Chronological Resume vs. Functional. All the differences. Find out how to make a chronological or functional resume format in Word.
In your forays into the world of work, you will find yourself with various types of Curriculum Vitae. In this post we show you the two most used and effective when applying for a job: The Functional Curriculum and the Chronological Curriculum.
We explain below the main differences between a Chronological and a Functional Curriculum.
The Chronological Curriculum
What is a Chronological Resume, definition
It is a Curriculum Vitae model in which you order your work experience as a historical record.
The fact that it is chronological means that you organize your information in the order that it happened, so you start with your oldest achievements and work your way up to where you are today.
Of the known models, this is the most common and accepted in the world of work, especially for its easy organization and reading.
A person in charge of HR, receives large volumes of resumes, with which he will value every minute he saves reading them.
How to make a Chronological Resume?
To make a Chronological Curriculum you have to know that the experience and training is recorded sequentially and its content should include the following sections:
- Personal data: in this section you will include your names and surnames, date of birth or age, email, telephone contact number, address and place of origin (city and town where you were born)
- Professional training: it is important that you indicate the two types of training that is obtained throughout life: formal and informal. Each and every one of them must include the year in which you did it and be arranged, as the type of Curriculum expresses it, in chronological order. In the case of formal instruction, your CV must indicate your academic title and any other learning that you have obtained academically. On the other hand, informal refers to those learnings that you have achieved based on experience in previous jobs, courses not strictly linked to your academic training, knowledge product of books you have read or any empirical knowledge that you achieved on your own. In both cases, remember to clearly specify the name of the degree you mention and indicate the year in which you obtained it. It is also essential that you point out the way in which you acquired the learning. For example, if it was face-to-face or online.
- Languages: Mention the languages you speak and your degree of proficiency with each one. In the event that you have had a learning experience in another country, it is valid and recommended that you indicate it.
- Merits and publications: in case you have any award or recognition, mention it in your chronological CV. This also applies if you have a book, brochure, or published work. Remember to specify the year, and even the publisher with which you edited your publication.
Characteristics of the Chronological CV: strong points and drawbacks
The Chronological Curriculum Vitae allows you to have an order about your professional development and the fulfillment of your responsibilities in various positions.
In addition, it allows the recruiter to know, specifically, what are the companies in which you have participated and can give strength to your CV thanks to the prestige they have.
Among the drawbacks of this Curriculum, is the fact that it is exposed if you have frequently changed jobs, some period in which you have been unemployed and inexperience for the position in which you apply, especially if it is your first job.
The Functional Curriculum
What is a Functional Curriculum, definition
Unlike the Chronological CV, the Functional CV focuses on education, skills and abilities rather than your work history.
Its structure is not determined by the successive order in which you did your training, but by the topics and the interest you have in grouping them strategically so that they are relevant and help you achieve the job you are looking for.
How to make a Functional Curriculum?
When making a Functional Resume you must follow the same process as a Chronological Resume. In the case of personal data, the formula is maintained. You must mention your full name, date of birth or age and all that basic information with which your recruiter can easily locate you in case you are selected.
From now on, it is when the differences between the two options that we propose are noticeable.
- Objective: express what you are looking for in this job and avoid speaking in the abstract. A formula like: “I want to undertake a new work adventure and generate an experiential development that complements my work…”, is infectious, because it is difficult to understand. It is common that, in the search to impress with our Curriculum, we use convoluted language. This is not the case. He prefers something like: “I want to achieve the position of office manager and contribute my 10 years of experience in the position”
- Skills: mention those that are related to the objective you set for yourself. It doesn’t make any sense for you to include your computer skills if you’re applying as a chef. Include what you know how to do skillfully. If you are learning to use Excel, specify how knowledgeable you are and what you know how to do. Remember that a skill is a well-developed competency. So it is best that you avoid talking about what you are not really competent in yet.
- Achievements: This is the perfect time for you to talk about what you have accomplished throughout your work history, but without mentioning the year or date you did it. Clearly demonstrate what those tasks were that you performed and avoid falling into arrogance. An achievement would be: “45% increase in effectiveness in the distribution of bread in retail stores”. Preferably, speak with concrete data.
- Additional information: if you do not have much work experience, include those activities that could add a plus to your profile. Mention additional languages you speak, diplomas, and any other experience that earns you points with your employer on your Functional Resume.
Characteristics of the Functional CV: strong points and drawbacks
As a strong point, the fact that the information is organized in a less rigid way stands out and you can focus on what you know, without having to mention your experience. This type of Curriculum is indicated if you have little experience.
In the event that your position requires you to demonstrate your work experience with chronological data, this type of CV loses strength and makes it impossible for you to describe your work in previous jobs.
Now that you know the two basic types of Curriculum: Functional Curriculum vs. Chronological Curriculum, if you are interested in making a basic Curriculum, the ideal is that you take advantage of the best of each one and play with the possibilities that they offer you.
Everything will depend on the experience you accumulate and how you want to show it. It is also important that you meet the requirements of the company. Most have selection processes whose specifications you must meet if you want to be a legitimate candidate for a position.
Find a balance between both types of CV and more easily achieve the job you want.
