Thoughts on functional résumés?
I just used a resume service to help me rewrite my resume to try to re-enter my previous tech career after being a SAHM and part-timer in another field for a number of years. They wrote a chronological resume, and I’m really worried it will 1) not showcase my relevant skills and 2) hurt my chances. Are functional résumés not really recommended?
Anna Yaguchi
I translate "Geek" into plain English and back.
102
03/25/22 at 5:14PM UTC
I can relate I'd been at the same job for fifteen years. Since chronological resumes generally recommend only listing your past ten years of employment. My resume would have looked extremely vacant.
Also, resume styles had changed over the years, and I didn't want to look out of touch. I was also hoping to pivot my career. So, I spent a lot of time... too much time looking at every format I and advice forums I could get my hands on.
Have you heard the term, "Analysis paralysis"? That's were I ended up.
I wasn't till I heard my dream company was hiring for a role I believed I could do. Ever have a company that you didn't care what the job was, so long as you got your foot in the door you wanted in? This was that company for me. I finally got off my butt and wrote a resume. and cover letter.
I started with a personal statement, then Skills, Chorological work history (just the last three employers) and volunteer work (this company was big supporting charities) and wrote a heart felt cover letter. In hindsight I might have gone a bit to sappy in the cover letter.
I didn't get the job but I did finally have a resume. It became the basis for all subsequent job applications. I would tweak each time. It became living document and I'd always write a kick-ass cover letter.
In the end, I'm pretty sure it was all about the cover letter for me, more so than the resume. My resume is 'fine'. But the cover letter I treat like a written job interview. I take elements from the job description and try to make one to one matches to my own skills and why I'm so awesome at it. "Here's what I understand you need and guess what buddy I've got it in spades."
I finally got a job thought I didn't pivot like I hoped. Take that for what it's worth.
I suppose the lesson is if you don't like the resume someone else wrote for you.. Write a new one in whatever style you want. If you don't like it change it. But in the end I believe the cover letter is what's really going to get you the interview.
Anonymous
03/18/22 at 6:16AM UTC
You might want to try a hybrid resume: Include your reverse chronological jobs before/after your functional skills. That way, recruiters/employers can see your chron progression as well as your skill highlights.
Anonymous
03/16/22 at 2:06PM UTC
I think it depends on your role and experience. I don't think one or the other is always the right way to go — I would go with your gut here! You got this.
Anonymous
03/16/22 at 2:24AM UTC
I created my own version of a combination resume. My resume: four-line professional summary, followed by a 5-10 "skill' bullet point section illustrating what I achieved in relation to the position and finally a work experience section in chronological order. That way, I can highlight what I need to rather than expect the recruiter to have time to read through my resume to gleam those skills.
