Guide to Functional Resume Templates

Use the functional resume format to showcase your job skills and emphasize your strengths

By Lea Terry

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Most resumes fall into one of two categories: functional resumes, which emphasize the skills used at various jobs, and chronological resumes, which list work experience chronologically. Functional resumes are often recommended for people without much professional experience, or with experience in many different fields, because they highlight the job seeker's strengths and aptitudes, instead of drawing attention to gaps in their work history or a lack of professional experience, for example.

Each resume type is targeted towards a particular type of candidate. The functional resume format works well for: Career-changers seeking to enter a field very different from their previous experience.
Graduating students or job-seekers with little professional work experience.
Anyone with gaps in their employment histories, such as stay-at-home parents.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Determine if functional resume writing is right for you

Many job hunters will do just fine with the standard chronological resume, and because it's more well-known than the functional format, it may be better received. However, there are many times when a functional resume can not only present your skills and experience in the best light, but also set you apart from other applicants.

I recommend: Use the checklist at Quintessential Careers to determine if your career experience best fits a functional resume, or compare the types of resumes at Wesleyan University's career site to determine which one is a good match, and then download their resume worksheet and adapt it to your needs.

Model your resume after free functional resume templates

It's easy to find a free online resume template that you can adapt to the job you're applying for. Many websites offer free resume templates by format, by profession, even by level of experience.

I recommend: Find free functional resume templates at Women For Hire or JobStar.

Find functional resume templates for your profession or industry

To make the greatest impact on a potential employers, use a functional resume sample that's specific to the job you're seeking. Many resume websites and databases include a variety of resume models, based on everything from the specific job to entry level versus seasoned employee.

I recommend: At Resume-Resource and Resume-Help.org, search for sample functional resumes by career level, by profession or by format.

Purchase software with a functional resume builder

Many office software applications, including word processors and letter writing software, include professionally designed resume templates, many with graphics and color.

I recommend: OfficeReady Professional from WriteExpress includes functional and other resume templates compatible with Microsoft Word. Eresumaker software includes 10 professional template designs, in addition to free hosting for your resume.

Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

Even if a functional resume seems to best highlight your work experience, it may not be the best format for the jobs or employers you're targeting. Some employers, and especially headhunters, disapprove of the functional resume format. When crafting your resume, you need to consider who the intended reader is, not just which format you prefer.
If you do use a functional resume example, remember: it's only a model. Some of it may not apply to your situation, so feel free to discard or add whatever you feel will make your resume stronger.

The official source of Functional Resume Templates is
the Functional Resume Templates page at Business.com

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