Definition
The functional resume is one of the three mainstream types of resume formats used today; the other formats being chronological resumes and combination resumes. A functional resume is organized into sections, which highlight areas of skills acquired and past accomplishments.
Explanation
Each of the three resume formats has its strengths and weaknesses. The resume writer's job is to determine which of the formats highlights their strengths and avoids exposing what might be deemed a weakness.
Functional resumes are best suited to job seekers that have acquired important skills; that may be hidden behind somewhat meaningless job titles or limited work experience. Functional resumes do not contain a reverse chronological listing of past positions.
The disadvantage of functional resumes is the hiring manager may be looking for the very information the functional resume format excludes. It's quite common to list past job titles and prior positions held; hiring managers may be skeptical of candidates that do not include this information on their resumes.
Example
The sections appearing in a functional resume are as outlined below, and in the following order:
Name / Contact Information
Education
Honors / Certificates
Career Skills / Knowledge
Career Achievements
.jpg)
