Knowing how to use several resume types will give you a good advantage over the competition. There are three main types: Chronological, Functional and Targeted.

One person may best present his/her qualifications with a chronological resume, while another may use a targeted or functional format. You may need different types of resumes, depending on the positions you are considering. Understanding how and when to use each type enables you to present yourself in the most powerful manner. While three main formats exist, there are others and there are variations on each of these. Learn all three; don't hesitate to alter them so the resume fits you, not vice versa.

CHRONOLOGICAL
In this traditional format, list education and work experiences in reverse chronology, starting with the most recent and working backward. Use this if you have several years of uninterrupted experience in the field you wish to pursue. ("uninterrupted experience" may include thesis research or employment during consecutive summers.) It also works well if your jobs or other experiences have been progressively more responsible. This format works against you if your recent experience does not relate to your current goals, or if you have gaps in your employment history.

FUNCTIONAL
In this format, group your skills and accomplishments in several functional areas-"Sales", "Research", "Animal Care", "Supervision of Others", etc. Use your objective, or goal, to prioritize them according to the type of position sought. You may put duties from several positions in one area; it may help to refer to the same job or experience in more than one function. Put dates in the next category, which lists employers and the positions you held.

This is a good way to present pertinent skills gained in internships, activities, volunteer work or academic endeavors. If you have held several jobs in different areas, this format focuses their relevant aspects on your career goals.

This is a newer, non-traditional approach, an innovation of Tom Jackson, who authored The Perfect Resume. It has two main sections: "Capabilities" and "Achievements". "Capabilities" records skills and abilities that relate to the job target, while "Achievements" cites things that involved special recognition or activities that relate directly to the job target.

A targeted format works best if you have little direct experience but do have transferable skills and/ or noteworthy achievements. Since it is so different from the traditional resume approach, some conservative employers may not receive it well.

Under "Capabilities" list the skills and qualities you have which relate most directly to your objective Document skills developed in various situations by using specific facts and examples. The "Achievements" section highlights both the functional skills and personal qualities that support your goal. Achievements and accomplishments may be the result of academic, athletic and other on- or off-campus activities. As in a functional resume, list employers and, usually, positions and dates.