Recognize a functional résumé and understand when to use it

Functional Résumé

A functional résumé is organized around your talents, skills, and abilities rather than according to the work experience that corresponds with each job you have had as with the reverse chronological résumé. A functional résumé emphasizes specific professional capabilities, like what you have done or what you can do. Specific dates may be included but are not as important.

If you are a new graduate entering your field with little or no actual work experience, the functional résumé may be a good format for you. It can also be useful when you have a gap in your work history from taking time away from employment, such as to care for family or for health reasons. It can also be useful when you are seeking work in a field that differs from what you have done in the past. It’s also well suited for people in unconventional careers.

See an example of a functional résumé compared to the reverse chronological format.

What to Include

1. Your contact information: name, address, phone number, and professional email address
2. A summary of your experience: you can list hard skills as well as soft skills
3. Skills: this will be the largest section; identify a few key skills that the job you are applying for requires and describe how you have gained those skills in any of your jobs
4. Education and training: formal and informal experiences matter; include academic degrees, professional development, certificates, internships, etc.
5. References statement (optional): “References available upon request” is a standard phrase used on résumés, although it is often implied
6. Other sections: may include a job objective, additional accomplishments, and any other related experiences

Just as with the reverse chronological résumé, be careful that you leave out information that could harm your chances of getting through the screening process.

What to Leave Out

Although you can benefit from giving your résumé a stamp of individuality, you will do well to steer clear of personal details that might elicit a negative response. It is advisable to omit any confidential information or details that could make you vulnerable to discrimination, for instance. Keep in mind that your résumé will likely be viewed by a number of employees in an organization, including human resource personnel, managers, administrative staff, etc.

• Do not mention your age, gender, height, or weight.
• Do not include your social security number.
• Do not mention religious beliefs or political affiliations, unless they are relevant to the position.
• Do not include a photograph of yourself or a physical description.
• Do not mention health issues.
• Do not use first-person references (I, me).
• Do not include wage/salary expectations.
• Do not use abbreviations.
• Proofread carefully—absolutely no spelling mistakes are acceptable.

Tips for a Successful Résumé

1. Aim to make a résumé that’s one to two pages long on letter-size paper.
2. Make it visually appealing.
3. Use action verbs and phrases. See Action Words and Phrases for Résumé Development.
4. Proofread carefully to eliminate any spelling, grammar, punctuation, and typographical errors.
5. Include highlights of your qualifications or skills to attract an employer’s attention.
6. Be positive and honest.
7. Be excited and optimistic about your job prospects!
8. Keep refining and reworking your résumé; it’s an ongoing project.