No one has the same history; that's common knowledge. What isn't so common, however, is that resumes do not have to be formatted the same way each time. If your work history, education and experience is different from another applicant's, why should you have the same style of resume? Why not choose the format that best suits your abilities?

To help you decide which format is right for you, we include a list below to detail their differences and what situations they work best for:

Chronological: for those with long periods of employments and no gaping holes in work history, this is ideal. What a Chronological format emphasis is strong work ethic and a solid background in experience. Even if you have had positions that don't necessarily relate to the job you're seeking, you can still show that you have been employed and know what it is to work.

Chronological is also meant to show a progression in ability. If you've merely moved from job to job, taking similar positions each time, then that doesn't reflect well. It shows a lack of ambition. Instead, a Chronological format should reveal your ability to move forward. If your first job was a shelf-stocker in a grocery store and the latest is now managing, you've improved.

Chronological order works well for those with lots of work experience, even when they are lacking educational background.

Functional: for those with little related work history but impressive skills, this format will do well. Functional de-emphasizes problems (you just graduated from school and haven't yet found a job, you're reentering the work force after an extended break, you've held odd jobs over the years). For those who lack a stable work background, this can provide an alternative to the revealing Chronological order.

Instead, Functional focuses on what you have accomplished, rather than when you did it. Were you once the top sales representative at your job? Put it down--just downplay that it happened years ago. This format lists work history last, rather than displaying it up front as the Chronological style does. It, instead, lists skills and qualifications. For those with a less than impressive work history (whether you haven't been able to find a job you liked, or are just starting out in the workforce), this can serve you well.

It must be noted that some employers frown upon the Functional format. They believe it an easy way to cover up problems. For some, however, this is the only format that will offer them a chance to succeed.

Choosing the proper format is essential to creating a perfect resume; no matter how excellent your word choice or correct your grammar, you will not succeed with a format that doesn't display your skills.

It is recommended that you use both formats and, after each is written, decide which one does your abilities credit.

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