Types of resume

There are two basic types of resumes used to apply for job openings: a chronological resume and a functional resume.

The chronological resume works well for job seekers with a strong, solid work history which shows career growth from one position to the next. It is the most traditional type of resume with the focus on time, job continuity, growth and advancement. Your work experience is given the priority, and jobs are listed in reverse chronological order with your current, or most recent job, first, along with a brief description of duties. Employers like this type of resume because it’s easy to see what jobs you have held and how they qualify you for the advertised position.

A functional resume focuses on your skills and experience. The focus on what you did, not when and where you did it. It is used most often by people who are changing careers, have gaps in their employment history or very little work experience. This type of resume describes the achievements and abilities gained through work experience, vocational training, hobbies, volunteer work, community activities or just life experience. The employer can see immediately how you fit the job without having to read through the job descriptions to find out.

There are also variations of these two types. A combination resume combines the traditional chronological listings and job descriptions with a quick synopsis of your market value (your skills, qualifications, accomplishments). It has become the accepted standard nowadays, and is perhaps most effective for today’s professionals.

A targeted resume may be any of the three types above, but it is written for a specific company or a specific position. Hence, the focus is on your experience and skills relevant to the job you are applying for.

Exercise 11 Answer the questions to the text.

1. What are the main differences between a resume and a CV? 2. What would you write when applying for a grant at Berlin University/ a managing position in McDonalds? 3. Does your CV have to be as full as your biography? 4. What information is essential in any resume? What can be omitted? 5. Why is it good to include a profile section at the beginning of your resume? 6. What kinds of resumes are used by job seekers? 7. What is the difference between a chronological and functional resume? 8. Who prefers a functional/chronological resume? 9. Is the form of resume writing flexible?

Sample: Chronological resume

Vladimir M. Kudrevich Kozlova Str., 8-34 Minsk 200034 Belarus office:+375-17-262-4526 home: +375-17-236-4786 Profile: Possess high energy level and excellent communication skills, ability to analyze needs and implement solutions. Fluent in English and German. Work history: 1997- present Manager, Foreign Transactions, ‘Belpromstroibank’, managed all foreign transactions of the bank 1996-1997 Assistant manager, Foreign Transactions, ‘Belpromstroibank’, assisted managing foreign transactions, wrote and edited reports. Sept. 1995-1996 Trainee, Foreign Transactions, ‘Belpromstroibank’, got training in the main activities of the Foreign Transitions Dept. Education: 1991-1995 Department of Foreign Economic Relations, honors. Bachelor of Sciences Degree from Belarus State Economic University (26 Partizanski Prosp., Minsk, 220070, Belarus) 1993-1994 Exchange program international student of business, the University of South Carolina at Columbia (USA) Computer skills: Working knowledge of Microsoft Office, Word, Excel, Powerpoint, and Internet software References: Furnished upon request