What is a Functional Resume Format: Template & Example

Are you struggling to create a compelling resume that effectively highlights your skills and qualifications? Look no further than the functional resume format. In this article, "What is a Functional Resume Format: Template & Example," we will guide you through the ins and outs of this unique resume format and show you how it can significantly enhance your job application. 

While most employers expect to see a reverse-chronological resume that emphasizes your career history, there are times when the functional resume format is a better option. Because it focuses on showcasing your abilities, achievements, and relevant experiences, this resume format can be an ideal choice for job seekers with non-linear career paths or those seeking to emphasize specific skills. 

When is a functional resume the best option?

To understand a functional resume, it’s a good idea to compare it to the two other commonly accepted formats – the reverse-chronological and combination. The format you choose can make a significant difference in how your qualifications are presented. Let's take a closer look at what sets the functional format apart and why it may be the perfect fit for your needs.

The functional resume format is skill-based, focusing on your abilities, achievements, and qualifications rather than emphasizing a chronological work history. It allows you to highlight your relevant skills and experiences upfront, capturing the attention of potential employers. 

• The functional resume has a resume summary at the top and a skills section, just like a chronological and combination resume, but it adds something akin to a “transferable qualifications” section before it dives into work history and education.

• A chronological resume emphasizes a progressive work history that showcases experience and job stability. 

• The combination (sometimes called hybrid) resume: is a mixture of functional and chronological formats. 
  

When you don’t have a solid work history – perhaps you’re a recent graduate or have had an extended leave away from work – the functional resume format is going to be your best option. Since it allows you to focus on what you know rather than your career history, prospective employers can see right at the top what you bring to the table for their team. 

Creating a functional resume

So, a functional resume highlights skills. Great! How do you make one?

Creating a functional resume involves organizing key sections such as contact information, profile summary, skills, transferable qualifications, work history, education, and additional relevant sections. On top of that, you'll want to remember that, just like with any other resume format, you want to highlight achievements and tailor the resume to different jobs. When you do these things, you'll create a compelling functional resume that showcases your skills and qualifications to potential employers and sets you apart from other job seekers.

Let’s start by defining the sections of a functional resume:

Contact information 

Begin your functional resume by providing your full name, professional email address, and phone number. You can include your current location, but it's generally unnecessary to include your full address – in fact, there have been instances of discrimination against job seekers based on their address. Make sure your contact information is easily visible at the top of the resume, but don’t use the header function of your word processing program. Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) can’t parse information from headers.

Profile summary

Immediately after your contact information, include a concise profile summary. This section serves as a snapshot of your professional identity and key qualifications. Write a compelling paragraph highlighting your relevant skills, experiences, and career goals. Tailor this section to match the job requirements and catch the reader's attention.

Skills

Your skills section isn’t meant to be a dumping ground for everything you know how to do. List the skills that are most relevant to the job you're applying for. Categorize your skills into specific areas, such as technical skills, software proficiency, project management abilities, or language fluency. Use bullet points to present the skills clearly and concisely.

Transferable qualifications

In the functional resume format, transferable qualifications take the place of a traditional work history section. This section focuses on highlighting specific achievements and experiences that demonstrate your suitability for the desired role. Select accomplishments that showcase your skills and are relevant to the job requirements. Emphasize quantifiable achievements and include specific examples to provide context.

Work history

While the functional resume format does not prioritize a detailed work history section, it's still important to include relevant professional experience. Create a condensed work history section where you list the roles you’ve held, the names of companies, and your employment dates. While you can include a bullet or two on each one if there is some transferable skill or achievement you want to call attention to, you would normally exclude bullets in the work history section of a functional resume. 

Education

Include your educational background, such as degrees, diplomas, or certifications. State the name of the institution, the degree obtained, and the dates of attendance. If you recently graduated or if your education is highly relevant to the job you're applying for, consider placing this section before the work history section.

Extras

Depending on your circumstances, you may include additional sections to enhance your functional resume. These could include volunteer work, professional affiliations, publications, languages, or relevant training courses. Choose sections that align with the job requirements and emphasize your unique qualifications.

Highlight achievements

Even though the functional resume is for people who are recent graduates with no experience or someone who is returning to the workforce after being away, prospective employers still want to know what you’ve achieved. It’s the only metric they have for determining if you’re a good fit for their team. 

For a new graduate or someone returning to work after an extended absence, focusing the resume on achievements may seem daunting due to limited or less-than-recent professional experience. However, there are strategies to highlight accomplishments effectively:

• Emphasize academic achievements: As a new graduate, showcase your academic accomplishments such as GPA, honors, relevant coursework, research projects, or thesis work. Highlight any significant achievements or awards received during your education.

• Highlight internships or relevant projects: If you have completed internships, gone through co-op programs, or participated in relevant projects during your studies, emphasize the responsibilities, outcomes, and skills gained from those experiences. Include any positive feedback or recognition received from supervisors.

• Showcase transferable skills: Identify the skills you have developed through extracurricular activities, volunteer work, or personal projects that are relevant to the job you're applying for. These skills could include leadership, teamwork, problem-solving, communication, or project management. Provide specific examples of how you applied these skills and achieved positive outcomes.

• Include relevant certifications and training: If you have obtained certifications, completed relevant courses, or attended workshops or seminars during your absence from the workforce, mention them in your resume. Highlight the skills and knowledge gained from these experiences.

• Quantify achievements whenever possible: Whenever you can quantify your achievements, do so. For example, if you led a team or organized an event, mention the number of team members you managed or the attendance or funds raised for the event. Numbers provide concrete evidence of your accomplishments and help employers gauge your potential.

• Focus on soft skills: In addition to tangible achievements, emphasize your soft skills and personal attributes that are valuable in the workplace. These could include adaptability, problem-solving, leadership, teamwork, creativity, or resilience. Provide examples of situations where you demonstrated these qualities and achieved positive results.

Functional resume template

Understanding the aspects of a functional resume and seeing one first-hand are two different things. So, let’s put the theory of a functional resume into practice. This template, with its “Areas of Strength” section, provides the perfect balance of skills and achievements. Hiring managers will have no problem finding your value. 

Functional resume format frequently asked questions 

Most, if not all, resume writers will tell job seekers to avoid using the functional resume format for a couple of reasons. And while there are really only two main reasons to avoid this format, they’re pretty big ones. 

1. Is there a stigma surrounding job hoppers?

One drawback of the functional resume format is the stigma associated with it, as it has been used by some job hoppers to try to hide their frequent job changes. Employers are cautious when they see a functional resume, suspecting that the candidate is attempting to downplay their job-hopping history. If we’re talking plainly, prospective employers hate functional resumes for this very reason. It’s a big red flag, and instead of glancing at your resume to see if you’re qualified for a role, they’ll jump right to the work history to see if you’re hiding gaps. 

This means that the first impression you’ve made is that you may not be able to be trusted – even if you’re not using the functional resume to hide job-hopping. The other negative first impression you now have to overcome is that the hiring manager thinks you lack career progression. Employers value a sense of growth and advancement within a candidate's professional journey.

2. Is the functional resume ATS compatible?

You’ve probably heard that somewhere in the neighborhood of 90% of employers use ATS. It cannot be overstated how important it is to build a resume that is compatible with these scanning programs. Resume rejection is one of the number one reasons job seekers get ghosted by companies. Human hiring managers have no idea (without some digging) how many resumes were rejected by the ATS – this means if your resume is rejected, the company doesn’t know you exist. 

3. What type of resumes do employers prefer?

While you do have some discretion on the format you choose based on your industry, the company you’re applying to, and specific job requirements, the most commonly preferred resume format is the reverse-chronological. It clearly defines your career history and trajectory and is easy to follow. On top of that, it is the number one ATS-friendly format there is. 

Address functional resume issues in your cover letter

If you end up choosing a functional resume, be sure to leverage the power of a cover letter to address any potential red flags employers may have. Provide context, explain career transitions or employment gaps, and bring the employer back to your passion. Take this opportunity to really highlight what you bring to the table and why you’re the perfect fit for their open position. 

Your resume will have a lasting impact on your career journey

Armed with information about the structure, benefits, and what employers don’t like about a functional resume, you are ready to write your way into a new job! Remember to focus on achievements and quantify your accomplishments every chance you get.

As you navigate your career path, always remember that your resume is just the beginning. It opens doors, but it is your skills, passion, and determination that will truly set you apart. Embrace every opportunity, seize each moment, and let your authentic self shine through.

Take control of your career destiny and unlock your full potential by harnessing the expertise of our professional resume-writing services today.

Recommended reading:

• Resume Format Types: Examples & Which Option Is Best?

• How to Deal with Employment Gaps on Resume (+ Examples)

• Top 50 Resume Dos and Don’ts (50 Expert Tips)