Functional Summary Resume Examples

By examining functional summary resume examples, job seekers can pick up tips on how to create an excellent functional resume. Functional resumes present qualifications by category or function rather than chronologically. They are quite useful for job seekers for whom a chronological resume highlight work history gaps. By using a functional resume, job seekers can highlight special skills, talents and experience without drawing undue attention to other aspects of their resume.

Functional resumes focus on functions, or what you’ve actually done in each of the various jobs you’ve held. Instead of listing jobs by date or employer, functional resumes group information according to skills. They are used in many professions but are frequently used by job seekers who may have held a wide variety of jobs in different fields. By grouping information according to skills, you can highlight the essential assets you offer any prospective employer.

As with other resume formats, there’s no one particular form or style that’s absolutely correct for a functional resume. There are, however, some general items everyone should include in a functional resume. These include:

• Contact information: Place your name, address, telephone number and email address at the top of the resume. Include as much contact information as you like, including cell phone numbers or instant message information.
• Summary: Include a summary of your qualifications. Some people choose to omit this section.
• Skills or functions: These are listed as subheads.
  • Underneath each skills, provide employers with details from past jobs that underscore your expert qualifications.
  • Use facts, figures, and dollar amounts whenever possible. Examples of successfully using skills to save employers money, provide excellent service, or increase profits will bring positive attention to your resume.
• Employment history: Here is where you list the companies you’ve worked for.
• Education: List degrees obtained and any details, such as academic honors or awards.
• Other information: Community involvement, volunteer work, or any additional information that is applicable to the job.

Often people learn best by seeing examples. Here are two functional summary resume examples, focusing on the qualifications summary.

Anyone seeking a position as an administrative assistant may wish to highlight examples of superior service, organization skills, and computer skills.

Administrative Assistant Example

• Administrative Assistant with five years of experience supporting sales executives and teams. Expert in handling multiple projects simultaneously and working in a fast-paced environment. Trusted by senior executives to handle sensitive and confidential sales and employment data. Comfortable and confident when interacting with all levels of senior management, clients and coworkers.

Here’s an example based on a customer service agent seeking new work. She has several years of experience, but at a wide variety of companies ranging from a fast food cashier position to a call center environment for a catalog company. She’s seeking employment at a bank’s call center, a major step up for her in salary. Instead of listing each former job, she’s chosen the functional resume to highlight her skills in customer care.

Customer Service Example

• Calm, poised Customer Service agent with three years of experience in fast-paced call centers and retail environments. Superior problem-solving and communications skills. Able to remain calm, centered and focused in all environments. Experienced in call center and customer support technology, CRM systems including Siebel.

There are many examples in both books and on the Internet of functionary summary resumes. Take a look at several examples of complete functional resumes and choose elements that represent your unique skills and experience.

• Brand Yourself suggests using a functional summary format to create your own personal brand. The site includes general formatting tips for this type of resume.
• Resume Resource lists many examples of resumes, including the functional resume.
• Another example from Resume Ideas with more details on how to write each section.
• Job Star includes a great functional summary resume for a sales person.

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