Resume Help... Chronological vs Functional Resume Format

Chronological vs. Functional Resume Format -Which Is Best for You?

One of the first decisions facing a resume writer is one of formatting. Should you go with the chronological format, or the functional? Identifying yourself in one of the following real-life scenarios can help answer the question. First, some quick definitions.

The Chronological Resume Format

The calling card of the chronological format is a detailed work history that is organized by chronology (historical timeline). In most cases, your current or most recent employer is listed first and the timeline flows in reverse chronological order with your most distant position last in the lineup. It's simple and straightforward. Jobs near the top are presumed more relevant to your objective, and thus are detailed to a greater degree than earlier positions. This chronological work

The Functional Resume Format

In a departure from a timeline concept, the functional format relies on a categorical, skills-based section to demonstrate your relevant qualifications. It collects the marketable skills you've mastered from past work, organizes those skills into three or more succinct categories, and places those categories front and center on the resume. And in doing so, it cuts out all mention of the chronological job listings from which those skills were lifted. 

5 Real-Life Scenarios That Beg For The Chronological

Your resume will generally be best served by a chronological resume format if...

• Your work history shows progressively responsible experience within the same professional discipline, if that discipline remains your objective.
• You've worked for impressive employers (i.e. nationally recognized "Blue Chip" companies).
• You're a candidate for a senior management or executive position.
• You're going to be working with an executive recruiter.
• You anticipate an international job search.
• You're reentering the work force after an absence.. but remaining in your previous discipline.
• You're transitioning from military to civilian life... but you're looking to perform a similar job function (i.e. materials management).
• You're a new graduate... and you have experience in your chosen field.

5 Real-Life Scenarios That Beg For The Functional

Your resume will generally be best served by a functional format if...

• You've experienced frequent job changes or you have gaps in your employment history.
• You're changing careers (i.e. warehousing to sales).
• You're transitioning from military to civilian life... and you're looking to perform a different job function (i.e. from materials management with the military to sales in civilian life).
• You're overqualified for the position you're now seeking.
• You're a new graduate... and you have no relevant experience in your chosen field.

Is a Combination Format Ever Right?

Short answer: yes. In fact, a combination or ‘hybrid' of both chronological and functional formats makes sense for many professionals. Combining the positive elements of both formats results in a resume that retains its familiarity to tradition (for those who expect and favor a detailed chronology) while focusing initial attention on a skills summary that puts a candidate's job qualifications front and center for those critical first few seconds of reading.

Learning how to effectively combine the two, of course, becomes the challenge.

Where we go from here: A few pages over, you can find out how to craft a resume that avoids the common pitfalls of the screening process. We call it our Top 10 Checklist for a Good Resume. You can also find help writing a Resume Objective, as well as our top 5 tips for writing Resume Accomplishments. Check the Site Menu at the top left of the page for more resume help.

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