| If you're faced with writing a resume, choosing a | | | | 3. You're a candidate for a senior management or |
| chronological or functional resume format is one of | | | | executive position. |
| the first decisions you'll have to make. Picking | | | | 4. You're going to be working with an executive |
| yourself out of one of the following real-life scenarios | | | | recruiter. |
| can help answer the question. First, some quick | | | | 5. You anticipate an international job search. |
| definitions. | | | | 6. You're reentering the work force after an |
| The Chronological Resume Format | | | | absence.. but remaining in your previous discipline. |
| The calling card of the chronological format is a | | | | 7. You're transitioning from military to civilian life... but |
| detailed work history that is organized by chronology | | | | you're looking to perform a similar job function (i.e. |
| (historical timeline). In most cases, your current or | | | | materials management). |
| most recent employer is listed first and the timeline | | | | 8. You're a new graduate... and you have experience |
| flows in reverse chronological order with your most | | | | in your chosen field. |
| distant position last in the lineup. It's simple and | | | | 5 Real-Life Scenarios That Call For The Functional |
| straightforward. Jobs near the top are presumed | | | | If you fit into one of the following groups, then your |
| more relevant to your objective, and thus are | | | | resume will generally be best served by a functional |
| detailed to a greater degree than earlier positions. | | | | format. |
| This chronological work history typically commands | | | | |
| the most real estate on the resume, with the | | | | 1. You've experienced frequent job changes or you |
| education section following, and an objective | | | | have gaps in your employment history. |
| statement just prior. | | | | 2. You're changing careers (i.e. warehousing to sales). |
| The Functional Resume Format | | | | 3. You're transitioning from military to civilian life... and |
| In a departure from a timeline concept, the functional | | | | you're looking to perform a different job function (i.e. |
| format relies on a categorical, skills-based section to | | | | from materials management with the military to sales |
| demonstrate your relevant qualifications. It collects | | | | in civilian life). |
| the marketable skills you've mastered from past | | | | 4. You're overqualified for the position you're now |
| work, organizes those skills into three or more | | | | seeking. |
| succinct categories, and places those categories front | | | | 5. You're a new graduate... and you have no relevant |
| and center on the resume. And in doing so, it cuts | | | | experience in your chosen field. |
| out all mention of the chronological job listings from | | | | Might A Combination Format Be Right? |
| which those skills were lifted. | | | | Short answer: yes. In fact, a combination or 'hybrid' |
| 8 Real-Life Scenarios That Call For The Chronological | | | | of both chronological and functional formats makes |
| Check your professional status. If you fit into one of | | | | sense for many professionals. Combining the positive |
| the following groups, then your resume will generally | | | | elements of both formats results in a resume that |
| be best served by a chronological format. | | | | retains its familiarity to tradition (for those who |
| | | | expect and favor a detailed chronology) while |
| 1. Your work history shows progressively responsible | | | | focusing initial attention on a skills summary that puts |
| experience within the same professional discipline, if | | | | a candidate's job qualifications front and center for |
| that discipline remains your objective. | | | | those critical first few seconds of reading. Learning |
| 2. You've worked for impressive employers (i.e. | | | | how to effectively combine the two becomes the |
| nationally recognized "Blue Chip" companies). | | | | challenge. |