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A Functional Resume - Is It For You?

A functional resume is organized by relevant skills or functions. These sets of skills (usually three) contain relevant accomplishments and are placed near the beginning of the resume, rather than with past jobs. The record of employment is listed near the end of the resume, but without giving job responsibilities.

Some hiring managers and recruiters dislike this resume format, because it is easier to disguise a poor work record. This type of format works well for people with problem careers, such as job hoppers, older workers, people with large gaps in employment, people making a career transition, and job seekers with academic deficiencies or limited experience.

A functional resume should include:

Personal Information. The header should include your name, address (include zip code or postal code), telephone number(s), and email address.

Career or Job Objective/Title (optional). Include a clear, concise job target (a specific position) - i.e. Senior Manufacturing Executive - Multi Site Operations. Then, everything else that you include in your resume needs to support this target.

Summary of Qualifications (Skills). This is where most job seekers have problems; they have a difficult time bringing it all together. Understanding what should be included in a "skills summary" comes from knowledge of what employers are generally looking for in various career fields. What basic skills and knowledge relate to you and the position you are applying for?

Keywords. Try to incorporate "keywords" in the professional profile (summary of qualifications) without being obvious. This is imperative in today's job search, when so many companies use scanners to screen applications for relevant keywords.

Education. In order of relevance, list the schools you have attended, locations, graduation dates (if in your best interest), degree(s) obtained, G.P.A. (if 3.0 or higher), honours and awards, scholarships, Dean's List, and Major/Minor.

Professional Development. List workshops, courses, seminars, etc., that are relevant to the position sought.

Skills and Experience in Specific Areas. Categorize your skills and experience - they may include administration, marketing, team building, conflict management, and/or P & L reporting. They must be vital to the position sought.

Work Experience. List the names and locations of previous employers in reverse chronological order, including your job title. This section can also be titled "Professional Experience", "Relevant Employment", "Work Experience", or "Career-Related Experience."

Extracurricular Activities. Present these as a list, using full names of societies, clubs, and organizations. You can also use the following headings: awards and honours, professional affiliations, or community work. Make sure you include offices held and leadership positions.

Other Interests (optional). Understand the legalities of employment inquiries and develop your resume accordingly. Don't include religious and political affiliations.