Chronological vs Functional Format
There are two common formats for a resume. Choose the one that presents your background to the best advantage.
CHRONOLOGICAL
- Shows employers in reverse order, most recent job first
- Gives duties and accomplishments under each position
- Lists starting and ending year for each job
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| Familiar format to employers | Doesn’t show themes in your experience |
| Shows off strong and stable work history | Shows gaps in employment |
| Emphasizes employer and job titles | Repetitive if job titles and duties similar |
Use a chronological format when:
- Staying in the same field
- Job history shows continuous progress
- Name of last employer is impressive
- Prior titles relate to next step
FUNCTIONAL
- Job duties and accomplishments arranged by skill categories
- Work history, including dates of employment, appears as last item
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| Emphasizes major skills and strengths | Not as familiar to employers |
| De-emphasizes unrelated or erratic work history | |
| Minimizes past job titles | |
| Easy to include experience from hobbies | |
| Volunteer work or household management |
Use a functional format when:
- Changing careers
- You have little related experience
- Entering job market for first time