One of the first things to consider before you decide which resume format you will use is the industry you are hoping to work in. Although no particular format is considered to be right or wrong certain industries have a preference for certain resume formats and care should be taken to cater to these preferences.

In this article we will take a look at the chronological format and also the functional format. Perhaps the format most people see most often is the chronological format for resumes. This format is essentially a timeline where previous work experience is listed according to when it occurred. You can use either chronological order or reverse chronological order on your resume but most people opt for reverse chronological.

This type of format is so popular because it lends itself well to many industries and positions. Of all of the resume formats available, the chronological one offers the ability to show how you have progressed in your career. This is because if you have worked your way up from a junior position to a senior management position, it will be obvious with this format because the potential employer will see the advancement.

For some people the functional format may be the best alternative. In particular those who have held a number of different jobs and cannot demonstrate longevity may opt for the functional format because it shifts the focus away from this fact and more towards the type of work the job seeker has done instead of where and when this work was done.

In general any of the resume formats can work well for you as long as you also make sure the information on your resume is well written. It certainly goes without saying that care should be taken to avoid mistakes in grammar or spelling. You should also make sure the content clearly conveys the intended message. Taking these steps is very important because the visual appeal of the format will not overshadow a poorly written resume.