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Here is a simple checklist that you can use as a reference for developing your resume in the best possible format for a multifaceted executive job search.

If you answer "yes" to any of the following questions, you should be using a Chronological Resume Format

-- Do you have steady career progression in the past 10+ years and are seeking similar career opportunities in the same industry?

-- Has your experience been with Fortune 500 or top name, industry leading companies?

-- Are you partnering with an executive recruiter as part of your job search campaign?

-- Are you launching an international job search to take advantage of career opportunities in other countries?

-- Are you targeting more conservative career fields or industries like law, accounting, banking or government?

-- Are you are changing fields but looking to maximize your same functional expertise?  (For example: marketing executive in media industry targeting marketing executive positions in healthcare industry)

If you answer "yes" to any of the following questions, you should be using a Functional Resume Format

-- Are you re-entering the workforce after a long break and want to transition into a new career?

-- Are you changing careers and pursuing opportunities that are a different function from your past experience?

-- Is your work history inconsistent - you have changed jobs very frequently and have employment gaps?

-- Does your entire career consistent of positions with essentially the same responsibilities over and over again?

Note: Regardless of the resume format that you decide to use, it is very important to let the employer's needs/requirements guide you in determining what aspects of your career background gets included in your executive resume.

If you are not targeting positions in sales, then highlight your sales training courses and awards does not belong on your resume - no matter how impressive you think it is.