You're considering a career change. How do you choose between a chronological or functional resume format?

Since you're not the average job seeker who simply fires off a generic resume and hopes for the best - you already know that networking is a critical tool in your job search toolbox. If you're unsure of which resume to use for a particular job application, try this radical move and let me know how it works out for you: Find, follow, and engage with the job poster, recruiter, hiring manager, or a recent new hire at the company you're targeting. Ask them point blank: "What type of resume do you prefer?" or "What type of resume did you use to land your job with the company?" Too shy to ask. Apply on LinkedIn with one type. Apply on the Company website with the other. -- Tired of generic career advice? Follow me for clarity.

The chronological resume is the most traditional and widely recognized format. It lists your work experience in reverse chronological order, with your most recent job first. This format is ideal if you have a strong work history with progressive experience in a particular field. It allows potential employers to quickly see your career progression and the relevant experiences that make you a strong candidate for the position you’re aiming for. However, if you have gaps in your employment or are looking to make a significant industry change, this format might highlight those transitions more than your skills.

When considering a career change, a functional resume can help you spotlight transferable skills by organizing your experience around key competencies rather than job titles. If your recent roles are relevant, a chronological resume may better showcase your progression and experience. Alternatively, a hybrid format offers the best of both worlds, combining skills emphasis with a clear work history.

No, NO, do NOT use a "functional" format. I do not teach this format (and think it should never be taught) because it hurts you. Why? Your resume is immediately suspect for "hiding" something, because it doesn't show much chronology, it just lists "Skills", and gives no evidence of success. HR and recruiters want to know WHAT you did, WHEN...they want to see that you've grown and progressed. So use a hybrid style, which starts out addressing *the skills that have made you successful so far*, and pairing them with samples of success that you can duplicate at a new employer. Use the balance of the space for your chronology. *Be sure* to include metrics, results. When resumes are done this way, they more often result in interviews -- YES!

A combination resume offers a middle ground between the chronological and functional formats. This approach allows you to highlight both your skills and work experience, making it a versatile option for many job seekers. By placing a strong emphasis on your skills at the beginning of the resume, you can capture the attention of potential employers and demonstrate your qualifications. Subsequently, a concise work history section provides context for your skillset. This format can be particularly effective for candidates with a stable work history who want to emphasize specific skills or for those transitioning between industries.

For a career change, a hybrid resume format is ideal. It combines the strengths of chronological and functional formats, allowing you to highlight relevant skills and experiences while still showcasing your work history. Start with a skills summary that emphasizes transferable skills and key achievements. Follow this with a reverse-chronological work experience section that details your professional background. This approach helps employers quickly see your qualifications and how your past roles have prepared you for the new field, making your career transition clear and compelling.

When considering a career change, opt for a hybrid resume format rather than strictly chronological or functional. A hybrid resume allows you to highlight your transferable skills and relevant experiences while still providing a clear timeline of your work history. This approach effectively showcases your strengths and adaptability to potential employers.

A hybrid resume is ideal for a career change because it combines the best aspects of chronological and functional resumes. It allows you to highlight transferable skills at the top, making them immediately visible to employers, while also providing a chronological work history that demonstrates your experience. This format helps bridge the gap between your past roles and your new career direction, emphasizing relevant skills and accomplishments without ignoring your work history. It's effective for showing how your background aligns with the demands of a new field.

Remember, your resume is a dynamic document. It should evolve as your career progresses and as your target job roles change. Periodically review your resume to ensure it accurately reflects your current skills, experiences, and career goals. Stay updated on industry trends and incorporate relevant keywords to keep your resume competitive in the job market. A well-crafted and tailored resume is a powerful tool that can significantly increase your chances of landing your desired position.

Tailoring your resume for a career change is crucial. Focus on highlighting transferable skills and relevant experiences that align with the new career. Customize the summary or objective section to reflect your new career goals and how your background supports them. Use the job description as a guide to emphasize keywords and competencies that match the role. Additionally, reframe your previous job titles and duties to showcase how they relate to the new industry. This targeted approach increases your chances of standing out to hiring managers in your desired field.

Reflecting on your brand means taking a step back to evaluate how your actions, appearance, and communication align with the image you want to project. It's about ensuring that everything you do consistently conveys the message and values you want others to associate with you. This involves reviewing your online presence, the way you present yourself in professional settings, and how your skills and achievements are communicated. Regularly reflecting on your brand helps ensure that it remains authentic, relevant, and effective in advancing your personal or professional goals.

Overcoming challenges requires resilience, adaptability, and a proactive mindset. Start by clearly identifying the challenge and breaking it down into manageable parts. Develop a plan that includes actionable steps, and remain flexible as you implement it, adjusting as necessary. Seek support or advice from others who have faced similar challenges, and stay positive, focusing on what you can control. Learning from setbacks is crucial—view them as opportunities to grow rather than failures. Persistence, coupled with a willingness to learn and adapt, is key to successfully overcoming obstacles.