Part 1: Understanding Resume Types — Chronological & Functional

When it comes to writing a resume, one size doesn’t fit all. The format you choose can either highlight your strengths—or expose your gaps. In this two-part series, we’ll break down the four main types of resumes and when to use each. Let’s start with the two most common: Chronological and Functional.

1. Chronological Resume

What It Is:
This is the most traditional format. It lists your work experience in reverse chronological order (most recent job first).

Best For:

• Professionals with a steady work history

• Candidates growing within a single field

Pros:
Clear and easy to scan
Highlights career progression

Con:
Not ideal if you have gaps or frequent job changes

Tip:
Use bullet points to showcase achievements under each role, not just tasks.

2. Functional Resume

What It Is:
This format focuses on your skills rather than your job timeline. Work history is de-emphasized or placed at the bottom.

Best For:

Career changers

Recent graduates

People with employment gaps

Pros:
Highlights transferable skills
Downplays job gaps or career shifts

Cons:
Some employers find it less transparent
May confuse Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS)

Tip:
Use clear, skill-based headings like “Project Management” or “Customer Service” and give examples of how you’ve used those skills.

In Part 2, we’ll cover Combination and Targeted Resumes—plus tips on choosing the right one for your job search.