Everything you need to know about the functional resume format

Traditional resume formats have been around for decades, with almost all job applicants sticking to the tried-and-true chronological resume. However, the chronological resume does not fit every candidate out there. While it is the most popular resume format in the use, the chronological resume format would be highly disadvantageous for a candidate who has held multiple jobs for short periods. If you have had trouble getting hired with a traditional resume and are considering a functional resume, you are reading the right article!

When should you consider writing a functional resume?

If you have not had a smooth career journey, a skills-based resume would give you the best chance to impress recruiters. If you have had several unrelated jobs too, this resume format will help you present a better front. Some job seekers who benefit from writing a functional resume are:

• Candidates who have a history of job hopping
• Those who have shifted careers frequently
• Recent graduates without much experience
• Stay-at-home parents returning to the workforce
• Caregivers who have taken a career break to tend to a family member

How does the functional resume work?

The functional resume format is also known as the skills-based resume format. If you want to create a functional resume, you must strategically group your key skills into different categories in the key skills section of your resume. The relevant work experience you have related to each skill section, is under the main topic. You can even list the accomplishments you have for each skills section. The work experience section of a functional resume goes at the very bottom and is brief. You can simply add a list of the job titles you’ve held, along with the company names and employment dates. Some candidates even omit work experiences from their resumes to hide career gaps. But lying on your resume will expose you to many risks later on.

The drawbacks of a functional resume

While the functional resume feels like a dream where the combinational resume format has failed you, it comes with its own set of challenges. The functional resume leaves off a lot of dates. This will naturally make a hiring manager suspicious that you are hiding something. It can also become a little frustrating for the reader as they try hard to figure out where exactly to place your achievements in your career story. As the functional resume puts more emphasis on your professional skills, the skills section of your resume is where the employer’s attention is directed all the time. This may take their focus away from your work experience, making you seem inexperienced to handle the job role.

Get a resume review for your functional resume

Written a functional resume but not too sure about how successful it is? Visit the Resume Mansion website and get yourself a free resume review. All you have to do is upload your current resume and one of our professional resume writers would give you feedback on what needs changing.