How to Do a Functional Formatted Resume
There are three main types of resumes: functional, chronological and technical. The type of resume you choose ought to be based on your job experience and what type of job you are currently looking for. The functional resume is used primarily for a person who may appear "overqualified," as well as for those who have significant gaps (more than two years) in career history, are looking for a career change or have minimal work experience.
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Instructions
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Find a functional resume template or example you prefer---jobstar.org is a valuable resource. Decide which font, margins and borders communicate professionalism in your resume. The most popular choices are Times New Roman or Ariel font, size ten to twelve, with 1-inch margins.
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Include your contact information: name, address, phone number and email. Follow this information with your objectives. Objectives can be listed as job titles (outside sales, human resources coordinator) or as a small paragraph ("Seeking opportunity as a Graphic Designer").
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Write your qualifications in bulleted form. You should include accomplishments specific to each position ("Captured more than $3 million annually in new accounts") tools/programs/software you know ("Proficient in CRM, SalesForce and diverse prospecting software") and applicable skills ("Expertise in territory development and personnel leadership"). The goal of this section is to think of five to 10 outstanding attributes you want the employer to know. Imagine this is the only section on your resume the employer will read---what important background information would you want him to know?
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Include your career history after your qualifications. Mention company names, titles and years worked.
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Add an education section, listing your most advanced degree first. Include high school only if you have just graduated, have key accomplishments/accolades at that level or want to include something related to your current job search. If you are applying for a teaching job and have high school experience as a tutor, for instance, including that information might be a good idea.
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Consider listing professional memberships such as associations and unions. Depending on the position you are applying for, relevant interests or hobbies might be a good idea. Keep in mind, however, that if there are too many interests outside of work included, an employer may wonder how much time you can really dedicate to the job.
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Make your resume as reader-friendly as possible. Clearly title the different sections. Use boldfaced and bulleted type sparingly. Many people use large fonts and boldface to highlight information they think is vital but make the mistake of considering everything on the resume vital. Try writing your resume in a functional format as well as another format (such as chronological). Show both to friends or peers to get advice as to what looks best.
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