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• 1. Self Assessment
• 2. Research
• 3. Decision-Making
• 4. Networks & Contacts
  • 4.1 Work Search
    • 4.1.1 Traditional Methods of Finding Openings
    • 4.1.2 Internet Sites Listing Job Advertisements
    • 4.1.3 Creative Methods for Finding Work
    • 4.1.4 Researching Employers
    • 4.1.5 Networking, Developing Leads and Making Contacts
    • 4.1.6 Networking Contacts
    • 4.1.7 Networking Diagrams
    • 4.1.8 Create a Job Seeker's Calling Card
  • 4.2 Resumes
    • 4.2.1 Preparing to Write Your Resume
    • 4.2.2 Major Sections of a Resume
    • 4.2.3 Types of Resumes
    • 4.2.4 Functional Resume
    • 4.2.5 Additional Resume Tips
    • 4.2.6 Action Verbs that Describe Skills
    • 4.2.7 Preparing an Electronic Version of Your Resume
    • 4.2.8 Resume Templates
    • 4.2.9 Resources on Resume Writing
  • 4.3 Letters
    • 4.3.1 Cover and Broadcast Letters
    • 4.3.2 Comparison of Cover and Broadcast Letters
    • 4.3.3 A Process to Develop Letters
    • 4.3.4 Creating Thank You Letters
    • 4.3.5 Sample Letter Format
    • 4.3.6 Resources on Letter Writing
  • 4.4 Interviews
    • 4.4.1 The Core of the Interview Process
    • 4.4.2 Selling Your Benefits
    • 4.4.3 Understanding Verbal & Non-Verbal Communication
    • 4.4.4 Approaches to Interviewing
    • 4.4.5 The Employer's Evaluation
    • 4.4.6 Tips for Effective Interviewing
    • 4.4.7 Your Rights in the Interview
    • 4.4.8 Resources on Interviewing
• 5. Work
• 6. Life/Work Planning

Step 4.2.4: Functional Resume

• 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

• The Work History section comprises, in reverse chronological order, a listing of your employment: Job title, Company/Organization, Location, Date - there are no job description details in this section

To continue with Step 4.2.5, click here.