If you have significant career gaps or limited work experience, a resume format that focuses on your skills can be especially beneficial — and that’s exactly what a functional resume does.
In this article, we’ll explain what a functional resume is and show you how to write one yourself.
What is a functional resume?
A functional resume is a format that focuses on your relevant skills rather than your work history.
Also known as a skills-based resume, this format groups your professional abilities into categories that are directly relevant to the job.
Each category is followed by bullet points that provide examples of your achievements using that skill.
Like a chronological resume, a functional resume still includes a list of your previous jobs. However, this section is much shorter and less detailed than it would be on a chronological resume.
As a result, a functional resume helps your transferable skills stand out.
Functional resume templates
Here are some functional resume templates that you can download and fill in with your own information:
1. Early-career resume template
If you’re just starting your career, a functional resume format lets you build your resume around a strong skills section that highlights your top abilities.
To make an even stronger impression, use results-focused bullet points that highlight quantifiable achievements. This makes it easy for employers to see the impact you can make.
2. Career gap resume template
This resume template is a great example of how to explain employment gaps.
The work experience section lists only the years worked for each job, rather than the specific months, which is an effective way to minimize attention to extended periods of unemployment.
3. Career changer resume template
If you’re writing a career change resume, a chronological format can be problematic because it may make your work experience seem irrelevant.
Instead, using a functional format that emphasizes your transferable hard skills highlights the value you can bring to your new field.
How to write a functional resume
Writing a functional resume differs slightly from writing a standard resume. Here’s everything you need to know, step-by-step:
Write a detailed introduction
A convincing resume summary immediately draws the employer’s attention to your most relevant skills, making your job history less of a focal point.
Start your summary by briefly stating who you are and your area of expertise. Then, give 2–3 examples of relevant achievements that demonstrate your qualifications. Finally, explain why you’re applying for the job.
Here’s an example:
Conscientious administrative assistant with 4+ years of experience providing executive-level support. Introduced inventory supply software and saved 5% in costs. Highly proficient with QuickBooks.
Quickly get a great introduction for your functional resume by letting a resume summary generator do the hard work for you.
Group your skills by type
Next, categorize your skills by type:
- Read the job description and identify the skills the employer is looking for, grouping them into 3–5 categories
- Organize your skills into similar groups to include in your skills section
- After each skill group, add 3–4 bullet points highlighting what you’ve achieved with those skills
For example:
CUSTOMER SERVICE
- Receive a +95% on customer service feedback surveys on a consistent basis by providing a friendly in-store environment
- Enhance the customer experience by providing quality assistance and in-depth product knowledge
- Educate customers on up-and-coming brands and the latest fashion trends
SALES
- Exceeded sales goals an average of 10% for 5 straight months
- Upsell customers through the recommendation of products that meet their specific needs
- Process 30+ customer transactions a day and factored sales, discounts, and promotions into the final price
MERCHANDISING
- Restock and organize new shipments of inventory in a timely manner, cutting average of 2 days off the merchandising process
- Develop and create unique displays that attract customers to a desired product
- Team worker who is able to adapt in highly dynamic and changing situations in the office
Add your work history
Write a brief history of your work experience.
On a functional resume, you only need to include these basic details for each job:
- Job title
- Company name
- Employment dates (optional)
If you include employment dates, list your jobs in reverse chronological order. If not, list them in order of relevance to the job you’re applying for.
Here’s an example of what a work history section looks like on a functional resume:
Ulta, Manhattan, NY
20XX–20XX
Sales ClerkGAP, Albany, NY
20XX–20XX
Sales RepresentativeThe North Face, Albany, NY
20XX–20XX
Retail Clerk
If you’re writing a resume for your first job and don’t have work experience yet, include volunteer work, school roles, or personal projects.
List your relevant educational background
Unless your education section directly relates to the job you’re applying for, only include the name of your university or organization, the city and state, the degree you earned, and your GPA (if it’s above 3.5).
Here’s an example of how to list your educational background on a functional resume:
Bachelor of Arts in Primary Education
San Jose State University, May 20XX
National Board of Professional Teaching Standards
Multiple Subject Teaching Credential, March 20XX
Frequently asked questions about functional resumes
Here are answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about functional resumes:
When should I use a functional resume?
You should use a functional resume in the following situations:
- You need to address long periods of unemployment
- You’re switching to a new career and don’t have much relevant experience
- You want to highlight specific professional skills rather than your work history
By focusing on your skills, a functional resume emphasizes the value you offer employers and shifts attention away from your work history.
What’s the difference between a functional resume and a chronological resume?
A functional resume highlights your skills and accomplishments grouped by category, while a chronological resume emphasizes your work history in reverse chronological order. The functional format is ideal if you’re changing careers, have large employment gaps, or want to direct attention to specific skills rather than job titles.
Do employers like functional resumes?
Some employers find functional resumes harder to assess because the work history is less detailed. However, when done well — especially with clear skills categories and quantifiable results — they can still be very effective.
Can I use a functional resume if I have an extensive work history?
You can, but a combination resume might be a better choice, because it blends skills-based highlights with a chronological work section to give employers a more complete picture of your background.
How do I choose which skills to feature?
Focus on skills that align with the job description. Use the job ad to identify what the employer values most, and highlight those strengths with examples and achievements.
Our resume builder can make you a resume in as little as 5 minutes. Pick the template you want, and our software will format everything for you.

Lauren Mastroni
Digital Content Writer
Lauren Mastroni is a Digital Content Writer dedicated to creating engaging content and providing actionable advice that empowers people in their job searches. An enthusiastic contributor to the Resume Genius team, Lauren has a passion for developing valuable resources for job seekers. Lauren holds an M.S. in Psychology from University of Derby and currently lives in Taipei, Taiwan. She enjoys learning all she can about the career space, and is committed to helping job seekers of all experience levels navigate the job hunt and advance their careers. You can reach Lauren at lauren@resumegenius.com.
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