Functional Resume Templates Basics

Learn the basics from a functional resume example and land your dream job

By Virginia Franco, Freelance Writer
Functional resumes are a viable alternative to the traditional chronological resume. Review a functional resume sample and you can see why many prefer it when they have not worked consistently and therefore have gaps in their resumes, or if they held several positions that are quite different in nature.

Free functional resume templates are readily available on the Internet, and allow you to simply plug in your experience to an already established format. Skimming a functional resume example can give you an idea of if a functional resume is the best format to showcase your employment history. Review the following functional resume templates basics when considering creating or revamping your resume using a functional resume format:

1. Before you write a functional resume, examine criteria to determine if this format is the best way to convey your skills and experience.

2. Consider using a functional resume builder service that will provide the template and review your work.

3. Include plenty of keywords when you write a functional resume in order to make it past a computer screening process.

 

Review criteria to determine if utilizing a functional resume sample is best for you

Chronological resumes are still the more accepted format among many circles. That being said, a chronological resume may not be the best format in which to display your experience and talent. Determine if a functional resume is right for you by reviewing criteria for using this resume template.
Try: Quintessential Careers includes a table with established criteria for helping you decide which professional resume templates -- chronological or functional -- is best suited to your experience. ExecSearches' article evaluates the features of each resume type to help you decide which suits you best.

Multitask with a functional resume template service that checks your work and provides input

Many resume template services will not only provide you with a functional resume template, they have resume experts on hand to review your work and lend advice. For a fee, these services will also post your functional resume onto Internet employment sites for you.
Try: ResumesStartHere offers several services including a template, professional resume review and, for an additional fee, will post your resume onto job hunting sites. ResumeEdge also offers a resume template it refers to as a toolkit and offers distribution as well as job report services for an additional fee.

Locate a functional resume example with keywords to help you get past program screeners

Nowadays career or job sites like Monster, as well as major corporations, utilize computer software programs to screen resumes before they ever get in front of an actual person. In order to get your resume past this screening tool, be sure to use a template that includes keywords that the software has been pre-programmed to identify for the type of work you are seeking.
Try: Resume Templates USA includes a listing of 500 common keywords in addition to providing resume templates on its site. EResumes' resume tutorial can help you through completing a functional resume and a keyword summary.