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Ask Vanessa - 7 Reasons Why You Should Use A Functional Resume

Ask Vanessa - 7 Reasons Why You Should Use A Functional Resume
Posted By: Vanessa Morrison on April 01, 2017


Addresses the most common issues regarding resumes. From time to time there will be an article written on trends concerning the resume, as well as articles pertaining to resumes and interviews.

Last time we talked about when a Chronological format works which is when you have had linear progression in advancing for your most desired career.

But, what format do you use when life occurs?

Here are 7 reasons when you should use the Functional format:

1. Unemployment for more than a year; and you have taken a lesser position
2. Career change
3. Recent college graduate and no work experience
4. Gap in employment; you took off to take care of an ailing family member or you chose to be a stay at home parent
5. Disability whether for a child, a relative or a spouse
6. Medical – Sickness that you encountered yourself
7. You have Volunteer or Community experience greater than your work experience in the related field.

A Functional resume format is best when the focus is on your Achievements and Capabilities.

This focuses the employer’s attention on what you can do (and have done), rather than where or when you have worked.

The Functional format can be used for you if you are looking for work in a field you haven’t been in before or if any of the above circumstances apply to you.



The Functional format would look like this:

Branded Job Title/Headline
Summary of Experience
Accomplishments
Education
Volunteer or Community Work
Professional Background

After trying this resume format, or if you have questions about the format or which format contact her at resumereminders@gmail.com or for speaking engagements or to do a resume.

Vanessa Morrison is an Expert on writing resumes and is an Employment & Career Copywriter/Coach. She has been on the panel and facilitated for ATD – Association for Talent Development. She currently owns A-Z Resume and Employment Solutions. She currently volunteers her time as a Pre-Employment Advocate with Dress for Success Dallas, TX.

This article is the original content of the writer and some portions of the content belong to American Writers and Artists Institute.

No part of this article in whole or in part may be copied, duplicated, reproduced, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without the express written permission from the publisher.

Copyright and other intellectual property laws protect these materials and any unauthorized
reproduction or retransmission will constitute an infringement of copyright law.

Federal law provides severe civil and criminal penalties for the unauthorized reproduction,
distribution, or exhibition of copyrighted materials. Penalties for criminal and statutory
copyright infringement are set forth at 18 U.S.C. § 2319



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What Is a Resume and Do I List Every Job That I've Had?
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