How to Write a Resume

Types of Resumes

Choose the format that you feel best presents your background and qualifications to an employer:

1. Reverse Chronological: This type of resume lists experiences in a strict time sequence with the most recent experience first.  This format works best for people who have had no gaps in employment and are well on their way up their career ladder. Click here to see an example.

2. Functional: This type of resume lists your experiences by skill areas. For example, your skill areas might include supervision, marketing, and customer service. Then, under each of these categories, you can describe the skills you have gained from all your work and volunteer experiences. This format can be very effective for those who have held several of the same kinds of  positions, those who wish to focus on skills to change to another position,  or for those who are returning to the workforce after a prolonged absence. Dates of employment can be eliminated.   Click here to see an example.

3. Combination:This type of resume is a "combination" of the reverse chronological and the functional. It lists your experiences by skill areas and also includes employers and dates of employment. This type of resume can effectively target skills required by specific employers or job announcements. Click here to see an example.

To Resume Worksheet       To Resume Rules

This document is maintained by: Kathleen Bristow (kbristow@csuchico.edu)
Last Updated: June 30, 2004