Resumes come in many shapes and sizes. When written and presented properly, they are like a key, opening doors of opportunity all along their path. If a resume has a purpose, it is to make an employer interested enough to invite you in for an interview. That thought in mind, it got us thinking about what resume format employers prefer.
Structurally, there are two favored resume formats. Functional and Chronological. That being said, each has its own advantages depending on individual needs.
Below we share details on both these formats and how they affect your job search process.
Functional Resumes – Highlight Abilities
The goal of a functional resume is to showcase all the strengths and benefits of the individual’s work history. When looking at specific job postings, this style of resume will pull focus to skills and emphasize the depth of these abilities.
As an example, this format is particularly beneficial to people who
- are beginning their career
- have gaps in their work history
- are reentering the workforce
- have a history of frequent job changes
- are looking to change career paths
As a rule, functional resumes work well in situations where acquired skills are very transferable. For example, if you have worked as a retail manager, chances are you were responsible for hiring, training, coaching, evaluating and handling employee relations issues.
Start with a summary.
All resumes should start with a strong summary. However, summaries are of extra value in functional formats since this is the beginning of the career success story. Since the aim is to slightly hide the specifics of work history while really shining a spotlight on strengths.
Along with your educational background, you’ll still need to summarize work history, but this is usually done at the bottom of your resume with graceful writing practices.
Chronological Resumes
The chronological resume is the most preferred by employers. It is straightforward and easy to scan. When executed properly, it clearly shows the progression of a career.
As it emphasizes work history, the chronological resume is most effective for candidates with solid experience in their field. By showcasing your work history front and center, we can immediately show the employer that you have relatable experience.
As mentioned, this type of resume contains an objective and/or summary statement designed to open the conversation on your career story. It is vital to ensure that your dates are all accurate. Check the timeline once and then check it again. There is no room for work history errors.
Both resume formats draw natural attention to educational information along with any specific certifications and additional training.
It all comes down to how you package yourself.
Overall, employers seem to prefer chronological formatting. With this in mind, there’s no need to be discouraged if your story is better told in a functional style. In this case, use the format that shows your experience in the best light. The goal is to get the interview and increase your chance of landing the job you want.
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