functional resume focuses on your skills and experience, rather than on your chronological work history. It is typically used by job seekers who are changing careers, who have gaps in their employment history, or whose work history is not directly related to the job. In this way, specific skills and capabilities are emphasized to highlight the job seeker's abilities.
This is different from a traditional resume that displays a timeline of reverse chronological work experience with brief explanations of each job.
As a result, the focus is shifted from job titles and the amount of time that has passed to the actual skills the applicant possesses.
Functional resumes are ideal for people new to the workforce, have gaps in their careers, are looking to change career paths, or are applying for a job with very specific requirements and characteristics in mind.
Read below for more tips on writing a functional resume, as well as a sample functional resume.
Tips for Writing a Functional Resume
Consider a resume summary. Consider including a resume summary at the beginning of your resume that focuses on the skills you have that are relevant to the job. This is a great way to shape the way the employer sees you (and your resume) at first glance.
Organize by theme. When writing a functional resume, organize your resume by themes, rather than simply listing your jobs in reverse chronological order. These themes might be skills or qualifications listed in the resume (for example, “Recruiting Experience” and “Customer Service Experience”).
By grouping your skills together, the employer can more easily see that you have the right skills for the job, even if your work history is less than stellar (or less related to the job at hand).
Use keywords. Be sure to use keywords from the job description in your resume. You might use these keywords as the titles for your subheadings, or in the bulleted lists where you describe your skills and accomplishments in more detail.
This will help the employer see that your abilities match well with the job requirements.
Mention relevant projects. Also remember to include any projects – personal or professional – that are related to the job. Projects demonstrate your success in developing and completing tasks.
Still include employment history. No matter what, you will likely still need to include employment history. Include this at the bottom of your resume, so that the employer will focus more on your skills rather than your work history.
Write a strong cover letter. Include a strong cover letter to go with your resume. Use this cover letter to expand on the skills and abilities you have that make you a strong candidate for the position. This will help lessen any concerns the employer might have about your work history.
Functional Resume Example
Jose A. Adelo
1525 Jackson Street, City, NY 11111
Phone: 555-555-5555
Email: jadelo@bac.net
Summary
Results-oriented, high-energy, hands-on professional with skills in management, quality assurance, program development, training, and customer service. A successful track record in the blood banking care environment.
Experience in phlebotomy, blood banking, training, quality assurance, and customer service with a focus on providing recipients with the highest quality blood product, fully compliant with FDA cGMP, Code of Federal Regulations, AABB accreditation, and California state laws.
Major strengths include strong leadership; excellent communication skills; competency; strong team player; attention to detail; dutiful respect for compliance in all regulated environments; and supervisory skills including hiring, termination, scheduling, training, payroll, and other administrative tasks. Thorough knowledge of current manufacturing practices and a clear vision to accomplish company goals.
PROFESSIONAL ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Educational Projects
Facilitated educational projects successfully over the past two years for Northern California blood centers, an FDA-regulated manufacturing environment, as pertaining to cGMP, CFR, CA state and American Association of Blood Bank (AABB) regulations and assure compliance with 22 organization quality systems.
Program Management and Supervision
Successfully supervised contract support for six AT&T Broadband systems located in the Bay Area. Provided customer intervention/resolution and training in telephony and customer care. Managed scheduling, quality control, payroll, and special projects/plant extensions and evaluations to ensure proper end-of-line and demarcation signal.
Reduced employee turnovers, introduced two-way communication to field employees, enhanced employee appearance and spearheaded the implementation of employee (health) benefits.
Compliance
Provided daily operational review/quality control of education accountability as it relates to imposed government regulatory requirements in a medical environment.
As program specialist for XXX Missile System, reviewed FAA safety requirements and procedures to ensure compliance for aircraft and passenger safety.
Technology
Chief point of contact for the AT&T telephone and the ABC-affiliated TV stations as related to complaints and diagnosing communication problems either at the site or remote broadcasting. Also tested/repaired prototype equipment for possible consideration or for future use.
Communication expert and programming specialist for the intermediate range Lance and Persian missile systems. Trained to operate and repair the (FDC) fire direction control computer system and field satellite communications.
Phlebotomy
Assisted team members in veni-punctures, donor reaction care, and providing licensed staffing an extension in their duties by managing the blood services regulations documentation (BSDs) while assigned to the self-contained blood mobile unit (SCU).
WORK HISTORY
Project Manager, XXX Blood Center, Fall 20XX – Fall 20XX
Program Specialist, XXX Missile Systems, Spring 20XX – Fall 20XX
EDUCATION
Associate of Art, Administration of Justice, San Jose University, San Jose, CA
NCTI Certified, CATV System Technician, Denver, CO
ABM Certified, Cornerstone Technician, Denver, CO
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