subject: Are You Using A Functional Resume Format Incorrectly? [print this page] Are You Using A Functional Resume Format Incorrectly?
It can be a tough sell as a potential employee when your employment history or lack thereof does not make a great chronologically based resume format. However, you know that your skills are far superior to those competitors in the same field of employment.
In any case, your potential is greatest in your abilities to succeed in the particular job you are seeking. A functional resume format is your optimal choice in this situation just as long as you craft it using your own unique style and professionalism.
Even if you haven't experienced significant holes in employment history, there are other conditions where it may be useful for you to use the functional resume. Following are certain circumstances that it would be more effective to use the functional resume format:
* Your work history is unrelated to the position to which you are applying. In other words, you may be seeking a professional change.
* You've had prior experience in the field you are applying but not for a considerable amount of time. Perhaps you switched careers at one stage and are now contemplating
the opportunity to go back to your previous career.
* New to the fulltime labor force. This applies numerous times to post education where you have only held part time positions.
* You've suffered a demotion in the same field but with different companies. This is an suitable time to highlight positions with the greatest achievement and responsibilities first.
So what steps do you need to take next to craft a stand out resume. You can start with a general outline as follows:
*A standard header should be used that includes your name, address and general contact information.
*Your employment objective, or what you are looking to achieve specifically with the company to which you are applying.
*State why you are specifically qualified for the position in a summary paragraph.
*Support your qualifications summary with a listing of your work experience similar to what you would write with a standard chronological resume format.
*Follow with the history of employment.
*Last and certainly not least is your educational background and any other knowledge or training you've had.
So in conclusion, keep in mind that the functional resume format is all about your skills and ability. You wish an employer to be drawn down your resume beginning with your objective and what you want to achieve by working for their company. Keep in mind to be as less generic and more specific to the company as possible. You will back up this initial objective by giving the support of your experience, skills and previous achievements. The chronological history will now be presented but only in summary listing company/location and dates of employment. Finally, you can list any educational or special training credentials you've received to tie it all together.
