Mary H. ⋅ Waltham, MA Hewlett Packard Enterprise ⋅ 20 years experience

When I have been on the receiving end of resumes, I didn't care which format was chosen or if it is one or two pages (your other forum question). What is key to getting consideration beyond that first read is to make sure it is cohesive, grammar and spelling are correct, and not repetitive. Someone who lacks an attention to detail for a resume isn't a person who fills you with confidence for work.

Alan Dankwerth ⋅ Tucson, AZ S.C. Johnson Wax ⋅ 45 years experience

Hello Again Jamell:
I'd go with a chronological format (starting with the most recent). Emphasize what you accomplished in each assignment/role (ie. Conducted a market research study which lead to the launching of a new product/service). Highlight those accomplishments which "zero in" on the potential employer's job description. (Think in terms of "why should I hire you? How can you help this potential employer?"). Will gladly look over your resume.

Best,

Alan

David Munn ⋅ New Middletown, OH Robert Morris University ⋅ 7 years experience

You received some very good advise here about the functional v. Chronological resume, so I will only add one other thing. Many HR folks are skeptical of the functional resume because some applicants use it to hide gaps in employment etc. Consequently, I would either not use one or use a hybrid resume where you include employment chronology at the end. Good Luck, Sir.

Scott Cooper ⋅ Swarthmore, PA Zodiac Aerospace ⋅ 20 years experience

I'll echo what most people said. Each resume needs to be tailored to the people to whom you are sending it. Your resume is important, and what will catch their eyes is what is most important. Don't be afraid to be unorthodox and highlight your strengths. What they want to see is someone who is (1) qualified, but also (2) is the break-out diamond in the rough. And most importantly, remember to be persistent. Keep calling. Find your POC at the company and continue to call him and tell him you're interested. You're the best candidate, they just don't know it yet.

Sheryl Gundersen ⋅ Phoenixville, PA Schuler Consultants ⋅ 29 years experience

Chronological is expected by most employers as this shows your progression (hopefully) into more demanding roles. The chronological one is what you will want to use to get yourself an interview. Also include in your chronological resume (1) an objective - demonstrating what type of job, industry, and company you seek, (2) brief career overview of yourself, and (3) matrix or list of strengths and technical skills. (4) Then list the chronological skills and (5) finish with education and courses you have completed.

If you have transitioned careers, you can also have a functional resume to explain the similar skills used in different roles throughout your career. But that would be for explanation purposes not to post on a website or send to a prospective employer, but to bring into an interview in case anyone has questions.

Richard Buck ⋅ Patterson, NY EY ⋅ 25 years experience

Chronological is usually the best way to go. But put a table on table with your strengths

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Richard Buck
76warrior85@gmail.com
www.linkedin.com/in/ribuck/
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Robert Schamis ⋅ Berwyn, PA U.S. Air Force, Senior Airman ⋅ 4 years served

I tend to agree with Tom Cal's answer regarding attention to detail; however, having changed careers several times, I found that a letter to the hiring manager summarizing your skills and how you can apply them to his/her needs ending with 'my resume and references are available upon request' worked every time. Make sure you follow up with a phone call after a few days to make sure he got your letter; and if he has any questions. If possible, start a conversation with him throwing in some personal 'stuff'. The purpose of your call is to get an appointment.
Most importantly, only go after the positions that you want; and don't panic.

Judy Tomlinson ⋅ Dallas, TX Energy Future Holdings ⋅ 25 years experience

I would put a chronological list of jobs first and then add a Skills Catagory that highlights your specific skills. I'd be happy to help you to create an updated version.
Judy Tomlinson
tomlinsonjk@aol.com

CJ Wallington ⋅ Chantilly, VA U.S. Army, Lieutenant Colonel ⋅ 23 years served

having gone through this for other during my reviews of their resumes, I've found that chronological works better. It's easier for people to track where you've been and what you've done in those positions. The more important part is making your bullet points quantifiable; "managed staff in delivering results" doesn't tell me much, but "managed 36 person office, scheduling 4 large scale (100+ attendees) events over 1 year" tells me a heck of a lot more.

Paul Trejo ⋅ Austin, TX University of Texas at Austin ⋅ 40 years experience

In my experience, the format is not the key issue -- the key issue is the match of needs to skills. I recommend adding only those interests and hobbies that directly relate to the needs of the employer. Employers are focused on their own needs -- addressing those needs will get their attention. If you can do that with a chronlogical resume, fine (with the latest experience first, obviously). You should place those skills that directly or most closely match the employer's needs first. Give them precedence in every way. It depends on your skills -- if your earlier jobs best match the customer's needs, then a functional resume will probably be best. If your latest job skills match best, the structure of a chronological resume is pleasing to the eye.

Best wishes,
--Paul Trejo, MA

Sandy Noirjean ⋅ Jericho, NY Aon ⋅ 27 years experience

Chronological starting with most recent. When transitioning from one career to another, suggest including some personal interests, hobbies, volunteer work, etc., at the end of the resume as well. This shows your potential employer diversification of talents.

Michael Burbey ⋅ Sherman, NY General Electric ⋅ 20 years experience

Chronological is always my favorite choice, employers want to see your progression

Tom Cal, CFA ⋅ San Francisco, CA Army Veteran, Investment Manager ⋅ 25 years experience

When you are ready, post asking for a review of your resume and LinkedIn profile. I'm confident you'll get several offers of assistance.

Ensure your resume and LinkedIn profile are both high quality. Since LinkedIn profiles are primary chronological, perhaps first put your resume in chronological format and have it reviewed. Then consider a functional version.