Nonprofit and functional resumes I have spent my career so far in the same financial institution when I lost my job not long before the pandemic.

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Victoria Mikulan

Writer

02/18/21 at 11:27PM UTC

Nonprofit and functional resumes I have spent my career so far in the same financial institution when I lost my job not long before the pandemic.

I have been applying to a variety of jobs in different fields, but really want to find something in nonprofit or government. I have a lot of volunteer/community/volunteer management experience through my fire dept and a MPA and other skills I think would allow me to be successful in a nonprofit role. It was suggested to me that I tailor my resume specifically to the nonprofit industry. After some Googling, I decided to to create a functional resume. Does anyone have experience writing or reviewing these? My volunteer experience is what is highlighted, I have my other resume for comparison. Any help or direction would be appreciated.

14 Comments

Anonymous

02/20/21 at 2:34AM UTC

Hi Victoria! A functional resume seems like a great route to take if you think the roles you're applying for are too different from your finance roles. If not, I'd try to fit highlights of both experiences on one doc.

Kim Callinan

407

President & CEO of Nonprofit

02/21/21 at 3:11AM UTC

you are welcome to send me both, along with a note about the kind of jobs you are targeting, and I would be happy to look at it. https://www.linkedin.com/in/kim-callinan-303b293/

1 Reply

Victoria Mikulan

Writer

02/22/21 at 4:47PM UTC

Thank you so much!

1 Reply

Victoria Mikulan

Writer

02/22/21 at 5:22PM UTC

Kim, I sent you a document on LinkedIn but I sent the wrong one and it won't let me reply to the conversation to send the correct one.

1 Reply

Anonymous

03/01/21 at 7:31PM UTC

Suggest you connect with her 1st. Then send her a message with your resume.

Anonymous

03/01/21 at 7:20PM UTC

Hi there, I would definitely include your voluntary experience if it relates but I would also include your work experience. In a cover letter you can also emphasize your volunteer experience that relates. Good luck!

Kirsten Schmitt

Resume & Social Media Profile Expert

03/01/21 at 7:33PM UTC

Functional resumes can often get rejected by automated resume scanners. Perhaps you could create one chronological document for online submissions and a separate one for in person interviews?

1 Reply

Victoria Mikulan

Writer

03/03/21 at 7:18PM UTC

That is really good to know. Those resume scanners are very tricky!!

Jamie Klingman

Serial Business Starter and Seller

03/01/21 at 8:46PM UTC

Hi :) I personally love functional resumes, particularly when there is a cross-sector correlation to be made. Nonprofits need many of the skills you likely have, so help them see that. Good luck!

Rosa Goes

126

03/01/21 at 9:17PM UTC

I hired a resume writer to create a functional resume when I wanted to change to a different industry. There was zero interest received using that resume. All I got were "thank you" emails and no interview requests. Only after I changed back to a chronological resume did I get interviews, but I also decided not to change industries. Not sure if that had anything to do with it, but having gone through it, a chronological resume is easier to see & read. Best of luck to you!

Vanessa

138

Account Underwriter

03/01/21 at 10:05PM UTC

Hello! Based on the current marketplace I would design a resume that addresses key words for specific job descriptions. Ultimately, you will figure out what works best and adjust accordingly. I wish you well as you proceed!

Roz Bolton

Guiding you to unleash your inner YOU

03/02/21 at 6:13AM UTC

Right down your ideal job. How do you want this job to make you feel. What does your office look like in your ideal job? who are your coworkers? Visualise your ideal job that allows you to use all your gifts, talents and abilities. If there is no job out there then create one (start your own business) What is your dream job? You need to be clear on the job/career you are seeking. If you are not clear then you will end up in a job that you don't like. grab a pen and paper and write down all your gifts, talents and abilities. Now use these to help you find your job. You got this.

Brigette Wilds

03/02/21 at 12:10PM UTC

I would have a statement that highlights your transferable skills and then try to make your past experience fit the type of outcomes the job wants and the skills you have to deliver on that. If they want someone to do fundraising, for example, discuss how you drove people to do something or how you coordinated events. I think a lot of recruiters think a functional resume is trying to hide something and they disregard it. I have no evidence but it is my sense.

Sara Myers

129

Midwest Professor and Research Administrator

03/02/21 at 5:51PM UTC

All Federal jobs are on usajobs.gov. You need to make sure the "required qualifications" are met or HR will not pass you on to the actual person hiring for the position. Also - I would encourage you to try and find someone within the organization you are looking to get hired. That can help you judge whether its really a place you want to work, and give you someone to connect with during the interview process. Good luck!

User edited comment on 03/02/21 at 5:52PM UTC