There are 3 formats of resumes. Let’s see what are those:

1. Chronological resume.

This is the most conventional, emphasizing on an itemized employment history. Career milestones are presented in reverse chronological order, starting with the most recent position or employment. Each position contains a description of relevant responsibilities and accomplishments. Ideal for candidates with solid experience and progressive job history in similar job field and industry.

2. Functional resume.

Functional resume organizes work history into sections that highlight skills and accomplishments deemed most appropriate for the position. Job hoppers, career changers and fresh graduates may use this type to make sense of seemingly disconnected experiences and display transferable skills and related achievements.

However, functional resume could raise concerns that it’s being used to cover information and employment gaps and a spotty employment record. Employers may also find it difficult to relate your skills and accomplishments to which period of employments.

3. Combination resume.

Combination resume tries to merge the best features of the chronological and functional types – incorporating both a chronological work history and skills and achievement sections. In this format, skills and accomplishments get top billing followed by employment history. The combination resume may not sit well with some employers, who may find these longer resumes and repetition of phrases and points.

Frankly speaking, here in Malaysia, functional and combination type of resumes are not very much favoured by the employers. They want to see the progression of your career from the beginning until what you have achieved today. While outside of Malaysia employers are more open to all three types.

Only resort to pick functional or combination type if you are left with no choice.