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Functional vs Chronological Resume with Examples

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What are functional and chronological resumes?

How to write a functional resume, how to write a chronological resume, example of a functional resume, example of a chronological resume.

Creating the perfect resume is the most important tool in your search for a new job. As you progress in your career, the resume format you choose should match where you are in your life in the manner which best suits your individual experience and capabilities. This article explains the difference between a chronological and a functional resume to help you write a winning resume that showcases your current talents and abilities.

Here are two common types of resumes:

Functional resume

The functional resume format makes your accomplishments and skills the focus as the first section listed after your name and contact information.  This format is most attractive to those who are switching industries or trying to move their career in a new direction.

Chronological resume

A chronological resume (or ‘reverse-chronological’ resume) is the format most commonly used to show advancement over time and highlight achievements in past positions. It will show recruiters or employers what a perfect fit you are for the job you are applying for, based on the skill set developed throughout your career thus far.

Follow these steps to write a functional resume:

1. First, write a resume summary

Write a resume summary at the beginning of your resume that focuses on the skills you have that are relevant to the job. This is a great way to present yourself and all of your skills to the employer at first glance.

2. Second, write a ‘Skills’ section

Focus on your skills section, which is listed first on this resume, and make sure they are relevant to the job you’re applying for. Consider your unique abilities gained from special projects that might demonstrate some valuable skills you have developed and the success you have achieved.

3. Third, include your work history

While it’s not necessary to outline the exact dates of employment in your work experience, you should still include the basic employment details for each job you are listing.

4. Fourth, organize your resume

Organize your resume by category or theme. For example, if you have experience in marketing and public relations, group those skills and experiences together to promote your abilities in that area.

5. Finally, use keywords

Using specific keywords is very helpful, as they let the employer know that your skills match up with the requirements of the job. 

Follow these steps to write a chronological resume:

1. First, include a summary

Begin your resume with a short summary of your skills, experience or coursework relevant to the job you are applying for. 

2. Second, include your experience

Your professional experience section comes next and it should take up the most space on your resume. Highlight, in a bullet-pointed list, all of your relevant work experience, duties and responsibilities in each position as well as your major achievements.

3. Third, list your relevant skills

Include skills relevant to the job as well as your soft skills, such as leadership, organization or team player. The idea is to add some qualities that you have which make you stand out from other candidates.

4. Fourth, include your education

Your education includes any certifications you have earned, as well as your college degrees along with your major and minor, if applicable. 

5. Finally, include a miscellaneous section such as ‘Hobbies and Interests’ or ‘Languages’

Any activities such as college-level sports, foreign language skills, significant volunteer work, internships or published works can go in this section. 

Here is an example of a functional resume to help you create your own:

Eric Cassidy 231 River Road Austin, TX 23125 555-555-5555 [email protected]

Experienced web designer with strong graphic design skills and UX experience seeks a position in web design with a major ad agency.

Core Qualifications

• Background designing entire websites and taking them from conception to launch
• Excel at building designs with a focus on user experience
• Adept at building sites that are optimized for SEO
• Proficient at managing a team of junior web developers

Areas of Expertise

Photoshop, UX design, HTML, CSS, Dreamweaver, responsive design, media query, Microsoft Office, fluency in Spanish

• Web design:  Lead web designer at an agency that designs an average of five new sites per week, meeting strict deadlines and exceeding customer expectations
• Graphic design:  Lead in the design, development and implementation of graphics, layout and production of marketing materials 
• Problem-solving:  Designed a systematic process for testing bugs to ensure the end product delivered to the client was error-free
• Management:  Oversaw a team of 10 developers, both in-office and overseas

Employment History

Senior Web Designer: September 2018-Present, Easy Street Agency, Austin, TX

Web Designer: August 2016-August 2018, Easy Street Agency, Austin, TX

Junior Web Designer: May 2014-July 2017, Magnolia Agency, Austin, TX

Austin University, 2010-2014 Bachelor of Science in Web Design

Here is an example of a chronological resume to guide you as you craft your own:

Adam Black 123 Main Street Safety Harbor, FL 33333 [email protected]

I am a passionate marketing manager looking for a position in a creative, technology-driven organization where I can utilize my superior marketing abilities to increase online traffic and sales.

Marketing Manager Gulf Coast Advertising May 2018 – Present

• Developed a new promotional campaign by bundling products together, increasing revenue by 11%
• Develop, monitor and evaluate the marketing and advertising strategy for each individual client
• Manage and implement client promotions to drive revenue

Digital Marketer Gulf Coast Advertising January 2016 – April 2018

• Developed unique content for a variety of clients to improve performance and brand awareness
• Performed keyword research to improve client ranking in the search engines
• Organized and analyzed data and marketing results and made recommendations for new directions for campaigns

Social Media Strategist BlueGreen Advertising October 2014 – December 2015

• Used social media to enhance the company brand and reach more potential customers
• Provided campaign performance reporting and analysis to senior managers and clients
• Planned and implemented complex digital marketing campaigns through a range of online channels

Professional Skills

• Google AdWords
• Facebook advertising
• Search engine optimization
• Process streamlining
• Team leadership

University of Tampa, 2010 – 2014Bachelor of Arts in Marketing

Volunteer Work

• American Cancer Society – Media team for promoting the annual gala, 2015 – Present

• Chronological, Functional or Combination Resume Format: Pick the Best One (with examples)

 Probably writing a resume is not the best thing you used to do. It takes a lot of forces and strengths to make a really good one that catches the recruiter’s attention and emphasizes all your skills. However, the mission is possible if you’re familiar with the different types of resumes. Resume format may differ due to your working background, proficiency, type of work and skills. Make resume formatting isn’t that hard and we prepared a list of 3 types of resumes, so you may take the one that would present your strongest sides to the hiring manager.

1. Chronological resume

What is a chronological resume.

This is the most common and standard resume format and telling the truth, many employers typically prefer this type to others as it's easy to see what jobs you have held and when you have worked at them. A chronological resume focuses on your work history first as the most relevant point for hiring managers. Obviously, your jobs are listed in reverse chronological order with your current or most recent job with brief explanations of each job. 

When should you use a chronological resume?

A chronological resume format is the most common resume type, which suits those people who have an extensive work history that is in the same line of work as the job for which they are applying. It’s a safe choice for virtually all job seekers. 

When should you avoid using a chronological resume?

The chronological resume does not work well for career changers. You might have a lot of work experience in different industries but a chronological format demands related and smooth working history. As well as career changes, chronological resume doesn’t like gaps in employment and will only emphasize these issues.

Chronological resume structure

A chronological resume often includes an eye-catching career summary at the top. Then you should define chronology of your previous work experience and make it as clear as possible - it’s the main part of such resumes. Education, certifications, and special skills are also included in this type of resume but are listed after your work experience section.

Have a look at a chronological resume example to get a clearer visual understanding. 

A proper reverse chronological resume order should be as follows:

• Contact information
• Resume summary or resume objective
• Work experience
• Additional Sections

2. Functional resume

What is a functional resume.

The functional resume format allows you to take the pressure off your work history and focus more on your skills and abilities. That’s why it’s also called the skills-based resume format. The focus is shifted from job titles and dates to your actual relevant skill set.

When should you use a functional resume?

It is typically used by job seekers who are changing careers, who have gaps in their employment history , students with less working experience or people, whose work history is not directly related to the job. If you are looking for a job in creative industries, where your portfolio matters more than your resume, go ahead and use creative functional resumes. 

When should you avoid using a functional resume?

Through, it’s a great one for teens, students, and graduates, who lack work experience, but have their education, internships, projects, volunteering or campus work on their back, it’s still the most tricky resume type. The functional format might not work as it just throws your job history out. If you’re a fresher looking for a summer or entry-level job – it’s your choice to show up. But if you already have some achievements under your belt, your experience section would be presented only by a tiny list of your past employers at the bottom of the resume, and that’s not what you need.

Functional resume structure

No worry, if you don’t have a perfect work experience with a treasure trove of relevant skills and competencies. You’re not the only one and there are numbers of strategies you can employ to cover up gaps on your resume. To get an idea of how a functional resume can conceal your work gaps, you must understand the structure of current resume format.

Take a look at the functional resume example and let it become clear to you. 

Keep in mind the correct functional resume order:

• Resume objective
• Skills Summary
• Additional Skills
• Work Experience

Remember, even if you don’t have much work experience, you should still link your skills with either your academic achievements or part-time jobs and volunteer experience. The functional resume can be an ideal resume format for freshers as its ultimate goal is to make the hiring manager see your potential and desire to work.

3. Combination resume

What is a combination resume.

The combination resume format (or hybrid resume) is a middle ground between the reverse chronological resume and functional one. As the name suggests, it combines the aspects of the other two resume types. The combination style focuses more on skills but leaves plenty of room to provide details on your past work. Shortly, it focuses on skills without throwing off the work experience section. The more transferable skills you include, the easier it will be to make a successful resume. 

When should you use a combination resume?

Combination resumes were designed for job seekers who already have a relevant work experience or even looking to jump into a new industry. Moreover, if you’re applying for a position that requires a lot of technical skills and expertise, using a combination format is the best way to showcase these abilities to the hiring manager. If you had an impressive set of accomplishments and job duties in previous positions and want to highlight the skills you’ve developed over the years this style is perfect to help you succeed in a career path.

When should you avoid using combination resume?

Combination resumes don’t work well when you don’t have much work experience or your duties weren’t specified. Also, if you didn’t get any promotions, awards or achievements over the course of your career don’t go for the hybrid resume. You should better use a chronological resume structure. However, if you eventually got one, do not forget explain and emphasize each of them.  

Combination resume structure

Formatting a resume demands your skills and qualifications first. Those skills that are most relevant to a particular job opening must be on the top. Underneath each skill, you make a bulleted list of professional achievements that highlight the skill. Your employment history is listed next, in reverse chronological order. It would be perfect to divide the descriptions of your work experience into “Related Work Experience” and “Additional Professional Experience” sections. This allows you to focus recruiter’s attention on your most relevant experience while at the same time providing a complete work history.

Let’s have a look at combination resume sample.

A proper combination resume order should be as follows:

If you are still unsure of your ability to create a good resume format on your own, don’t hesitate to use our professional resume writing help and get your documents done on a higher level! ---

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Functional VS. Chronological Resume

Resumes come in various formats, and the job you're applying for will dictate which resume format you use. In fact, the wrong format could mean an instant ‘pass’ from a hiring manager because it doesn’t communicate your experience in a way that’s right for the job posting. 

As you grow your career and accumulate experience and skills, your resume will become more advanced. With more experience to sift through, veteran job seekers need to be intentional with how they present their resume. 

When drafting your resume, there are a few formats to consider: a functional resume, chronological resume and combination resume. In this article, we will primarily focus on a functional resume vs a chronological resume and when to use the two. 

Read on to learn how to utilize both resumes in your job search. 

What is a chronological resume?

You’re probably familiar with the chronological resume (also called reverse-chronological resume ) format. A chronological resume lists your most recent job first, followed by the rest of your past jobs, going in reverse chronological order. It’s the resume format that young professionals are introduced to and most used among job seekers. 

If you have a strong work history, multiple promotions to highlight or have worked for a high-profile company (or multiple high-profile companies), the chronological resume format is best for what you want to display to a hiring manager. They get a clear picture of your career and your professional drive. 

The chronological resume is the most popular resume format, however, popular doesn’t always mean the best, as there are both pros and cons to writing a chronological resume.   

Chronological resume pros

There are many reasons why people choose to use a chronological resume template for their standard resume. The biggest reason is that it is compatible with applicant-tracking systems (ATS), which filter through candidates that best match the job. 

Here are some other reasons to use a chronological resume:

• This format shows your work history clearly and quickly.
• Hiring managers see work promotions right away. 
• Preferred format for applicant tracking systems. 

Chronological resume cons

If you have desirable skills or gaps in your job history, a chronological resume may bury those skills and make your work gaps more noticeable. You want your resume to show all the positive traits you bring to a role and minimize any potential negatives. 

Here are some other reasons to pass on a chronological resume:

• A chronological resume prioritizes the when and where over your skills. 
• Any gaps in your work history are obvious to the hiring manager.
• If you are changing industries, this format does not show how your skills transfer.

What is a functional resume?

A functional resume focuses on skills and experience only. Where and when you did the work is not important for this resume format. Instead, a functional resume’s goal is to show hiring managers you have the skills and experience to execute the job. 

Instead of centering your job history, think about what you’ve done over the course of your career. Highlight the skills, certifications and accomplishments that show you are the best candidate for the job, as opposed to companies, job titles and time spent in a particular role.

A functional resume is the best choice for candidates that are switching industries, work across industries and/or have skills and accomplishments that align with the job position. For example, contract workers that rely on specialized skills to complete a job will most likely utilize this resume format. A functional resume puts a spotlight on these unique traits, which helps hiring managers envision how you will handle the potential opportunity. 

Functional resume pros

If your career is skills-heavy, a functional resume highlights those skills and focuses on your career experience and accomplishments. A functional resume also minimizes obvious career gaps, instead prioritizing what you know over when and where. 

Here are some other reasons to use a functional resume:

• A functional resume highlights only your skills and experience, making it easier to transition into industries. 
• This format helps hide large gaps in your work history. 
• You get to show what you can do, instead of what you did and where you did it.

Functional resume cons 

If your career isn’t skills and accomplishment driven, a functional resume may not be the right fit. This resume format is only recommended for candidates that have impressive skill sets or are transitioning into a new industry and want to highlight transferable skills. 

Here are some other reasons to pass on a functional resume:

• Recruiters are sometimes suspicious of functional resumes because they easily hide work gaps. (Make sure your skills are stronger than your gaps.)
• Promotions are difficult to see on a functional resume. 
• A functional resume is more personalized, which means you will need to adjust it for each job application. 

In more cases than not, you will utilize the chronological resume format. But if you have impressive skills and data to back up those skills, a functional resume is your best bet. 

How to decide which resume to use 

If you have a strong promotion history or recent experience with high-profile companies, a chronological resume will best highlight those career features. In a chronological resume, your job titles and company history stand out the most. Additionally, chronological resumes are preferred by recruiters and hiring managers, and can help you get past an ATS. 

For highly specialized workers, however, chronological resumes gloss over the most important information: What you can do. If a job requires a certain skill set or certification, your resume should put those front and center. 

If you have an impressive and sought-after skill set, a functional resume could be more your style. Hiring managers are always looking for the best person to execute the work, however, not everyone is equipped with the knowledge that skilled workers have to complete certain tasks. Remember, dates and companies are not the most important details. They take a backseat to the skills, experience and knowledge you carry. 

Need a visual? Check out our collection of example resumes to get a better feel for different resume formats and styles to see figure out the best presentation for you.

Combination format

If you’ve gone back and forth and can’t decide between a functional resume and a chronological resume, consider using the combination format, which is the best of both worlds. Like the functional resume, it puts your skills and qualifications first, and lists them separate from your job history. And, similar to both formats, only include your most relevant skills and job experience. Create a combination resume by splitting your resume in two. The top half is devoted to your skills, accomplishments and certifications, while the bottom half lays out your work history. 

There’s an easier way to build your resume 

Starting a resume from scratch is a daunting task. Who hasn’t sat staring at a blank screen for minutes on end? Luckily, you don’t have to go it alone anymore. Teal's AI Resume Builder makes it easy to create multiple resume templates, including function, chronological and combination resumes. 

The free tool is installed as a Chrome extension and stores all your key work details in one place. No more going back to previous resumes, all you have to do is drop the information in and build your resume based on your dream opportunity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who should opt for a functional resume over a chronological one, can a functional resume be disadvantageous in certain job applications, how can i effectively combine elements of both functional and chronological resumes.

Lindsay Patton

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Chronological vs Functional Resumes

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Posted On 29 Jun 2021

There’s more than one way to write a resume. While you may be used to writing your resume chronologically (aka the reverse chronological resume), it may surprise you to know that there’s a different resume type, called the functional resume. 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.

Get to know the difference: chronological vs functional resume

As the name suggests, chronological or reverse chronology resumes follow 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 the 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 follows this sequence:

• Heading and personal 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 when chronological writing will be 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 easier, so if your work history ticks these boxes, that’s a good indication that a chronological resume format is the one you should use.

Pros and cons of chronological resume

As with any type of resume, even the popular chronological resume has its advantages and disadvantages. Let’s enumerate the chronological resume’s pros and cons.

• 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 leave your old one, a functionally written resume will be better for you as well.

Pros and cons of functional resume

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.

• 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

To ensure that your functionally written resume is as easy to read as a chronological one, you can have a trusted resume writing service like Resumeble write your resume for you. Not only that, a professionally written functional resume will attract the right attention and land you that elusive job interview, as services like Resumeble come with an interview guarantee.

Are there other resume formats I should know about?

A functional format resume is not the only alternative to a chronologically formatted resume. Other resume formats include a CV format and 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 experience, and affiliations.

Combination 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 also recommended for those who have employment gaps or worked unrelated jobs in the past. A combination resume is also known as a chrono-functional resume.

Choosing the right 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 begin 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 to use. Check out Resumeble’s sample resumes for ideas and inspiration.

Having trouble choosing the right resume format?

Should you write a chronological vs functional resume? It certainly helps to have a bona fide expert guiding you through the resume writing process. By choosing Resumeble , you will have a professional resume writer working with you one-on-one to build your resume and develop it into an application that showcases your qualifications in the best way possible. Get in touch with us today or send in your resume for a free, no-obligation evaluation.

• 7 seconds: this is how long your resume has either to impress or be ignored by the recruiter 
• 300+: average number of applications one corporate job opening posted online receives 
• 3%: number of sent resumes that result in interviews 

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What is the Best Resume Format: Functional, Chronological or Combined?

  The chronological format  

The chronological resume is the most used out there, it’s the employer’s favorite as it is very easy to read and it’s hard to hide anything in it. It works brilliantly when you have stayed consistent in your career. As long as the job you are applying for is in the same field, the full chronology will be relevant to the reader and therefore the focus is on your experience.   Your employment history is actually in reverse chronological order and your current position will be at the top of the list. The chronological resume doesn’t work well when you have gaps or when you have shifted industries often, as it will expose your weak points.   • Objective • Summary • Experience • Education • References  

The functional format   

The combined format

  The combination format is exactly what it sounds like; it combines the chronological and functional formats to give you the best of both worlds. It allows you to use the tasty features from the functional resume but you can still fly in under the radar in the eye of the reader.   Examples of people that can benefit from this would be someone wanting to change careers and has some relevant skills for the new field. It can also be useful when someone wants to pack more skills in than the work experience section allows for or would not bring out adequately.   • Objective • Summary • Accomplishments • Experience • Education • References  

5 Housekeeping rules that apply to all formats

  1. Make sure you put all your contact details on every page, make it easy for the employer to call you up for an interview.   2. You have to put exact dates against every employment and education. If you don’t it will look slightly dodgy and you have to be prepared for a lack-of-dates grilling.   3. All education and qualifications should be listed. The fact that you majored in art history doesn’t mean you can’t apply for a Java consultant job ; it means you are trainable and can learn anything.   4. The layout should be pleasing on the eye and never distracting, allow for enough white space in between your text, boxes and bullet points.   5. Make it a habit to use a spel cheker, as your intended audience will swiftly delete a resume that contains typos.

  Great, so which format do I use again?  

If you can, go with the chronological as it’s everyone’s favorite. If you are shifting careers and possibly have transferable skills, go combined. If you have a short career or big holes in your experience, go functional.   Applying across state borders? Check out 3 Tips for Sending Your Resume to Another State .   Which format do you use and are you getting interviews?

• Post author By Jörgen Sundberg

The more resumes you look at, the more confused you can get especially since there are so many different formats to choose from. Most people don’t realize that the format is one of the most important choices when writing a winning resume. Get this wrong and you could effectively be hiding your own career highlights from the reader.

The bad news is that you only get about 10 seconds attention from the person screening your resume so you best make a good first impression. The good news is that I have narrowed it down to only three formats worth considering. Here they are, complete with reasons why you should choose them and in what order the content should be in your resume.

Chronological format:

The chronological resume is the most used out there, it’s the employer’s favorite as it is very easy to read and it’s hard to hide anything in it. It works brilliantly when you have stayed consistent in your career. As long as the job you are applying for is in the same field, the full chronology will be relevant to the reader and therefore the focus is on your experience.

Your employment history is actually in reverse chronological order and your current position will be at the top of the list. The chronological resume doesn’t work well when you have gaps or when you have shifted industries often, as it will expose your weak points.

Functional format:

The functional format should be used when you want to draw attention away from your work experience due to job hopping, a very long career, a very short career, long gaps, re-entering the job market and so forth. The functional resume focuses on what you can do, what your achievements are and your core competence.

This format is used by graduates, people seeking to change their career completely and anyone with employment gaps that don’t add any value to their experience. If you are looking to change industries, make sure to focus on transferable skills such as sales or people management. A word of warning; employers are known to raise their eyebrows when they see a functional resume so only use this format if you absolutely have to.

• Accomplishments
• Capabilities
• Employment History

The combination format is exactly what it sounds like; it combines the chronological and functional formats to give you the best of both worlds. It allows you to use the tasty features from the functional resume but you can still fly in under the radar in the eye of the reader.

Examples of people that can benefit from this would be someone wanting to change careers and has some relevant skills for the new field. It can also be useful when someone wants to pack more skills in than the work experience section allows for or would not bring out adequately.

5 housekeeping rules that apply to all formats:

• Make sure you put all your contact details on every page, make it easy for the employer to call you up for an interview.
• You have to put exact dates against every employment and education. If you don’t it will look slightly dodgy and you have to be prepared for a lack-of-dates grilling.
• All education and qualifications should be listed. The fact that you majored in art history doesn’t mean you can’t apply for a Java consultant job; it means you are trainable and can learn anything.
• The layout should be pleasing on the eye and never distracting, allow for enough white space in between your text, boxes and bullet points.
• Make it a habit to use a spel cheker [sic], as your intended audience will swiftly delete a resume that contains typos.

Great, so which format do I use again?

If you can, go with the chronological as it’s everyone’s favorite. If you are shifting careers and possibly have transferable skills, go combined. If you have a short career or big holes in your experience, go functional.

Which format do you use and are you getting interviews? Let us know in the comments below!

RELATED: What Is the Best Resume Font, Size and Format?

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• Tags chronological , combined , format , functional , Resume & CV Writing , Resumes

By Jörgen Sundberg

Founder of Undercover Recruiter & CEO of Link Humans , home of The Employer Brand Index .

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3 Common Resumes: Chronological, Functional and Combination

in Job Seeker , Job Search Quick Tips

A great resume is a must if you’re looking to land your next dream job. And when it comes to drafting that resume, you have options for how to best highlight your professional experience and skills to prospective employers. Below, we detail three common resume types – chronological, functional and combination – and talk about what career situations they are best suited for.

Chronological Resume

When you think of a resume, you’re likely thinking of a chronological resume. As the name implies, this type of resume includes your work experience listed in reverse chronological order, starting with your last (or current) position. Because it puts your experience up front – including past employers, positions, responsibilities and accomplishments – the chronological resume format is great for showcasing a solid work history and telling the story of your career development.

Chronological resumes generally include the following sections in this order:

• Header with name and contact information
• Resume summary statement
• Professional history in reverse chronological order
• Volunteer experience (if relevant)

This type of resume is easy for employers to quickly navigate, and it’s applicant tracking system-friendly. However, it may not be the best choice for people who are new to the job market and don’t have a robust work history, people with large gaps in their professional history and people who are changing careers. 

Functional Resume

While a chronological resume leads with your work history, a functional resume pushes your skills to the forefront (which is why it’s also known as a skills-based resume). If you fall into one of the categories mentioned above – limited professional experience, inconsistent work history, career transition – this might be the resume format for you. The body of a functional resume consists of a list of skills. Under each skill, you should include a few bullet points that add context to the skill – things like how you’ve applied it in past roles or projects, measurable results that highlight your competency and any certifications or coursework specific to the skill.

Functional resumes generally include the following sections in this order:

• Professional skills (highlight skills most relevant to the position you’re pursuing)
• Shortened work history (include only employer name, job title and dates of employment)

Combination Resume

A combination resume – also known as a hybrid resume – is a blend of the two formats discussed above. Typically, it leads the expanded skills section of a functional resume followed by the detailed professional experience section of a chronological resume. Similar to a functional resume, a combination resume may work well for people new to the job market, people with career gaps and people who are changing careers. The primary difference between a functional resume and a combination resume is that the latter includes more details – typically in the form of bullet points – about your work history. Because a combination resume includes detailed skills and work history sections, you may consider shortening or excluding other sections, such as volunteer experience, to ensure that your resume does not get too lengthy.

Combination resumes generally include the following sections in this order:

• Header with name and contact information.
• Work history (include a few bullets highlighting duties and accomplishments for each role)

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What is the Difference between Chronological and Functional Resumes?

• Rahul Ranjan
• July 15, 2022
• No Comments

A Resume is a single piece of document that can help you to shine your career progressively. There are different styles, format, and writing that resume has for professionals to choose from. In this post, we will discuss the main difference between Chronological and Functional resumes. Each of these resume types has benefits, negatives, and ways to promote your career in the right direction. 

 The two main types of resume formats are the chronological and functional and the main difference between them is the way they present your qualifications for a job as well as the skills you list in there. Both resumes have a different style as well as different format. The most common type is chronological resume that around majority of people include. In this post we will discuss about what is the difference between chronological as well as functional resume or if any point you would need any resume writing services or not, so let’s start now.

What is Chronological Resume?

A Chronological resume is a method of writing that lists your work and experience in reverse order. Thus showing your recent job first and followed by the previous job experience.

A Chronological resume starts with a Personal name, email ID, phone, and job title you applied for. Then a small summary or objective to highlight your career goals. Followed by sections for educational qualification, work experience, and individual sections. Many Professionals complement their resumes by writing a cover letter too.

In this type of Chronological resume, professional skills and qualifications are positioned at the bottom of the resume. Chronological is the most preferred and suitable way for professional resume writing . Most job applicants follow a chronological resume.

Moreover it is also beneficial  for the  people who have been out of the workforce for some time, or those who are changing careers as it covers the  gap in your employment history.

Now we will explain the Functional Resume!

What is a Functional Resume?

A Functional Resume gives more preference towards your skills and capabilities rather than your work experience. This type of Functional resume gives the reader the viewpoint for carrying out the specific roles and responsibilities that comes with the job.  

In a Functional resume, professional skills, certifications, and qualifications become the center of attention. Explaining the skills with the tasks performed and ability to deliver with times, deadlines as well as success rate.

All awards, achievements, licenses, degrees, and educational certifications are mentioned with a clear objective to give recruiters more preference towards your ability. Some Functional resumes have a work experience section though it is small and listed at the bottom to compliment your job position.

For example, if your hiring manager is looking for someone with experience in leading teams as a job role of “team leader” but you do not have such relevant experience, in which case a functional resume can be avoided as you will cover such issues and other skills such as project management , strategic planning or leadership, team consultant, analytical skills It will focus on many more

Also Read – How to build an effective cover letter while applying for job

How to Craft a Professional Resume? (Tips and Tricks)

Difference between chronological and functional resumes .

Here are the main differences between Chronological and Functional resumes to help you choose the best one for improving your career path.

Structure/Format

One of the main differences between Chronological and Functional resumes is found in their visual structure or format. A chronological resume will showcase the career reverse path from current to past. Then sections for education, work experiences, skills, and personal details.

While Functional resumes start with contact information and then move on to skills & capabilities to give them more preference. An expert in visual resume writing services will help you distinguish and create the resume structure best suited for you.

Primary Focus

A chronological resume will put your skills and work experience as a catalyst for future growth. And for a Functional resume, an individual resume takes the preference of showing your skills and abilities to accomplish job responsibilities.

A Chronological resume shows your career, learning curve, struggles, and ability to accomplish certain tasks laying the path for future success. A Functional resume showcases you as a more proficient skillful and competent individual to accomplish certain tasks. These Skills may or may not depend on your experience.

Customization and Editing:  

A functional resume can be customized to highlight the specific skills that are relevant to the job you are applying for and is easy to edit when applying for any job position, because you have the flexibility to rearrange the skills and put them as per the requirements you have. On the other hand while editing or customizing a chronological resume you have to start from the beginning i.e the work history in the reverse chronological order as you cannot skip anything, hence it is less flexible than functional resume.

Conclusion 

Both Chronological and Functional resume have their pros and cons. Though most employers, HR departments, and recruiters are familiar with Chronological resumes and may interpret functional resumes as incomplete or chaotic. Whereas many employers often disregard chronological resumes for specific skills that are missing or looking for a more refined candidate for that particular job position.

You have to be selective and make a careful decision based on your understanding to make this essential decision for your career. Job requirements, roles and responsibilities, circumstances, and recruiters’ viewpoints are some of the factors that can affect your judgment when selecting the suitable one.

Chronological Resumes will suit professionals who have brilliant work experience and a concise career path.

Professionals who started with an entry-level position or lowest grade and made their way to the top should prefer a Chronological resume.

For an Experienced Professional with accomplishment and a successful career path, a chronological resume will highlight your industry skills, experience, and capabilities precisely for future employers.  

Functional Resumes are more suitable for professionals with gaps in their career path, work history in different fields, or any circumstances to keep the focus on your skills and abilities.

Professionals looking for a change in their mid-life career change can use a functional resume to highlight their particular skills and abilities to get more attention to match with job specifications.

To know more about resume tips for different professions like Chartered Accountant Resume , Yoga Teacher Resume , Sales Manager Resume and many more click on the links.

What’s the difference between a chronological and a functional resume?

The major difference between both is that a chronological resume lists your job history in reverse chronological order, it can be used in any situation while you are being in the same industry. Moreover a functional resume focuses on skills and accomplishments rather than focusing on work history and other metrics.

Is it better to use a chronological or functional resume?

The simple answer to this is if you’re changing your  career or had a gap in career the best way is to go ahead with a functional resume as it allows you to highlight all skills and experience relevant to the position for you are applying. Other than that if you have a strong work history and applying for similar and higher level positions in same industry then chronological resume will be more effective for you.

How do I write each type of resume?

A Chronological resume is usually easier to write because all the work experience s listed in reverse-chronological order (most recent first). Functional resumes require more tough because this type of resume requires you to organize information into categories that make sense for the particular position and often it is  a time consuming task.Writing a resume is easy but sometimes it can be challenging as well so if you feel difficulty in writing resume then you can contact any professional resume writers to get your resume done professionally.

What should I include in my chronological resume?

You should include your name, address, phone number, email address at the top of every page. Do not include personal information like marital status, gender, Date of birth in your chronological resume. Do include all important and relevant information such as degrees, certifications along with the date of certificates received and liecences you hold from any schools or training programs. 

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Should You Use a Chronological or Functional Resume?

Too many people make the mistake of thinking that a resume's purpose is to get them a job. Actually,  resumes open and close doors. Their main purpose is to make an employer interested enough to invite you in for an  interview .

But how do you create that interest when you don't exactly fit the mold? Just as people come in different sizes and shapes, so do resumes.

Related : Does your resume pass the 6-second test? Get a FREE assessment .

Chronological Resumes

The chronological resume seems to be the most popular format used. This type of resume usually contains an objective and/or summary statement and a chronological listing (from most recent to past) of all your employers, along with related accomplishments. Educational information is included, along with certifications and special  skills .

This type of resume may be fine for someone who is experienced, but if you are switching careers or are just entering the workforce, this type of resume will most likely help you wind up in the "no" pile. So how do you showcase your talents if you can't lay them out like everyone else?

Functional Resumes

Take the time to develop a strong functional resume. Functional resumes highlight your abilities, such as hiring, managing or coaching, rather than your chronological work history. You'll still need to summarize your work history, but this is usually done at the bottom of your resume. Don't panic. By the time the reader has gotten to that point, they are usually sold on bringing you in for an interview.

Most books on resume writing contain sections on how to write functional, or skills-based, resumes. Go to your local bookstore or library and thumb through some books. Then make your selection.

One of my favorite books on this topic is an oldie but goodie. It's old enough to be out of print, but you can still find copies online or at libraries. The book is titled "Go Hire Yourself an Employer" by Richard Irish. It just goes to show that solid advice is just that -- solid.

Who Should Use a Functional Resume?

A functional resume is particularly useful for people who:

• Have gaps in their work history.
• Are reentering the workforce.
• Have frequently changed jobs.
• Are looking to  transition into new careers .
• Don't exactly fit the mold of what recruiters are looking for in the positions they want.

The reason functional resumes work well in these situations is that many of us have acquired skills while working that are very transferable. For example, if you have worked as a retail manager, chances are that you were responsible for hiring, training, coaching, evaluating and handling employee relations issues.

If you were to submit this information in a chronological resume, there's a good chance a hiring manager (or computer) might skip right by you, because you did not hold the title of human resources manager, even if 50% of your day was spent dealing with HR-related issues.

It all comes down to how you package yourself. You can give employers the same information, only in a new and improved package. This is bound to get you more interviews, which will increase your chances of landing the job you want.

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Get Past the ATS With These Resume Templates [+ Tips]

Published: June 06, 2024

I can honestly say that, so far in my career, I’ve never witnessed such a high competition for marketing roles on LinkedIn, both full-time and freelance, as now.

And I’ve seen countless comments and got tens of email replies from hiring managers, saying that they’re overwhelmed as they’ve received over a hundred applications.

No wonder that to make sense of it all and spot relevant candidates, companies are looking for ways to streamline the recruitment process. For them, applicant tracking systems are a blessing. However, for some inexperienced candidates, they can feel like a nightmare.

Luckily, getting past these automatic resume filtering systems is certainly attainable if you know how they screen CVs. Let’s take a look.

Table of Contents

What is an applicant tracking system (ATS)?

Ats friendly resume templates, testing it out, tips for creating an ats-friendly resume.

Human resource departments receive hundreds of resumes. To make their lives a little easier, they use computer software called ATS.

These solutions help recruiters process large volumes of CVs and pick the most suitable candidates. Applicant tracking systems come in handy in the initial screening phase and eliminate resumes that aren’t a good fit for the position.

One of the most important things that candidates should know about the ATS is that it lets employers filter resumes based on keywords. That’s why it’s vital to tailor your CV to specific roles. Only after passing the initial screening will the resume be reviewed by a recruiter.

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Let’s now look at some ATS-friendly templates. Each one describes a different role.

Marketing Manager — ATS Resume Template

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Resume templates to create a killer resume for your job application.

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10+ Resume Template for 10 Years Experienced Professionals

Extremely professional 10+ resume templates for those who want to show their 10 years of experience and stand out from the crowd.

Administration Resume Template for 10 Years of Experience

Professional Resume Template for 10 Years Experience

Manager Resume Template for 10 Years Experience

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Software Engineering Resume Template for 10 Years of Experience

Resume Template for 10 Years Experienced Executives

Writing/Editing Resume Template for 10 Years of Experience

Resume Template for 10 Years of Sales Experience

Resume Template for 10 Years Experienced Candidate

Finance Resume Template for 10 Years of Experience

Which Resume Format is Best for Someone With 10 Years of Experience

For any professional with 10 years of relevant work experience, we recommend using a reverse chronological resume format.

For any professional with 10 years of experience trying to apply for jobs to make career transitions, we recommend a functional resume or a combination resume to stand out.

Here are the criterias on when to use either of the three resume formats to show a 10 year experience.

Reverse Chronological Resume Format for 10 Years of Experience

• Consistent career progression over 10 years.
• Highlights recent experience and career growth.
• Easy for recruiters to follow and understand.
• Preferred in industries favoring traditional formats.
• Limited flexibility for emphasizing specific skills or downplaying career gaps.

Functional Resume Format for 10 Years of Experience

• Diverse skills but non-linear career paths.
• Emphasizes skills and accomplishments over specific job titles.
• Downplays career gaps or transitions.
• Less common in some industries.
• High flexibility for showcasing relevant skills but may be less compatible with Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).

Combination Resume Format for 10 Years of Experience

• Balances chronological and functional formats.
• Highlights both career progression and key skills.
• Increasingly accepted in various industries.
• Offers flexibility for tailoring the resume to job requirements.
• High compatibility with ATS, suitable for online job applications.

Here’s a matrix that simplifies how to select the best resume format if you have 10 years of experience:

Tips To Write the Best 10 Years Experience Resume

• Summary : Ensure your resume kicks off with a robust summary or profile, encapsulating your decade-long expertise. Highlight significant achievements, leadership roles, and career aspirations within your industry. You don’t need an objective unless you are making a career transition.
• Work experience : Prioritize recent and relevant experiences from the past 10 years. Ensure alignment with the job you're targeting, showcasing your depth of knowledge and accomplishments gained over the years.
• Format : Use the right resume format from reverse chronological, functional or a combination resume format.
• Achievements : Quantify achievements with specific numbers and metrics to showcase the tangible impact of your work. Highlight milestones like revenue generated, cost savings, project completions, or team successes.
• Skills : Spotlight advanced technical skills and expertise developed over 10 years, emphasizing proficiency in industry-specific tools, software, programming languages, and emerging technologies.
• Certifications and credentials : Demonstrate commitment to continuous learning and professional development by listing relevant certifications, advanced training programs, industry conferences, or specialized workshops completed throughout your career.
• Customization : Tailor your resume for each job application by strategically selecting and emphasizing experiences and skills that closely match the job requirements and align with the employer's needs and expectations.
• Clean and consistent : Present your resume in a clean, professional format that's easy to read and visually appealing. Ensure consistency in formatting, font styles, and layout throughout the document to maintain a polished appearance.
• Proofread : Thoroughly proofread your resume to eliminate any typos, grammatical errors, or formatting inconsistencies. Given your extensive experience, pay particular attention to detail and accuracy to present yourself as a meticulous and reliable professional.
• Add a cover letter : Accompany your resume with a customized cover letter that complements your career narrative, expands on key achievements and experiences from the past decade, and articulates your enthusiasm for the specific role and company. Use the cover letter to further showcase your fit for the position and your value proposition as a seasoned professional.

How Long Should Your 10 Years Experience Resume Should be?

Your 10 years of experience resume should typically be one page long. Keeping your resume to one page ensures that you present a concise and focused document that quickly grabs the attention of hiring managers.

There are some situations where someone with an experience of 10 years would have more than a one page resume and it is acceptable. Some of these situations are:

• Holding multiple leadership positions, such as Vice President of Sales and Director of Marketing, within the same company or across different organizations.
• Demonstrating diverse experiences across industries, such as working in finance, healthcare, and technology sectors, each requiring distinct skill sets and expertise.
• Accumulating a substantial list of certifications, such as Project Management Professional (PMP), Certified Public Accountant (CPA), and Six Sigma Black Belt, relevant to your field.
• Receiving numerous awards and recognitions, such as "Salesperson of the Year" or "Top Performer" accolades, highlighting your exceptional achievements.
• Publishing articles or research papers in reputable journals or presenting at industry conferences, showcasing your thought leadership and expertise in your field.
• Targeting industries or positions that require a more comprehensive understanding of your professional background, such as executive roles in finance, where detailed financial analysis and strategic planning experience are crucial.
• Applying for senior-level positions where employers expect a thorough overview of your qualifications, including extensive work history, leadership experience, and specialized skills.
• Seeking roles in academia or research institutions, where a detailed curriculum vitae (CV) is typically required to document academic achievements, publications, presentations, and professional affiliations.

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When to Use a 'Functional' Resume Instead of a Traditional One

W hen you pull up a resume template, it’s pretty straightforward: Your past jobs are listed in reverse chronological order near the top, dating back about 10 years or so. But you may need a “functional” resume sometimes, even if templates for it are a little harder to find.

What is a functional resume?

A functional resume is one that leads with your work-related skills and abilities listed right after your contact information. Most of the time, per Indeed , this is done in a bulleted list. You can have a list for skills you’ve acquired in past positions, in school, or during job training, as well as any awards you’ve gotten.

The goal here is not to show a hiring manager what you’ve done in the past, but what you’re prepared and equipped to do for their company. Leading with your talents and accomplishments shows that you’re competent and capable, not just that you’ve had jobs before or have gone to school.

When to use a functional resume

There are a few times to use functional resumes, as well as a few times to stay away from them. Try one out if you’re any of the following, according to Novoresume :

• A recent graduate lacking work experience
• Switching industries and looking for an entry-level job
• If you’ve held a variety of titles with little relevance to each other and/or the job you’re looking for now

Keep in mind, however, that these are pretty rare and in most cases, traditional resumes are more welcome by hiring managers. Using an unorthodox formatting can show your skills, but could also give the impression you’re trying to hide something, like a gap in your resume. If you’re looking to obscure an employment gap or other blemish in your history, don’t. You need to explain those and be honest with hiring managers . Only use a functional resume if you really want to lead with your talents and potential over your experience and past deeds, but not if you’re angling to be a little deceitful. Keep using a chronological resume when you’re staying in your current industry or have a clearly defined career path that you’re happy to stay on.

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