A Functional format may be useful for individuals who have:
Little or no related experience, but do have relevant qualifications for the job
Relevant experience but these positions would be lost among the other jobs in a Chronological resume and the Modified Chronological format would not be suitable
A number of similar work experiences which would require repeating the same points under several job listings
So much material to say that it would take over three pages to do it
It is essential that you have a good Chronological resume from which to work as it is difficult to think creatively and evaluate the information at the same time
Identify three to six major skill areas related to your objective (e.g., Supervision, Organization, Program Planning, Statistical Analysis, Report Writing, Scheduling, Managing, Teaching, Research, etc.); be consistent - use either all nouns or all adjectives
Make sure there is no overlap in meaning when selecting the names for your skill sections; as you take each point from your Chronological resume, you will then find that it clearly fits in only one section
Take each point in the job description section of Work Experience from your Chronological resume and include it under one of the skill headings you created; ensure that each point starts with an appropriate action verb
Since the points are removed from the employers they were associated with, you may have to add some generic information on setting, population, etc.; example: under ABC Parks and Recreation Department in your Chronological resume you have "organized Friday afternoon drop-in leisure activities for seniors" - in your Functional resume, add "in a recreational setting" so that the reader will not wonder in what context (medical, psychological, etc.)
Try to combine points whenever possible to make clear, concise entries - the number of points for each function/skill ranges from three to seven
In formulating the points for each thematic qualification, you can also draw upon your academics (projects, papers, etc.), extracurricular activities, and volunteer work as long as the reader knows the setting and does not think you have done the work in one of your paid positions
To continue with Step 4.2.5, click here.
