Functional Resumes
Today we’re going to discuss the functional resume. In summary, the functional resume format allows you to group your work experience, qualifications, and accomplishments together. For some, this makes for a stronger resume. For example, skills and experience are grouped together in order to highlight strengths and minimize weaknesses. All of this arranging and regrouping is done in an attempt to make the resume more persuasive to potential employers. You can find examples of functional resumes by putting this term into any online search engine. I will also be adding examples of functional resumes, in addition to chronological and combined resumes, to this website.
The major difference between a functional resume and a chronological one is that a functional resume is divided into types of experience, and then any positions you held with that type of related experience are briefly listed beneath. The names of the companies and the dates of employment are downplayed in a functional resume. Types of experience are highlighted instead.
Functional resumes are usually preferred by individuals who have noticeable gaps in employment history. In order to make their work experience appear more consistent, they employ a functional resume format. This is not always successful, though, because employers are aware that this occurs. That is why functional resumes are sometimes viewed with skepticism by employers. They may wonder what the candidate is trying to hide by regrouping his or her experience instead of presenting it chronologically.
Functional resumes are sometimes used by people whose work history does not match their current career goals. By regrouping experience, it allows the job seeker to present his or her experience in a way that skills that may be transferable can be showcased as opposed to particular positions. This is one of the advantages of a functional resume format. Going along with this same idea, individuals who do not have much experience with regard to a prospective position often use a functional resume.
A major drawback of the functional resume is that it’s almost like looking at a picture, but not really seeing it. While the chronological resume is clear, the functional one is not. Just when you think you've figured out where someone worked and for how long, you realize you don't really know. While the functional resume is often preferred for those switching careers, most job seekers will find the chronological resume most effective.
Check out our Cover Letters page if you need a cover letter to accompany your resume.