Chronological and Functional
If you’re in a hurry (your résumé has to be in a hiring manager’s hands by 8 a.m. tomorrow), take the quick quiz that follows. It will give you an idea of which of the two main formats (chronological or functional) to use. If the indicator in the first column is true for you, place a check mark in the shaded box. If it is not true for you, place a check mark in the unshaded box. Although your situation might not be clear-cut, limit your responses to one check mark per row.
One-Minute Quick Quiz
Now add the check marks for both the Chronological and Functional columns and place the total for each column in the Totals row. If the number of “chronologicals” outweighs the “functionals,” you should probably use a chronological format. If the reverse is true, and you have more “functional” responses, consider presenting your skills in a functional format.
Tip: Weigh the pros and cons of each format when determining which to use. If you’re a candidate who might go either way, write both versions; then “test market” the résumé with friends or colleagues who have human resources backgrounds or hiring experience. Honest feedback from colleagues can be invaluable in determining the best presentation for your résumé.
Remember, this quiz is a simplified formula to use when you want to crank out a résumé in about an hour. For those of you with inquiring minds who want to know the strategy behind why you’re using a particular format (remember, knowledge is power), you’ll benefit from reading through the rest. In it, you’ll learn that, beyond the chronological and functionalformats, you can choose from many other format variations, one of which will suit your unique mix of career experiences. You’ll also be encouraged when you see how these different formats solved a variety of professional problems for some average people and some not-so-average people.
One Page or Two?
Résumé length should be determined by several factors, including the number of years of experience you possess, your position level, and your industry (for instance, résumés for educators are typically longer than résumés for sales professionals). Use this general rule of thumb for deciding on length:
- One page for new graduates or people with 5 to 10 years of experience.
- Two pages for management-level candidates and those with more than 10 years of experience.
- Two to three pages for “C”-level executives (such as chief executive officer, chief operating officer, or chief financial officer).