Your resume could be formatted in many ways, as long as it's instantly understandable. The functional format groups information by functional areas, such as research, teaching, or clinical experience. But within each category, the most recent information goes first. Tailor your cover letter and resume to suit specific jobs, especially for positions that require unique management or clinical skills. Your cover letter and resume must showcase the strengths you bring to a position.
Every employer accepts and understands a resume organized chronologically.
The candidate's most recent experience is at the top of the section, while the oldest experience drops to the bottom. Each job has a separate listing with its corresponding dates given as years only or month and years. But the chronological method quickly spotlights job hoppers, as well as nurses stuck in the same job for years without developing their career. Some prospective employers view functional resumes with a jaundiced eye, because they assume that the candidate has something to hide that would be quickly revealed by the traditional chronological method. Always reprint your cover letter or resume when you find a mistake in spelling, punctuation, or accuracy.