Question 1

Who should use the functional resume format?

Accepted Answer

Use the functional resume format if you are applying for your first job, have gaps in your employment history, or plan to change careers because it highlights your skills and education over your work history.

Question 2

How should I display my skills in a functional resume format?

Accepted Answer

We recommend listing your related skills in a functional resume because it helps employers see your most relevant qualifications. It’s acceptable to create headings such as “Soft Skills,” “Programming Skills,” or “Leadership” in your resume template. You might consider grouping your skill set by theme, such as “Technical Skills,” “Customer Service Qualifications,” or “Leadership Credentials.”

Question 3

How do you write a functional resume?

Accepted Answer

To write a professional resume in the functional format, start with your contact information, followed by a strong professional statement to outline why you’re the best applicant for the job. After that, focus on your relevant hard, soft and transferable skills.
One way to do so is to create a section highlighting your most relevant skills for the job with descriptions of how you used them. Then, add another to call out specific skills. Review the functional resume example on this page for guidance, and browse our library of sample resumes for more functional resume examples.

Question 4

What is the difference between the functional resume format and the other resume formats?

Accepted Answer

The main difference between the functional resume format and other resume formats, such as the chronological and combination formats, is that it focuses on the candidate’s skills and abilities rather than their work history. We’ve detailed the key differences below.
Functional resumes:

Functional resumes focus on your relevant skills.
Provide detailed subsections for your skills.
Include relevant training and nonprofessional activities.

Chronological resumes:

Chronological resumes highlight work history and achievements.
Include a relatively brief list of key skills.
Good fit for those with substantial career experience.

Combination resumes:

Combination resumes blend skills and work history.
Emphasize relevant skills and work experiences.
Ideal for those with a few years of relevant experience or those who are changing careers.

Question 5

What does a functional resume highlight?

Accepted Answer

A functional resume highlights your skills, abilities and accomplishments rather than your work history. Functional resumes are organized by skill categories, such as communication, leadership or project management.
This format is ideal for job seekers who have gaps in their work history, are changing careers or have limited work experience. It allows them to showcase their relevant skills and accomplishments without focusing on their work history.

Question 6

Why might you choose to create a functional resume?

Accepted Answer

You might choose to create a functional resume if you have one or more of the following:

Gaps in your work history: Functional resumes effectively highlight skills and achievements when you have gaps in your work history. This format lets you focus on your skills and accomplishments rather than your work history.
Changing careers: If you are changing careers, a functional resume can help you emphasize the skills and experiences you have that are relevant to the new industry or position you are seeking.
Limited experience: If you are a recent graduate or have limited work experience, a functional resume can help you highlight your strengths and skills, which can help you stand out from other candidates.
Highlighting skills: If the position you are applying for requires specific skills, a functional resume can help you showcase those skills and how you have used them in your past experiences.

A functional resume is an effective format for job seekers who want to highlight their skills and accomplishments and de-emphasize their work history.

Question 7

How do you make an ATS-friendly functional resume?

Accepted Answer

An ATS-friendly functional resume is a resume that has been optimized to pass through Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). We recommend using our ATS resume checker to scan your resume for common errors that might prevent it from passing automated resume screening software.
Here are some tips for creating an ATS-friendly functional resume:

Use relevant keywords: Use keywords that are relevant to the job you are applying for throughout your resume.
Use clear headings: Use clear headings to organize your resume into sections so that the ATS system can easily identify the different sections of your resume.
Use simple formatting: Use simple formatting and avoid using tables, graphics or images, as ATS systems may have difficulty reading them.
Use a standard font: Use a standard font such as Times New Roman, Arial or Calibri, as these fonts are easily readable by ATS systems.
Avoid using abbreviations: Avoid using abbreviations that the ATS system may not recognize.
Include relevant experience: Include relevant experience in your resume, but make sure to highlight your skills and accomplishments rather than your work history.

By following these tips, you can create an ATS-friendly functional resume that will increase your chances of getting noticed by employers and landing an interview.

Functional Resume Format: Examples & Templates

More ATS-Friendly Resume Templates

What Is a Functional Resume?

When to Use a Functional Resume Format

You’re Entering the Workforce for the First Time

You Have Limited or Nontraditional Experience

You’re Changing Careers or Have Gaps in Experience

How to Structure a Functional Resume

Tips for Writing a Functional Resume

Write a Compelling Objective Statement

Arrange Skills by Themes or Topics

Showcase Measurable Accomplishments

Include Relevant Projects & Activities

Comparing the 3 Resume Formats