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
  • Search Search Please fill out this field.
  • Career Planning
  • Finding a Job

Different Types of Resumes (With Examples)

chronological resume and functional resume

Chronological Resume

Functional resume, combination resume, infographic resume, resume with profile/summary, targeted resume, nontraditional resume, mini-resume.

Adrian Mangel / The Balance

There are several basic types of resumes you can use to apply for job openings. You can choose to write a chronological, functional, combination, or a targeted resume. Each resume type is used for different purposes. Therefore, when deciding which type of resume to use, you have to think about your current employment circumstances.

Here's an overview of each type of resume, advice on when to use which one, and examples.

A chronological resume starts by listing your  work history , with the most recent position listed first. Below your most recent job, you list your other jobs in reverse chronological order.

Employers typically prefer this type of resume because it's easy to see what jobs you have held and when you have worked at them. This is the most common resume type.

This type of resume works well for job seekers with a strong, solid work history. If you are starting your career, or if you are changing career fields, you might consider a different resume type.​

Example: Chronological Resume

A functional resume focuses on your skills and experience, rather than on your  chronological work history . Instead of having a “work history” section at the top of your resume, you might have a “professional experience” or “accomplishments” section that lists various skills you have developed over the years.

A functional resume also sometimes includes a resume summary or headline at the top, which details a person’s skills and achievements. A functional resume might not include one’s employment history  at all or might have a concise list of work history at the bottom of the resume.

Functional resumes are used most often by people who are  changing careers  or who have gaps in their employment history. It is also useful for people who are new to the workforce, have limited work experience, or who have a gap in their employment .

By highlighting skills rather than work history, you can emphasize how you are qualified for the job.​

Example: Functional Resume

A combination resume is a mix between a chronological resume and a functional resume. At the top of the resume is a list of one’s skills and qualifications. Below this is one’s chronological work history. However, the work history is not the focus of the resume and typically does not take up much space on the resume.

With this type of resume, you can highlight the skills you have that are relevant to the job you are applying for, as well as provide your chronological work history. After all, most employers want to see your chronological work history, even if that history is not very extensive.

This kind of resume helps you highlight what makes you the best fit for the job, while still giving the employer all the information he or she wants.​

Example: Combination Resume

Infographic resumes include graphic design elements in addition to or instead of text. A traditional resume uses text to list a candidate's work experience, education, and skills, while an infographic resume uses layout, color, design, formatting, icons, and font styling to organize content.​

Example: Infographic Resume

A Robert Half survey reports that 78% of employers prefer traditional resumes to infographics, even for creative roles.

A resume with a profile section  includes a concise summary of an applicant’s skills, experiences, and goals as they relate to a  specific job . This summary (typically no more than a couple of sentences long) helps candidates “sell” themselves to the company to which they are applying.

Adding a profile is helpful for almost any applicant. If you have extensive experience, a profile can concisely explain that experience to the hiring manager right away. If you have limited work experience, a profile can help you highlight the skills that you do have.

Example: Resume With a Profile

You can also add a headline, which is a brief phrase that summarizes why you are an ideal candidate for the job, to your resume.

A targeted resume is a resume that is customized to specifically highlight the experience and skills you have that are relevant to the job you are applying for. It takes more work to write a targeted resume than to click to apply with your existing resume. However, it's well worth the effort, especially when applying for jobs that are a perfect match for your qualifications and experience.

Example: Targeted Resume

Try to write a targeted resume for every job. Employers can easily see when you submit a generic resume, rather than thinking about why you are qualified for that specific job.

A nontraditional resume is a unique version of your resume that may include photos, graphics, images, graphs, and other visuals. It might be an online resume, or a physical resume with infographics, as mentioned above. It could also be a video or a resume on a social networking website.

Nontraditional resumes are ideal for people in creative fields, who want to demonstrate their ability to create visually engaging designs or to create web pages. It can be a good way for a job candidate to stand out from the crowd in professions like design, web design, journalism, and more.

A  mini-resume  contains a  brief summary  of your career highlights and qualifications. It only contains the information that relates to the position you are applying for or the industry you would like to work in.

In most cases, your traditional resume will be appropriate. A mini-resume, however, can be useful at job fairs or career networking events when you're meeting with many people and want to leave them with something more than just a business card. You can also use a mini-resume when you're networking and would like your contact to pass on your information to a hiring manager or recruiter. 

Example: Mini-Resume

Key Takeaways

  • Chronological resumes list work history in reverse chronological order, with the most recent job listed first.
  • Functional resumes focus on skills and experience rather than on employment history.
  • Combination resumes list skills and qualifications first, followed by work history.

CareerOneStop. " Select the Best Format ." Accessed Feb. 9, 2022.

Robert Half. " Best Resume Format ." Accessed Feb. 9, 2022.

CareerOneStop. " Headline and Summary Sample ." Accessed Feb. 9, 2022.

Functional VS. Chronological Resume

Lindsay Patton

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 a chronological resume as their standard resume template. 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.

Frequenty Asked Questions

chronological resume and functional resume

Lindsay Patton

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  • 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.

choosing_resume_formats

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. 

chronological_resume_example

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. 

functional_resume_example

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.

combination_resume_example

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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chronological resume and functional resume

How to Write a Functional Resume [4 Free Templates Included]

Background Image

Struggling with your resume because you just graduated from university and don’t have much work experience?

Or maybe you’re switching careers, and aren’t sure how to make your past position relevant for the new field?

Whichever the case, the solution is pretty simple:

Use a functional resume format!

  • What’s a Functional Resume?

When to Use a Functional Resume?

How to write a functional resume.

  • What Are Some Other Resume Formats (and When To Use Them)

What is a Functional Resume?

A functional resume, also known as the skill-based resume, is a resume format that focuses on your professional skill test as opposed to work experience.

If you were to create a traditional resume, you’d list out your work experience in reverse chronological order as follows:

reverse chronological resume example

Whereas, in the case of a functional resume , you list out each of your skills, and then back them up by highlighting how you’ve practically applied them in the past:

functional resume sample

It’s better to use a functional resume in the following situations:

  • You’re a recent graduate with no work experience. As the functional resume focuses on skills rather than experience, it can be very helpful to students.
  • You’re switching careers . If you have some work experience, but the said experience isn’t relevant for the position you’re applying for, you can use a functional resume to highlight how your skills make you the right candidate.
  • You have a long history of unemployment (or gaps between jobs). Since the functional resume format focuses on skills, you can use it to downplay your work experience gaps.

That being said, in around 90% of cases, we don’t recommend using a functional resume .

While it does have its perks (e.g. standing out as a recent graduate), it also comes with significant downsides.

First off, it’s nowhere near as popular as the traditional resume format, and in certain parts of the world, recruiters might not even know that the functional format is a thing.

In addition, some recruiters might find the lack of work experience in a resume suspicious because it can hint the candidate isn’t being truthful (e.g. red flags, being fired from previous employment, etc.).

These 2 disadvantages combined make a compelling case against the functional resume format.

So, if you do decide to create a functional resume, weigh the pros and cons and proceed at your own risk!

Want to also learn how to create a traditional resume ? Check out our guide!

First things first - pick a compelling resume template to get started. We recommend using our Functional Resume template:

functional resume template

Then, create the following sections on your resume:

  • Contact Information
  • Resume Summary
  • Skill Summary

If you have additional space once you’re finished with these sections, you can fill it up with some optional sections (which we’ll explain a bit down the line).

Now, let’s walk you through each of these sections and explain how to do them right:

#1. Contact Information

While it might sound elementary, there’s a ton of tid-bits you need to know about getting the contact information section right.

Here’s what you need to include in the contact information section:

  • First and last name
  • Current job title
  • Email address
  • Phone number
  • City and country you’re based in

Optionally, you can also include links to relevant social media profiles. For example:

  • If you’re a writer, you can link your portfolio page or website.
  • If you’re a developer, you can link your GitHub profile.
  • If you’re a marketer, you can link your Instagram or Twitter page.
  • Your LinkedIn profile link (if it’s up-to-date).

#2. Resume Summary

The next section on your functional resume is the “resume summary.”

This section goes right under your contact information, and looks something like this:

resume summary

In a nutshell, a resume summary is a 2-4 sentence recap of your biggest professional achievements and career highlights.

The goal of this section is to show the recruiter (in one glance) that you’re qualified for the position you’re applying for.

Here’s what a well-written resume summary would look like:

  • Professional executive assistant with experience in supporting high-level CEOs and other executives for over 5 years. Experienced in customer support, data entry, and scheduling meetings. Skilled in time management, MS Office, and Adobe Photoshop.

#3. Skill Summary

This one’s going to be the bulk of your functional resume.

In a skill summary section, you mention the top 3 skills required for the position you’re applying for and then provide information on how you’ve gained the said skills right under them.

Let’s say, for example, you’re a recent graduate applying for a role in marketing. Here’s what your skill summary could look like:

Copywriting

  • Wrote over 20+ well-researched papers for my university.
  • Worked at the university news media as a journalist, interviewing interesting university alumni and publishing their stories on the website.
  • Created and published high-quality tech articles on my personal blog (www.exampleblog.com).
  • Participated in a university project for a real-life company (Company X), where we had to come up with ideas for expanding to a new market.
  • With the help of my team, came up with 5 ideas, out of which 3 were actually implemented by the company.
  • Came up with 100+ topic ideas for content on my personal blog, some of which got over 50 shares when published.

Project Management

  • Acted as a team leader for most of my university projects, ensuring that they were completed on time, and that every group member contributed.
  • Was part of the Startup Weekend organizational committee. Helped source speakers, organize the event, find sponsors, and overall ensured that the event went smoothly.

job search masterclass

#4. Education

The next section on your functional resume is Education , and this one’s actually pretty straightforward.

Here, list out the following information:

  • Name of the degree (e.g. B.A. in Computer Science)
  • Name of the university and dates attended (e.g. Boston State University, 2012 - 2016)

Optionally, you can also include the following as part of your education section :

  • GPA. If you had an impressive GPA in your university (3.5 - 4.0), you can list it in your resume. Most companies, however, don’t really care about your grades all that much .
  • Honors. E.g. Cum Laude, Magna Cum Laude, etc.
  • Academic Achievements. Your thesis, interesting or noteworthy research papers you’ve written, etc.
  • Courses Attended. If you’ve taken some very impressive classes (and they’re related to the role you’re applying for), you can mention them in your education section.

#5. Optional Sections

Still have some space left on your resume? Here are some other sections you can include:

  • Projects - In our opinion, this one’s the most underrated resume section. Here, you can include any kind of personal or university project you’ve worked on. E.g. blog you’ve started, a piece of software you coded, etc.
  • Extracurricular Activities - If you’re a recent graduate, you can include a section about the extracurricular activities you’ve participated in during university.
  • Languages - Knowing an extra language or two can always come in handy. When filling these out, though, make sure to include your level of understanding (Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced, Fluent, or Native).
  • Work History - Yep, you CAN include work history on your functional resume. If you decide to do this, though, your resume will be a combination resume and NOT the functional one.

Other Resume Formats

There are 2 other resume formats in addition to the Functional one:

  • Reverse-Chronological Resume Format
  • Combination Resume Format

Here’s what they’re about:

#1. Reverse-Chronological Resume Format

This one’s the most common resume format out there and it’s what most people have in mind when they refer to a “resume.”

This resume format simply lists out work experiences in reverse-chronological order and backs them up with other essential resume sections (skills, education, etc.).

Unless you have specific reasons to use either of the other resume formats (combination or functional), we recommend you stick with this one.

#2. Combination Resume Format

The combination resume is almost the same thing as a functional resume, with a small twist.

In addition to the skill summary section on the resume, you also add a work history section (which helps even out the downsides that come with a functional resume).

Usually, the combination resume is used by senior professionals with a decade’s worth of work experience.

4 Free Functional Resume Templates & Examples

Want to get started with your functional resume?

All you have to do is pick one of our free templates and you’re good to go!

#1. Functional Resume Template

functional resume template example

Our functional resume template adds a dash of style to the traditional black-and-white resume.

Use this template to present your skills and talents in the best way possible!

#2. Combination Resume Template

combination resume template

This combination template allows you to showcase your skills without having to cut down on work experience.

#3. College Resume Template

college resume sample

Our College resume template is perfect for recent university graduates, allowing you to emphasize your skill-set over your work experiences.

#4. Professional Resume Template

professional resume example

Looking for something a bit more professional? This resume template is a prime favorite for job-seekers who are serious about their careers.

Key Takeaways

And that just about sums up everything you need to know about functional resumes!

Now, let’s do a small recap of everything we’ve learned so far:

  • A functional resume format is a type of resume that focuses more on skills rather than work experiences.
  • You can use a functional resume if you’re a recent graduate with little work experience or if you’re switching careers.
  • To create a compelling functional resume, you want to get your skill summary section just right.
  • Functional resumes, however, are not that common in most parts of the world, so we recommend sticking to a conventional resume format to most job-seekers, instead.

Discover More Resume Templates

  • One Page Resume Templates
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  • Google Docs Resume Templates
  • Word Resume Templates
  • Chronological Resume Templates
  • Creative Resume Templates
  • Minimalistic Resume Templates
  • High School Resume Templates

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Lifehacker

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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Free Resume Templates Download Word

A professional resume doesn’t only look good but is also formatted correctly. Indeed, formatting is the most important thing that makes a professional resume different from an unprofessional one. You need to choose the best resume templates to cover your needs. Using a top-ranked resume builder is a great way to create a well-crafted resume in a few minutes. Most importantly, such a tool provides a variety of free resume templates downloads. So, you can select a template that suits your needs the most.

Are you searching for the best resume builder? WPS Office is one of the leading tools that allow you to make professional resumes. Whether you’re an entry-level applicant or an experienced one, it lets you customize your resume using impressive layouts and designs. No doubt, it is important to create an organized resume that appeals to employers. Also, a resume builder can help you save time and effort in making a resume. In this article, WPS Academy will discuss effective resume formatting tips to help you make compelling resumes. Read on to find out more about free resume templates!

What are the Three Main Resume Formats?

Undoubtedly, every resume is designed to be different. The top three resume formats include a reverse-chronological resume, functional resume, and combination resume.

Each resume format shares common elements, such as summary, skills and education. But, the structure of each session is different. For example, the chronological resume format focuses more on work experience. On the other hand, a functional resume emphasizes skills and abilities. So, the choice of a resume format mostly depends on your level of experience, skill sets, and qualifications.

In this section, we will discuss three popular resume formats in detail. Also, we will give key tips for each resume format. Let’s find out more!

Chronological Resume

Also known as the reverse-chronological resume, it is one of the most popular resume formats widely used today. If you are an experienced candidate, a chronological resume format is the best choice. It concentrates on your current and previous work history. Make sure to fill in the Work History section in a reverse-chronological order, where recent work experience is mentioned at top of the section.

Do you want to make the most of the chronological resume format? No doubt, free resume template downloads are a great way to use a chronological resume in the best possible way. Also, focus on detailed work experience and achievements. A chronological resume should display your career progression professionally. In addition, mention relevant skills to the job you are applying for.

If you want to make a chronological resume, follow these essential tips that can help land a dream job:

Writing Tips for the Chronological Resume

Resume summary

A resume summary is a brief overview of your qualifications, achievements and skills. It highlights your personality as well as career longevity. This section should not include more than 3-4 sentences. The best resume templates can help write a compelling resume summary.

Work history

As discussed before, work history is the most critical section in a chronological resume format. For this reason, include detailed accomplishments that make you a strong candidate for the job position. Make sure to list your most recent work history first. Tell the recruiters how you have contributed to the previous company and what have you achieved.

The chronological free downloadable resume templates also focus on your relevant skills. All you need is to mention skills that are most relevant to the specific job. Moreover, make sure to add both technical and soft skills.

It is the last section in a chronological resume format. When writing a chronological resume, you only need to mention your highest academic credential. Furthermore, add the name of your college and degree. Also, you can mention any specific certifications or courses you have taken during the degree.

Functional Resume

As the name suggests, a functional resume format is all about skills and abilities. This kind of resume focuses on the skills and training that make you a perfect fit for the job. But, you simply cannot use a functional resume for every single job position. Remember, some experts believe functional resumes are not so good. No doubt, functional resumes are designed and organized differently from chronological resumes. But, you can use a functional resume format as long as it fits the job position you wish to apply for.

Writing Tips for the Functional Resume

Summary Statement or Resume Objective

Are you looking for a job that defines your career goals? Make sure to write a compelling summary statement or resume objective. An objective statement is also known as a career objective. It includes 2-3 sentences that emphasize your skills, work experience and accomplishments. Also, you can go with a standard summary statement.

As discussed before, a functional resume focuses on several skills sections. Here are some of the sections you need to follow in this section:

Firstly, you need to put the “Summary of Qualifications” section. This section describes your skills in the best possible way. For example, you can discuss your past internships, projects or extracurricular activities. But, make sure everything is related to the job you are applying for.

The next comes in the “Professional Skills” or “Relevant Skills” section. It is used to discuss your hard skills or technical skills. These skills are acquired through education or practice. For example, data management and budgeting are some of the hard skills.

The “Soft Skills” are the most important elements of your Skills section. It includes those personal traits that lead to better job performance. No doubt, almost every firm focuses on soft skills attributes when recruiting employees. Some of the popular soft skills include problem-solving, interpersonal skills, and organizational skills.

Work History

When writing about your professional work history, make sure to keep this section as simple as possible. At the same time, it should be concise and coherent. List the names of the companies you have worked for. Also, include the dates of employment so recruiters can get a better idea of your previous jobs. Fresh candidates who lack formal work experience can focus on any relevant volunteer work, internships or extracurricular activities.

Indeed, focusing on your academic credentials is the best way to make a good impression. The education section can make a big impact on hiring managers or job recruiters. You can add information about relevant training or certifications.

Combination Resume

As the name suggests, this kind of resume is a combination of both a chronological resume and a functional resume. Most importantly, it focuses more on your work achievements. Free resume templates downloads can help write a professional combination resume.

Writing Tips for Combination Resume

Writing a combination resume requires you to include a summary statement. As compared to a functional resume (where an objective statement can be added), you need to add a summary resume to your combination resume. This section gives you an opportunity to show how your skills and achievements can fit a job position you are applying for.

A combination resume allows you to categorize your “Skills” into two sections. These sections include Summary or Key Skills. In the first section, all you need is to describe your major skills. Also, tell the recruiters how you have used these skills in your previous jobs. On the other hand, the second section focuses on your specific abilities that meet the current job description.

When writing a work history for a combination resume, you can emphasize your unique achievements from previous job positions. Also, make sure to quantify your results in the right way. Indeed, it is one of the major sections of your resume. For this reason, make your resume stand out.

You need to present your most recent academic achievements in a combination resume format. For example, your top academic achievements can be a graduate degree or a high school diploma. In addition, you can include any additional training during your degree.

What is the Best Resume Format for you?

Choosing the best resume format can be quite difficult for you. All you need is to select a resume format that wows the hiring managers and recruiters. It is important to choose the right resume format. If you do not have professional work experience, there is no need to opt for a chronological resume. Instead, go for a combination resume or functional resume.

What Makes the Best Resume Template?

Most resumes are designed containing some basic elements: personal info, heading statement, work experience, education, skills and achievements. We recommend choosing a resume that suits your needs and preferences. In addition, make sure it offers you the best options for customizations. Indeed, the best resume layout can make your information clear and attractive.

Free resume template downloads can help craft a professional and attractive resume. Depending on the industry, you need to choose colors and icons. WPS Office offers unique resume templates that are designed to meet your unique needs. Most importantly, you can fit information on one page because it is recommended for most industries. Our resume builder can help create the perfect layout for your resume.

Top Resume Format Templates

Are you looking for top-ranked resume formats? Of course, using the right resume format is essential to secure a job position. Also, there are a number of options for choosing a resume. You must choose a resume template that suits your industry. In this section, we will review some of the top resume format templates. Let’s find out more!

Simple White Resume for Working

Here comes one of our top resumes – Simple White Resume for Working. Indeed, it is the most commonly used resume for working. This modern resume template includes a detailed work experience section followed by education and skills. It lets you discuss your job duties and accomplishments in your previous jobs.

Creative Resume for Graduates

No doubt, creativity is the most important skill in the workplace. You can show your creativity using a creative resume template. It is a great option for anyone who wants to customize their resume for a specific job. This kind of resume template can focus on your skills, qualifications and experiences.

Fresh Simple Resume

If you are searching for a simple resume template, this is one of our best choices. Fresh Simple Resume template can create a well-crafted resume without any hassle. Most importantly, it demonstrates the most relevant skills and accomplishments. As a result, this resume can make you a strong candidate for the job position. What else are you looking for?

What Should a Resume Look Like?

Ideally, a resume should not contain more than one or two pages. Also, it should include details about your qualifications and skills from your previous jobs. Most importantly, an ideal resume is aligned to the specific job position. Make sure to follow an easy-to-read, organized format. For that purpose, most people opt for free resume templates downloads.

What is the Best Resume Format for a College Student?

If you are a college student, look no further than a functional resume format. No doubt, it is the best resume format for college students. As college students lack professional work experience, it is important to choose a format that focuses on relevant skills, internships and extracurricular activities. This is where a functional resume format comes in handy for fresh graduates who are looking for their first job.

Free resume templates are available in three popular resume formats: Chronological Resume, Functional Resume and Combination Resume. For a college student, a functional resume is a perfect choice. On the other hand, experienced candidates can use a chronological resume format because it demonstrates professional job history in detail. Undoubtedly, a reverse chronological resume is one of the most common and popular ones among others.

Looking for the best resume builder that provides free resume templates downloads? Indeed, WPS Office is a top-ranked resume builder to cover all your needs. It offers a variety of free resume templates, a few of which are discussed above. Whether you are a fresh graduate or an experienced candidate, WPS Office has something for everyone.

Want to download WPS Office ?

Visit the website today and download WPS Office in simple steps!

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chronological resume and functional resume

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  1. Should You Write a Chronological Resume or Is a Functional Resume Better?

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  2. Chronological Resume Example For Students

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  3. Resume Types Chronological Functional Combination

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  4. 36++ Functional chronological combination resume examples For Your

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  5. Chronological Resume Format: Is it right for you? + Examples

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  6. How To Choose The Right Resume Format For You

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  1. How to write a Functional Resume?| Resume kaise likhen?

  2. Functional Resumes

  3. What is the best resume format for 2023?

  4. Chronological vs Functional resume

  5. Résumé/How to write Résumé?/ Communication Skills/ Technical Writing/parts of resume/resume writing

  6. Chronological and Functional CV || Degree semester 6

COMMENTS

  1. Chronological vs Functional Resumes: What is the Difference?

    Many functional resumes also include a work history section, but it is typically brief and listed beneath your skills. Read more: 10 Resume Writing Tips to Help You Land a Job Differences between chronological and functional resumes There are several key differences between chronological and functional resumes, including: Structure

  2. Functional vs. Chronological Resume: What's the Difference?

    When to use a functional resume. The following are times when you should consider using a functional resume rather than a chronological resume: You are re-entering the workforce after time off. You are interested in changing career paths. You have a job history with several different types of jobs rather than progressive jobs in the same field.

  3. Functional vs Chronological Resume with Examples

    How to write a chronological resume. 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 ...

  4. Functional vs Chronological Resume—Difference & Examples

    A functional resume focuses on the skills you've gained throughout your career, with less importance given to your exact work history. A chronological resume, meanwhile, places emphasis on your work history, as it lists every relevant job you've held in reverse-chronological order (most recent first). But—.

  5. Different Types of Resumes (With Examples)

    Functional Resume. Combination Resume. Infographic Resume. Resume with Profile/Summary. Photo: Adrian Mangel / The Balance. There are several basic types of resumes you can use to apply for job openings. You can choose to write a chronological, functional, combination, or a targeted resume. Each resume type is used for different purposes.

  6. Chronological vs Functional Resume: How to Choose the Best Format

    If you have a solid and consistent work history, a chronological resume might be the best choice. On the other hand, if you have gaps, changes, or limited experience, a functional or hybrid resume ...

  7. Functional Vs. Chronological Resume: Which Is Right for You?

    Functional Resumes. The key highlight of a functional resume vs a chronological resume is that functional resumes are skills-based. Instead of starting with your current job and moving backward, a functional resume focuses on your skills and abilities, instead of your job history. Generally, a functional resume starts with your name and then a ...

  8. Functional VS. Chronological Resume

    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.

  9. Chronological Resume Guide: Template and Tips

    Other common resume types include functional resumes, which highlight skills, or combination resumes, which mix elements of chronological and functional resumes. Learn more about [the various types of resumes you may want to consider]. In this article, we'll walk through the chronological resume format and offer some tips as you write your own.

  10. Chronological Resume

    The chronological resume format is a top choice among job seekers and a favorite among recruiters, too. Check out our free chronological resume templates. ... The three main types of resume formats are the chronological, functional/skills-based one, and a combination resume format of the two. What you choose to use will depend on the type of ...

  11. Functional Resume: Definition, Tips and Examples

    A functional resume is a resume format that primarily showcases a candidate's skills. As opposed to a reverse-chronological resume that organizes a candidate's experience under their previously or currently-held professional jobs held in order of recency, the functional resume groups a candidate's experience under skills or categories of ...

  12. Chronological Resume Template, Examples, & Format

    A chronological resume emphasizes your work history, listing experiences in reverse-chronological order, while a functional resume focuses on your skills and qualifications, grouping them by function instead of presenting a chronological timeline. Functional resumes can be useful for job seekers with employment gaps, frequent job changes, or ...

  13. Functional Resume: Template, Examples, and Writing Guide

    Typically the skills section of a functional resume is about the same size as the work experience section of a chronological resume. When writing the resume skills section on your functional resume, choose at least three skills that are highly applicable to the job you're applying for. For each skill, add 3 or 4 bullet-point examples that ...

  14. Chronological Resume vs. Functional Resume (With Tips)

    A chronological resume allows you to highlight your work history and accomplishments in reverse chronological order. This implies that you emphasize your most recent job first, followed by previous roles, and end with your earliest position. In contrast, a functional resume format highlights your abilities and skills instead of your ...

  15. What Is a Functional Resume? Template, Examples, & Tips

    A functional resume, also known as a skill-based resume, is a type of resume format that focuses on skills and experience over chronological work history. The purpose of a functional resume is to present a candidate's experience in a skills summary section instead of the work experience section. Because of its properties, it's sometimes ...

  16. Choosing the Right Resume Format: Chronological vs Functional

    Functional resume format. The functional resume format is quite different from the chronological resume format. The functional resume format is built to emphasize skills over work experience. This ...

  17. Chronological, Functional or Combination Resume Format: Pick the Best

    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 ...

  18. How to Write a Functional Resume [4 Free Templates Included]

    Helped source speakers, organize the event, find sponsors, and overall ensured that the event went smoothly. #4. Education. The next section on your functional resume is Education, and this one's actually pretty straightforward. Name of the university and dates attended (e.g. Boston State University, 2012 - 2016)

  19. Functional Resume Guide: Template and Tips

    Your functional resume will look slightly different than the chronological format you may be used to, particularly in how you present your skills and work experience. However, the structure of your other resume sections will remain consistent. Typically, a functional resume will include these key sections: Header. Objective or summary.

  20. Resume Formats: Chronological, Functional, & Combo

    The Three Common Resume Formats: 1. Reverse chronological format. By far the most used resume format. This format presents work experience or qualification from most recent to oldest. It is the most common resume format. The layout makes its easy for a recruiter to get a fast first impression of your history.

  21. Chronological Resume

    Chronological resume format for a warehouse manager. Like this reverse-chronological resume example, use your work history to show how you've improved operations and profits as a manager, using specific numbers that demonstrate your effectiveness (e.g., improving inventory accuracy by 25%). Use this template.

  22. How to Write a Chronological Resume (Tips and Examples)

    How to write a chronological resume. 1. List your contact information. Begin with your name and contact information. Provide your phone number, email address and location, including your city and state. You can also include optional links to a professional networking site or online portfolio in this section.

  23. Functional Resume Template and Why Recruiters Hate This

    Recruiters dislike functional resumes for two main reasons: 1. It conceals information. "You're taking information out of context [in a functional resume]," said the recruiter. "It's easier to BS your way through to make things sound glamorous.". The functional resume format raises suspicion among recruiters.

  24. How to Write a Resume for Retail Operations with No Experience

    Chronological resumes list your work history in reverse order, starting with the most recent. Functional resumes focus on your skills and abilities, rather than your work history.

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

    When 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 ...

  26. In Plain Sight: What Employers Seek And Candidates Hide On Resumes

    Resumes are still experience-based vs. skills-based, and chronological versus functional; this is especially true for early career candidates, who do not have enough experience to create a ...

  27. Free Resume Templates Download Word

    Free resume templates are available in three popular resume formats: Chronological Resume, Functional Resume and Combination Resume. For a college student, a functional resume is a perfect choice. On the other hand, experienced candidates can use a chronological resume format because it demonstrates professional job history in detail.

  28. Chronological Resume Format: A Guide for Freshers First Job

    A chronological resume format may work well for freshers who have a solid and related work history, while a combination or functional resume format may be more effective for freshers who have limited or diverse work experience, or who want to highlight their skills and qualifications.