How do I decide what resume format to use?

There are many different types of resume formats in the marketplace. The two most common formats are the chronological resume and the functional resume. Sometimes a combination of the two is used.

However, a new graduate may find that a combination of chronological and functional resume works best, giving you the opportunity to highlight skills and experience gained both at work and in your studies, extracurricular activities and leisure time.

The three most commonly used resume formats are Chronological, Functional and Combination. Below is a summary of each including some of their advantages and disadvantages.

 
CHRONOLOGICAL
FUNCTIONAL
COMBINATION
What is this format?

The chronological resume is the most commonly used. It lists work experience in reverse time order (i.e. most recent work experiences first) with an emphasis on responsibilities and accomplishments.

Because it is the most frequently used it is the most accepted. Many employers are suspicious of functional resumes and would rather review a chronological resume.

A chronological resume provides clear information in job titles, areas of responsibility, periods of study and employment. The chronological format spells out your job history from the most recent job backwards with the most recent job having the greatest emphasis.

The functional resume is designed to stress the qualifications of the job seeker with less emphasis on specific employers and dates. Some functional resumes don’t include a work history. However, not including a work history may create large questions in an employer’s mind, so it is a good idea to include it.

The functional resume format is particularly suitable for people who want to make a career change to a new field or functional area. The decision to use a functional resume should be carefully weighed against the reality that most employers prefer a chronological resume.

A combination of chronological and functional formats in the one resume. The most popular resume format. Used to modernise chronological resumes and tailor your skills to the job.
When do you use this format?
  • Your career history shows growth and development
  • Your career objective is very similar to your work experience
  • Your previous employer has been prestigious
  • You’re applying for a job in a highly traditional field or organisation
  • You are a new graduate with little experience
  • Your career objective is very different from your experience.
  • Your work history is spotty and patchy
  • You have been absent from the job market for any length of time.
  • You have changed employers frequently
  • You want to emphasise skills/abilities not used in recent work experience
  • Your experience has been gained in different relatively unconnected jobs
  • You are entering the job market after absence
  • You want to give the employer a snapshot of your relevant skills but also want to show you have a work history.
  • You have limited work experience in the field you are applying for, but work experience in other fields.
  • You are applying for a job in a highly traditional field (e.g. law, accounting) or the employer has requested a chronological format but you have a patchy or limited work history.
  • You are a mature-age student with extensive work history but are looking to move into a new industry. You want to show you have a work history but also highlight relevant skills.
What headings should you use with this format?
  • Personal Details
  • Career Objective
  • Employment History
  • Education
  • Professional Associations
  • Referees
  • Personal Details
  • Career Objective
  • Selected Achievements or Accomplishments (relevant to the position)
  • Business Experience (include work experience – paid and unpaid, placements, cooperative positions, etc)
  • Professional Associations
  • Education
  • Referees
  • Personal Details
  • Career Objective
  • Education
  • Employment History
  • Skills
  • Professional Associations
  • Extracurricular Activities/Interests
  • Referees

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