Resume today, more or less has become a marketing tool for the candidates. A well-crafted one helps you create a favorable first impression before the prospective employer. If you are in the job search mode, ensure that you get your resume game right for getting the interview call. But before this, it is important to understand the different types of resumes and what suits your requirement. Yes, not many are aware that there are different types of resumes and each serving a purpose. Four standard types could be adopted depending upon the job type.

Chronological Resume: One of the most common formats used by job seekers around the world. It has your work history listed in a chronological sequence with the most recent jobs featuring on top. The format enables the employer to take a quick snapshot of the candidate’s recent work experience. 

Who Should Use: The format is ideally suited for candidates who have rich work experience without major time gaps between jobs. Freshers and those who looking to switch career fields must avoid using this format.

Functional Resume: The functional resume format focuses more on skills and experience rather than a chronological depiction of your work history. The emphasis of such resumes is more on the skills of the candidate while the work history and dates become secondary. Candidates can list their skillset under the header professional experience rather than work history. The idea is to highlight the skills you have developed in the due course of your employment. 

Who Should Use: Functional resumes are beneficial for people with limited work experience since the focus is more on skills than your past work history. Also, people having a time-lapse in their employment history or those looking to career transition can use the format. 

Combination Resume: As the name suggests the format is a combination of a chronological and functional resume. It has the skills and qualifications of the candidate listed on top with the chronological work history following it. The format is perfect to showcase your skills and also depict your work experience. Candidates can easily tailor their resumes as per the job opening. 

Who Should Use: The format is a perfect fit for those with rich work experience and a chronologically consistent history. Using this format will ensure that the hiring managers will have a good understanding of your skills and experience. 

Targeted Resume: It is a customized format tailored according to the prospective job profile. Hence it is called a targeted resume. Every detail like educational qualification, work experience, skill set should be mentioned as per the job requirement. Preparing a targeted resume can be a time-consuming one but it is definitely worth the effort. A generic resume might not have the same impact as the targeted one.

Who Should Use: The targeted resume format can be used to apply for highly competitive job openings.  If the job matches perfectly with your qualifications and experience using the said format can be beneficial. With a large number of candidates applying, a targeted resume can help showcase why you are a perfect fit for the job.