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The Functional Résumé Format*
What is a functional résumé format?
A functional résumé format emphasizes the functions or roles that the applicant has already performed, or could perform in the workplace. This very effective type of résumé describes the accomplishments, achievements, and abilities of the applicant, whether gained through paid work experience or through vocational training, hobbies, volunteer work experience, community activities, or just plain life experience.
In a functional résumé, less emphasis is put on when and where you worked. You don’t have to attach years to your accomplishments, nor do you have to link experience to specific employers or organizations. Since a functional format de-emphasizes time, it also underplays your age- something to consider if you fear you will be perceived as too old or too young.
When should a functional résumé format be used?
Use a functional résumé if you:
- Want to emphasize your work skills and accomplishments instead of describing your job duties.
- Have a work history that is out of sync with new career goals.
- Do not have a great deal of experience (volunteer or paid) related to the position you seek.
- Have noticeable gaps in work history.
- Are a veteran who can relate your military training to the job.
- Are changing careers into a new job area that is different from past employment.
When should a functional résumé format not be used?
Do not use a functional résumé if you:
- Have an extensive employment history that relates to the job you are now seeking.
How do I write a functional résumé?
The functional résumé takes more time and thought than the chronological résumé. It requires some serious thinking and self-assessment, not to mention good writing skills. If this is a problem, try to find a friend or family member who can give you a hand. For someone without a great deal of paid job experience, it is well worth the time and effort to get it done right.
A common and effective format for a functional résumé involves the following four categories:
- Personal Data
- Employment Objective
- Skill Areas
- Education
Personal Data
As with all types of résumés, begin by stating your name, address, and telephone number at the top of the page. It is common to place this information in the center of the page. It is neither necessary nor advisable to give additional personal information, such as marital status, age, ethnic background, religion, etc.
Employment Objective
When you have a specific career goal in mind, state this objective in brief, clear terms under the heading "Employment Objective." If you are certain of the job that you want, and you are confident that it is a realistic objective, simply state the job title (e.g. Nursing Assistant, Security Guard).
If you are open to accepting more than one type of job in your field, or if you are unsure precisely what type of position would suit you, write an objective in more general terms: “Employment Objective: An entry-level position in the field of Computer Operation.”
Skill areas
Make a list of the skill areas which best reflect your capabilities and experience. Skill areas include:
- Accounting/Finances
- Administration
- Clerical
- Communication
- Community Affairs
- Construction
- Customer Service
- Data Processing
- Electronics
- Fund Raising
- Human Relations
- Instructions
- Leadership
- Management
- Machine Operation
- Materials Handling
- Organization
- Planning
- Production
- Programming
- Public Speaking
- Sales
- Secretarial
- Supervising
- Teaching
- Technology
Education
Your educational experience, including any vocational training, may be listed under the heading "Education" and placed either before or after the "Skill Areas" section. If you wish to stress the training or education that you have received (especially if your educational background puts you in a good light), place this category before the "Skill Areas" section.
In reverse chronological order (i.e. most recent first), list the dates and type of certification received or courses of study pursued on one line, and, on the following line, list the name and location of the school you attended. Again, you should designate only the year that you finished your training or education. If you are continuing your education, put the year you began and indicate that you are presently enrolled. For example, write “1999 to Present.”
It is not necessary to list your high school diploma if you have any college experience, since it will be assumed that you graduated from high school. If you have not taken any college courses, you may wish to list you high school diploma or the date of your GED.
It is not wise to include training or schooling that would indicate that you are currently studying for a career in a field other than the one for which you are applying.
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