Functional Resume Samples

Functional resume samples abound on the Internet, along with all other types of resume styles. The functional resume lists responsibilities and achievements under three main areas that are highlighted. It puts less emphasis on work experience than on achievements. Employment history will be listed under several main "functional" areas, along with education, training and any other sections. It is most often used by people who do not have a solid work history, or who have long gaps in employment history. It may also be used by professionals who wish to highlight achievements and skills that make them imminently qualified for a specific position.

The functional areas you choose to highlight may be different, depending upon each new situation. For example, for a sales manager position, you may choose to highlight administrative support, customer service and management. If you are applying for a clerical position, highlight your skills in administration, word processing and organization. Computer programming resumes would list computer skills, various programs and software or languages in which you are proficient, etc.

The functional resume always begins with a summary of qualifications. Here is the moment to shine. It is the first thing the potential employer will read. Make sure it touches on all your most desirable skills, experiences and training. Looking at samples will give you greater insight into what to highlight in your resume. You can find a sample resume geared toward marketing. Another geared toward sales. Another geared toward professional writing, advertising or management.

The main difference in the functional and the chronological resume is that the functional resume highlights skills and abilities, while the chronological resume puts more emphasis on work experience.

Here are several online sites where you may view functional resume samples:

• Job Star.org
• Grad View
• Quint Careers

Following are some online sources for functional resume templates. With a template, the format is already laid out for you; simply insert your information.

• Microsoft Office
• Career Overview

Put the name and contact information at the top. The next heading might be "Job Objective." Tell them what job you would like to perform (theirs). "Highlights of Qualifications" will come next, with your top skills in bullet points. "Professional Accomplishments" comes next. Describe the work you performed and what you accomplished. Make sure it's relevant to the position you're applying for. You can break these up into skill areas if desired. After this, put "Job History," "Education," and "Community Service" (if desired and applicable.)

There are a variety of resume samples available in your local university career center, the local library or local professional organizations. For example, the following is a sample functional resume from Bellevue University Career Service.

My Name

333 Clearview Drive

Jacksonville, NC 28540

(919)000-0000

winningapplicant@email.com

OBJECTIVE

Seeking position in writing and editing utilizing strong communications and journalism background and copy editing abilities.

PROFESSIONAL PROFILE

• Highly motivated, well-organized and efficient with the ability to handle multiple projects and produce high quality work under tight deadlines.
• Exceptional English language, research and interview skills and proven ability to manage other writers.

PROFESSIONAL SKILLS AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS

• Insert your skills here, started with an action verb, such as "Compiled," "Researched," "Conducted."
• Insert your skills, awards and accomplishments here. You may separate your skills and accomplishments under different areas and headings, such as put a heading, "Marketing and Advertising."
• List your writing experience and achievements. Or put a heading for "Journalism" and list these skills.

EDUCATION

Bachelor of Arts, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill (Jan 20xx)

Major: Liberal Arts

Minor: Communications

GPA: 3.98/4.00

Graduated summa cum laude

WORK EXPERIENCE

Copywriter, Acme Advertising, Raleigh, NC

(Fall Semester, 19xx)

Journalist, Tattler News Company, Raleigh, NC

(19xx to present)

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