There are three basic types of resumes that are used depending on the need.

Resumes are not complete without the cover letter. (See template format)

CHRONOLOGICAL

• the traditional one which is primarily used when applying for work in the same profession particularly in conservative fields (law, academe)
• experience section is the center of the resume

ADVANTAGES:

• may appeal to older more traditional readers and be best in very conservative fields
  
• makes it easier to understand what you did in what job
  
• may help the name of the employer stand out more, if this is impressive.

DISADVANTAGES:

It is much more difficult to highlight what you do best. This format is rarely appropriate for someone making a career change.

FUNCTIONAL

• highlights the major skills and accomplishments; immediately impress upon the reader what you can do for them
• recommended for people who want to shift careers or for those with a wide range of skills in their given profession, for students, for military officers, for returning homemakers, and for those who want to make slight shifts in their career direction.

ADVANTAGES:

• it will help you most in reaching for a new goal or direction
  
• it is a very effective type of resume, and is highly recommended

DISADVANTAGES:

• it is hard to know what the client did in which job, which may be a negative to some conservative interviewers.

COMBINED

• it includes the format used in both the chronological and functional types. This type may include a short chronology of job descriptions followed by a short list of accomplishments or the other way around.

ADVANTAGE:

• it maximizes the advantages of both kinds of resumes

DISADVANTAGES:

• it tends to be longer
  
• accomplishments and skills may have to be repeated in both the "functional" section and the "chronological" job descriptions.