Functional Resume Format: What It Is And How To Write One [Examples & Templates]

Compared to the chronological resume format, the functional resume format is not commonly used in job applications. However, because it is a skills-based functional resume example, this format benefits recent graduates who want to explain their professional strengths.

There is no standard resume format in the world of work. Employers and hiring managers find it helpful when candidates customize their resumes according to their work history and key skills. Choosing a suitable format with job-relevant skills will help speed up the selection process.

In short, a functional resume format is the right choice for job seekers with minimal work history or those looking for a career change.

Let us help you even more. Cake provides a functional resume template and an example—all free templates! So buckle up, and let's dive into our informative article about functional resumes.

Differentiate Between a Functional Resume and Other Resume Formats

What's a Functional Resume?

A functional resume, sometimes referred to as a skills-based resume, focuses less on work history and more on information about key skills and areas of expertise. As such, it accommodates job seekers with no previous experience. 

What we mean by ‘relevant’ is a list of technical skills and other transferable skills or valuable skills used. Relevant skill information should be listed in the cover letter and resume summary. Having supporting data, such as a history of internships, organization membership, or volunteer work participation, even makes it better.

However, even if you have never been involved in professional activities, you can still create a compelling functional resume that attracts attention. As the Harvard Business Review points out, the trick is to give your own functional resume focuses of a soul, not just a descriptive one.

What About the Reverse Chronological Resume?

Many job seekers with a linear career path use a reverse chronological order resume (also known as chronological resume), the easiest type to create. In a reverse chronological order resume, all information is written with the most recent experience at the top.

At first glance, chronological and functional resumes look the same. However, it is not the job of functional resume format focuses emphasizes work history, relevant responsibilities, and accomplishments. It is a chronological resume job.

For this type of traditional resume format, hiring managers will focus on the accomplishments of candidates with more than four years of relevant experience, usually written with measurable achievement.

This sentence highlights the applicant's achievement.

The difference between chronological and functional resume formats is also related to the layout of the information. Relevant experience is the primary information for the chronological resume, which should be placed below the functional resume highlight and summary.

Meanwhile, The education history is placed directly below the resume summary in a functional resume. Quite different, isn’t it?

Opt for a Combinational Resume to Showcase Your Projects and Portfolio

The combination resume is the least popular format, especially when compared to a functional and reverse chronological resume format. This format goes against the writing logic in reserve. In a combination resume, you list your relevant skills. Then, at the end of each technical skill, you list the work experience corresponding to that skill.

Here's an example

The combination resume format is often used by job seekers or freelancers who have varied experience. A freelancer may simultaneously accept a job as a translator, data entry clerk, or even an illustrator. Combination resumes help this group organize their expertise more effectively.

When Should You Use a Functional Resume?

• When you are applying for your first job: As discussed earlier, the functional resume format gives an advantage to recent graduates with specific skills. Use this skills-based resume format to compensate for your lack of experience with your key skills.
• When you are a job seeker who doesn't have enough experience: There are many situations and conditions that surround job seekers. One is the difficulty of finding a job in the first, second, or third year after graduation. If you're in this situation, be confident! Functional resume highlights will help you put your potential in writing.
• When you want to switch careers: We understand that sometimes your current job isn't your dream career. Then one day, you are determined to do a job you've always wanted, even though you've never done it before. This happens to a lot of people. Functional formatting can help you organize what information is appropriate for your resume.
• When you have employment gaps: Employment gaps can happen to anyone. There are many cases where a worker quits because they need to be a caregiver for their family. The gaps in your resume are not a barrier; the functional skills resume formats can be an alternative to getting the job you want to return to.

How to Write a Functional Resume Format

1) Start With a Professional Summary That Highlights Your Skills and Qualifications

Recruiters have no more than 2 minutes to decide whether or not to give a candidate a job interview. The first piece of information they look for is a professional summary of no more than three sentences. 

An example:

2) Include Your Education History in the Functional Resume Format

This information is important for recruiters to determine whether your educational history is the most relevant skill to the position you are applying for and to ensure a network of alumni who can ask about you.

Let's look at this example

3) List Your Relevant Skills and Achievements in a Skills Section for a Functional Resume

It has been repeatedly emphasized that a functional resume highlights relevant skills. You can divide this section into two parts: technical skills and non-technical skills. Explain why you have these skills. If possible, include a list of relevant achievements, certificates, or training you have received.

If you include a technical skill, like OSINT (Open-Source Intelligence), in your resume, remember to include the experience demonstrating your skills. Here's an example:

Another example, if you decide to include critical thinking in your resume, here's what you should write in the resume's body:

4) Use Bullet Points to Make Your Skills and Achievements Easy to Read in a Functional Resume

The next step in writing a functional resume format is to use bullet points. This makes the summarized information easier to read and more organized, which will help recruiters scan your first functional format and resume more quickly. In addition to bullet points, use the correct font type, size, and margins.

5) Replace Lack of Work History With Volunteer or Organizational Activities

Even if your volunteer or organizational activities are unrelated to the position you are applying for, don't be afraid to include them on your functional resume. These activities can provide a complete picture of your job responsibilities, professional growth, and dedication.

Functional Resume Template and Examples

This is definitely the section you've been waiting for, functional resume examples! Yes, these functional resume examples created by Cake follow your process and give you a clear idea of what to read. Use the examples below as a starting point and customize your functional resume sample to suit your needs. Check these functional resume examples!

A Functional Resume With a Portfolio Included

A Functional Resume Template With No Portfolio

A Functional Resume Template of a Career Changer

A Functional Resume Example for Customer Service

Functional Resume Example for Teachers

5 Tips for a Winning Application

1) Do in-depth research on the company you are applying to

The job search is a grueling process, and research can help ease the burden. Here are some of the benefits of doing in-depth research before writing a functional resume:

• You'll get a clear picture of the company you're applying to, including average salary, career growth, work culture, and whether or not the work environment is supportive.
• Research is a testament to how much you want to get hired. The hiring manager will also consider this factor when evaluating your personality.
• Don't have a work history? The research will make you more confident when explaining your transferable skills!

2) Use the right keywords in your functional resume

A job seeker may forget one important factor in getting their cover letter through the Applicant Tracking System (ATS ): using the right keywords and placing them in the summary, work or employment history, job title, or even the cover letter.

Here's a simple trick to get the right keywords:

• Find keywords in the job description or requirements section of the job posting.
• Go to the company's website and social media and see if there is any content related to the position you are applying for.
• Browse the company's LinkedIn content to see what the employer values.

From the example above, the keywords are data analyst, proficient in Microsoft Excel, classify data and information, analyze data and information, etc.

3) Proofread Your Resume

A good tip for functional resumes is to proofread them before sending them to employers or job search platforms like Cake. Use the list below to make sure your functional resume is up to standard:

• My functional resume helps me emphasize relevant skills I have.
• There are no typos or information errors in my functional resume.
• I have used the right keywords and tailored my functional resume to the position I am applying for.
• The functional resume uses a standard font size, typeface, and margin size.
• The functional resume should be no longer than two pages.
• The functional resume does not include sensitive information to prevent data leakage and misuse.

4) Avoid Mistakes When Using Functional Resumes

The tips and how-to's for creating a functional resume have been made; now it's time to make sure you don't make basic mistakes like:

• Use a functional resume when you have a strong work history and want to highlight your experience.
• Use a functional resume when you are applying for a job that requires a lot of experience.
• Use a functional resume when you have not tailored it to the job you are applying for.

5) Don't Forget to Include a Cover Letter

A functional resume is incomplete without a cover letter. Think of a cover letter as your first line of communication with hiring managers. It tells them who you are, your skills, and why you apply.

So it's time to take the time to create a cover letter for every job application. Don't worry. Cake has easy tips to help you. Check them out below.

• The first paragraph should provide background information, starting with your education if you are a recent graduate. Then list your skills and tools.
• The next paragraph can be filled with work experience, such as work history, volunteer and organizational experience, or even internship experience. If you have little experience, you can fill it in by further explaining your skills.
• Write about why you are the right person for the job. 
• Finally, close your cover letter by showing how excited you are to join the company.

Key Takeaways

1. The functional resume format is appropriate for people who are applying for their first job, don't have enough work experience, are changing careers in a field they've never worked in before, or have employment gaps for various reasons.
2. Functional resumes focus on relevant skills rather than work history, like chronological resumes.

Hopefully, the above article has made it easier to quickly create a functional resume format. Need more tips on the job market? Or would you like the opportunity to talk to professionals? Then it's time to join Cake and make your job search more enjoyable and find hundreds of free resume templates. Sign up now with Cake, the best resume builder!

— Originally written by Erika Rizqi —