Functional Resume: Examples and Tips for 2026

In today’s competitive job market, knowing how to craft your resume effectively is crucial. While the reverse-chronological resume remains popular, there are instances when a functional resume may be the better option for showcasing your skills and qualifications.

Key Takeaways:

• A functional resume highlights your skills and achievements over your work history.

• It is suitable for individuals with extensive qualifications or those with minimal relevant experience.

• Skills and qualifications should be organized thematically in a functional resume.

• Emphasize accomplishments and quantifiable results.

• This format contrasts with the chronological resume by focusing on skills rather than work history.

What Is a Functional Resume?

A functional resume differs from traditional resumes by not presenting your work history in chronological order. Instead, it emphasizes the skills and abilities that are relevant to the job you’re applying for.

This allows you to focus on your qualifications right from the start, supporting them with specific examples of your skills in action. A functional resume is particularly effective for job seekers looking to shift career paths or those with employment gaps. This format encourages recruiters and hiring managers to focus on the potential contributions you can make to the organization.

Regardless of your time in the workforce, job titles, or industries, a functional resume can effectively highlight your strengths and capabilities, making it easier for applicants with varied backgrounds to stand out. Other formats include the chronological resume and the combination resume, which integrates both chronological and functional elements.

When to Use a Functional Resume

A functional resume is ideal for individuals with limited experience in a specific field or those undergoing a career transition. It is also beneficial for those with gaps in their employment history or entering the workforce after a hiatus, such as recent graduates or those returning after caregiving responsibilities.

This layout allows you to articulate how your skills from one industry are relevant and transferable to a new role, enhancing your chances of landing the desired position.

How to Write a Functional Resume

When opting for a functional resume, it’s essential to design your layout thoughtfully, ensuring it contains the necessary sections to present your experience effectively. Consider including the following:

1. Begin with a concise resume summary. A resume summary introduces your most relevant qualifications, skills, and career objectives, setting the stage for the rest of your resume.

2. Highlight your contact information. Make sure your contact details are prominent and accurate, including your full name, phone number, email address, and any additional relevant information.

3. Organize skills and qualifications thematically. Group your abilities under relevant headings, such as “Customer Service Experience” or “Technical Skills,” making it easier for employers to assess your fit for the role.

4. Incorporate keywords from the job description. Tailor your resume by using specific terms and phrases from the job listing to enhance compatibility with applicant tracking systems.

5. Include relevant projects and accomplishments. Highlight personal or professional projects that demonstrate your skills and successes relevant to the position you’re applying for.

6. Detail your employment history at the end. Provide a brief overview of your work history, focusing on key contributions without emphasizing dates unless necessary.

7. List your education history. Include your educational background only if it is relevant to the job, mentioning the institution, area of study, and any pertinent achievements.

Functional Resume Tips

If a functional resume suits your needs, keep these tips in mind:

• Focus on accomplishments, not duties. Highlighting specific examples of success can be more impactful than listing daily responsibilities.

• Use quantifiable results. Numbers help illustrate your contributions, making your achievements more tangible to hiring managers.

• Tailor your resume. Customize your resume for each application, ensuring it resonates with the specific position.

• Limit your resume to one page. Especially for those with less experience, a concise resume is more effective and respects the time of hiring managers.

Functional Resume Example

Each functional resume will be unique, and you can choose whether to include a resume summary or specific employment dates based on relevance.

Should I Use a Functional Resume?

Generally, a functional resume is not the preferred choice for most candidates. While it can effectively conceal gaps in employment or demonstrate transferable skills, many recruiters are wary of this format. Employers typically seek candidates with relevant experience, which they assume correlates with the necessary skills for the role.

Moreover, applicant tracking systems (ATS) prioritize chronological experience, and functional resumes may hinder your chances of getting past initial screenings. Regardless of the format you choose, ensure that your resume is ATS-friendly.

Here are scenarios where a functional resume may be appropriate:

• Those with employment gaps. This format allows you to focus on skills rather than work history, but consider including volunteer experience to fill activity gaps.

• Career changers. Emphasizing relevant skills can highlight your suitability for a different industry.

• Individuals with varied experience. This format can help organize disparate job experiences into a coherent narrative.

Functional Resume vs. Traditional Resumes

The traditional resume, often referred to as a chronological resume, focuses on your work history and is typically organized with the most recent positions first. This format is advantageous for those with a consistent career path, as it clearly demonstrates progression and accomplishments.

However, for individuals with diverse job histories or gaps, the chronological format may not be ideal. Traditional resumes are also easier for ATS to parse, making them a preferred choice for many employers.

Are Functional Resumes Bad?

Functional resumes are not inherently bad, but they come with certain limitations. They are useful for candidates with extensive qualifications who want to emphasize key skills or for those with limited experience wanting to highlight transferable skills.

However, many ATS struggle to interpret functional resumes effectively, potentially causing your application to be overlooked. Furthermore, some recruiters have a preference for traditional formats, which can slow down their review process.

If you opt for a functional resume, be aware of these drawbacks and consider how to present your qualifications effectively.

Author

Caitlin Mazur

Caitlin Mazur is a freelance writer at Zippia. Caitlin is passionate about helping Zippia’s readers land the jobs of their dreams by offering content that discusses job-seeking advice based on experience and extensive research. Caitlin holds a degree in English from Saint Joseph’s University in Philadelphia, PA.

Expert

Don Pippin, MHRM, CPRW, CDCS

Don Pippin is an executive and HR leader for Fortune 50 and 500 companies and startups. In 2008, Don launched area|Talent with a focus on helping clients identify their brand. As a Certified Professional Resume Writer, Certified Digital Career Strategist, and Certified Personal Branding Strategist, Don guides clients through career transitions.