Charles Said:

Functional or Chronological Resume, which should I use?

We Answered:

I think if you wish to move to a different sector of work you should use a hybrid between a targeted CV/Resume and a functional one.

The targeted CV/Resume is where skills are highlighted that are desirable for a particular job and focuses on communicating specific information related to one particular field or sector. It is best for use if you know the company well owing to research or to reply to a specific advert that details skills required by the post-holder.

The chronological CV/Resume is time bound, giving a historical account working backwards from the present. It demonstrates clear career progression and a strong, checkable work history or that you have worked for high calibre employers etc. This is often used when seeking similar work to that already undertaken.

The functional CV/Resume focuses on skills and accomplishments rather than where these were gained. The emphasis can be placed where you want it to be for example on the administrative element of a role rather than the customer service element etc. Again, good for use if trying to change career or if your major achievements are recent.

Don't forget, although you wish to highlight one particular point of your career history, there will still be valuable transferable skills gained along the way in other parts so I think it would be a bad idea to lose those altogether, particularly as they seem to be recent.

You might want to look into updating the engineering skills in order to show potential employers how serious you are about returning to the field. You obviously will have an excellent base upon which to build.

Hope you make the right decision for you, and best of luck.

David Said:

If I attended the same university twice to get my Bachelors degree, do I put it on my resume twice?

We Answered:

its the degree you put on your resume. so list the degree and the university you received it from...one time. the other university would not be listed unless you received some type of degree or certification. if you have some achievement or special training you want to emphasize from the other university you can create a section such as Additional Education if you want.

Jay Said:

Should I change the format of my resume....?

We Answered:

Yes - this is probably a better option for you.

In cases where you want to focus your interviewer's attention on your skills and qualifications, put these first.

A functional resume allows this.