Different Types of Resumes to Find a Job

The primary tool in a jobseeker’s toolbelt is a resume. This document gives recruiters and applicant tracking software (ATS) all the necessary information to decide whether you’re a good fit.

A resume typically outlines work experience, education level, and skills. When this document is well organized and concise, hiring managers can glean the most important details to see if they match the job description. 

Depending on the circumstances, you can use different types of resumes to stand out. Your choice will reflect your industry, experience level, and the available role.

Since 63% of recruiters prefer a targeted resume, this also increases the chance you’ll get an interview. 

And when you submit a resume online, it’s typically indexed by ATS before making it to a hiring manager or recruiter. This software searches for keywords provided by the hiring company that match the job description. If it doesn’t find them, it puts your resume in the “No” category.

That’s why it’s so important to choose the right resume type and format it properly.

The following three resume categories suit most situations and organize content in a way that’s easily customizable and indexable by ATS.

A chronological resume is excellent for drawing attention to past job experience. Considered the traditional resume style, its chronological format emphasizes your work history, beginning with your most recent job and working backward.

After your work history, include a skills section that itemizes technical abilities, certifications, and accomplishments, followed by an area that briefly describes your education.

Advantages

Who should use it?

Create a chronological resume if:

• You’re applying for a job in the same field as your previous experience, as all these jobs will be relevant to the role

• You want to highlight certain jobs, like senior positions or admirable employers

• There are minimal-to-no career gaps

Chronological resume template

With this resume, the skills and expertise you’ve developed over your career take center stage. Your list of achievements should take up most of the page, followed by an experience section listing past employers and your education.

Categorize your skills to make the text easier to scan and help recruiters quickly identify relevant qualifications. 

Advantages

• Spotlights what you offer: A functional resume allows the recruiter to focus on the skills you’ve developed and what you can contribute to the company.

• Compensates for eclectic work history: This format de-emphasizes your work history, making a lack of field experience or numerous job jumps less noticeable.

Who should use it?

Create a functional resume if:

• You’re just starting your career or have limited experience

• You’re changing careers or industries and want to highlight soft and transferable skills

• There are sizable career gaps in your work history

Functional resume template

While it can be a visually powerful tool, infographic-based applications have limitations. According to a survey by The Creative Group, 78% of executives prefer traditional text-based resumes over other formats. And most companies use ATS, which can’t read infographics. 

Who should use it: Use this format as your primary professional resume if you work in a creative industry, like graphic design or web development, to show off your skills at in-person events or when networking. But ensure you submit a text version when applying for jobs online. 

Profile resume

Adding a profile to your resume gives recruiters and hiring managers a high-level overview of your expertise and employee strengths. Use either a short paragraph or bullet points to create a professional summary that includes your title, years of experience, and relevant quantified accomplishments.

Customize this profile for each application by using keywords from the job posting and language that correlates with the company’s core values. 

Who should use it: If you’re switching roles or industries, a profile lets you emphasize your skills and control the narrative behind a career change.

Mini-resume

Think of a mini-resume as a hard copy of your elevator pitch. Choose a few highlights from your resume and add them to the back of a business card along with your contact information and a link to an electronic version of the complete document.

Who should use it: If your job hunt includes job fairs or networking events, this is a quick and easy way to introduce yourself to potential employers.

Non-traditional resume

This format involves incorporating a video, online portfolio, professional website, or anything that creates a memorable job application. Only submit a non-traditional resume if asked for by the job ad to avoid surprising recruiters hoping for a more traditional document.

Also, ensure what you create is readable by the company’s ATS. When in doubt, upload a more conventional text-based resume with a note that links the employer to your more creative document. 

Who should use it: Job applicants looking to demonstrate their creative skills and differentiate themselves from other candidates.

To set you off on the right foot and help you avoid the job search slump, here are a few final tips: 

• Always proofread your resume to make a professional first impression.

• If you don’t hear back about your application within a couple of weeks, contact the company or check in with the hiring manager to follow up –– unless the job posting says not to.

• Keep your resume clear and concise to make it easier for recruiters and ATS to skim.