This allows you to explain to the recruiter or hiring manager the reason for a functional resume. Including a cover letter is almost always a good idea, especially with a functional resume. There are a few scenarios where it may be acceptable to use a functional resume. This isn’t to say that everyone who uses a functional resume is doing these things, but if you were scouring through hundreds of resumes, you’d likely start to get cynical towards them. It can be used to cover up significant career gaps and lack of relevant experience. There are two main reasons that many recruiters don’t want to see functional resumes. In most cases, a functional resume is not the best option.

Instead of showing a potential employer your work history, you’re showing how your skills-work-based or life-based-make you the best candidate for the position. This is why many people also refer to a functional resume as a skills-based resume. Unlike the traditional chronological resume, where your work history takes center stage, a functional resume focuses on skills and proficiencies. This style is a pretty significant change from a traditional resume, so the question is: should you use one? What is a Functional Resume?īefore you decide whether you should use a functional resume, let’s take a high-level look at what it is exactly. There are many types and styles of resumes, but one that gets a lot of attention these days is the functional resume. What do you include on it ? How do you format it? There are so many questions-many of which have different answers depending on whom you ask.

For example, networking with the right people sometimes gives you an edge.īut at the end of the day, it still comes down to the resume. There are things you can do to improve your chances. Half the battle in finding a new career is getting that callback. It’s 2022, and competition is fierce, even for high-level positions.

Functional resume