Functional Format

The functional resume focuses on professional skills, responsibilities, and accomplishments. It is organized by functional titles that explain general areas of expertise. Under each function heading is a brief explanation of your accomplishments in that area. You can tailor the functional resume to highlight specific skills that you have that the job requires. This format is good for recent graduates, liberal arts majors, career changers, and people with limited work experience or interrupted careers.

The functional format can be very effective when:

• Most of your achievements and accomplishments occurred in a past position.
• You have recently graduated from high school or college.
• You have been out of the job market for some time and are trying to re-enter.
• You are an older worker and want to de-emphasize age.
• You have held a variety of unconnected positions.
• You are changing career tracks.
• You are returning to a previous line of work.