What is a Functional Resume

Article on frequently asked resume question "What is a Functional Resume"

One of the most common questions regarding resumes, is what is a functional resume? With so many different formats and rules for structuring a resume so that it is received in a professional and acceptable manner-to the hiring company-it can often be confusing as to what kinds of resumes are which, and how to know if you should use one vs. another kind of format. In this article, we discuss the functional resume: what it is, how it’s structured, and if you are a good candidate for using one to present your skills and career experience to the job(s) of your pursuit.

A functional resume-or sometimes referred to as “competency-based resumes”-focus more attention on the skills or functions gained through a career history of job positions. In the most standard of resumes, the chronological resume, responsibilities are listed for each position in a chronological fashion-from one position to the next. In a functional resume; however, the experience is listed in a manner that prioritizes the skills gained and accomplishments made. Some employers gravitate more towards this kind of resume, as it shows the clear value of a job candidate immediately-without having to read into the various positions and responsibilities held to find out the same information. A hiring exec therefore, knows, if they see that a person has exceptional management skills and communication savvy; that the position they be looking to fill, can be amplified with these same skills.

Who is best off choosing a functional resume format, rather than another popular resume format? While people from all different career situations and backgrounds choose functional resume formats over the others; the most compelling situation that a person may use this format is if a person is changing industries, careers, or fulfilling a new position in the same career or industry. Whereas a person in this position might usually feel like a standard resume format, which lists all their positions held thus far in another career field or industry, may look glaringly unqualified for a particular new position; the person applying using a functional resume could list all the qualities and skills that they have gained and achieved, as a means of showing how these very same could bring just eth skill set the hiring manager is looking for to this present open position. It’s all in how information is presented, really.

So, how do you structure one of these kinds of functional resumes? First off, it is not that much different than a chronological or other popular choice for resume format. It encompasses all the same categories that the others highlight: name/contact info, objective, qualifications, career experience, education, skills, awards, etc. Where it differs is in the category of career or professional experience.

In this section, a person who has decided to go with a functional resume, would create three or four sub categories explaining the most invaluable skills and experience that the person can offer with detail. Most often, each sub category will offer a few bullet points on the most shining moments of achievement or experience as gained from a particular experience. When introducing these, it is wise to state the what, how, and who (employer) for clarification. Moreover, it is also recommended that a person writing a functional resume include the often optional objective section; to ensure that the potential employer knows your purpose-from one industry or career to another.