Question

1. How do chronological and functional resumes differ?

2. What are the advantages and disadvantages of EACH style?

3. What style of resume do you currently use when applying for jobs?

Answer 1

Q1) Chronological resume contains a chronological listing of the work history of an individual from most recent to past experience and the corresponding accomplishments in each of the experiences. The work experience is followed by the educational qualifications and related details.

Functional resume highlights the individual's abilities and skills as opposed to the chronological work history. It divides the work experience, educational qualifications, interests and accomplishments by dividing them into categories. The work experience is usually kept at the bottom of the resume.

Q2) Advantages of Chronological Resume include -

• a clear identification of the work experience of the individual in a time based history providing the recruiter an understanding of the individual's past.
• Relates the accomplishments as per the work experience.

Disadvantages of Chronological resume include -

• Lack of a clear categorization of individual's skills and abilities.
• Gap in work experience is reflected in this resume
• Frequent job switching is reflected in this resume.

Advantages of Functional Resume include -

• If the background is varied and doesn't have a consistent path but the individual has a wide range of skills and abilities, this format is the best.
• Candidates who are looking to transition into a new career path should use functional resumes.

Disadvantages of Functional Resume include -

• Firms who look for candidates with consistent experience will not prefer to look at functional resumes.
• Firms who want to understand the work history of employees and avoid any gaps in experience etc.

Q3) I use chronological resume currently while aplying for jobs as I prefer to continue in the same career path and clearly wants to display the experience and work history to the potential employers.