The 3 Types Of Resumes

There are 3 basic resume formats:

The 3 basic formats of resumes are: Chronological, Functional, and Chronological / Functional combined.

Writing A Chronological Resume

The Chronological resume is the more structurally formatted of the three.

• Experience section is the key.
• Jobs are listed in detail.
• No focus of skills or achievements at beginning of resume.
• Used generally when remaining in same job or career.
• Caters to conservative type positions.
• Always has an objective section and summary section.
• Used especially with legal and academic professions.

This resume type is ideal when:

• Applying for positions within a more conservative profession.
• Of particular interest to older, more traditional types.
• Wanting to show good job detail and highlight employer names.

This resume type is not ideal when:

• You want to showcase your best qualities and experience.
• Wanting to make a change in career.

Remember: FOCUS ON SPECIFIC, QUANTIFIABLE RESULTS when detailing your experience. Generalizations get you nowhere. If you aren't specific and don't detail your expertise and highlights, someone else will. And, they will get the job - not you.

Example of a Chronological Resume

John Pavlow
1032 Sherwood Street, Wildwood, NJ 07886
201-555-9384
jpavlow@aol.com

SKILLS:

Proficient in Windows 95, Windows NT, Microsoft Office, HTML, C, C++, Java and conducting Internet research. Fluent in both French and Spanish. Excellent interpersonal skills and fine-tuned organizational ability.

WORK EXPERIENCE:

• 1984-Present: Forsythe Metals & Alloys Company, Secaucus, NJ

Manager, Chemicals Procurement

Successfully managed a corporate group that purchases the key chemical raw materials for more than 150 plants within the US Initiated all purchase decisions for pulp and paper chemicals, plastic resins, inks, waxes, coatings, solvents, plastic film and sheet, and lignosulfonates. Directed six professional buyers and non-exempt employees. Personally created, developed, and implemented a critical cost reduction program with a total savings of more than $1 million per year. Established pioneer program in support of Hazardous Waste Disposal project. Chaired meetings of strategy planning and successfully negotiated for new cost-effective raw materials.

• 1992-1994: Allied Metals & Alloys Company, Secaucus, NJ

Materials Manager

Designed key systems and procedures to establish automated purchasing functions for C&K Chemicals, a subsidiary of AB&X. Implemented primary purchasing activities between corporate purchasing and C&K.

• 1988-1992: Chemicals & Pharmaceuticals, LTD., Secaucus, NJ

Purchasing Agent

Successfully negotiated some $60 million in specialty and commodity raw materials. Contributed largely to Mistek’s cost reduction programs. Initiated liaison function between corporate purchasing and Mistek of America, Ltd. This program greatly improved reporting systems between plant Managers and purchasing department.

EDUCATION:

• Master of Science in Chemistry, Browns University, May 1980
• Bachelor of Science, University of America, May 1975.

Major: Chemistry and Business.

References available upon request.

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