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