A resume can be written in any of the 4 formats, generally accepted by the industries and the job markets namely, chronological, functional, combination or target resume. Although the chronological resume is ideal and commonly accepted by all employers, the applicants can opt for other formats depending upon their career profiles. Each of the resume formats has its own advantages and disadvantages. Choose the resume format wisely, that puts forth your profile impressively. Here is some assistance for you if you think functional resume suits your career profile the best.
What is a functional resume?
The functional resume involves putting emphasis on the applicant's skills and strengths rather than concentrating on his experiences or qualifications. It includes writing a summary of your abilities and potentials. The main difference between a chronological or functional resume is that the chronological format lays stress on experience of the applicant while the functional lays stress on his abilities.
Who should adopt this format of resume writing?
- Those with a job experience in different fields and wish to hide this diverse work background.
- Students or fresh starters with little or no job experience
- Those seeking a shift in their work field and wish to enter a new field.
- Applicants who are re-entering the corporate world after a gap and those who wish to hide gaps in their career
How to write a functional resume?
- Make a summary of your skills, abilities and strengths gained from earlier experiences. This summary should be place right after the objective so that it catches the employer's attention before other details.
- This format allows you not to write dates or durations in the experience section. Hence, it helps to hide gaps or the improper flow in your career graph.
- Write the employment history in order of importance and not in the chronological format.
- Note down the total experience gained and categorize it under different sub heads. Adopting this format gives you the benefit of not writing the experience under particular period or organization name. One can use subtitles like, accounting experience, customer care and reception experience or management experience.
- Key skills section is the most important section in functional resume format and hence it should bring out the best in you. Key skills should convince the employer of your ability to perform quality work and handle the responsibilities well.
- While writing the key skills section, along with the common attributes of leadership, communication and coordination include skills relevant to the job you are applying for. If the skills impress the employer into believing your proficiency at handling tasks, he may ignore your lack of experience.
- Try to give details of any seminars, workshops or training programs attended by you. It helps to prove that you are better equipped to handle work pressures.
- Maintain a good flow for the resumes. Write objective first, then the summary, followed by experience, educational qualifications, achievement, personal details and references.
- Write the educational qualifications in reverse chronological order similar to the chronological resume format.
- Include activities and hobbies only if they correspond with the job you are applying for.
- Highlight the achievements, as they would increase your chances of gaining the interview call. It helps prove the proficiencies and capacities of the applicant.
- Write a clear objective that lets the employer know your ambitions, career plans and expectations from the job.
Try out the given tips if you are one of those questioning how to write a functional resume. Draft the functional resume to be different from the crowd and gain the interview call you were always waiting for.
