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What Type of Resume is Right For You?

Becky L
Becky L
  • Updated

Before you can start building your perfect resume, you have to determine which type of
resume is right for you. We provide both chronological and skills-based resume
examples below so you can see the difference.

Which type of resume should I use?

Answer the questions below on a piece of paper and we’ll suggest which type of resume suits you best: ‘chronological’ or ‘skills-based’. You should take this quiz for each role you’re applying for.

First, write the role or group of related roles you’re doing this quiz for. 

1. Do you have relevant skills and experience in your
professional past related to the roles you're applying for? 

Screenshot 2023-12-01 at 1.24.22 PM.png

2. Are you looking to promote a specific skill set?

Screenshot 2023-12-01 at 1.24.22 PM.png

3. Have you consistently stayed in the same roles/
companies for over a year?

Screenshot 2023-12-01 at 1.24.22 PM.png

4. Have you been in the field/industry you're applying to for
a year or more?

Screenshot 2023-12-01 at 1.24.22 PM.png

5. Are you able to show career growth on your resume?

Screenshot 2023-12-01 at 1.24.22 PM.png

__________________________________________________________________

Now add up the yeses to find out which resume is best for you.

 

Screenshot 2023-12-01 at 1.42.09 PM.png If you chose 4 or more yeses, we suggest
chronological resume.
Screenshot 2023-12-01 at 1.42.53 PM.png If you chose 3 or less yeses, we suggest
skills-based resumes.

 

Skills-based vs. chronological

A ‘chronological’ resume is probably the kind you’re most familiar with. It’s a summary of your professional experience, listed role by role, and ordered by the date you held each position. Each role is complemented by several points highlighting your key accomplishments in that role.

A ‘skills-based’ resume shows your skills and capabilities and is great for people who don’t have a lot of relevant professional experience. This may be because you’re early on in your career or because you’re switching industries or fields. Instead of providing details on each job you’ve had in chronological order, you highlight the unique skills and capabilities you bring.

 

Chronological Resume Skills-based Resume
Use If:
  • Have relative professional experience
  • Promote specific skill set

Use If:

  • Lack of relative professional experience
  • Frequently changed jobs
Screenshot 2023-12-01 at 1.46.42 PM.png Screenshot 2023-12-01 at 1.47.12 PM.png

 

Whether you create an amazing chronological or skills-based resume, we always recommend reaching out to someone you know in the appropriate industry to get feedback. Each industry is a little bit different and your contacts can help make sure your resume stands out. Good luck!

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