How to Create a Functional Resume for Changing Careers
Most job applicants use a chronological resume format, listing each position held and detailing experience under the position title. However, this format may not work well for people who want to change careers. According to Quint Careers, a company that provides advice for job seekers, choosing a functional format allows employers to focus on the applicant’s relevant skills instead of previous job titles. Tailoring the resume to the employer’s needs through this format can help you land more interviews.
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Instructions
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Create a summary of skills, also called a qualifications summary. Highlight the skills most relevant to the desired new career. For example, if a new career requires organization, event planning experience and customer service, highlight experience in these areas. Summarize these skills in three to four sentences.
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Create an experience highlights section. Under this header, include three to four relevant skills. For example, if the skill is event planning, included a few bullet points under the skill detailing experience in this area. Each bullet point should be two sentences or less.
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Highlight previous employment. Unlike a resume that uses the chronological format, on a functional resume the previous employment history is very short. It’s basically a list of previous employers. For example, Sales Associate, XYZ Company, Portland, OR. List four to five previous jobs.
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Create an education and training section. This section should list education and training relevant to the position. For example, University of California, San Francisco, CA (1992-1996), Bachelor of Science in Communications.
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Highlight relevant community involvement. Volunteer experience is an opportunity to highlight experience applicable to your desired new career. It will also show employers you are is well rounded. Include a brief summary of all community involvement under this header.
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Tips & Warnings
Ask a family member to proofread your resume. Even if you have reviewed the resume several times, you may still miss errors. Getting assistance from fresh eyes will help prevent these errors.
Don’t forget to include a cover letter when sending a career change resume. The cover letter should highlight transferable skills (skills acquired with previous employers that transfer well to the new position).
