Which Is Best For Executive Resume: Chronological or Functional?

"Which is the most advantageous format for an executive resume: the chronological or the functional format?" -- Dan K.

Flummoxed over formats? 'Bout to go with the 'paper airplane' format? A former recruiter answers the question...
______

Which Is Best For The Executive Resume: Chronological or Functional?

"I expect to be retained by a recruitment firm, and they prepare resumes for their clients. So why should I do the work for them by writing my own?"

"I've read you should always keep your resume to a single page. How is that possible when you've got 30 years of experience?"

"I've heard that executives should write their own resumes. You know the old axiom, when you want a job done right..."

See All Resume FAQs

Dan, how about neither. Both have disadvantages when it comes to an executive resume, especially the functional format, which immediately raises red flags with most recruiters and hiring officials. The functional format in its pure form is most often associated with someone trying to hide something – be it gaps in employment, too many jobs, or lack of experience relevant to the objective. The chronological format, in its pure form, can put people to sleep faster than warm milk and a lullaby.

I recommend a hybrid of the two. Taking a cue from the functional format, start out with a profile or summary section that provides an overview of your qualifications – including specific accomplishments that speak to your capabilities and tie directly into your objective. This is your "hook." Follow that with the experience or work history section that provides context and support to those accomplishments.
______

Sidebar: If you need for an executive-level resume, you've got a task ahead of you. You can do it, of course, if you've got some marketing acumen and the time and energy to devote to studying contemporary resume techniques, executive branding, and the development of online identities at sites like LinkedIn, Twitter, Google Profile, etc. That's right, in today's world, you not only need a traditional, fully-formatted, must-read resume, but the job seeker needs to be skilled in the intricacies of social media.

Should you consider outside help? Well, if your field is particularly competitive, or if you're finding it difficult to express your job qualifications in a promotion -- yet unbiased -- manner, there are a few executive resume writers who can help. One cautionary note: there are many more "executive resume writers" who don't live up to their billing.
( Read why I'm skeptical, and see my one recommendation.)

David Alan Carter is a former technical recruiter (i.e. headhunter) and founder of Resume One of Cincinnati. For more than ten years, he personally crafted thousands of resumes for satisfied clients from all occupational walks of life, from entry-level to senior executive.

Go to "Review of Resume Writers"

Who We Are Privacy Policy Website Disclaimer Disclosure Statement Articles Site Map

Resume service... looking for a good one? Former recruiter David Alan Carter offers in-depth reviews of resume writers and professional resume writing services. Compare prices and features of professional resume writers and resume services including Carter's "Top Picks":
ResumeWriters.com | Great Resumes Fast | Monster.