Your First Resume: Choosing the Right Format

October 21, 2025

Starting your first job, or re-entering the workforce after a long absence, can feel overwhelming, especially with the rapid changes in today’s job market. That’s why Workforce Solutions offers a wide range of free services designed to help you reach your career goals.

From personalized career planning to training resources and job search support, you’ll find the tools and guidance you need to move forward. Your Career, Your Choice, powered by Workforce Solutions, is a series that guides you through building your career step by step.

When putting your resume together, it helps to understand the different styles available and when to use them. Here are the three most common resume types:

1. Chronological Resume

This is the most widely used resume format. It lists your work experience in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent job.

Pros:

  • Easy to read and update
  • Familiar to most employers
  • Compatible with applicant tracking systems

Cons:

  • Can highlight gaps in employment
  • May include unrelated job experience

You can click here to see an example of a chronological resume in action.

2. Skills-Based Resume

Also known as functional resume, this style emphasizes skills over job titles, grouping relevant skills, like supervision, sales, or technical abilities, into categories.

Best for:

  • Freelancers or contract workers
  • Career changers
  • Those with gaps in their work history

Pros:

  • Focuses on what you can do, not when you did it
  • Helps explain employment gaps
  • Ideal for showcasing transferable skills

Cons:

  • Less familiar to some employers

You can click here to see an example of a skill-based resume in action.

3. Hybrid Resume

This resume combines both skills and chronological formats. It begins with a skills summary and accomplishments, followed by a chronological list of jobs.

Best for:

  • New job seekers
  • Those re-entering the workforce

Pros:

  • Flexible and well-rounded
  • Highlights key skills and experience
  • Works for a wide range of job seekers

You can click here to see an example of a hybrid resume in action.

Accessing the right tools can make all the difference in your job search and career development. Watch Episode 3: “Resume Tips” to discover Information on adult education and literacy programs and how they can help build your digital literacy skills at Workforce Solutions.

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