Functional Summary Resume Example

The two main types of resumes are a) functional resumes and b) chronological resumes. Below, you can see downloadable examples of how to build a strong functional resume, as well as a list of reasons you might consider using one.

What's the difference between these two resume types? Chronological resumes list your experience from most recent to least recent, whereas functional resumes list your experience in sets of skills. In a functional resume, your employment history is broken down into areas that highlight specific skills or accomplishments.

Why use a functional resume over a chronological resume?

You're a college student and don't have much experience related to your career goals
You want to take a new direction with your career and work a job unrelated to your old career path (for instance if you were in the military and want a new job)
Your career path doesn't have a clear direction because you've held multiple unrelated jobs
You have holes in your work history that draw attention to themselves when ordered chronologically (for instance if you took time off to care for a child)
You don't have much paid-work experience (for instance if you mostly do volunteering or relevant extracurriculars

Below are two functional resume example template designs you download or draw inspiration from.

John Doe

Street City, State Zip Phone Email

Job Objective

State concisely what job you're looking for.

Highlights of Qualifications

Include a few highlights that summarize why you're fit for your job objective. Don't go beyond two lines for each point.
Make sure the most important statements go first.
Make sure you identify relevant traits, experience and skills.

Professional Accomplishments

Skill One

List two to four points about places you used this skill (work, volunteering, etc.)
Use real numbers to quantify what you achieved
Include relevant awards

Skill Two

List two to four points about places you used this skill (work, volunteering, etc.)
Use real numbers to quantify what you achieved and include relevant awards
Make sure your skills are prioritize in order of importance

Work History

2004-2008	ORGANIZATION, City, State
	Job Title
2000-2004	ORGANIZATION, City, State
	Job Title
1998-2000	ORGANIZATION, City, State
	Job Title

Education

Degree, Major, 2005
School, City, State

Community Service

Position, Organization, 2002-2005
Position, Organization, 2001-2002

You can download the above resume in .doc format here: Functional Summary Resume Example.

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