Chronological vs Functional Resume Formats

There are two main resume formats to choose from, functional and chronological. The chronological resume format is the most common and lists work experience in reverse chronological format. It focuses on your most recent job positions and the areas of responsibility. The functional resume stresses your qualifications with less emphasis on dates and employers.

Comparing the two resume formats:

Chronological Resume	Functional Resume
1. Name/Address/Phone/Email	1. Name/Address/Phone/Email
2. Opening Summary	2. Opening Summary
3. Computer and Technical Skills	3. Computer and Technical Skills
4. Professional Experience and Accomplishments	4. Accomplishments in functional areas of expertise
5. Volunteer Work and Professional Affiliations	5. Professional Experience
6. Education	6. Volunteer Work and Professional Affiliations
	7. Education

When to use a chronological resume vs a functional resume?

Chronological Resume	Functional Resume
1. You are continuing in the same line of work	1. You are are making a significant career change
2. Your career history shows steady progression and growth of responsibilites	2. Your wish to emphasize skills used in previous jobs
3. Your career and job objectives are similar to recent past	3. Your career and job objectives are significantly different from the recent past
4. You have worked for prominant employers	4. You have worked for various employers
5. You have a consitent job history	5. You have large gaps in your job history and maybe entering after an absense