There is no single "correct" résumé format. Since individuals have different career interests, apply for different positions, and possess a unique set of skills and experiences, every résumé should reflect that uniqueness and individuality. Copying someone else's résumé is seldom a good idea since they possess different skills, abilities, and experiences.
The CHRONOLOGICAL RÉSUMÉ (Sample 1: pdf), (Sample 2: pdf) is the most commonly used type. Education and experience are listed with the most recent first. The information is typically divided into sections and listed under headings such as career objective, education, experience, skills, co-curricular activities, interests, and references. Titles, organizations, and dates are emphasized and duties and accomplishments are briefly described. A chronological résumé is best used when moving from one position to another in a similar field.
The COMBINATION RÉSUMÉ (Sample 1: pdf), (Sample 2: pdf) emphasizes major areas of accomplishment and skills and allows you to organize them in a way that supports your career objective. A combination résumé is the better format to use when looking to move from one career field to another. If, in creating descriptions for your résumé, you notice patterns of skills emerging from your various experiences, the combination type of résumé may work best for you. Organize your skills under headings such as administrative and management, human relations, research and analytical, communications, etc. Beneath these headings you can describe your experiences comprehensively, whether the experiences were paid, volunteer, or co-curricular. Dates, actual titles, and places of employment are in a subordinate position, usually at the bottom of the document.
The FUNCTIONAL RÉSUMÉ (Sample 1: pdf), (Sample 2: pdf) is a variation on the combination résumé. It focuses on a clear, specific job target (you would have a different résumé for each type of position for which you are applying). It lists only capabilities and supporting accomplishments that relate to the job target listed at the top. Dates, job titles, and places of employment do not typically appear on a functional résumé. This format is best for those individuals looking to re-enter the workforce after a period of absence.
Résumés for musicians (and other performing artists) often take on a much different format. See the handout "RÉSUMÉ PREPARATION FOR MUSICIANS," available in the Career Center.
