Sample Resumes Key Terms

Find sample resumes that best highlight your skills while you learn pertinent key terms

By Apryl Beverly

Reviewing sample resumes can ease the process of drafting or revising your resume. Whether you are an entry-, mid- or senior-level professional, there are two primary factors that dictate whether you’ll move forward in the interviewing process. These factors include what information you choose to include and how you highlight your skills and experience in your resume. When searching for sample resumes, you may come across various types, such as chronological, functional, combination, electronic, text-based and curricula vitae (CVs). Becoming familiar with sample resume key terms will help you choose a resume format that best showcases your skills and experience.

Chronological

A chronological resume is the most commonly used type of resume. This type of resume showcases how your career has progressed over time by displaying your most recent work experience first, followed by the next most recent. A chronological resume is typically a good choice if you are looking to showcase your experience within a specific field or industry.
Try: Find out more about chronological resumes at CareerOneStop.

Electronic/e-Resume

E-resume is a widely used term that involves various types of resumes delivered electronically. This may include via e-mail, Internet job websites, or company job boards. In today's job market, it's essential for jobseekers to have an electronic version of their resume.
Try: Read more about e-resumes at Quintessential Careers.

Text-based (ASCII)

A text-based, or ASCII, resume is an electronic resume specifically designed for databases. This type of resume removes all formatting, such as special bullets and fonts. A text-based or ASCII resume can be easily input into keyword-searchable databases by employers. These types of resumes are not susceptible to viruses and are compatible with all types of computer programs and operating systems.
Try: Obtain additional information about text-based resumes at CareerRecruiter.com.

Functional

Functional resumes are used to highlight relevant career skills and can be used to de-emphasize employment gaps. Functional resumes draw more attention to skills rather than job titles and previous employers. This type of resume can be a good choice if you are a first-time jobseeker, entering a new career field, or re-entering the workforce after a break.
Try: Learn more about functional resumes at LA Works.

Combination

A combination resumes includes characteristics of both chronological and functional resumes. This type of resume displays your least recent work experience, knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs) in a reverse-chronological order. Combination resumes are typically used by jobseekers looking to switch careers or to highlight their volunteer work or skills in various career fields.
Try: SampleResumeFormats.com provides a wealth of information about combination resumes.

Curricula vitae

You may also run across the term curriculum vitae when searching for sample resumes. A curriculum vitae, or CV, provides a detailed statement of your skills and experience. These are typically much shorter than resumes and are generally not as targeted as a resume. CVs are usually used for jobseekers who desire international employment or a position in the higher education, medicine or science field.
Try: Get more information about curricula vitae at Job Central.