Careers Finding a Job Resume Examples Listed by Style Print Finding a Job Job Searching Resumes Skills & Keywords Salary & Benefits Letters & Emails Job Listings Job Interviews Cover Letters Career Advice Best Jobs Work-From-Home Jobs Internships By Alison Doyle Updated on 06/21/20 What type of resume should you use when you're applying for jobs? There are several different styles of resumes used to apply for job openings. Depending on your employment history and career objectives, resume options include chronological, functional, combination, or targeted resumes. There are also non-traditional resumes, such as digital or web-based resumes, that some job seekers use. Not sure which resume style to use? Read below for information on each resume style, with advice on when to use which style. Also see resume examples organized by type of resume. Use these examples to help format your own resume. Resume Styles tommaso79 / iStock There are many different types of resumes you can use when writing your resume. Depending on your personal circumstances, choose a chronological, a functional, a combination, or a targeted resume. There are also other types of resumes, such as infographic resumes, resumes with a profile section, mini resumes, and online resumes. Get information on each type of resume, and see examples of each type. Chronological Resume Jazz42 / iStockPhoto A chronological resume is the most common resume format. In it, you list your work history towards the top of the resume. Your jobs are listed in reverse chronological order with your current, or most recent job, first, followed by your other jobs. A benefit of the chronological resume format is that it allows you to highlight your work experience. Also, because it is the most common resume style, employers sometimes prefer this format. Review an Example: Read here for an example of a chronological resume and get a template to download. Functional Resume NAN104 / iStockPhoto.com A functional resume focuses on your skills, abilities, and achievements instead of on your chronological work history. This resume might have sections that list your skills in different categories, or sections that highlight different types of experiences you have had. A functional resume is typically used by job seekers who are changing careers, who have gaps in their employment history, or who have limited work experience. Review an Example: Read here for an example of a functional resume and get a template to download. Combination Resume Pricelessphoto / iStockPhoto A combination resume is a cross between a traditional resume and a functional resume. It lists your skills and achievements at the top of the resume, with your employment history below. With this type of resume, you can highlight the skills you have that are relevant to the job you are applying for, and also provide a chronological work history. Because many employers want to see the traditional chronological work history, this is often a good choice for people who want to highlight their skills. Review an Example: See a combination resume and get a template to download. Resume With a Headline buradaki / iStock A resume with a headline (also known as a resume title) includes a brief phrase at the top that highlights your value as a candidate. The headline should be a concise phrase that connects your skills to the job you are applying for. A headline can be a great way to grab an employer's attention, and quickly show him or her that you are the right candidate for the job. Review Examples: Read this resume example with a headline, and this resume example with both a headline and a profile, to get ideas for your own resume. Resume With a Profile or Summary AndreyPopov / iStockPhoto.com A resume with a profile statement (also known as a resume summary statement) includes a summary of your skills, experiences, and goals as they relate to a specific job opening. The profile statement might be 2-3 sentences, or it might be a bulleted list. It is typically located at the top of your resume, underneath your name and contact information. A resume profile is a great way to show a hiring manager, at a glance, that you have the skills and abilities necessary for the job. Because it is longer than a headline, it gives you a little more space to highlight your achievements and abilities. Targeted Resume Pali Rao / Getty Images A targeted resume is a resume that is customized so that it highlights the experience and skills you have that are relevant to the specific job you are applying for. While it takes time to write a targeted resume for each job, it is a great way to demonstrate to the employer that you have what it takes to do the particular job. Review an Example: Here is a targeted resume example and get a template to download. Mini Resume Westend61 / Getty Images Amini resume contains a brief summary of your career highlights and qualifications. It typically starts with your contact information, and then includes specific achievements, skills, and experiences in a bulleted list. A mini resume is often printed on a business card so that you can easily hand it to people. Mini resumes are great for networking purposes - you can give them to new contacts, or pass them out at a networking event. You can also share them with a reference writer or prospective employer who may want an overview of your accomplishments, rather than a full-length resume. Nontraditional Resume Tom Merton / Getty Images There are many different types of nontraditional resumes, including infographic resumes, online portfolios, video resumes, personal career-focused websites and blogs, and social resumes. A nontraditional resume can be a useful way to show off a particular skill needed for the job. For example, if the job involves graphic design, you might want to include infographics in your resume. However, a nontraditional resume is not for every job applicant, nor is it for every job. Some conservative companies or industries want a traditional, chronological resume on paper. Here is information on deciding if a nontraditional resume is right for you. More Resume Samples and Templates peepo / E+ / Getty Images Review more resume samples, along with free templates to download, or a variety of employment situations. These sample resumes and templates provide job seekers with examples of resume formats that will work for almost every job seeker. When using resume samples, remember to revise each sample to fit your specific circumstances.