What is the difference between a functional and chronological resume? The most common style of resume is chronological, also referred to as reverse chronological format. This format can be great if you have the “perfect career path” and are on track to obtain the job of your dreams, or at least within the right industry. This format simply lists the jobs you’ve had and hold currently, in order from most recent to least recent, along with dates and job description. Again, if you are on the road to your dream job, this style can highlight that, however it can also highlight unemployment gaps, irrelevant jobs, or give off the notion that you are applying to jobs in the wrong field.
This style of resume is best used for:
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Candidates aiming for a promotion
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A similar job at a different company
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People staying within the same industry
If you do fall under one or more of these categories, but have employment gaps, it is important to note and explain these in a cover letter. Typically, hiring managers will understand that perfect employment paths are hard to come about, as long as you acknowledge any gaps and explain your reasoning.
The functional resume format has not been as common in the past, but with more and more people changing career paths, this is becoming more widely used. The point of this format is to highlight your skills, and skills obtained which meet the requirements of the job you are applying to. This format is best used for people:
- Changing career paths
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Who have large unemployment gaps (perhaps because of staying home with children, taking care of a loved one who is sick, or extensive traveling)
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People with non-traditional career paths, such as freelance work, a lot of different side jobs, etc.
In my opinion, one of the best ways to go about creating a functional resume is to separate your experience into “related experience” and “unrelated experience” headings. Highlight your skills at the top, and then go into experience. It is also important to note accomplishments or studies which make you ideal for the role you’re applying for.
A hybrid format combines the two styles, and uses bits and pieces of each. There is no formula for this, but it just requires you to play with it a bit; look over your experience and goals and see what works best. You are always able to group experience into categories, and list them chronologically within those groups, so see what works best for you and feels right.