Know the different types of resume

Are you a recent graduate waiting to write your first resume? Or are you going to update your resume for the hundredth time? No matter to which category you fall, it's important to consider the different resume types and have a clear knowledge of when and how to use them. There are 6 major types of resumes:


1. International Resume

2. Chronological resume

3. Functional Resume

4. Combination resume

5. Targeted resume

6. Mini resume
  • International Resume
    International resume requires the knowledge of all the specific requirements of the industry pertaining to that specific country you are applying for. It is best if a global resume template can be achieved highlighting certain practices and insights of the working knowledge of the candidate.
  • Chronological Resume
    The most common and most preferred format among all, a chronological resume lists a job applicant's past accomplishments and records in reverse-chronological order. It prioritizes relevant professional experience and achievements. This kind of resume layout gives brief information about your prior work experience, the position you held, the nature of your daily duties.
    Job seekers prefer this format because it accommodates all industries and levels of experience; HR units favor it because it is conventional and practical.

    If there are any work history gaps or frequent changes in jobs, then it is best to avoid this resume format.
  • Functional Resume
    This is the second most conventional resume format used by job seekers and accepted by employers worldwide. A functional resume gives importance to skills, expertise over dates and chronology. It is ideal for candidates who have gaps between jobs, fresher's, or are making a career switch. It focuses on clusters of experience you've gained from multiple projects, assignments, coursework, modules and others. A strong cover letter to go with your resume is appreciable in this scenario. The cover letter will expand on the talents, skills and abilities that you possess to be a perfect fit for the position you are applying for. This will help lessen any concerns the employer might have about your work history.
  • Combination Resume
    A combination resume is a format that highlights the confluence of the best of both worlds i.e. the main aspects of a chronological resume format and a functional resume format. We know a chronological resume focuses on the candidate's work experience while a functional resume emphasizes skills. A combination resume, thus uses both work history and skills to capture the employer's attention. It outlines the skills that you possess and recount them to time periods of past employment. The layout first arrests the attention of the employer or recruiter by highlighting the key skills and capabilities of the aspirant in a "qualifications synopsis," and then wires in the introductory segment with a description of prior job experience.
  • Targeted Resume
    This format of resume only caters to the needs of certain industry standards and is usually written for a specific job opening. The idea of sending a generic resume to all employers is avoided, rather in this layout an aspirant takes the liberty to highlight, tweak and present his/her best works on display with the prospect of getting hired. It is very well suited for recent graduates with little work experience.
  • Mini Resume

    Mini resumes or non-traditional resumes are a short synopsis of the working history of a job seeker, sometimes in the form of a biography. It includes a general list of prior employments, skills and additional details often in the form of pictures, info graphics, portfolios, video resumes or personalized websites and blogs.

    It is imperative to know what skills, attributes and abilities a prospective recruiter is looking for in their applicants. Lastly, here are a few hacks to help you attain perfection and polish your resume writing skills-
  • Make it professional
  • Keep it brief and crisp
  • List down specific skills
  • Correct use of grammar and lucid language
  • Keep updating

  • After doing a proper research about the company and their requirements, you can choose the accurate resume format applicable and specific to that industry.

    Now that your resume is ready and top-notch, gear up for your next interview!!

    Types of Resume