Resume Format Tips for Functional Resumes

Resume Format Tips for Functional Resumes Resume format tips for functional resumesTraditions can be wonderful, but sometimes there are good reasons to break them. If youre a vegetarian, for example, serving the customary Thanksgiving turkey just wont work. And if football isnt your thing, you wont be glued to the TV during the big game, no matter how many millions of other folks are. Its the same with resumes.The vast majority of job seekers use the familiar chronological resume (which lists employment history in reverse order, beginning with the most recent experience), and with good reason. Its the tried-and-tested format most preferred by HR professionals and hiring managers nationwide.But just like turkeys and touchdowns, the chronological resume isnt a perfect fit for everyone. Its up to you to decide if its appropriate for your current professional situation and the circumstances surrounding your job search.When to consider a functional formatIf youve held a number of differen t or unrelated jobs during a relatively short period of time and are worried about being labeled as a job-hopper, the functional resume (also known as a skills-based format) could be the answer for you. This resume format can also work well for those entering the workforce for the first time or after a long absence (such as recent grads with no prior formal work experience, stay-at-home moms or dads now seeking outside employment, or caregivers who have spent a year or mora treating an ill or aging family member). It could also be a good choice if your prior work experience is more relevant to your current job target than what youre doing presently.Functional resume how-tosFunctional resumes rely on strategically grouping key skills into different categories to demonstrate a candidates qualifications and expertise for a particular job. This skills-based focus allows you to emphasize your strengths and soft-pedal a flawed or absent employment record.For example, if youre applying for an international sales management position, you might choose categories such as Sales and Marketing Experience, International Business/Foreign Language Fluency and Team Building and Leadership Expertise for your headings, listing appropriate skills and accomplishments beneath each one.The actual employment history section of a functional resume is typically brief with a simple list of positions held, company names and employment dates at the bottom of page one or on page two to de-emphasize their importance. Occasionally some of this information is even intentionally omitted altogether.Functional resume sample formatNameContact infoOBJECTIVESeeking an arbeitszimmer manager position with ABC company in order to maximize efficiency of employees and stimulate growth of the company through proactive effort, excellent time management, and coordination skills.PROFILEAccomplished office managerwith a proven ability to develop and implement time-management strategies that support business and financial objectives. Reduced operating budget by $10,000in most recent job. Recognized as an expert in efficiency and data management.Respected team playerfocused on achieving company goals. Keep up-to-date with changes in the industry through continuing professional development (earned Project Management Professional certification).SKILLSOffice ManagementTeambuilding SupervisionStaff Development TrainingPolicies Procedures ManualsReport Document PreparationSpreadsheet Database CreationAccounts Payable/ReceivableBookkeeping PayrollRecords ManagementMeeting Event PlanningInventory ManagementExpense ReductionPROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCEStreamlining processes/Problem solvingDeveloped efficiency-enhancing workflow/process improvements that made it possible to accommodate increasing responsibilities necessitated by staff reductions.Decreased expenditures 15% by implementing inventory controls and standardizing ordering procedures.Saved thousands of dollars in fees and improved the response-rates of direct marketing campaigns by bringing formerly outsourced mass-mailing function in-house.EMPLOYMENT HISTORYABC Business New York, NYAdministrative assistant, 2017 to presentEDUCATIONEFG College New York, NYBA Communications, 2016Proceed cautiouslyIf a functional resume sounds like it could be a good fit for your situation, be aware there are a few drawbacks to this approach. Leaving off dates or titles can raise hiring managers suspicions that youre trying to hide something, which, in all probability, you are. It can also be a little frustrating to readers who are trying to figure out where you performed a particular accomplishment, since these details are listed under skill categories instead of job titles.The best strategy is to carefully evaluate your situation, weighing the pros and cons of this format. If the advantages of the functional design outweigh the drawbacks, go ahead, defy tradition. A new skills-based format could be just what your resume needs to present you in the best possible light.Get it checked outIf youre considering a nontraditional resume format, its all the more reason you want to have it reviewed before you use it to apply to jobs. Otherwise, you risk sending in a convoluted representation of your skillsand nobody wants that to happen. Could you use some help?Get a free resume evaluation today from the experts atMonsters Resume Writing Service. Youll get detailed feedback in two business days, including a review ofyour resumes appearance and content, and a prediction of a recruiters first impression. Its a quick and easy way to make sure your resume is in top shape for a job search.