A functional resume puts your skills and knowledge first over your work experience. It’s commonly advised for professionals with minimal experience, career changers, and recent graduates. Functional resumes lead with skills categories with bullet points showcasing how you applied these skills to achieve positive outcomes. The work history section is limited to a list of job titles. Because of that, the functional resume format might raise suspicions about relevant experience and your ability to maintain employment. A modified reverse chronological resume format is usually a better alternative because it allows you to showcase your skills and expertise without having to “hide” your work experience.

Let’s be real: you’re tempted to use a functional resume because you’re concerned about gaps in your work experience or an otherwise “imperfect” employment history.

Functional resumes might sound promising but, long story short, hiring managers aren’t fans. Your prospective employers care the most about your work history. Using a format that conceals key details about your experience shouldn’t be your go-to. 

Regardless, in this guide, I’ll walk you through what a functional resume is, share examples, and show you how to write one. I’ll also share why they’re not recommended, and then walk you through a better alternative: the modified reverse chronological format.

Complete your resume immediately with Rezi AI Resume Builder. Watch your resume write itself and highlight your professional strengths that are relevant to the job description. And the design and layout? It will always stay perfect. Just pick one of the 15+ resume templates and build your resume in minutes.

What Is a Functional Resume?

A functional resume prioritizes your skills over your work history. Its main focus is the skills summary section right below the resume header. In it, you group skills into categories such as “Project Management” or “Customer Service.” 

Under each category, you provide examples of how you used those skills and what you accomplished—all that to illustrate your expertise. 

The work history section is included, but usually brief and placed at the end of the resume. It also doesn’t feature the exact start and end dates, just a list of job titles and companies where you were employed.

Here’s an example of a functional resume:

Why a functional resume might work

• Focused skills summary: all skills are clearly categorized, making it clear where the candidate’s strengths lie. Each category also includes bullet points with concrete achievements, demonstrating the candidate’s ability to apply the said skill to make an impact.
• Comprehensive skill set: a wide range of competencies have been included, suggesting that the candidate is well-rounded and capable of handling various aspects of marketing.
• Quantifiable achievements: specific metrics were mentioned. This quantifiable data helps validate the candidate’s skills and effectiveness.
• Educational and certification credentials: qualifications help demonstrate the candidate’s level of knowledge. 

But wait, there’s a twist…

This resume is actually a “combination” or a “hybrid” resume format, rather than a typical functional resume like the ones that were popular in the 90s. It emphasizes skills, but clearly links them to the candidate’s employment history.

A combination resume is more sophisticated and a little harder to create than a “normal” functional resume, but it’s usually really worth the effort. 

Learn more about writing a combination resume from our master guide on resume formats: The Three Resume Formats: Chronological, Functional, Hybrid

Common use cases of a functional resume

These are the common use cases: 

• People with an inconsistent work history may use a functional resume to focus on their transferable skills and accomplishments, rather than gaps in employment.
• Job seekers making a career change may use a functional resume to highlight relevant skills and knowledge that align with their new career goals.
• Individuals with a lack of experience may use a functional resume to emphasize their abilities, education, and any related projects that demonstrate potential for the role.
• Candidates with diverse experiences that don’t fit a traditional career path may use a functional resume in an attempt to present their skills and unique qualifications in a more flexible format.

Unlike the standard resume format, the functional format focuses on what you’re capable of delivering over what you’ve delivered in the past. The intention is to emphasize your abilities and knowledge, rather than focusing on a traditional employment timeline.

When should you create a functional resume?

The general advice is to use a functional resume format when you need to focus on highlighting specific skills, since you have little to no work experience or employment gaps. 

Truthfully? There’s no scenario where you should use a functional resume format. 

Sometimes you might get away with it. Other times, it will harm your chances. Never will it be an actual competitive advantage.

See, most employers aren’t big fans of functional resumes because they limit the very thing that they’re looking for in candidates: relevant work experience. 

Hiring managers want proof of your ability to perform, evidenced by your work history and impact in previous roles. A functional resume emphasizes skills over formal experience, which can be a drawback.

The better alternative is a modified reverse chronological resume, paired with a cover letter explaining any gaps in your employment (more on that later).

How to Write a Functional Resume 

This is how to write a functional resume: 

• Add your contact details in the resume header. This includes your full name, location, email address, phone number, and LinkedIn URL or portfolio website. 
• Create a summary or objectives section, outlining your professional background and value proposition in 3–4 sentences. 
• Complete your skills summary section by listing a skill category and then writing bullet points underneath on relevant achievements or responsibilities.
• Add previous jobs related to the role you’re applying for in the work experience section. You can also add bullet points to detail any particular duties or accomplishments. 
• List your qualifications, like a bachelor’s degree, into the education section. 
• Consider including additional resume sections to showcase further relevant experience, skills, and qualifications. 
• Put your top skills in the skills section. 

We’ll go through each step in more detail below. 

1. Add your contact details

Start your resume by including your contact information in the resume header: 

• Full name: your first and last name is enough. 
• Location: include your city and state (no need to include your full address).
• Email address: provide a professional email address.
• Phone number: mention a phone number where you can be reached easily.
• LinkedIn URL: add a link to your LinkedIn profile.
• Portfolio website (optional): insert a link to your portfolio or personal website.

This section goes at the top of your resume. It should be easy to read and provide employers with all the necessary details to reach you. 

2. Create a summary or objectives section (or do this step last) 

The summary or objectives section is a brief introduction to your professional background and career goals. Highlight your key skills and value proposition to potential employers. 

Follow these steps to create a compelling summary for a functional resume:

• Start with a strong opening. Begin by introducing yourself. For instance, mention your professional title and years of experience. 
• Mention key skills and achievements throughout your career. These should be your most relevant and significant to the target position. 
• Keep it concise by writing up to 3–4 sentences. Next, make sure it aligns with the job description. 

Example: 

Marketing professional with 2 years of experience. Skilled in social media marketing, content creation, and market analysis, dedicated to driving brand growth and customer engagement.

Follow these steps to write compelling objectives for a functional resume:

• State your career goals in correspondence to the company’s needs.
• Include key skills you’re proficient in or are looking to develop. 
• Make a value proposition to clarify to the reader what the company can get in return for working with you. 
• Only write up to 3–4 sentences, and make sure you’re aligning with the job description. 

Example: 

Seeking a Marketing Manager position to leverage my skills in digital marketing, content creation, and market analysis. Proficient in SEO, PPC, and team leadership. Aiming to enhance brand awareness and drive customer engagement at XYZ Company.

Anytime you’re struggling to write this section, use Rezi AI Resume Summary Generator to get inspiration. Simply enter the job position and skills you want to highlight, then watch your summary section write itself! 

3. Complete your skills summary section

The skills summary section takes up the bulk of a functional resume. This is where you list skill categories followed by bullet points underneath to describe how you applied them. 

Here’s how to write the skills summary section:

• Identify 3–5 key skills categories. Pick the top that are most relevant to the job description that you’re also most proficient in. 
• Write between 2–5 outcome-focused bullet points underneath each skill category. Start with an action verb to describe a task you carried out, followed by a result. 
• Use metrics to specify responsibilities and accomplishments. 
• Include keywords from the job description. Focus on showing that you align with the job requirements that the company is advertising. 

If you need help writing resume bullet points, you can use either of these features: 

• Rezi AI Bullet Point Writer: generate bullet points from scratch. Enter the skill category and press “Generate Bullet” for suggestions. 
• Rezi AI Bullet Point Editor: refine bullet points you wrote or finish an incomplete bullet point by highlighting it and clicking “Rewrite Bullet” or “Complete Bullet.”

4. Add relevant job positions into the work experience section

You’ll still need to include a work experience section to show you’re familiar with working in a corporate environment. However, bullet points are optional. 

Here’s how to complete the work experience section for a functional resume: 

• List previous job positions, starting with the most recent job and work backwards.
• For each position, list the job title, company name, location, and dates of employment.
• Add bullet points under each job position to describe a relevant achievement (optional).

Example:

Bartender
Company Name, New York, NY
August 2019 – May 2021

5. List academic qualifications in the education section

Since the work experience section is usually minimal for a functional resume, the education section becomes twice more important. Showcasing your educational background helps show you have some fundamental knowledge and qualities required for the role. 

Here’s how to list your academic qualifications in the education section:

• List your most recent and highest level of qualification. 
• For each qualification, specify the title, institution name, location, and year of graduation. 

• If applicable, include any relevant coursework, honors, or distinctions to highlight your academic achievements. 

Example:

Bachelor of Science in Marketing
University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI
June 2022
• Relevant Coursework: Digital Marketing, Market Analysis, Consumer Behavior

6. Include additional resume sections

Additional sections of a resume let you showcase further skills, achievements, and experience that indicate your expertise. 

Here are other resume sections worth considering for a functional resume: 

• Awards & recognition: mention relevant awards or recognitions you've received to reinforce credibility and show your initiative.
• Certifications: list relevant certifications to emphasize specialized knowledge.
• Projects: include side projects that demonstrate relevant achievements.
• Extracurricular activities: focus on relevant side activities you did in your spare time that demonstrates your passion and soft skills. 
• Volunteering: mention volunteer work that demonstrates transferable skills.
• Languages: share any languages you are fluent in, especially if relevant to the job.

7. Finish up with a skills section

While the skills summary highlights achievements and responsibilities related to your top skills, this section offers a concise overview of your key competencies without additional context. This final section effectively rounds out your functional resume.

Here’s how to complete the skills section of a functional resume:

• Begin by organizing your skills into groups, for instance, hard skills and soft skills. This makes it easier to skim. 
• List skills relevant to the job description that you’re competent in. 
• Check the job description to make sure you’re including the most important skills based on the company’s needs.

Example:

Hard skills: Data Analysis, Statistical Modeling, SQL, Data Visualization (Tableau, Power BI), Excel (Advanced Functions and Macros), Data Cleaning and Preparation, Machine Learning Algorithms, Predictive Analytics
Soft skills: Attention to Detail, Communication, Time Management, Team Collaboration, Adaptability, Project Management

Functional Resume Alternative: The Modified Reverse Chronological Resume

A modified reverse chronological resume follows the standard reverse chronological format, but strategically rearranges sections to emphasize your strengths. 

Here's the typical order of this resume format:

• Header: full name and contact information.
• Summary or objectives: brief statement highlighting key skills and career goals.
• Education: academic qualifications, placed near the top to quickly show you’re qualified.
• Experience: work history in reverse chronological order, showcasing your impact in past roles.
• Additional sections: projects, certifications, extracurricular activities, and more—these should reinforce your credentials. 
• Skills: list your top skills. 

Placing your education section before your work experience helps present you as a qualified candidate by indicating your level of knowledge in your field. 

Alternatively, you can place the projects section before the work experience section. It all depends on your strengths. 

The work experience section then provides hiring managers proof of your ability to perform effectively in a professional environment. If you have little to no work experience, keep this section minimal. Only add bullet points that highlight relevant achievements and responsibilities. Writing detailed additional sections afterward will help reinforce your credentials. 

Now, the point of this modified format is to shift the employer’s focus to your skills and impact without downplaying your career timeline. This tends to work better than a functional resume because, while showcasing your skills, you’re still providing evidence of relevant work experience, which is the very thing most hiring managers seek when reviewing a resume.

When to use a modified reverse chronological resume

Use this structure when you have little to no experience in the field you’re applying for. This format also works brilliantly for job seekers who aren’t confident in their career timelines due to gaps for whatsoever reason. 

Anytime you’re considering a functional resume, go for a modified reverse chronological format instead. 

Example of a Modified Reverse Chronological Resume

Why this modified reverse chronological resume format works better than a functional resume format

• Clear professional work experience: employers can immediately see that you have formal experience, making it clear that you’re capable of contributing in a corporate environment. 
• Relevant bullet points: all bullet points are related to the target field, demonstrating the candidate’s skills. They’re also outcome-focused, which shows that the candidate is capable of making an impact. 
• Quantitative achievements: data is used when describing professional achievements, emphasizing your value. Your accomplishments are more telling about your level of skill and expertise. 
• Credibility: the inclusion of specific job titles, companies, and dates adds credibility to your resume. Employers can see where you worked and for how long, which builds trust and reduces suspicion about gaps or lack of experience.
• Projects section: additional resume sections, like projects and certifications, allows you to showcase further experience or achievements that help prove you’re qualified for the role. 

How to Write a Modified Reverse Chronological Resume as an Alternative to the Functional Resume

This is how to write a modified reverse chronological resume: 

• Complete the resume header by adding in your contact details. This includes your first and last name, location, email address, and phone number. Additional details include your LinkedIn URL and personal website or portfolio.
• Put together a concise resume summary or objective statement. Emphasize the unique value that you can bring to the table. 
• Showcase your academic achievements in the education section by listing your formal qualifications. 
• Describe relevant work experience in the work experience section. Highlight professional achievements and skills or duties that you executed. 
• Create a projects section. Mention side projects to highlight relevant experience and accomplishments. 
• Consider further additional sections to further showcase your abilities and expertise. 
• Finish with a skills section. 

The biggest difference between a functional resume and a modified reverse chronological resume is the order of resume sections and the work experience section. 

We’ll go through each of the steps in more detail below. 

1. Complete your resume header

Add your personal contact information at the top of your resume. This includes your name, location, email, phone number, LinkedIn URL, and personal website or portfolio. 

2. Build a concise summary or objective section

The steps are similar to a functional resume—for the resume summary section, emphasize your strengths and career highlights. Open up your resume by highlighting what you can bring to the table and the impact you can make. 

If you’re writing a resume objective statement, focus on how your interests match the company’s goals. Make it clear that you have mutual interests. Your opening should primarily show how you’re going to benefit the company and not the other way around. 

3. Showcase your academic background in the education section

The education section should come first after your summary or objective statement. This helps make up for having minimal work experience by immediately showing another form of qualification for the role. 

To list qualifications in the education section, mention the award title, institution, location, and year of graduation. You can also add a bullet point to mention any particular coursework, modules, honors, or distinctions related to the field you’re applying for. 

(Another option is to place the “projects” section first after the summary or objective statement, and then place the “education” section after your work experience.)

4. Describe relevant work experience and professional achievements

Here’s how to approach the work experience section, considering you have gaps in your work history: 

• List your most recent job positions—aim for 2–3. Alongside your job title, state the organization, location, and dates of employment. 
• Reflect on your most significant achievements and relevant responsibilities that you carried out. Focus on highlighting transferable skills and showing that you can make a positive impact.
• Write bullet points underneath each entry, aim for 2–5 bullet points. 
• Start with an action verb to describe a result you achieved, followed by what you did to achieve the said outcome. For example, “Enhanced team productivity by 15% by managing office schedules and coordinating meetings.”
• Another way to write a bullet point is to use an action verb to describe a task or skill you applied, followed by the outcome achieved. For example, “Assisted in coordinating in-store promotions and events, contributing to a 10% increase in sales during promotional periods.”

Compared to the functional resume format, this approach won’t raise suspicions and will make you appear more qualified for the target role at first glance. 

If you have employment gaps, be ready to address them in a cover letter or in a job interview. No need to bring it up on a resume (unless we’re looking at years away from the workforce, but even then, you can make up for this when you have projects to showcase during your time away). 

Let’s look at an example entry for someone who has experience as a marketing assistant, but looking to apply for a data analyst role:

Marketing Assistant
ABC Marketing Solutions, Chicago, IL
June 2020 – December 2021

• Analyzed marketing campaign data using Google Analytics to track performance metrics, leading to a 20% improvement in campaign ROI.
• Developed data-driven insights and reports on customer behavior, which informed targeted marketing strategies and increased engagement by 15%.
• Utilized Excel and Tableau to create visual dashboards, simplifying complex data sets for senior management review and strategic planning.

5. Create a projects section

The projects section gives you the chance to showcase your skills and achievements outside traditional job roles, demonstrating your capabilities and commitment to growth.

• Select projects that are most relevant to the job you are applying for. These projects can either be professional or personal, as long as it’s related to your target field. 
• For each project, include the project title, organization (if applicable), and dates.
• Write 1–5 bullet points for each project. Similar to the work experience section, focus on showcasing relevant responsibilities and accomplishments. 
• Start with an action verb and quantify your achievements where possible.

Following on from our example earlier, let’s imagine the candidate is applying for a data analyst role. Here’s an example of a project they might mention on their resume:

Data Analysis for Local Business
Freelance Project, March 2022–May 2022
• Analyzed sales data for a local retail business, identifying trends that led to a 15% increase in monthly revenue.
• Utilized Python and SQL for data cleaning and analysis, enhancing the accuracy of sales forecasts.
• Created interactive dashboards using Tableau to visualize key performance indicators, improving decision-making processes for the business owner.

6. Include further additional resume sections

After the projects section, you can add additional resume sections to share more details about your professional background that make you qualified for the role. Such sections include certification, relevant coursework, and volunteer experience. 

7. Add your top skills to the skills section

Lastly, add your top resume skills to the skills section. These should also be related to the company’s job description.

And if you still have room to spare, you can add extra details for a particular skill category, but just make sure you don’t repeat what you might’ve already written on your resume. 

Here’s an example: 

Technical Tools:

• SAS: Used for advanced statistical analysis and data manipulation.
• Google Data Studio: Created custom reports to visualize data from various sources.
• Project Management: 

Team Collaboration: 

• Led cross-functional teams on data-driven projects, ensuring timely completion and alignment with business goals.
• Agile Methodologies: Applied Agile principles to manage projects, improving efficiency and adaptability.

The Best Alternative Functional Resume Examples 

See below for more modified reverse chronological resume examples to take inspiration from. 

If you’re a student or graduate, you might want to check out our complete student resume guide here. 

Functional resume alternative for an embedded software developer

Functional resume alternative for a junior network engineer 

Functional resume alternative for a software developer intern

Functional resume alternative for a mechanical CAD designer

Summary

Let’s recap everything discussed in this functional resume guide: 

• A functional resume allows you to highlight specific skills and how you effectively applied them. However, it puts less emphasis on your work experience, which is a red flag to most potential employers. 
• To write a functional resume, add your contact information. Next, write a summary or objective statement, followed by a “skills summary” section where you showcase your areas of expertise. Next, add a work experience section to include previous jobs. Then, include an education and skills section. You can also add additional resume sections to showcase relevant experience or achievements. 
• The better alternative to a functional resume is the modified reverse chronological resume format. Compared to a functional resume, this doesn’t hide your work history, but allows you to emphasize your strengths. 
• To create a modified reverse chronological resume, simply reorder your resume sections. Start with a resume header and summary or objectives section. Put the education or projects section next, followed by the work experience section. Include any additional sections, then finish up with a skills section. 

Follow these steps, and you’ll have a compelling resume, even if you have career gaps. 

And if you do have any gaps in your employment history that the company might ask you about, be prepared to address them. 

FAQs

Why do employers generally hate functional resumes?

Employers generally dislike functional resumes because they obscure the candidate's work history, making it harder to gauge their career progression and impact in previous roles. Hiring managers prefer a clear, reverse chronological timeline that showcases a candidate’s professional growth and impact in previous roles, which a functional resume usually fails to provide. 

Who should create a functional resume?

A functional resume is typically for individuals with gaps in their work history, those transitioning to a completely new career field, or candidates with diverse experiences that don’t follow the traditional career path. In other words, a functional resume is usually for students, graduates, career changers, and professionals with an inconsistent work history. 

Should you ever create a functional resume?

Not really. No one should create a functional resume because this format immediately raises suspicions regarding relevant work experience and ability to maintain employment. A modified reverse chronological resume is a more effective format since it doesn’t downplay your work experience, but still subtly shifts the employer’s focus towards other aspects of your professional background that prove you’re a qualified candidate. 

What are the advantages and disadvantages of a functional resume?

A functional resume emphasizes skills and abilities over chronological work history, making it advantageous for those with employment gaps, career changers, or individuals with unique work experiences that don't align with a traditional career path. It directly highlights relevant and transferable skills, which can attract employers' attention to your capabilities. However, the huge disadvantage (which typically outweighs the pros) is that it can raise red flags for employers, who may perceive it as an attempt to conceal your lack of experience or inconsistent employment. Therefore, this format can be less effective as employers generally prefer to see a clear progression of your work history and impact in previous roles to gauge reliability and career development.

What does a functional resume highlight?

A functional resume highlights your skills, knowledge, and areas of expertise rather than formal work experience. It organizes information by skill categories and lists relevant accomplishments and experiences under each category, which makes it ideal for emphasizing transferable skills and knowledge.