Here is a clear difference between a functional and chronological CV to help you get started on your job search for that dream job.
It's the beginning of the year and the pressure to kick off your new year’s resolutions like getting that dream job is well underway. It all starts with a good CV, everyone tells you, but what does a good CV look like? Or better yet, what kind of CV should you use for a given job? With all these questions, we’ll share with you the difference between a functional and chronological CV below.
A functional CV
Just as it sounds, a functional CV is fit for the purpose at hand. Do you want a CV that showcases your skills even when you don’t have much work experience? This is the best CV format to use. A functional CV puts less emphasis on one’s work history and prioritizes their skill set and achievements. The main goal of this CV is to show the reader that you are capable of handling the job responsibilities through your skills and personal accomplishments. It is therefore based more on how you can use your skills at hand to handle the job in question. When should you send a functional CV?
Sample functional CV (source)
If you are a recent graduate or looking for an internship
If you are a recent graduate with not much work experience, a functional CV will do you justice. This also applies to students looking for internship experiences.
When changing careers
A functional CV comes in handy if you are changing careers. When you find yourself in a bubble of changing from one career field to another, your work history (that is not relatable to the job at hand) might not be favourable to display. Show off your core skills and achievements in line with the job at hand using a functional CV.
If you have employment Gaps
Explaining career gaps can be a worry to most candidates. It is therefore recommended that you focus more on your skills and achievements as you write your resume if your career progression is not clear.
A chronological CV
This CV format follows a given order of details in your CV. It provides more in-depth explanations of your work experience as opposed to a functional CV. For instance, when filling out your employment history, you will begin with your most recent or current position followed by previous roles in order of date.
A chronological CV is perfect for job seekers who have a strong work history with no gaps. It suits anyone looking for a better job opportunity, career progression, and development.
Sample chronological CV (Source)
Key differences in a functional and chronological CV
Structure
A functional CV is often shorter than a chronological CV, given the fact that those who opt for a functional CV have little experience with the job in question. On the other hand, a chronological CV has more sections that require more content. Unlike the chronological CV, a functional CV will begin with a detailed and in-depth overview of one’s qualifications, skills, and accomplishments.
Focus
A functional CV focuses more on the candidate's potential to do the job through their skills, qualifications, and accomplishments. On the other hand, a chronological CV focuses on one’s work history, experience, and educational progression.
Which one should you use?
A functional CV will work best for students looking for internship experience, graduates, and professionals looking to change careers whereas a chronological CV is more appealing for those looking for career advancement in the same line of experience or a better job.
After understanding the differences between a functional and chronological CV, we know that the best CV will depend on what opportunity one is looking for at a particular time. Therefore, there is no best CV format.
It should be noted that some recruiters will prefer a chronological CV to a functional CV because it clearly shows a candidate’s career progression and growth. Patricia Owori, a Talent and Acquisition Specialist rates a chronological CV as her best CV format in a recent article. However, she also highlights a key disadvantage to the format is that it does not show one’s achievements and skill set like the functional CV.
Looking at the current trends in the job market, recruiters are looking for a bit of everything. A candidate who merges these two CV formats is at a higher advantage than one who opts to stick to one. Both these formats have outstanding advantages, and missing out on either is not a good idea.
Here is what you can take home, if you are a recent graduate or student with no work experience, a functional CV will do you justice. But keep your CV up to date as you grow through your career. For professionals seeking a change in career path, a functional CV format will give you clear guidelines to follow, but if you can add or relate your past work experience to the job at hand, then go for it.
In a nutshell, the competition to stand out from the rest of the applicants is tough. Being creative in this day and era is key for any job seeker. Think outside the box as you send out applications. The best advice for making a good CV is to tailor your CV to the job at hand while maintaining the basic CV rules.
