Which Resume Style is Best for You?
Chronological:
- Best when looking for work in your current industry
- Highlights a strong employment history
- Traditional, most familiar presentation style
- Works best with most HRIS systems, online applications
(the automated search databases many companies use)
Functional (Skills-Based):
- Best for career-changers to show off relevant skills
- Downplays former industry, highlights re-purposed skill sets
- Works best if uploaded as .pdf, distributed in Word, on paper
- Non-traditional layout
It’s Your Style!
Think critically about what you want to convey. Choose a resume style that best supports your objective.
Recognize that each style has its pros and cons. Evaluate each one carefully.
Career changers with functional resumes should network first then send their resume and cover letter as a follow up to those conversations.
Resume style choices should always be preceded with a consideration of how each receiving company manages their search and selection process (HRIS).
Lisa has 14 years of résumé coaching experience.
She currently directs day-to-day operations and programming of a career center at a two-year technical college. From 2006-2008, she served as State Chair of a national organization to support women leaders in higher education. She remains on the Board. Previously, she served as HR Director of a legal services firm and specialized in worker’s compensation issues. From 1996-1998, she worked as a graduate assistant in the career services office of a large four-year college.
Need More Advice?
Get the resume help you need!
Build your resume with the GigTide Online Resume Builder and visit the CYJ website at www.changeyourjob.us.
