Chronological vs Functional

Chronological resume

A chronological resume enumerates a candidate's education and job experiences in reverse chronological order.

The chronological format is by far the most common resume layout used by Malaysian fresh graduates and junior executives. In using this format, the main body of the document becomes the Education/Professional experience section, starting from the most recent experience going chronologically backwards through a succession of previous experience. The chronological resume works to build credibility through experience gained, while illustrating career growth over time.

In Malaysia, the chronological resume tends to extend only as far back as the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) qualifications.

Functional resume

A functional resume lists work experience and skills sorted by skill area or job function.

The functional resume is used to assert a focus to skills that are specific to the type of position being sought. This format directly emphasizes specific professional capabilities and utilizes experience summaries as its primary means of communicating professional competency. In contrast, the chronological resume format will briefly highlight these competencies prior to presenting a comprehensive time line of career growth via reverse-chronological listing with most recent experience listed first.

The functional resume works well for senior executives and management levels whose making a career change. It is also preferred for applications to jobs that require a very specific skill set or clearly defined personality traits.