Functional Resumes



This resume format places a great deal of emphasis on what you know, and what you've accomplished, rather than where you've worked. This format works best for experienced jobseekers.

  • When you have employment gaps in your career, a functional/skills based resume can help to cover up those gaps.

  • A functional/skills based  resume can also help you hide what might look like job-hopping.

  • If your career path is not immediately apparent, then a functional resume can help conceal that perceived "problem."

There are some disadvantages to functional resumes:

  • The hiring manager might be looking for the very information that the functional resume allows you to avoid putting on your resume

  • Unfortunately, this can make the hiring manager suspicious or nervous when the job seeker uses this format

  • You need to make sure the advantages outweigh the disadvantages before using a functional resume.

Below is a sample functional/skill based resume.

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Name 
Address 
City, State, Zip
Telephone number * Email address


SUMMARY OF QUALIFICATIONS

A twenty year experienced sales executive in the electronic, research and real estate fields. A well-organized individual, who utilizes excellent communication and leadership skills to gain the respect and confidence of clients and co-workers.


PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

SALES

  • Developed award winning training program for new sales staff.  Implemented the program world wide to other business units in the company.

REAL ESTATE

  • Named "Salesperson of the Year" for high volume real estate firm with 20 full time associates
  • Created new hire associate training program that increased professionalism of staff


WORK HISTORY

STUART ELECTRONICS8/95 – Present
Houston, Texas
Sales Engineer (Brief description should follow)

THE SMITHTOWN GROUP9/90 – 8/95 
Dallas, Texas
Real Estate Sales Representative (Brief description should follow)


EDUCATION

This section should include your college's name, degree obtained and the month and year you received it. If you have been out of school for a while, putting your GPA on the resume may not be necesssary because your work experience will speak for itself.


ACTIVITIES/COMMUNITY SERVICE

This section should mention relevant professional, community service or outside affiliations.


SPECIAL SKILLS/LICENSES

If you have special computer skils, licenses or other credentials, it should be in this section.


REFERENCES AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST

Never put down your references on a resume.  Once the employer is interested in you, they will ask for your references. There are different views.  Use your discretion.



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