Resume Help... Functional Resume Format

Functional Resume Format - Is It Right For You?

If you've heard about the functional resume format, you've likely heard it couched in terms of warnings. For example, "avoid at all cost." But when it comes to choosing a resume format to put your best foot forward in a competitive job market, things are not always that black and white. Indeed, there are actually some scenarios whereby the functional resume would be the preferable format over its more popular cousin, the chronological.

What Is A Functional Resume Format?

While the chronological resume relies on a detailed work history that is organized by chronology (historical timeline), a work history that consumes the lion's share of the resume, the functional resume format takes a skills-based approach. This format rounds up the skills you've mastered from past work, and organizes those skills into functional categories (three or so) that are deemed particularly relevant to the positions being targeted.

So, Why The Bad Reputation?

The functional resume format comes by its bad reputation for legitimate reasons. Employers are wise to the fact that job seekers often rely on the format when they have something to hide (i.e., too many jobs in a short space of time). Because of that, many employers see red flags when they see functional resumes. Still, for those who do have something to hide, it remains the preferable format because the alternative (the chronological resume) will take that embarrassment and magnify it.

5 Scenarios That Call For A Functional Resume Format

A functional resume format may be your best bet if you match one of the following...

• You've changed jobs frequently.
• You have one or more large gaps in your work history.
• You're attempting to change careers (i.e. administrative assisting to bookkeeping).
• You're leaving the military and joining the civilian workforce... and looking to perform a different job function than you performed in the military.
• You're seeking a position to which you're overqualified.
• You're a recent graduate with no first-hand experience in your chosen field.

A Combination Format Is Often A Safer Bet

A combination format, or ‘hybrid' of both the chronological and functional resumes, may be the safer bet for many people who fit one of the above categories. A hybrid formula combines the positive elements of both formats and results in a resume that is at once familiar and trusted (the chronological) while still showcasing the most relevant job qualifications of the candidate in a skills summary section. Combining the two can be a challenge. But the potential payoff is the kind of competition advantage that lands job interviews.

Where we go from here: A few pages over, you can find out how to craft a resume that avoids the common pitfalls of the screening process. We call it our Top 10 Checklist for a Good Resume. You can also find help writing a Resume Objective, as well as our top 5 tips for writing Resume Accomplishments. Check the Site Menu at the top left of the page for more resume help.

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