You probably know the two types of resume formats – chronological and functional.  The question is, which format will work hardest to get you a job as a medical biller and coder

In most cases, it depends on where you are in your career.

• A chronological format could work best if you have already started your career as a medical biller and coder, because it highlights the jobs that you have held in the past.

• A functional format could be your best choice if you are seeking your first job, because it emphasizes the skills you have learned in school, not your past job experience.

There are other resume formats too. If your background includes both previous jobs and skills you learned in school, you may need to create a mixed-format resume that presents both effectively.

How do you decide which format is best for you? Here are some excellent online sources of advice that can help you make the best choice:

• MSN Careers offers an extensive library of free articles about writing resumes, including one that helps you format a resume if you have held a number of short-term jobs.

• HowToWriteaResume.net gives advice on choosing the format that is best for you, along with templates you can use to build your resume online. Note: Some services on this site require payment.

• ResumeResource.com lets you review about 200 sample resumes in different formats, including one designed for people who are changing careers.

And if you’re procrastinating about writing your resume . . .

“Five Tips for Better Resume Writing,” an article Dummies.Com, offers an upbeat overview of the process that can help you jumpstart your writing and get started today.