Your resume is more than just a list of your past jobs—it’s your personal marketing tool. It provides hiring managers with a snapshot of your skills, experience, and achievements, and it’s often the deciding factor in whether you get an interview. In short, a resume is a concise document designed to showcase why you’re the best fit for a role. But did you know there are different types of resumes, each suited to different situations? In this blog, we’ll explore three types of resumes—chronological, functional, and combination—and how you can use them to make a strong impression on hiring managers. 

1. Chronological Resume 

The chronological resume is the most commonly used format and one that many hiring managers prefer. It emphasises your work history by listing your roles in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent position. 

Who It’s Best For: This format is ideal for professionals with a consistent career path and a solid work history in their chosen field. It’s particularly effective for demonstrating career progression and stability. 

Key Features: 

• A straightforward, organised structure. 

• Focus on job titles, companies, and employment dates. 

• Highlights career advancement and longevity in roles. 

Example: 

Jane Smith  

Sydney, NSW  

janesmith@email.com | 0400 123 456  

Professional Summary  

Results-driven marketing professional with over 8 years of experience in digital and traditional marketing strategies. Proven track record in driving revenue growth and brand awareness. 

Work Experience  

Marketing Manager, ABC Agency, Sydney, NSW  

Jan 2018 – Present  

- Spearheaded a rebranding campaign that increased customer engagement by 30%. 

- Led a team of 15 to execute multi-channel marketing strategies. 

2. Functional Resume 

A functional resume focuses on your skills and accomplishments rather than your chronological work history. This format shifts the emphasis to what you can do, making it particularly useful in specific scenarios. 

Who It’s Best For: This format is ideal for job seekers with gaps in their employment history, career changers, or those with a diverse range of experiences that don’t follow a traditional career path. 

Key Features: 

• Skills and accomplishments are categorised. 

• Work history is de-emphasised and often listed briefly at the end. 

• Highlights transferable skills that align with the job requirements. 

Example: 

John Doe  

Melbourne, VIC  

johndoe@email.com | 0412 345 678  

Career Objective  

Customer service professional with over 5 years of experience in retail and hospitality. Seeking a role that leverages strong interpersonal skills to enhance customer satisfaction. 

Core Skills  

Customer Relations  

- Resolved over 90% of customer complaints on first contact. 

- Received "Employee of the Month" award 5 times for outstanding service. 

Sales and Upselling  

- Consistently exceeded monthly sales targets by an average of 15%. 

- Trained new staff in upselling techniques, increasing average transaction value. 

Technical Expertise  

- Proficient in CRM software and point-of-sale systems. 

- Streamlined processes, reducing customer wait times by 20%. 

Work History  

Customer Service Representative, RetailCo, Melbourne, VIC  

Jan 2019 – Dec 2023  

Waitstaff, Bistro Delight, Melbourne, VIC  

Feb 2015 – Dec 2018 

3. Combination Resume 

The combination resume is a hybrid of the chronological and functional formats. It highlights both your skills and work history, making it a versatile option for many job seekers. 

Who It’s Best For: This format works well for mid-career professionals, freelancers, and consultants who want to showcase their skills while also demonstrating a steady work history. 

Key Features: 

• Combines a skills section with a detailed work history. 

• Allows you to tailor the resume to specific job postings. 

• Balances transferable skills with career progression. 

Example: 

Emily Johnson  

Brisbane, QLD  

emilyjohnson@email.com | 0450 678 910  

Professional Summary  

Highly skilled IT professional with over 10 years of experience in software development and project management. Adept at delivering innovative solutions and optimising workflows. 

Core Skills  

- Agile Project Management 

- Full Stack Development 

- Team Leadership 

Work Experience  

Senior Software Developer, Tech Innovators, Brisbane, QLD  

Mar 2016 – Present  

- Designed and implemented scalable web applications, increasing user retention by 40%. 

- Managed cross-functional teams to deliver projects on time and within budget. 

Junior Developer, CodeCraft, Gold Coast, QLD  

Jul 2012 – Feb 2016  

- Collaborated on mobile app development projects that earned industry awards. 

Conclusion 

Your resume is your key to landing an interview and making a great first impression. Whether you go with a chronological, functional, or combination format, it’s important to tailor it to the job you’re applying for. Highlight your strengths, focus on your achievements, and keep it simple and professional. There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to resumes—choose the format that best shows off your skills and experience. 

At Adrienna’s Resume Writing Services, we help job seekers across Australia create resumes that stand out. Whether you’re starting your career or making a change, we’ll guide you to build an application that grabs attention and increases your chances of success. 

Call Adrienna on 0423 686 904 or email hello@adriennasresumes.com today. Let us help you take the next step towards your dream job!