How to Write a Functional Resume for Any Job Application

If you’re seeking a six-figure career and want to present your skills and experiences in the most compelling way possible, a functional resume may be the perfect format for you. Unlike the traditional chronological resume, the functional resume emphasizes your skills and qualifications over the exact timeline of your work history, making it an excellent choice for those with gaps in employment or those switching industries.

In this article, we’ll guide you through the steps of writing a functional resume that can help you stand out in competitive job markets and demonstrate the strengths you bring to the table. Whether you’re applying for executive roles or transitioning careers, a well-crafted functional resume can highlight the value you offer.

What is a Functional Resume?

A functional resume focuses on your abilities, skills, and accomplishments rather than a detailed work history. This format is especially useful for job seekers who may have non-linear career paths, are switching industries, or are returning to the workforce after a break. For skilled professionals on a six-figure track, it offers a powerful way to spotlight what you can achieve rather than when you’ve done it.

Benefits of Using a Functional Resume

• Highlights Skills Over Job Titles: Your skills take center stage, making it easier for hiring managers to see how you match the job requirements, even if your job titles or industries vary.
  
  
• Minimizes Gaps: If you’ve taken a career break or switched industries, the functional resume allows you to present your experiences without focusing on dates and timelines.
  
  
• Perfect for Career Changers: If you’re entering a new industry, this format can demonstrate how your existing skills apply to the new role, rather than focusing on your unrelated work history.

1. Choose the Right Layout for Your Functional Resume

The structure of a functional resume is different from the traditional format. Instead of listing jobs in reverse chronological order, you’ll group your skills and achievements into sections. Here’s a simple breakdown:

1. Contact Information: As with any resume, include your name, phone number, email address, and LinkedIn profile at the top.
   
   
2. Resume Summary: A brief, impactful statement highlighting your top skills and professional strengths, tailored to the job you’re applying for.
   
   
3. Skills and Competencies: Divide your main skills into categories and provide examples of accomplishments that demonstrate these skills.
   
   
4. Work Experience: List your employment history in a simplified format, including job title, company name, and employment dates.
   
   
5. Education: Include your educational background, starting with your most recent degree or certification.
   
   
6. Certifications and Additional Information: List any relevant certifications, professional affiliations, or volunteer work that may support your application.

2. Start with a Powerful Summary

Your resume summary should provide a snapshot of your skills, expertise, and value as a candidate. In a functional resume, the summary becomes even more important, as it sets the stage for the skills and achievements to follow. 

Example Summary for a Functional Resume:

A results-driven marketing executive with over 10 years of experience in leading high-impact campaigns across digital and print platforms. Recognized for driving revenue growth, improving brand awareness, and leading cross-functional teams to exceed KPIs. Expert in strategic planning, content marketing, and data-driven decision-making.

The summary should quickly communicate your expertise, showing that you’re the ideal fit for a six-figure role in your field.

3. Create Skill Sections That Shine

The skills section is the heart of your functional resume. Instead of just listing skills, group them into categories that reflect the core competencies of the role you’re applying for. Under each category, include bullet points or short paragraphs highlighting key achievements that demonstrate your proficiency in these areas.

Example Skills Sections:

Marketing Strategy

• Developed comprehensive digital marketing campaigns that increased website traffic by 35% within six months.
• Led market research initiatives, identifying emerging trends that resulted in a 15% revenue boost for targeted product lines.

Project Management

• Managed cross-functional teams of 20+ members, ensuring on-time delivery of projects with budgets exceeding $500K.
• Implemented Agile project management techniques that reduced project completion time by 20%.

Focusing on your skills and pairing them with concrete accomplishments can help you create a narrative that proves your ability to succeed in the role you’re targeting.

4. Simplify Your Work History

Unlike a chronological resume, your work history section should be brief. You don’t need to provide extensive detail here, as your skills and accomplishments have already done the heavy lifting.

Example Work History:

Marketing Manager  

XYZ Corporation, 2015-2021

Marketing Specialist  

ABC Inc., 2010-2015

In this section, focus on providing essential details. The functional format allows you to showcase your skills upfront, without the need for a detailed account of every job duty you’ve had.

5. Use Metrics and Data to Back Up Your Skills

Employers, especially those offering six-figure roles, want to see results. Wherever possible, quantify your achievements to show the impact you’ve had in previous roles. Whether it’s increasing sales, improving efficiency, or managing successful teams, data adds credibility to your claims.

Example of Quantifying Achievements:

• Spearheaded a digital marketing strategy that grew social media engagement by 50% in three months.
  
  
• Managed a $2M annual budget, achieving a 10% reduction in costs while increasing brand reach by 25%.

By including numbers and measurable results, you make it easy for hiring managers to understand your impact.

6. Address Employment Gaps and Career Changes

If you’re using a functional resume because of employment gaps or a career change, it’s important to acknowledge these transitions in a way that frames them positively. 

In your cover letter or a brief section within your resume, explain the context for your break or change and how it prepared you for the job you’re seeking. For example, if you took a break to pursue further education or caregiving responsibilities, you can mention how those experiences enhanced your skills.

7. Optimize Your Resume for ATS Systems

Many employers use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to filter resumes before they reach hiring managers. When creating a functional resume, ensure it’s optimized for ATS by including relevant keywords from the job description.

Key Tips for ATS Optimization:

• Use standard section headings like “Skills,” “Work History,” and “Education.”
  
  
• Avoid over-complicated formatting, such as tables or unusual fonts.
  
  
• Incorporate industry-specific keywords to match the job posting.
  
  
• Consider working with a professional resume writing service to help you get it just right

8. Tailor the Resume to Each Job Application

While a functional resume provides flexibility, it’s still crucial to tailor it to the specific job you’re applying for. Review the job description carefully, and adjust your skills and accomplishments to reflect what the employer is looking for.

This attention to detail will demonstrate that you’re not just sending out a generic resume but are truly interested in the role.

9. Use the Functional Resume Format Wisely

While the functional resume can be a great tool, it’s not suitable for every job application. For roles where a linear career progression is valued—such as executive or leadership positions—a chronological resume may be more appropriate. However, if you’re transitioning industries, overcoming employment gaps, or emphasizing skills over specific job titles, the functional resume is a strong choice.

Conclusion: The Power of a Functional Resume

Crafting a functional resume allows you to position your skills and achievements at the forefront, which is particularly valuable when pursuing competitive six-figure roles. By focusing on what you bring to the table in terms of competencies rather than exact dates, you can demonstrate that you’re the right fit for the job, even if your work history doesn’t align perfectly with the job description.

For ambitious professionals looking to showcase their most valuable skills, this resume format can be a game-changer in opening doors to new career opportunities.