Five Reasons to Write a Functional Resume

Resumes remain an integral part of the job search process. These critically important documents are highly scrutinized, and they require your careful attention. One of the first decisions you must make is the type of resume to use. Different resume formats present your information differently. The functional resume is a good choice for many, especially those changing careers, recently graduated or newly entering or re-entering the workforce.

Though most human resources professionals still prefer resumes in a chronological format, which lists each job or volunteer position in order by date, job seekers in certain situations might find that the format of a functional resume better suits their circumstances.

A functional resume emphasizes your skills, knowledge and transferable experiences, whereas a traditional resume details where and when you learned those things. There are several scenarios you might find yourself in where you would benefit from shifting a potential employer's focus away from the specifics of your employment history and towards the details of what you can do.

If you are seeking a career change, then you might opt for a functional resume. You want to demonstrate to the person reviewing the resume that you have the skills necessary to meet the job requirements, even though you do not have experience in the industry. A functional resume is especially useful if your work experience has been in a highly specialized or relatively unknown field where employers outside of that industry might have little to no basis for assessing your previous job functions. A functional resume allows you to make it easier for a potential employer to identify transferable skills.

Recent graduates and current students often have limited work history. If you have just graduated or still are in school, then a functional resume might be for you. The focus on your abilities helps gloss over your lack of experience.

Stay-at-home parents who are re-entering the workforce often benefit from the use of a functional resume. Similarly, older workers who have been out of the workforce for an extended period of time and military veterans with an employment history limited to service in the armed forces frequently find that a functional format allows them to make a more relevant presentation of their capabilities to potential employers who might otherwise skip over their traditional resumes.

No matter what your specific situation is, be sure to research the company and the position before you write your functional resume. Identify the specific skills and traits that the organization requires for the job, and then tailor your list of abilities to demonstrate how you fulfill these requirements.

Whether you use a conventional, chronological format for your resume or a functional resume format, be prepared in your job search to answer specific questions about your history. Regardless of format, highlight your strengths as much as possible while remaining truthful, and don't forget the potential value of a carefully crafted cover letter to accompany and introduce your resume, as well.

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