Chronological Resume Versus Functional Resume
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Chronological Resume Versus Functional Resume
Chronological and functional resumes have distinct differences despite being records of career progress. Both chronological and functional resumes are types of resume formats that help in giving a summary of education accomplishments, exceptional skills and professional growth. As a common resume format, a chronological resume provides a career overview starting from the recent post to the first employment. The functional resume focuses on the unique skills and abilities an individual has that may emanate from an education background as well as job opportunities unrelated to the post applied for. Both formats, however, give the employer an impression that makes them call the one applying for a job for an interview. The paper will discuss the differences between chronological and functional resumes.
Chronological resume applies best to people with a career experience. They are straightforward as an individual lists the related accomplishments, certificates acquired as well as the relevant special skills. In such a format, an employer can identify a potential employee with required experience and achievements. The format, however, has its shortcomings as one might find a challenge in communicating their skills as well as strengths. The chronological resume also emphasizes on the employment gaps since some years are not accounted for as well as dependent on past experiences (Fabricant et al, 2014). The format also dramatizes the short-term employments that may last few months. It is, however, the simplest and the most preferred form of resumes.
On the other hand, functional resumes focus on skills, unlike the chronological resume that focuses on experience. When developing a functional resume, one highlight abilities, though may relate them with experiences. Work history is often noted at the bottom of the resume (Gerson & Gerson, 2017). The format helps in covering the gaps within an individual’s work history. It is also the best format for individuals transiting from one career to another. It is also the best way of elaborating potentials and special skills that an employer may require. The style has a challenge as most employers are not conversant with it and it downplays an individual’s experience.
I prefer the functional resume, unlike the chronological resume. The primary reason is that a functional resume gives space for an individual to elaborate their unique skills. The format also is flexible as in the contemporary world the job opportunities are dynamic. It helps an individual in increasing the range of employment possibilities in a capitalistic world. It is also the best way of communicating about abilities to the employer despite the past experiences that may not be related to the vacancy available (Chinsky, 2015). I believe in all round individuals that fit in various fields overlooking the setback of experiences due to increased self-employment rates. In my opinion, the chronological resume limits people who want to fly high by considering their progress rather than abilities. It also increases the rates of unemployment for fresh graduates as well as people transiting from one career to the other.
In conclusion, chronological resume focuses on the experiences of an individual while the functional resume focuses on the unique skills and the abilities. A chronological resume is easy to develop through it emphasizes on the employment gaps. Functional resume offers a wide opportunity to individuals transiting from one career to another as well as people with employment gaps and shallow experiences in the past. I prefer the functional resume due to its flexibility and ability to give an individual an excellent opportunity to express their special abilities. It also helps in providing individual wide opportunities regarding an application for a vacancy.
References
Chinsky Matuson, R. (2015). Learn when to use a chronological resume and when to use a functional resume format.. Monster Career Advice. Retrieved 10 January 2017, from https://www.monster.com/career-advice/article/chronological-resume-or-functional-resume
Gerson, S. J., & Gerson, S. M. (2017). Technical communication: Process and product. Boston : Pearson.
Fabricant, F., Miller, J., & Stark, Debra. (2014). Creating career success: A flexible plan for the world of work. Boston, Mass: Wadsworth Cengage.