » Resume Format

Best Resume Formats with Samples, Templates, & Writing Tips

Despite having all the necessary qualifications, landing a job can still be difficult. However, a staggering 68% of candidates who use professional resume writing services are able to secure employment within 90 days after sending out their resumes. Clearly demonstrating how crucial it is to get your resume formatted right.

So in this blog post, we will explore why selecting an appropriate resume format matters and provide useful tips on structuring yours professionally. Learn about different elements which should feature on a good résumé as well as popular formats that you may want to consider using in order elevate your job search prospects.

Table of Contents

What is a Resume Format?

A resume format typically refers to the specific design, layout, and structure of a job seeker’s resume or curriculum vitae. This can include things such as 

• Which parts are included in the document (e.g., contact information, work experience), 
• How much detail is given for each section/item mentioned 
• Where different sections should be placed within it (for example whether your references come after professional skills or education). 

There are various types of commonly used formats including chronological resumes, functional resumes, and combination resumes. Additionally, some employers may require that applicants adhere strictly to particular formatting instructions when submitting their letters for consideration. This enables recruiters to assess submitted documents more efficiently otherwise risk having them discarded without even being read through entirely.

You can also learn more about how to create the perfect resume, by taking this business communication skills course .

Best Resume Format to Get a Job

When selecting a resume format for job applications, you have three popular and effective options available: chronological, functional, and combination. Each one has different benefits that are tailored to the role you’re applying for as well as your individual needs. So take time to explore each resume writing format before deciding which is best suited for you.

1. A Chronological Resume

A chronological resume is a type of resume that lists out an individual’s professional experience in reverse-chronological order, starting with their most recent role. It includes information such as the job title, employers, and dates worked for each position. Typically it will also include contact details, objective or summary statement outlining relevant skillset/experience, and education history at the top of the page.

Chronological resumes are ideal for people whose employment has been steady over time showing progression from one more role to another. However, if you have multiple gaps in your work history or looking to switch careers then a functional or combination-based format may be better suited instead.

2. Functional Resume

A Functional Resume is a type of resume that emphasizes your transferable skills and experience rather than the chronological order of your work history. It typically includes: 

• Your contact information.
• An objective or summary statement.
• A list of key skill areas relevant to the job you are applying for. 
• Details around past employment (while not always necessary). 
• Education/training qualifications attained in relation to this specific position. 
• Additional information which may be useful such as volunteer projects completed or special interests related to the role being applied for.

If you have multiple job gaps, are changing careers with little relevant industry experience, or coming back to work after an extended break, then the functional resume is best.

3. Combination Resume

The combination resume is a type of resume that combines the features and format elements from both chronological and functional resumes. It includes: 

• An objective or summary statement to explain your qualifications for the job in question.
• Details about relevant work experience such as employer name, position titles held, and dates employed.
• Followed by a skills section that summarises any abilities you have pertinent to the role.
• Educational background.

This particular style allows flexibility when deciding how best to present yourself depending on what you think is more important to emphasize for employers. Whether it’s your job history or some specific capabilities/qualifications. Applicants should consider job posting hints to determine desired qualities for the next employee, before creating a hybrid-format document.

What Is the Best Resume Format for Freshers?

If you are a recent or soon-to-be graduate, you may be wondering what is the best resume format for freshers or someone with limited work experience. Focus on your education and knowledge gained through school by providing detailed information about courses taken and topics covered in them. Emphasize the most valuable parts of what you have learned to demonstrate how they apply to the job role.

When creating an effective fresher’s resume, make it short (under one page) yet accurate enough that hiring managers can get a comprehensive understanding of your background from reading it. The type of resume should depend upon individual circumstances as well as requirements listed on job postings. Tailor yours accordingly so its content stands out.

Rules and Elements for Formatting a Professional Resume

Once you’ve chosen the right resume format for you, focus on structuring it properly. It’s important to consider certain elements that are essential in the organization of your resume. They include:

1. Use the Right margins

Margins for professional documents such as resumes or cover letters should be one inch all around. However, if the resume has a lot of empty space you can opt for wider margins but make sure they do not go beyond 1.5 inches in any direction. Lastly, aligning portions left-aligned ensures easy reading while centering certain sections like headers adds some style without sacrificing readability.

2. Use a Professional Font Type

When choosing a font for your resume, it is important to use one that is easy to read and professional-looking. Sans serif fonts like Avenir, Calibri, Gothic Garamond, Georgia Gill Sans, or Helvetica are widely accepted by employers and should be used when possible.

3. Use Readable Font Sizes

In order to make your written content readable, it is important to set an appropriate font size. Generally speaking, this should be between 10 and 12 points, but anything greater could appear unprofessional. If there is a lot of information then start with 10 points and increase as needed. However, avoid reducing the size further than that in order to prevent it from going over one page.

4. Short Length

Keep your resume length to two pages at most. If you are in the early stages of your career, one page may be enough. For every 10 years’ worth of experience that you have, add an extra page; however, don’t exceed 20 years of work history on your resume.

5. Be Consistent

The key to a professional and readable resume is consistency. Once you have chosen your formatting style, use it for all elements within the document such as fonts and date formats. By doing this, you will ensure that readers understand what they are looking at easily without needing any extra explanation or deciphering of different styles used.

6. Emphasize Headers

Bolding, underlining, or increasing the font size of feature section headers can make it easier for employers to quickly find what they are looking for on a resume. Differentiation between these headers and body text needs to be kept professional. Proper stylizing techniques include using ‘bold’ fonts, 12-16 point header fonts, and/or underlining them in addition to applying similar treatments when styling your name and contact information at the top of your CV.

7. Use Bullet Points

Bullet points make it easier for employers to pick out relevant pieces of information from your background. Use bullet points when listing achievements. Avoid using one or two bullet points; instead either list the words in sentence form with other punctuation or don’t use them at all if there are less than three ideas.

8. Get Feedback

After you have completed your resume, it can be beneficial to get another person’s opinion on the format and content. Ask them to look for errors in grammar or spelling as well as readability, consistency, and a professional appearance overall.

It’s essential to find the right resume format when applying for a job. Three popular choices are chronological, functional, and combination formats which offer different advantages based on your career path or goals. Furthermore, it is important that all formatting elements such as margins & font type match in order make an attractive document that can be easily read by recruiters. Keep it concise with headers/bullet points where appropriate too.

Also Read: How to Write Educational Qualification in a Resume .

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Shailja Kaushik has been an Editor with Internshala since March 2023. She loves creative writing and experimenting with different forms of writing. She has explored different genres by working with journals and radio stations. She has also published her poems and nano tales in various anthologies. She graduated at the top of her class with Bachelor's in English and recently completed her Master's in English from the University of Delhi. Her experiments with writing continue on her literary blog.

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