by What does a functional resume highlight? Rather than outlining a detailed work history in sequential order, this format draws attention to core competencies, achievements, and relevant expertise.
In the article, we’ll explore how this document style emphasizes strengths and qualifications to create a compelling impression—regardless of career path.
What is a functional resume?
This is a format that spotlights a candidate's abilities and aptitude instead of presenting a traditional timeline of employment.
Instead of listing jobs in sequence, it organizes experience under categories such as “Leadership,” “Communication,” or “Technical Skills,” allowing job seekers to showcase their strengths in a more targeted way.
This structure works well for those shifting careers, reentering the workforce, or with a background that doesn’t follow a conventional path.
By emphasizing traits and accomplishments, a functional style resume helps applicants outline their value clearly, regardless of when or where their specialization was gained.
Functional vs chronological resume
| Category | Functional | Chronological |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Emphasis | Competencies and impact | Occupational history arranged by date |
| Layout | Organized by skill sets | Structured by positions held, starting with the most recent |
| Ideal For | Individuals switching industries, with gaps, or varied opportunities | Job seekers with a steady and progressive employment track |
| Role of Dates | Minimized or summarized at the end | Prominently displayed for each position |
| Strengths Showcased | Transferable talents | Development, promotions, and advancements |
| Industry Familiarity | Less conventional, may require explanation | Standard type for most hiring managers |
| Potential Challenges | May raise concerns about timeline clarity | Can draw attention to lapses |
Chronological resume examples:
How to write a functional resume?
1. Contact Information
Place your personal details at the top of the document, ensuring they are easy to locate.
What to include:
- Full Name
- Phone Number
- Address (city and state)
- LinkedIn URL
- Website or Portfolio (if applicable)
Example:
Taylor Brooks
New York, NY taylor.brooks@gmail.com
(321) 555-7890
LinkedIn.com/in/taylorbrooks
Portfolio: taylorportfolio.com
2. Opening Statement
A brief paragraph (2–3 sentences) that introduces who you are and your career objectives. The resume opening of functional format resume should be tailored to the specific role you are applying for, aligning your acumen with the employer’s needs.
Key Points:
- Highlight relevant skills and core strengths.
- Give a clear value proposition.
- If you're pivoting to a new sphere, mention your transferable abilities.
Detail-oriented financial analyst with over 7 years of experience working with top-tier companies like Deloitte and JPMorgan Chase. Skilled in budgeting, financial forecasting, and data analysis. Eager to apply quantitative skills and industry knowledge to help a growing tech company make data-driven decisions.
3. Core Competencies
This block should be the focal point of your functional resume format.
Group your abilities under distinct skill categories, such as Leadership, Communication, or Technical Expertise. For each, provide a list of achievements and use action-oriented language to describe your impact.
How to structure:
- Organize your attributes into relevant types.
- Focus on outcomes to show measurable results.
- Keep bullet points concise.
Example:
Project Management & Coordination
- Spearheaded a cross-functional team of 12 for a $1M digital marketing campaign for Microsoft, achieving a 25% increase in brand engagement.
- Managed timelines and budgets for various clients, ensuring 100% on-time and under-budget delivery.
- Implemented agile methodologies to streamline workflows, reducing turnaround times by 20%.
Client Relations & Negotiation
- Cultivated long-term partnerships with over 15 major clients, improving customer retention rates by 30%.
- Negotiated contracts with suppliers that led to a 15% reduction in operational costs.
- Conducted regular client presentations, translating complex data into actionable insights that drove decision-making.
Data Analysis & Financial Modeling
- Built and maintained financial models that forecasted revenue, helping secure $2M in investment funding for a startup.
- Analyzed market trends and competitor data to help Fortune 500 companies develop new product lines.
- Expert in Excel, SQL, and Tableau to conduct financial analysis and data visualization.
Team Leadership
- Trained and mentored junior team members, resulting in a 40% improvement in productivity.
- Led team-building workshops that fostered collaboration and improved project outcomes.
- Directed employee performance reviews and created individualized development plans, increasing retention by 15%.
4. Work History
While the functional resume focuses on skills, it's still essential to reveal a brief overview of past positions to give context. Keep this part short, listing titles, companies, and dates. Do not go into detailed descriptions.
What to incorporate:
- Role
- Organization
- Location
- Employment Timeline
Example:
Senior Financial Analyst
Deloitte, Chicago, IL | 2019–Present
Financial Analyst
JPMorgan Chase, New York, NY | 2016–2019
Junior Analyst
Goldman Sachs, San Francisco, CA | 2014–2016
5. Academic Background
List your highest level of education and any certifications. This functional resume section helps provide context to your expertise. If you've participated in courses or training, mention that as well.
What to include:
Example:
Education
Master of Business Administration (MBA), Finance
University of Chicago – 2018
Bachelor of Science in Economics
University of California, Berkeley – 2014
Certifications
- Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Level II Candidate – 2023
- Data Science Certificate, Coursera – 2022
6. Optional Sections
Depending on your background, there may be additional information that can add value to your functional resume.
| Feature | Why It Matters | Details to Write |
|---|---|---|
| Certificates | Validates knowledge. | Credentials earned, issuing institutions, completion dates. |
| Volunteering | Demonstrates commitment, leadership, and applicable capabilities. | Organization, responsibilities, location, time period. |
| Languages | Indicates global readiness and communication versatility. | Languages spoken and level of fluency (e.g., Native, Proficient, Basic). |
| Awards | Reflects achievement and outstanding contribution. | Title, entity, year received. |
| Memberships | Shows engagement with industry communities and ongoing learning. | Group or establishment name, level of participation, duration. |
| Engagements | Establishes public speaking mastery. | Event names, presentation topics, dates, audience. |
| Published Work | Communicates expertise and writing ability in relevant domains. | Publication titles, outlets, dates, topic focus. |
7. Formatting
The structure and readability of your functional style resume play a significant role in how it is perceived by hiring managers. Ensure the following:
- Choose a plain typeface such as Calibri, Helvetica, Georgia, or Arial when writing a resume.
- Use 10 to 12 pt for general content; increase heading size slightly for emphasis (14–16 pt).
- Steer clear of decorative or cursive fonts that may hinder readability.
- Stick with standard 1-inch borders on all sides.
- Maintain clear spacing between lines (ideally 1.15 to 1.5).
- For most applicants, one page resume is ideal.
- Consider right-aligning dates.
- Present information with bullet lists rather than long paragraphs.
- Each entry should begin with a dynamic verb that illustrates impact.
- Integrate keywords from the job listing naturally.
- Save your document as a PDF unless the post suggests another format.
- Stick to a minimalist design—refrain from photos, decorative graphics, or excessive color.
- Opt for a monochrome palette (black, dark gray, or navy) for a polished and modern appearance.
To guarantee you include every essential detail, consider making a resume online.
With classic resume templates tailored for various industries and levels, candidates can pick a layout that best reflects their goals and style.
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Functional resume examples
Functional resume sample for reentering the workforce
Rosemary Sandidge
Los Angeles, CA 90017
r.sandidge@email.com | (213) 555-8341Professional Summary
Detail-oriented and resourceful professional returning to the workforce after a planned career pause. With experience in office administration, customer service, and team coordination, I am eager to leverage my organizational skills, problem-solving abilities, and updated technical knowledge to support operational efficiency and success.
Key Competencies
- Office Administration
- Scheduling & Calendar Management
- Microsoft Office & Google Workspace
- Client Relations & Customer Support
- Event & Meeting Coordination
- Project Management Tools (Asana, Trello)
- Data Entry & File Management
- Task Prioritization & Time Management
- Communication & Interpersonal Skills
Transferable Experience
Administrative & Organizational Expertise
Highlights:
- Coordinated calendars, meetings, and travel logistics for senior managers at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center (2015–2018).
- Developed and maintained an organized filing system for sensitive patient and staff records, improving access and retrieval time by 20%.
- Drafted internal communications and process documentation, contributing to smoother office workflows.
- Managed office supplies and vendor relationships, ensuring cost-effective purchasing.
Client Support & Communication
Highlights:
- Delivered outstanding service in patient-facing roles at Kaiser Permanente (2010–2014), managing inquiries, scheduling appointments, and resolving issues.
- Ensured a high level of patient satisfaction, consistently receiving positive feedback and recognition.
- Acted as a liaison between patients, healthcare providers, and administrative teams to ensure seamless communication.
- Handled customer service tasks, including appointment management, billing inquiries, and coordination.
Recent Volunteer & Skill Development
Highlights:
- Volunteered at Downtown Women’s Center (2022–2024), organizing fundraising events and managing donor communication.
- Participated in workshops on remote work best practices, time management, and online collaboration tools through LinkedIn Learning.
- Led a PTA fundraising initiative at a local elementary school, managing volunteers, coordinating events, and designing newsletters.
- Enhanced technical skills with courses in Microsoft Excel, Asana, and Zoom, ensuring familiarity with current industry standards.
Professional Background
Administrative Assistant
Cedars-Sinai Medical Center – Los Angeles, CA
January 2015 – August 2021
Front Office Coordinator
Kaiser Permanente – Los Angeles, CA
May 2010 – December 2014
Education
Associate Degree in Office Administration
Los Angeles City College – Graduated 2009
Certifications
- Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) – Certified January 2025
- Google Workspace Essentials – Completed February 2025
Additional Information
- Career Break: 2021–2025 – Focused on family and skill development through online courses.
- Availability: Immediate | Open to hybrid and onsite roles in the Greater LA area
Functional resume template for shifting careers
Functional resume example for recent graduate
Amy Bright
Pueblo, CO 81004
amy.bright@email.com | (719) 555-4827 | LinkedIn.com/in/amybrightProfessional Summary
Motivated and enthusiastic recent graduate with a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing and a passion for digital communication, data analysis, and creative problem-solving. Skilled in social media strategy, content creation, and customer engagement. Eager to apply academic knowledge and hands-on internship experience to drive brand awareness and customer loyalty in a dynamic marketing role.
Key Competencies
- Digital Marketing Strategies
- Social Media Management
- Content Creation & Blogging
- Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
- Market Research & Analytics
- Adobe Photoshop & Illustrator
- Google Analytics & Google Ads
- Brand Development
- Customer Relationship Management (CRM)
- Event Coordination & Promotion
Relevant Experience
Digital Marketing & Content Creation
Highlights:
- Developed social media campaigns and email strategies for University of Colorado – Pueblo’s Marketing Department (2023–2024).
- Wrote and edited content for the department’s blog and social media platforms, increasing follower engagement by 30%.
- Assisted in conducting market research and analyzing competitors, contributing to insights used in future marketing campaigns.
- Managed social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter) and collaborated with team members to maintain consistent branding.
Research & Analytical Skills
Highlights:
- Led a capstone project in Marketing Research where I designed and conducted surveys to analyze customer behavior and preferences.
- Collected and analyzed data on customer feedback to help a local business optimize its product offerings and promotional strategies.
- Created visual reports and presentations to communicate findings to peers and professors, demonstrating an ability to clearly present complex information.
Teamwork & Event Planning
Highlights:
- Coordinated marketing materials and communications for the Pueblo Business Expo (2023), an event aimed at connecting local businesses with potential clients.
- Collaborated with a team of 5 peers to plan, promote, and execute event logistics, contributing to a 25% increase in attendance.
- Assisted in organizing promotional giveaways and materials to increase brand awareness at local events.
Education
Bachelor of Science in Marketing
University of Colorado – Pueblo, CO
Graduated May 2025
- Relevant Coursework: Digital Marketing, Consumer Behavior, Market Research, Advertising Strategies, Content Marketing
- Dean’s List, 2024 and 2025
Certifications
- Google Analytics for Beginners – Google – Completed April 2025
- HubSpot Inbound Marketing Certification – HubSpot Academy – Completed March 2025
- Adobe Photoshop & Illustrator Basics – LinkedIn Learning – Completed February 2025
Additional Information
Internship Experience:
- Marketing Intern – Pueblo Chamber of Commerce (2024) – Assisted in developing community outreach strategies and social media posts.
- Freelance Content Creator – Developed social media content for local small businesses to enhance online presence.
Volunteer Work:
- Event Volunteer – Pueblo Downtown Association – Organized and promoted local events, assisting in managing crowds and customer engagement.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a functional resume highlights the abilities, competencies, and accomplishments that show you as a strong candidate, rather than focusing on a chronological job history.
By emphasizing strengths in areas such as problem-solving, leadership, and technical skills, this document type allows you to present your qualifications in the most compelling light, making it easier for employers to recognize the value you bring to the role.
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