When you’re job searching, it is crucial for your resume to get seen. After all, recruiters will spend mere seconds skimming through your resume. If they can’t understand your resume, it will never make it past the resume pile.
But even though it’s helpful for a job search, not everyone knows how to create one or why. If you have no idea where to begin, it helps to understand the difference between functional vs chronological resume.
Read below to learn everything you need to know about these types of resumes!
What Is a Functional Resume and When To Use Them?
A functional resume emphasizes a person’s skills and abilities instead of work experience. It puts information into groups based on skills and highlights qualifications that match the desired job role.
This format is suitable for people with little work experience. It is also best for those who want to change careers or who want to put more emphasis on their skills than on their work past.
What Is a Chronological Resume and When To Use Them?
A chronological resume, on the other hand, focuses on a person’s work background and lists their jobs in reverse chronological order. It shows how their work has changed and grown over time.
It also gives a detailed timeline of their professional growth. Chronological resumes are often used by people who have worked in the same field or business for a long time.
Key Differences
Functional and chronological resumes are both options for job seekers to display their qualifications. Let’s look at the essential differences between them.
Structure and Organization
The first part of a functional resume is a summary or goal statement, followed by groups of skills. There are bulleted points next to each category that describes specific skills or achievements. Usually, you put your employment history at the end and often only give a few details.
The chronological structure of a resume starts with a professional summary or goal statement, followed by a complete list of jobs. Each job entry has the job title, the company’s name, the dates of employment, and a detailed list of responsibilities, accomplishments, and skills learned. For additional guidance on choosing the right resume format and aligning it with your career goals, resources like Your Next Jump can help clarify which approach best fits your situation.
Research online for examples of each to make writing your resume easier. You can also visit websites like www.careerhd.com for resume writing services.
Emphasis
The primary focus of a functional resume is on the individual’s skills, qualifications, and achievements. It highlights the relevant expertise that aligns with the desired job position, making it easier for employers to identify candidates’ suitability for the role.
This format allows individuals to downplay any employment gaps. It also puts less emphasis on irrelevant work experience.
The chronological resume emphasizes an individual’s work history, presenting a clear timeline of their professional journey. It showcases the consistency of employment and career progression.
This format highlights the breadth of experience gained over time. This format is ideal for individuals with a strong and relevant work history within a particular field or industry.
Understanding Functional vs Chronological Resume
In conclusion, the type of resume you choose depends on the job you are applying for. Using a functional resume might be beneficial if you are trying to draw attention to specific transferable skills. In contrast, a chronological resume will focus on your work experience and allow employers to review the details of your career more quickly.
Try both options to see which makes a better impression. Ask family, friends, or a career advisor for their opinion as you select between functional vs chronological resume.
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