According to SimplyHired (2010), job seekers use three basic types of resumes. These are functional, chronological, and mixed (hybrid). The purpose for each of these resumes and their differences are given below.
Functional resume
A functional resume focuses more on the acquired skills rather than the type of positions held before. A few essential areas of experience are highlighted on a functional resume including responsibilities held and achievements for each position. When writing about personal experience, an individual should be keen to provide a lot of context specifically aiming the job one is applying. The functional resume will be necessary when a person wants to make a career change, or when there appear gaps in the work history. This resume is essential because it assists a person in focusing on the relevant skills relating to the position applied. The functional resume differs from the chronological resume because it only provides the skills acquired and concentrates less on positions held (SimplyHired, 2010).
Chronological resume
In a chronological resume, an individual starts by listing work history starting with the most recent position and ending with the first position held. In order to ensure the employer considers an applicant for a job, he or she should supplement the list of positions held with main qualifications and accomplishments. The employer develops confidence with an applicant depending on the experience that shows the capability of performing assigned tasks. A person who has a long and steady work history uses a chronological resume. In addition, a person may present this type of resume in order to maintain his or her position (SimplyHired, 2010).
Mixed resume
This is a combination of the functional and the chronological resume forming a hybrid. On this mixed resume, a person starts by listing the skills and job achievements followed by an area showing work experience written in a reverse-chronological order. On the work history section, an applicant requires only to list job titles, name and location of the organization, and the working duration. The mixed resume is different from functional resume because the person does not give a description of duties performed at every job listed. On the other hand, it differs from chronological resume because one does not provide a lot of information on the main accomplishments but just makes a list. A mixed resume is used especially when an applicant wants to include both work experience and the acquired skills (SimplyHired, 2010).
According to Piccolo (2010), a person requires to have an up-to-date resume because it ensures all the changes in an individual professional field are included. A resume update should be done irrespective of whether a person is looking for a job or not as long as there is a change. A regular resume update ensures a person is ready for any job advertisement or organizational promotion that emerges. In addition, it keeps an update of an individual meaning that one is ready to produce a resume to hiring managers within a short job notice.
After a close evaluation of the purposes of these three resumes, I prefer the chronological resume. Most employers are more interested with experience and not the principal positions one has held before. An individual promoted into a bank manager within one year of service stands lesser chances of acquiring a job compared to a person with five years experience in banking stands a better chance of acquiring a job. In my resume, I have not given more details about my experiences. In addition, I have written them in a chronological order that differs from the chronological resume rules. I will ensure detailed information about my experience and correct format is followed.
References
SimplyHired. (2010). Three Main Types of Resumes. Retrieved from:
http://blog.simplyhired.com/2010/04/three-main-types-of-resumes.html
Piccolo, M. Cynthia. (2010). Career Development Articles-Why update your Resume? Retrieved
http://www.rheumatology.org/Education/Careers/Articles/Career_Development_Articles_-_Why_Update_Your_R%C3%A9sum%C3%A9_/
