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Free Functional Resume Templates Google Docs and Word

Tailored to highlight your skills and experiences, Our Functional Resume Templates are perfect for showcasing your professional journey in an organized manner.

Free Functional Office Manager Resume Template

Our Free Functional Office Manager Resume Template will help you create a standout resume.

Free Functional Marketing Manager Resume Template

Explore our Free Functional Marketing Manager Resume Template for free!

Free Functional Developer Resume Template

Unleash your potential with our Free Functional Developer Resume Template!

Free Functional Project Manager Resume Template

Our cutting-edge Free Functional Project Manager Resume Template is the ultimate booster for your career trajectory.

Free Functional Sales Resume Template

Our Free Functional Sales Resume Template is built on the foundation of functionality, ensuring that your key qualifications and achievements take center stage.

Free Functional Consultant Resume Template

Utilize our Free Functional Consultant Resume Template to create a standout resume that sets you apart from the competition.

Free Functional Dark Blue Frame Resume Template

Stand out with the 'Free Functional Dark Blue Frame Resume' template. This design combines professionalism and modern aesthetics, featuring a striking dark blue frame.

Free Functional Blue Resume Template

This easy-to-use Free Functional Blue Resume Template is perfect for professionals in any industry!

Free Functional Nude Resume Template

Our unique Free Functional Nude Resume Template is suitable for any professional in search of work. You can get a copy of this design in Google Docs or Word format for free.

Free Functional Beige Resume Template

Are you looking for a simple but attractive design for your resume? With our Free Function Beige Resume, you can respond to any vacancy.

Free Minimalism Functional Resume Template

This free and convenient template is suitable for applying to any vacancy. If you are looking for a multifunctional design without frills, then you should use the Free Minimalism Functional Resume template.

Free Functional White Resume Template

Do you want to get a structured and simple design for your resume without excesses for free? Our Free Functional White Resume template is what you were looking for!

Free Functional Dark Resume Template

This versatile Free Functional Dark Resume template is perfect for anyone looking for a job. You can access the template right now without any pitfalls.

Why Choose Our Functional Resume Templates and Examples?

Our functional resume templates in Google Docs and Word can easily highlight skills and accomplishments rather than chronological work history. They are suitable for many job seekers.

Any free functional resume template is best suited for individuals with non-linear career paths, career changers, recent graduates, individuals re-entering the workforce after an extended absence, or those with employment gaps.

3 Reasons Why You Should Use Functional Resume Format

Let’s explore three main reasons why people worldwide choose our functional resume templates.

• Emphasis on skills. Functional resumes allow you to showcase your skills and abilities front and center. It makes it easier for hiring managers to identify what you bring to the table. You can effectively highlight your qualifications for the desired position by organizing your resume around key competencies.
• Address employment gaps. Traditional chronological resumes are limiting for individuals with employment gaps or those transitioning between industries. Our functional resume template for free provides a solution. It minimizes the impact of any gaps in your work history.
• Personalized presentation. Every job application is unique, and what works for one position may not necessarily work for another. This format offers flexibility and allows users to tailor documents to the specific requirements of each job opening.

Main Attributes of These Forms

These are the main features that make each functional resume template in Word unique:

• Sections dedicated to key skills, such as technical proficiencies, leadership abilities, and relevant certifications.
• Focus on quantifiable achievements and contributions.
• Possibility to choose the format that best suits your preferences and industry standards.

Google Docs and Word are Your Trusted Allies

Do you want a functional resume template in Google Docs or Word format? We are here to guarantee seamless integration into your preferred word-processing software. Quickly create a polished and professional document that makes a lasting impression. Trust our forms and land the position you deserve.

Frequently Asked Questions

Resume templates

Put your best qualities on display with professional, customizable resume and cv templates. no matter your line of work or length of professional history, you'll find resume and cv templates that'll help you get the gig..

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Land your dream job with free, customizable resume templates. Showcase your potential to recruiters and stand out from other candidates with a professional template. Whether you're applying to corporate positions or creative roles, go with a sleek design or show your creativity with bold colors .

Resumes don't need to look boring—add flair to your professional experience with a creative resume template. There are plenty of resume designs to choose from, like simple resume templates and modern resume templates. Each resume template is fully customizable in Microsoft Word , so you can personalize each design element and add your own text. Using a template also makes it easier to customize your resume for each position you apply to.

Print out as many copies as you'd like or download the template for free to share digitally when applying online. These professional resume templates are perfect for any stage of life or career. Whether you're a high school student, actor, or seeking a career in nursing, you can find any format for any job type.

There are also a variety of free CV (Curriculum Vitae) templates to choose from. A CV is often longer than a resume and contains an in-depth look at your education and professional accomplishments. Like our resume templates, these CV templates are also customizable in Word.

Remember, your next job is only a template away! Once you've customized your resume, explore free cover letter templates to help you land the job.

Functional Resume Template

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Download this free functional resume and customize it in Word

Our functional resume is completely free ! It is a reverse-chronological resume template that focuses on skills honed through professional experiences. It is commonly used when switching careers or just starting one. This free template is perfect for all profiles and job offers and can be customized easily in Word to fit your style preferences. Download for free this resume template !

• File format:  Word (Microsoft)
• File size:  329 KB
• Ready-to-use:  fast, easy, and free

Are you in the process of crafting a functional resume and need some expert guidance? You’re in the right place! A functional resume format can be a valuable tool to highlight your skills and experiences, especially if you’re changing careers or have employment gaps. Let’s dive into some essential tips for creating an effective functional resume:

Tips for Making a Good Functional Resume

Creating a compelling functional resume is the first crucial step towards securing your dream job. This type of resume shines when you know how to choose the right sections and organize your information effectively . To guide you on your journey, we’ll offer valuable insights into the art of crafting a standout functional resume. Learn to select sections that match your unique qualifications, present your skills with impact, and tailor your resume for each job application.

• Choose Relevant Sections : When selecting sections for your functional resume, focus on those that best highlight your skills and experiences, such as “Profile Summary,” “Experiences,” and “Education.”
• Use Keywords : Incorporate keywords from the job description to ensure your resume aligns with the employer’s requirements.
• Prioritize Skills : Place your skills section near the top to draw attention to your qualifications.
• Quantify Achievements : Use specific numbers and metrics to highlight your accomplishments, making your resume more impactful.
• Include Transferable Skills : Emphasize skills that can easily transfer to the new role you’re targeting.
• Customize for Each Job : Tailor your functional resume for each job application to match the job requirements.

Recommended Sections

• Profile Summary

Experiences

Optional sections.

• Certifications
• Volunteer Work
• Hobbies and Interests

Profile Summary for a Functional Resume

Your profile summary is the gateway to your functional resume, where you introduce yourself to potential employers. It plays a pivotal role in making a positive first impression . Depending on your career level, your profile summary should reflect your qualifications and set the tone for the rest of your resume. By keeping it tailored, concise, and focused on what you can bring to the table, you’ll capture the recruiter’s attention and encourage them to read further.

Entry-Level Functional Resume

Enthusiastic recent graduate with a background in marketing and strong digital marketing skills. Eager to contribute to a dynamic team and apply my knowledge of SEO, content creation, and social media management to drive online engagement.

Junior-Level Functional Resume

Results-driven marketing professional with 2+ years of experience in developing and executing digital marketing strategies. Proficient in SEO, content marketing, and data analytics. Proven ability to enhance online visibility and increase website traffic.

Experienced Functional Resume

Accomplished marketing manager with 7+ years of experience leading successful marketing campaigns. Adept at developing and implementing comprehensive digital marketing strategies, including SEO, content marketing, and social media. Proven track record of driving business growth through online initiatives.

Check out Resume Objective Examples for more tips

Experiences in a Functional Resume

The “Experiences” section of your functional resume is your canvas to showcase your relevant work history and achievements. This section should demonstrate how your past roles have equipped you with the skills and experience needed for the job you’re applying for. To make this section compelling, be sure to detail your job titles, company names, employment dates, and, most importantly, your achievements. Quantify your accomplishments, and use strong action verbs to create an engaging narrative of your professional journey.

Example of experiences on a functional resume

Digital Marketing Specialist , XYZ Marketing Agency January 20XX – Present

• Increased website traffic by 40% through SEO optimization.
• Boosted social media engagement by 50% through targeted campaigns.
• Generated $500,000 in revenue through successful online ad campaigns.

Content Writer , ABC Content Solutions June 20XX – December 20XX

• Authored SEO-optimized articles resulting in a 30% increase in organic traffic.
• Collaborated with the team to develop high-performing content strategies.
• Maintained a 98% client satisfaction rate by delivering quality content.

Marketing Coordinator , XYZ Tech Solutions March 20XX – May 20XX

• Orchestrated successful product launches, resulting in a 25% increase in sales.
• Managed and optimized digital ad campaigns with a $1 million budget.
• Conducted market research to identify new opportunities, leading to a 15% revenue growth.

Education for Functional Resume

The “Education” section in your functional resume is where you highlight your academic background and relevant coursework. This section is especially important if you’re a recent graduate or if your educational qualifications are closely aligned with the job requirements. List your degrees, institutions, dates of training, and, most importantly, include any courses that are directly related to the job. If you’ve received honors or special recognition during your academic journey, this is the place to proudly display them.

Example of education on a functional resume

Bachelor of Science in Marketing , University of Marketing Excellence September 20XX – May 20XX

• Digital Marketing Strategies
• Content Marketing
• SEO and Analytics

Honors : Magna Cum Laude

Hard Skills for the Functional Resume

In the world of functional resumes, the “Hard Skills” section is your secret weapon for catching the eye of recruiters. Tailoring your list of technical skills to match the job description is essential. Think about the specific skills the job demands and make sure they prominently feature in this section. This not only demonstrates your suitability for the role but also boosts your chances of getting noticed in today’s competitive job market.

Example of hard skills on a functional resume

• SEO (Search Engine Optimization)
• Social Media Management
• Data Analytics
• Email Marketing
• PPC Advertising
• Web Analytics
• Graphic Design
• CRM Software

Soft Skills for the Functional Resume

Don’t underestimate the power of your personal qualities. In the “Soft Skills” section of your functional resume, you have the opportunity to demonstrate your interpersonal and behavioral traits . These skills, often overlooked, can set you apart from other candidates. Think about the attributes that align with the job you’re pursuing, such as communication, problem-solving, and leadership, and make them stand out in this section.

Example of soft skills for a functional resume

• Communication
• Problem Solving
• Adaptability
• Time Management
• Attention to Detail
• Organizational Skills
• Critical Thinking

In the digital age, many jobs require proficiency with specific software . This is where the “Software” section comes into play. Depending on your target job, list the software programs you are proficient in. Mentioning relevant software skills can be a game-changer, as it signals your readiness to hit the ground running and minimizes the employer’s need for additional training.

Example of software programs on a resume

• Adobe Creative Suite
• Google Analytics
• Microsoft Office Suite

Functional Resume Example

John Doe [email protected] (555) 555-5555 linkedin.com/johndoe

Dedicated administrative professional with over 7 years of experience in office management, document control, and streamlining operations. Proven ability to solve complex problems, optimize workflows, and enhance efficiency. Adept at handling sensitive information and maintaining a high level of confidentiality.

• Office Management: Restructured departments for a 20% increase in efficiency.
• Document Control: Developed and implemented a system reducing retrieval time by 30%.
• Workflow Optimization: Redesigned processes for improved efficiency.
• Team Leadership: Managed teams and coordinated project deadlines.
• Calendar Management: Organized meetings and travel for senior management.
• Records Management: Implemented efficient filing systems.
• Event Planning: Successfully coordinated high-profile corporate events.
• Data Entry: Maintained accurate records and data.
• Travel Coordination: Organized travel arrangements for senior management.
• Problem Solving: Resolved complex issues to ensure smooth operations.

Administrative Manager , ABC Corporation January 20XX – Present

• Restructured the administrative department, achieving a 20% increase in efficiency.
• Led and coordinated a team of administrative staff, ensuring project deadlines were met.
• Implemented a document management system, reducing retrieval time by 30%.
• Managed executive calendars, organized meetings, and coordinated travel arrangements.

Executive Assistant , XYZ Company March 20XX – December 20XX

• Provided comprehensive executive support to the CEO, including meeting organization and report preparation.
• Designed and implemented an efficient filing system, reducing document search time by 25%.
• Successfully coordinated high-profile corporate events and conferences.
• Drafted and edited important communications for the executive team.

Office Coordinator , LMN Organization May 20XX – February 20XX

• Managed front desk operations, handling phone calls, mail, and visitor inquiries.
• Redesigned workflow processes and transitioned the office to digital record-keeping, improving efficiency.
• Coordinated office maintenance, leading to a 20% reduction in operational costs.
• Conducted onboarding and training for new administrative staff.

Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Business Administration , NYU Graduated in May 20XX

• Strong organizational skills
• Exceptional attention to detail
• Adaptability and flexibility
• Superior time management
• High level of professionalism
• Excellent communication abilities
• Trustworthy and reliable
• Strong problem-solving skills
• Commitment to maintaining confidentiality
• Customer service orientation
• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
• Google Workspace (Gmail, Google Docs, Google Sheets, Google Calendar)
• Adobe Acrobat
• Reading non-fiction books
• Volunteering at a local animal shelter
• Hiking in the great outdoors
• Participating in community service projects
• Traveling to explore different cultures
• Attending business seminars and workshops

Functional Resume FAQs

What’s the main advantage of a functional resume.

The primary advantage of a functional resume is its ability to highlight your skills and qualifications, making it ideal for career changers or individuals with employment gaps.

How can I tailor my resume for a specific job?

To tailor your functional resume, review the job description carefully, identify the key skills and requirements, and ensure your resume includes relevant keywords and experiences.

Are hobbies and interests important in a functional resume?

Including hobbies and interests in is optional. Only add them if they demonstrate skills or qualities relevant to the job you’re applying for.

Also download our Chronological resume template

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Updated March 13, 2024

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Functional Resume Templates Free To Download

A functional resume can breathe new life into your professional profile by letting you talk about your skills and accomplishments in a new way.

This page provides functional resume templates and instructions on how to fill out your own resume.

Functional Resume Templates Menu

What is a functional resume, who should use a functional resume, functional format vs. other resume formats, how to make a functional resume, functional resume templates for download, video tutorial: how to make a functional resume, functional resume faq.

A functional resume is a type of resume format that allows you to emphasize your specific job skills by categorizing your work history by the abilities you are best at.

To think of it another way, a functional resume is a different way to organize the content of your resume.

The purpose of the functional resume is to overwhelm the recruiter with positive information in the top half of the resume. That way, by the time they get to any weaker spots, they may have already convinced themselves how great of a fit you are.

It is often said that functional resumes are good for people with large gaps in employment.

The truth is that you will have to disclose your work history at some point and not disclosing that information on your resume makes you look bad. Regardless of the type of resume you use, you should always be listing your employment history with the corresponding dates. Never omit your employment history dates .

What can be helpful regarding a functional resume is leaving your actual dates of employment at the bottom instead of completely omitting them. This provides the employer with the correct information while hopefully enticing them to overcome any objections based on the earlier sections of your resume.

With a functional resume, you’ve turned this potential downside into an upside by showing the number of different skills you have learned and how you’ve used them to show that you are a good fit for the job. Be up-front, but explain the benefits to any potential downsides they bring up.

This is also a good resume for people with stable work history who have worked for the same company for many years but have worked across different departments and responsibility levels. The categorized job duties sections let you go into lots of details about the different roles you’ve held.

A functional resume can also make it easy to group your past experience into skill or ability categories, making it a great fit for people who may be seen as a jack of all trades and have trouble truly describing all that they can do.

As you go through the tutorial below on how to make your own resume understand that the underlying point of a functional resume is to show your strongest skills and abilities first while displaying any shortcomings or less relevant information at the bottom of the resume. For that reason alone, it’s a resume that can be used by just about anyone.

Let’s quickly go over some of the other types of resume formats so that we can make some fair comparisons.

Chronological Resume

A chronological resume is a way of listing your employment information wherein you put your most recent work experience first and your least recent experience last.

A “chronological resume” can also be the general term used for a type of resume that emphasizes your work experience over everything else on the resume. In this way, it could also be called a “standard” or “traditional” resume.

It’s main difference from a functional resume is that it gives more attention to employment history rather than skills and technical areas of expertise. Even so, a functional resume should still be listing work experience in a chronological or reverse-chronological order.

To view resumes that focus on the chronological format, click here .

Combination Resume

A combination resume is a combination of a chronological and functional resume.

All of the “functional” resumes on our site are actually a type of combination or “hybrid” resume that layout skills in a functional style while providing the chronological work history an employer expects to see.

How you combine the two different styles will be up to you, but it will be heavily dependent on your own experience & skills, as well as the job you’re applying for.

The way you combine the two types will largely be a function of what order you put things in on your resume. Though it may be a different order from job to job, your resume should always have the most relevant and important information at the top.

Targeted Resume

A targeted resume is a resume designed for a specific job listing or application.

But here’s the thing: all of your resumes should be targeted!

While it may be helpful to have a general resume that stands as a profile or summary of your work, when you actually go to apply you should be curating your resume based on the requirements of each different job.

Even if you are not changing your resume more than one or two words for each application, customizing your career profile to the employers’ needs is a crucial and often overlooked step in getting hired.

Take an extra few minutes on each application and make every one of your resumes a targeted resume!

Resume Formats

Here’s the bottom line: the only thing that matters when it comes to how you format a resume is how great you can come off to an employer.

The best resume format is the one that will help you to put your best foot forward and describe in detail your top accomplishments as quickly as possible.

Organizing your career information into a different type of resume format can be a great way to shake things up if you’ve been having bad luck with your job search.

As we go through the parts of a functional resume, think about how you are organizing your career information on the page.

Also think about how a hiring manager’s eyes would wander through your resume.

Functional Format

So with that in mind, let’s take a look at a sample functional resume format to see what it looks like:

This particular functional resume has 5 sections: heading, professional summary, skills, job descriptions, work history details, and education.

Your resume may have a different number of sections than this resume because this resume happens to separate the job descriptions from the work details themselves.

What matters more than section numbers is how you organize the information and what you put into each section.

Resume Heading

Nothing changes with the heading on a functional resume. It will still go at the top and include at least four pieces of information: your name, phone number, location, and e-mail address.

Professional Summary

Next on your resume will be a professional summary.

The professional summary is a summation of your career profile, while also detailing why you are the best fit for the job.

This summary can be anywhere from one to four sentences. You can decide best how to use the space on your resume, but I find that it’s best to be brief in your opening.

If you’d like more information on professional summaries and templates with a professional summary, click here .

Work History & Job Descriptions For a Functional Resume

With a functional resume, your previous employment will be described under headings of skills and/or job titles.

The key to a great functional resume is coming up with great headings for your past experience. What makes a heading “great” will differ from job to job, but your headings should be customized for each job you are applying to.

This is important because even with jobs that share a job title, like “customer service representative”, their duties and responsibilities could be vastly different.

So take the time to review each and every job listing to gain an understanding of not only the individual skills a company is looking for, but the general ideas and concepts they expect you to understand or quickly learn.

You will also need to go back and review at least the last 7 years of your work history (or however many you have, if you have less) and start to think of the jobs you’ve had and the skills you’ve acquired in terms of their “job titles” or “general skill groupings”.

Even if you can’t quite think of the exact title just yet, start to group your different abilities and skills so that you can begin to describe and write them with a larger purpose in mind. In fact, sometimes you may keep what you’ve written and just change the titles to make a resume more appealing for certain companies.

Under each category title should be a combination of job duties and descriptions of applying your skills . Use the job listing for the job you’re applying for to find out what types of skills the company needs.

Once you know the skill-sets, talk about how you’ve applied those skills and abilities to get tasks done.

Detailing Your Tasks & Job Duties

Tasks and duties you describe should vary in length (daily tasks to monthly or yearly goals) and responsibility (team vs. personal accountability). And ultimately, the skills and abilities you talk about should be in the context of an accomplishment whenever possible.

For example, if you’re working in a call center and hit daily goals of getting to 100 callers a day, then you would talk about your ability to handle customer issues quickly in the context of meeting (or exceeding) company expectations.

You can also use specific job category titles depending on the job you are applying for. For example, in the resume above there is a title for “Web Design”. But if the job you are applying to requests a specific coding language rather than talking about general web design, it may be a good to make a more specific category title such as “Javascript Developer”.

This is the most important section of any functional resume, so it is crucial to explain your strongest points with as much detail as possible so that an employer an see your matching experience alongside what you’ve accomplished.

Functional Resume Templates To Download For Free

3 column skills functional resume template.

Three columns of specific skills lead into your categorized experience.

Make sure to still include all of your employment history at the bottom of the resume.

Click For Download Page

File name:  Functional Skills Resume Template.docx

File size: 7.9 KB

Total downloads: 315

2 Column Functional Resume Template

The left column address your most specific & technical skills.

The right column is a combination of detailed employment experience & talking about how you used your skills.

File name:  functional two columns resume template.docx

File size: 18.2 KB

Total downloads: 239

Years of Experience Functional Resume Template

More resume details coming soon.

File name:  Years-of-Experience-Functional-Resume-Template.docx

File size: 7.2 KB

Total downloads: 92

College Education Functional Resume Template

Show off your skills as well with a dedicated skills section.

File name:  College-Education-Functional-Resume-Template.docx

File size: 7.5 KB

Total downloads: 74

Video Tutorial

The above video is a tutorial on how to build a functional resume for job hoppers, career changers, and students.

A functional resume is a great way to show off your technical knowledge and skills while disguising your past work history (or lack thereof).

Answers for functional resume frequently asked questions:

What is a functional resume example?

An example of a functional resume is a type of resume where you explain why you’re the best fit for a job through your skills and abilities rather than through specific jobs.

For specific examples & templates of what a functional resume looks like, click here .

Who should use a functional resume?

A functional resume can be used by just about anybody!

Having said that, functional resumes are most often used by people who need to group their resume skills and knowledge into multiple categories so that they can fully showcase their strengths.

To learn more about if a functional resume is right for you, click here .

What is the difference between a chronological resume and a functional resume?

A functional resume is a resume where particular skills or job categories are emphasized instead of your specific work history.

A chronological resume is a resume format in which the job listing is emphasized and specifically listed by date, with the most recent first and the least recent last.

Technically, a functional resume should still have your work history listed in a chronological style, even if the overall format of the resume is not chronological.

The distinction between the two is often purely academic, with most resumes being some type of combination between the two.

Are Functional resumes bad?

No particular resume format is bad insomuch as it can be used to help you get a job.

Functional resumes are often critiqued for hiding employment information. But any resume, including functional resumes, should have the dates of your employment.

The functional resumes on our site include all of the necessary information and we encourage you to include it.

The object of a functional resume is not to withhold information. It’s to explain your experience in a different, and hopefully more favorable light.

What is a functional resume?

A functional resume is a resume format that emphasizes specific skill and ability categories rather than employment experience.

Learn more by clicking here .

What are functional job skills?

Functional job skills is just a different way of talking about how you would describe your skills & abilities through the categories on a functional resume.

Since a functional resume generally does not include job descriptions, your “functional job skills” can be anything from a short phrase that quickly communicates your competency to multiple sentences that describe your skills in terms of your achievements.

It may or may not make sense to include a dedicated skills section on a functional resume, so think about what is right for you and the jobs you’re applying to. But if you do, the skills you list should be short phrases of 2-3 words at most and should be focused on specific tools, processes, or certifications.

To learn more about adding skills to your resume and for skills based resume templates, click here .

What type of resume do employers prefer?

Employers prefer that a candidate communicate why they are the best fit as quickly and clearly as possible.

Therefore, there is generally not a specific type of resume format that an employer would prefer.

Functional Resume Examples and Templates for 2024

• Resume Examples

How To Write a Functional Resume

• Resume Text Examples

A functional resume prioritizes skills, training, and education instead of work experience. The logic behind this approach is that job seekers who lack hands-on industry experience can instead draw attention to relevant skill sets and qualifications. While you might initially want to discard work experience that is largely unrelated to the career you’re targeting, you also eliminate the opportunity to highlight transferable skill sets from your previous jobs.

The reverse chronological resume format is widely accepted as the industry standard because it enables you to create compelling bullet points that effectively showcase your professional journey. This format also ensures that your most recent and relevant experience is featured at the top of your document, which is important for hiring managers. Throughout this guide, we’ll compare and contrast functional resumes and reverse chronological resumes to help you make an informed decision as you begin building your document.

• Entry-Level
• Senior-Level

1. Craft an outstanding profile with a summary of your functional qualifications

On a functional resume, your professional profile should only focus on relevant skills. While concision has benefits, the drawback is that you won’t make a lasting impression on the hiring manager. This approach tends to read very generically, which won’t help you stand out during the hiring process. In addition, it’s possible to showcase your skills and qualifications while providing a compelling snapshot of your career experience. Notice how the first example lists a number of relevant skills but fails to tell the job seeker’s story.

Functional Resume Profile Example

Skilled nursing professional with advanced knowledge of acute care, clinical workflows, pediatric care, and team collaboration. Developed a strong understanding of infection prevention protocols, EHR, and HIPAA.

Reverse Chronological Profile Example

A nursing professional with seven years of experience delivering high-quality healthcare services in acute care environments. A proven track record of delivering empathetic and compassionate treatment to diverse patient populations.

2. Showcase your functional experience

Due to the nature of the functional resume format, it isn’t easy to showcase your career achievements in the professional experience section. The emphasis is instead placed entirely on your skills. Although this approach might seem usable for a recent graduate, there are drawbacks even in this situation. For instance, showcasing academic projects and volunteerism in detail is often a stronger way to grab the hiring manager’s attention. Even a job in retail that doesn’t match your current goals can be leveraged to showcase your communication and team leadership skills.

Functional Resume Professional Experience Example

Digital Marketing Manager, Radiant Software Corp., San Francisco, CA October 2016 – Present

• Utilize advanced knowledge of marketing strategy, email campaigns, SEO marketing, and A/B testing to support campaigns
• Strong understanding of digital marketing and advertising strategies
• Experience working in paid search, display, and programmatic marketing channels

Reverse Chronological Professional Experience Example

• Lead digital marketing campaigns across paid search, display, and programmatic marketing channels for a software company, resulting in a 20% increase in lead conversions and $2M in pipeline revenue
• Coordinate with the Director of Marketing to define digital advertising strategy for new products and services and enhance market penetration
• Improve web traffic by 400% over a two-year span and achieve open rates of 13% and click rates of 3.1% for email blasts

3. Outline your education and functional-related certifications

Formatting for education and certifications is primarily the same for both functional resumes and reverse chronological resumes. The key difference is that you’d likely place these sections above your work experience on a functional resume. While you can make a case for this approach in certain instances, it’s generally recommended to showcase your career accomplishments closer to the top of your document.

Certifications

• [Certification Name], [Awarding Organization], [Completion Year]
• Project Management Professional (PMP), PMI, 2015
• Certified Associate Project Manager, PMI, 2013
• [Degree Name]
• [School Name], [City, State Abbreviation] [Dates Enrolled]
• Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Digital Marketing
• UNIVERSITY OF SAN FRANCISCO, CA September 2007 – May 2011

4. Outline your most useful functional skills and proficiencies

Listing skills and keywords that align with the job description are important regardless of the resume format you select. The key difference is that a functional resume will always feature this section below the professional profile. There are certain instances where this makes sense, especially if you’re applying for a technology role. Hiring managers will always be more interested in how you’ve utilized these various skill sets throughout your career. Below, you’ll find a broad list of industry skills that you might encounter during the job search:

How to Pick the Best Functional Resume Template

In most cases, it’s best to choose a well-organized resume template that uses minimal color and graphics. This ensures that the hiring manager’s attention is focused on your career accomplishments and qualifications. Because the functional resume is only focused on highlighting skills, you can use a modern template that is more aesthetically focused. Remember that it’s your content, not your template, that ultimately determines whether or not you receive the job interview.

Functional Resume Text-Only Resume Templates and Examples

Now that you understand the differences between functional resumes and reverse chronological resumes, we’ll provide three examples to illustrate the end result of each approach. You’ll notice that the functional resume example does feature a variety of important skill sets, but the bullet points themselves don’t read proactively. In the two reverse chronological examples, the job seeker is able to paint a clear and compelling picture of your strongest career achievements.

• Functional Resume Example #1
• Functional Resume Example #2
• Functional Resume Example #3

Jessica Lang (123) 456-7890 [email protected] LinkedIn | Portfolio 123 Bedford Avenue, New York, NY 12345

Skilled Nursing Professional with advanced knowledge of acute care, clinical workflows, pediatric care, and team collaboration. Developed a strong understanding of infection prevention protocols, EHR, and HIPAA.

• Patient-Centered Care
• Communication
• Clinical Operations
• Medication Administration

Professional Experience

Licensed Vocational Nurse, St. Joseph’s Assisted Living, New York, NY November 2018 – Present

• Developed knowledge of acute care, patient education, and clinical operations while working in a fast-paced healthcare environment
• Acquired strong team collaboration and communication skills by working with patients and teams
• Advanced understanding of EHR, HIPAA, and patient intake protocols

Licensed Vocational Nurse, Fair Acres Retirement Community, New York, NY June 2016 – November 2018

• Obtained a strong knowledge of cardiac care and orthopedic care while working in a senior living facility
• Cultivated advanced understanding of patient-centered care standards
• Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN), State of New York, License #123456

Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Nursing Columbia University, New York, NY September 2012 – June 2016

A Nursing Professional with seven years of experience delivering high-quality healthcare services in acute care environments. A proven track record of delivering empathetic and compassionate treatment to diverse patient populations.

• Coordinate with a team of 25+ doctors, nurses, and other health care and social work professionals to ensure a high quality of life for 75 residents
• Interface with residents to ensure compliance with medication, provide enrichment activities such as film, workshops, and events, and communicate with empathy and compassion to achieve a patient satisfaction rating of 91%
• Collect samples, prepare residents for treatments, educate patients on care plans
• Collaborated with medical teams and LPNs to treat patients undergoing cardiac care and rehabilitation and provide education on patient care
• Administered medications, IV therapy, and other treatments for patients in the cardiac emergency room, including surgical preparations

Selena Ramirez (123) 456-7890 [email protected] 123 Santa Maria, San Francisco, CA 12345

A Digital Marketing Manager with eight years of experience specializing in marketing strategy, email campaigns, SEO marketing, and A/B testing. A proven track record of building and leading dynamic marketing teams to execute digital campaigns for multi-million-dollar businesses.

Digital Marketing Manager, Bay Area Marketing Inc., San Francisco, CA May 2011 – October 2016

• Partnered with product marketing teams and the marketing director to establish a brand identity centered on integrity and transparency
• Collaborated with the data analytics team to build dashboards incorporating data from the CRM, Google, and social media accounts to enhance reporting

Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Digital Marketing University of San Francisco, CA September 2007 – May 2011

• Brand Marketing
• Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
• Lead Generation
• Digital Marketing Campaigns
• Social Media Marketing

Frequently Asked Questions: Functional Resume Examples and Advice

What are common action verbs for functional resumes -.

Action verbs are used in a limited capacity on functional resumes due to the lack of detail in the professional experience section. In most cases, you’d want to use verbs to open bullet points that describe different skill sets you’ve developed in your work experience. Below, you’ll find a list of action verbs you can use to accomplish this:

How do you align your resume with a job description? -

Aligning your document with the job description is essential to the resume-building process. As you review various job postings, you’ll want to incorporate as many keywords and skill sets as possible that match the role you’re applying for. One benefit of a functional resume format is that it does place relevant qualifications at the forefront of your document. The downside is that while this will ensure you pass the initial ATS scan , it doesn’t show hiring managers how you’ve used your industry knowledge to create value for your team and organization.

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If you choose a functional resume format, you should almost always include a cover letter to supplement your application. Because your document will lack a substantial description of your work history, you’ll need to use this opportunity to fill in the gaps for the hiring manager. You should also make a point to mention something about the organization and why its culture or reputation draws you to apply for the position.

Frank Hackett

Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW)

Frank Hackett is a professional resume writer and career consultant with over eight years of experience. As the lead editor at a boutique career consulting firm, Frank developed an innovative approach to resume writing that empowers job seekers to tell their professional stories. His approach involves creating accomplishment-driven documents that balance keyword optimization with personal branding. Frank is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) with the Professional Association of Resume Writers and Career Coaches (PAWRCC).

Check Out Related Examples

Basic Resume Examples and Templates

Professional Resume Examples and Templates

Traditional Resume Examples and Templates

Build a Resume to Enhance Your Career

• Hard Skills vs. Soft Skills: List of Best Examples for the Workplace Learn More
• How to Build a Resume Learn More
• How to Describe Your Current Job Responsibilities Learn More

Essential Guides for Your Job Search

• How to Write a Resume Learn More
• How to Write a Cover Letter Learn More
• Thank You Note Examples Learn More
• Resignation Letter Examples Learn More

Functional Resume Templates

Be Hired Based on Your Skills, Use Template.net’s Free Sample Functional Resume Templates! Whether You Want a Career Change or a Student Who Wants an Entry Level Job, You can Create a Professional Resume and Apply as an Administrative Assistant, Customer Service Manager, Teacher, Office Assistant, and Many More. Browse, Edit, and Get Work Done Today!

• Functional Resume
• Functional Tester

Winning your dream company is one, but isn't it better to get your ideal job role as well? To do that, you need a Functional Resume. This type of resume gives support in emphasizing your skills and experience. Here is a sample of the format for your reference purposes: Functional Resume Template . If you want a different type of resume you can always visit template.net .

As time passes by, most firms tend to hire seasoned and professional workers because those skills ensure a smooth flow of their company. With the use of this resume , you can show off your potentials and assurance of promising assistance in growing their business. Undoubtedly, a significant portion of the population has struggled in job-hunting due to their educational background. Some worry about their employment gap due to pregnancy, kids, being a student, etc.; there are also job seekers who undergo career change all the time. The sole purpose of a Functional Resume is to resolve these problems, as it displays your capabilities and lets you demonstrate this set of skills. This method also presents your outstanding factors in particular fields, and by that, the employer can generate an idea of a perfect position for you. Once the employer recognizes your talent, even if it's your first profession, there are good chances you can worry less at entry-level and your chronological work history.

In this society, there are those less fortunate in seeking a job, who is dealing with circumstances and currently running from their deadlines. Despite that, remember that you can always obtain resolve through efforts because being a part of this growing economy means scores of opportunities.

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