There are many resume styles typically used by job seekers today and choosing the right one is essential if you want to stand a chance of making a favorable impression in the current highly competitive job market.

Why so many different styles you ask? For one thing, the wide variety of methods by which documents are sent nowadays requires a different resume style for each one. You cannot expect a resume that is intended for physical viewing to work just as well when it is emailed or faxed and vice versa. The growing trend of viewing documents online has naturally also brought about a need for a resume style that is more appropriate for this medium.

Then there is also the fact that some positions practically demand a very specific format or resume style, so it pays to be adaptable and make tweaks to your resume. After all, the resume is intended to show off your skills, so you want it to show your capabilities in the best light.

The chronological style is by far the most popular resume format with both job seekers and potential employers. As the name implies, this resume lists all your previous jobs, starting with the most recent.

A newer resume style-the functional style-has been increasingly more popular recently. This method involves listing your most significant accomplishments first, with lesser accomplishments following. This will allow any would-be employer to quickly skim through your qualifications and determine if you are right for the job. At the same time, this form also allows you to play up your strengths.

These two resume styles aren’t the only styles around, certainly, but most other formats are variations of the chronological and functional resumes. Here’s a good point to remember: Don’t be afraid to try out different resume styles. Change them out to suit your needs and purpose for each situation. Resumes exist to tell potential employers about your abilities, and the right resume will put them in the best light.