Which Resume Types are Commonly Used in Which Industry?
An incredible resume can help you stand out from other applicants, but your document needs to be configured to match the industry. Along with the three most popular resume formats, there are 5 other resume types that are industry-specific. Let’s take a look.
The 3 Main Resume Formats
The three most popular resume stays are chronological, functional, and combination. You can use the resume templates on BeamJobs.com to create the following resume formats.
Chronological Resume
A chronological resume focuses on your relevant work history. Your work history is showcased in chronological order, from the most recent to the first position you held. Most resume writers recommend limiting your professional experience section to 2-3 jobs to keep the resume brief.
What’s Included?: Contact details, relevant skills, goals or objective statement, work experience, education, special interests, and/or volunteer work.
Who Should Use This Resume?: Most industries will use this resume type, especially if you haven’t changed careers or haven’t taken an extended amount of time off.
Functional Resume
A functional resume is designed to focus on your relevant professional skills. In a functional resume, the “Relevant Skills” section is expanded on and takes up half of a one-page document. Your work history is still present but only includes minor details, like dates.
What’s Included?: Contact details, relevant skills, summary or objective statement, experience, education, special interests and/or volunteer work.
Who Should Use This Resume?: Anyone who’s been out of the workforce for a long time and someone who is changing industries.
Combination Resume
A combination resume combines a chronological and functional resume. It includes your technical skills and work experience but doesn’t expand heavily in each area. Combination resumes are the most flexible format, as you can emphasize either your skills or experience.
What’s Included?: Contact details, work history, goals or objective statement, education, short, relevant skills summary.
Who Should Use This Resume?: Best used for senior-level management positions in technical fields. For example, a coding or engineering position.
The 5 Less Common Resume Formats
The following 5 resume formats are industry-specific and should only be used to attract certain employers or networking opportunities.
Mini/Business Card Resume
A business card resume needs to be small enough to fit in your pocket but large enough to include your name, job title, address, contact information, experience, and certifications.
It’s a great idea to keep these on you if you meet someone at a networking event. Not only will it show you’re always prepared, but it ensures the employer will remember you.
Non-Traditional Resume
Any resume that isn’t put on paper is typically seen as a “non-traditional” resume. Video resumes, personal websites and online portfolios are designed for industries that require that specific skill set. For example, a video resume would show off your video editing skills.
Infographic Resume
Infographic resumes use graphics, color, and attention-grabbing fonts. While these resumes are attractive, applicant tracking systems (ATS) may reject your application outright, so be careful.
If you’re going to use an infographic resume, make sure it’s given to the recruiter directly (not through a job ad) or to a company that’s looking for a graphic or UX designer.
Targeted Resume
Targeted resumes address the specific needs of a company or industry. To do this, read through the job posting and add particular keywords, skills, requirements, and job duties that will flag their ATS. You’ll receive more call-backs because the system will recognize you as a perfect fit.
Federal/Professional Resume
All resumes are supposed to come off as official, but a federal/professional resume removes all the bells and whistles. It’s longer (2-6 pages) and includes a detailed experience section.
Since these resumes are standard for government positions, they’ll also include your citizen information, security clearance, and GS grade. Only black text can be used for this type.
