Each type serves a different purpose, and one works better than the other, depending on the applicant’s life circumstances. Let’s take a look at the difference between a chronologically and functionally written resume and when it’s best to use one over the other. As the name suggests, chronological or reverse chronology resumes following a timeline. This type of resume prioritizes the applicant’s work experiences and arranges these from the latest to the earliest. It’s the most common type of resume, not to mention it’s also fairly easy to write, as long as you’ve kept track of your work history.
A functional resume, on the other hand, highlights the applicant’s skills and achievements, taking attention away from other elements that may reduce an applicant’s chances of getting hired, such as limited work experience, lengthy unemployment, or inconsistent work history.
Ultimately, the difference between a chronological and functional resume all boils down to format. The sections of a chronologically formatted resume generally follow this sequence:
• Heading and Contact Info
• Summary Statement
• Work Experience
• Skills and Training
• Education
• Awards, Citations, and Certifications
As you can imagine, a functionally written resume is organized differently, with the Skills section preceding Work Experience, which is intentionally kept very brief. Often, the functional format resume only includes the last job held. Aside from this major change, the rest of the sections remain largely identical.
When to use a chronological resume
If you have a strong work history - meaning you have been regularly employed in a particular industry—a chronologically written resume will work best for you. Here are other considerations for when chronological writing is the ideal type to use when applying for a job.
✅ You’ve always held the same job or similar
✅ You are highly experienced in your field
✅ You’re seeking a new job similar to the one you have or had
✅ You have worked your way up in your career
A chronological vs. functional resume allows recruiters to track your career more easily, so if your work history ticks these boxes, that’s a good indication that a chronological resume format is the one you should use.
-
Simple and straightforward format
-
Easy-to-read layout
-
-
May not be ideal for your career situation
-
Can highlight negative career choices such as job hopping and/or lengthy unemployment
When to use a functional resume
Although most employers prefer a chronologically written resume, a functional format resume is still welcome, especially if you can relate to the following:
✅ You’ve had some spells of job-hopping
✅ You’ve changed career paths multiple times
✅ You’re looking to change your career track
Frequently switching from one job to another can be glaringly obvious in a chronological resume, and it gives the impression of a lack of commitment, leaving a negative impression on hiring managers. On the other hand, if you plan on forging a new career track and leaving your old one, a functionally written resume will be better for you as well.
-
Allows for better matching of skills to match the job criteria
-
De-emphasizes a spotty work history
-
Can be difficult to follow
-
Provides an incomplete picture of your employment
The functionally formatted resume is especially helpful in hiding poor career choices while ensuring that you appear as a highly qualified applicant based on your skills and expertise. That said, it also has its share of pros and cons, as you can see below.
Other resume formats to explore
A functional resume is not the only alternative to a chronologically formatted resume. Other resume formats include a CV format and a combination resume. Below are their definitions.
CV – short for curriculum vitae, is the application document submitted for jobs in academia, medicine, and scientific laboratories. Unlike traditional resumes that focus on experience and skills, CVs focus on credentials, providing potential employers with a comprehensive list of the applicant’s education, certification, academic expertise, and affiliations.
Combination (or hybrid) resume – combines a chronologically and functionally written resume with the skills and qualifications listed first, followed by employment history. This format works best for job seekers who want to emphasize their skills but have been required to include their work history in their resume by a potential employer. Likewise, this type of resume is recommended for those who have employment gaps or have worked unrelated jobs in the past. A combination resume is also known as a chrono-functional resume.
Choosing the correct resume format
Choosing the perfect resume format for your application requires some serious evaluation and preparation on your part. And it all begins with identifying your application goals before you start the resume writing process. With your goals in mind, use the tips and suggestions in this article to help you decide on the right resume format. Check out our sample resumes for ideas and inspiration.
