Skill Based Resume Styles

Functional resumes focus on skills and accomplishments.

While a chronological resume format is the most common, it is not necessarily the best format for all job seekers. In some cases a skill-based or "functional" resume format may be the optimal choice. You should tailor a skill-based resume styles to best display your abilities and accomplishments.

When to Use

Because skill-based resumes focus on skills more than chronology, they are often the ideal choice for workers with employment gaps in their work history. For those who are transitioning to a new career that they have little relevant experience in, a skills-based resume can help call an employer's attention to transferable and relevant skills. Skill-based resumes are also an option for workers who have performed mostly contracted work and freelance projects, as well as for those with military experience looking to transition to a civilian job.

Functional Style

A skill-based resume that takes a purely functional approach may begin with a brief "Education" section listing any relevant degrees or certification, although for more experienced workers the "Education" section may come at the end of the resume. The remainder of the resume is a detailed list of skills and experience, which may be broken into sections with subtitles depending on the type of skills. For example, one section might focus on leadership skills, while the next focuses on organizational skills. The key is to lead with the types of skills the employer will most value for the position he is trying to fill. A brief "Employment History" section follows, which includes a list of companies that have employed the worker and their locations. A list of dates may be included, and jobs can be listed in order of relevance rather than chronologically.

Combination Style

Another option for a skill-based resume style is to combine the chronological and functional formats in the most effective way possible. For example, the resume would still lead with the "Education" section, followed by a list of skills that may or may not be split into categories. The "Work Experience" section that follows would be more detailed than in a purely functional format, including any responsibilities or accomplishments not listed in the "Skills" section. Jobs may also be listed in reverse chronological order so the employer can see the worker's most recent position.

Expert Insight

Functional or skills-based resume styles are not always welcome by employers, who must scan dozens of resumes quickly when trying to find strong candidates and may become confused by the format. According to Quint Careers, recruiters and headhunters in particular dislike skills-based resumes, and employers in more conservative job fields such as banking, finance and law also prefer chronological resume formats.

References

• Quint Careers: Should You Consider a Functional Resume Format?
• Virginia Tech: Resume Formats
• Brigham Young University Idaho: Skills-Based Resume Guide