What’s the Difference Between a Chronological and Hybrid Resume?

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Technology has made a lasting and enormous impact in every single industry in the world. No business model has been left untouched but eh technological advances of the 21st century, namely computer technology. Think of how many things are handled differently today than they were just 25 years ago! Along with the industry changes, the job market has also made changes to adapt to technology as well. Not only has the job market become highly diversified with cultural and legislative changes ensure equal opportunities, but the technological changes have ushered in an entirely new recruitment and hiring process for employers.

One of the most obvious changes in the job application and hiring process is the process of writing and submitting an individual’s resume. The old process of hand drafting a quick resume listing previous employment and hand delivering it to the hiring manger is unheard of in the modern age. For many, this is the hiring process they are used to, which is why most turn to a professional resume writing service to produce their resume.

There are multiple types of resumes, and all have their strengths and purposes. The main resume formats used in the marketplace are chronological, hybrid, functional and targeted. Chronological and hybrid resumes are by far and large the most frequently used resume types, but all four formats do have their appropriate place for use. Determining which resume format to use can be the tricky part. It relies on understanding your experience, skills, and professional goals. Here, we’ll dive into the resume types to see what makes them differ.

What is a Chronological Resume?

The chronological resume is the most used resume format and is often referred to as the preferred option. Not only is this format more friendly to write, it’s also the most convenient to update as your career progresses. A chronological resume puts a heavy focus on your previous work history and experiences and lists them in chronological order starting from the most recent and working backward.

A typical chronological resume will first present the applicant’s contact information and is then followed by a career summary. Following the career summary, the resume then emphasizes the detailed employment history for the applicant starting with the most recent information and working backwards, at times even until educational periods.

What is a Hybrid Resume?

The hybrid resume is the second most widely used resume format. It’s also referred to as the chromo-functional resume, or the combination resume. The reason for these names lies in the basis of the format itself. The hybrid resume pulls the most powerful elements from the chronological resume and combines them with the highlights of the functional resume.

For reference, a functional resume puts its focus on the skills that a job seeker possesses, and shies away from focusing much time on specific work experience or employment history. The functional resume documents the skills and strengths that aided the applicant in their prior successes. 

Hybrid resumes are often used by individuals with frequent job changes, employment gaps, or little to no relevant job experience that correlates with the position they are interested in. The hybrid resume shows the strengths of the person though a demonstration of one’s abilities rather than one’s work history.

What is the Difference Between a Chronological Resume and a Hybrid Resume?

Even though chronological and hybrid resumes have their differences, they are both highly used formats in the job search process. Both resumes are able to effectively promote a candidate for a job opportunity. The difference lies in where the resume formats place the emphasis. Even though a hybrid resume avoids placing it’s focus on an individual’s specific career experience, it does promote that individuals capabilities and skills gained from prior employment that strengthens that person’s resume.

In most cases, a chronological resume will be about two pages in length. A hybrid resume can be one or two pages in length. The length depends on the amount of relevant information that will bolster one’s portfolio. In either case, when choosing between a chronological and hybrid resume, make sure you choose the one that best represents your strengths, whether that is an impressive work history, or impressive skill sets. 

In the end, writing a resume that garners interviews is part art and part science. While we understand what is needed on a certain level from formatting perspectives, the art in resume writing is something one can only perfect with time and experience. That’s why many job-seekers turn to professional resume writing services to compile their own resume. A resume writing service will know which resume format best represents you as a candidate, and will take care of promoting you in the best way possible to recruiters and hiring managers. 

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