What’s the Difference Between a Chronological and Hybrid Resume?

Technology has made a lasting and enormous impact in every single industry in the world. No business model has been left untouched by technological advances of the 21^st century, especially computer science. Think of how many things are handled differently today than they were just 25 years ago. Along with industry changes, the job market has also changed to adapt to new technology. Not only has the market become highly diversified with cultural and legislative changes to ensure equal opportunities, but technological changes have ushered in an entirely new recruitment and hiring process for employers.

One of the most obvious changes in the job application and hiring process is the writing and submission of an individual’s resume. The old procedure of hand-drafting a quick resume that lists prior employment and hand delivering it to a hiring manager is unheard of in the modern age. For many, this is the hiring process they are used to, which is why most turn to a professional resume writing service to produce a competitive resume. 

There are multiple types of resumes, and all have their strengths and purposes. The main resume format is chronological and targeted for professional/civilian positions. This is by far the most frequently used type of resume, but there are also federal resumes, military transition resumes and CVs, and each has an appropriate use depending on the targeted position. Determining which resume format to use can be tricky.

Chronological resumes utilized for civilian/professional positions contain a work history in reverse chronological order which promotes each individual’s capabilities and skills gained from prior employment and education. Federal resumes are an entirely different format and used to obtain federal employment from jobs advertised on www.usajobs.gov, or other sites used by the government to promote open positions. If a position is for a federal agency, it must be in the federal format. Military transition resumes are very similar to civilian/professional resumes in that they are in chronological order, yet expound on an individual’s military career where skills are beneficial in the private sector. If an individual is leaving the military and seeking a position with the US Government, then a federal format is required. Lastly, CVs, otherwise known as Curriculum Vitae, are used in the US primarily for professionals in the medical, legal and educational sector who have multiple degrees, research papers, publications, public speaking and presentations to list on their resume. Additionally, CVs do not contain targeted summaries, and only give a brief description of tasks and duties within the professional experience section. 

In the end, writing a resume that garners interviews is part art and part science. While many understand what is needed on a certain level from a formatting perspective, the art in resume writing is something one can only perfect with time and experience. That is why many jobseekers turn to professional resume writing services to compile their resumes. A resume writing service will know which resume format best represents you as a candidate, and will take care of promoting you in the best way possible to recruiters and hiring managers.