How to write a Functional Resume

Functional Resumes
Functional resumes group work experience and skills by skill area or job function. Use functional resumes to point out your skills over your specific employment history.

You can showcase the work experience that is most important to your career objective. The functional resume can be used to minimize employment gaps. It highlights more relevant skills instead of position titles.

This type of resume may work best for first-time job seekers, those reentering the workforce after a long break from employment, or those changing careers.

Advantages:

  • Provides a flexible approach
  • De-emphasizes lack of experience in a field
  • Minimizes possible age discrimination
Disadvantages:

  • Employers may expect the chronological format

Sample of Functional Resume

First Name  Last Name
47 xxx Avenue
Lafayette, IN 47901
SUMMARY: Research and Development Programmer Analyst with three years part-time experience in providing programming support to Development Engineers in the development of state-of-the-art Communications Controller. Proficient in the use of Data Analyzer type equipment for studies and troubleshooting network problems.
TECHNICAL CAPABILITIES:
  • In-depth knowledge of SNA/ACP/NCP functions of a Communications Controller in the PEP environment.
  • Proficiency in SNA/ACP/NCP intervals.
  • Proficiency with SDLC, various trace facilities, ALO and TSO/WYLBUR/SPF.
  • Expert in use of Data Analyzer equipment.
EXPERIENCE: American Systems Laboratories, Inc., Lafayette, IN
1998-Present
Programmer Analyst
EDUCATION: Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 1998
Master of Science in Computer Science
Robison Laboratory Fellowship (2 years)University of Texas Austin, TX, 1996
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science   GPA: 3.85/4.0
Minor: Mathematics       GPA: 3.78/4.0
Albertson Foundations Scholarship
President, Computer Science Society
Vice President, Mathematics Honorary Society
REFERENCES: Available upon request