Resume Formats
The Chronological Resume
The chronological resume is designed to highlight progressive career growth and advancement. It is easy to read and can be quickly scanned for employment history. For these reasons, it is the most accepted format among hiring authorities. In fact, many even prefer and/or expect it.
The chronological resume is most suitable when:
- You have a steady and consistent employment history with no major gaps in employment and have not changed career tracks recently.
- Your employment history has been one of progressively responsible positions.
- Your titles have been impressive and/or you have been recently employed at well-known companies.
- Your major accomplishments have been achieved in your most recent positions.
- You are seeking a career in a field where this format is expected.
The Functional Resume
The functional resume highlights key skills, accomplishments, and qualifications at the top of the resume, regardless of where they have occurred in your career. Your employment history is de-emphasized by placing it toward the bottom of your resume and by documenting a simple listing rather than details of each position. In this way, the functional resume firmly places the focus on what you have done rather than where or when you did it.
Unfortunately, many hiring authorities don't like this format, as it is generally believed that the functional resume is used to hide some deficiency in your career history. Despite this, the functional format can be very effective when:
- Most of your achievements and accomplishments occurred in a past position.
- You have recently graduated from high school or college.
- You have been out of the job market for some time and are trying to re-enter.
- You are an older worker and want to de-emphasize age.
- You have held a variety of unconnected positions.
- You are changing career tracks.
- You are returning to a previous line of work.
The Combination Resume
The combination format combines the benefits of both the chronological and the functional formats. By beginning with a summary (functional format) of your most impressive qualifications, skills, abilities, and accomplishments, it immediately places the emphasis where you want it. This is followed by an employment history section, written in the chronological format, that supports the statements made in your summary.
The combination format is well accepted by hiring authorities and you should consider using it when:
- You have a steady and progressive employment history.
- You are applying for a position for which the chronological resume is expected but you also want to highlight qualifications from earlier positions.
- You are writing a targeted resume and need an effective way to match your skills to the job requirements.