Functional Resume Templates & Writing Guide

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

Download This Resume Example

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

Download This Resume Example

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

Download This Resume Example

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:

Group your skills by type

Next, categorize your skills by type:

1. Read the job description and identify the skills the employer is looking for, grouping them into 3–5 categories
2. Organize your skills into similar groups to include in your skills section
3. After each skill group, add 3–4 bullet points highlighting what you’ve achieved with those skills

For example:

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 Clerk

GAP, Albany, NY
20XX–20XX
Sales Representative

The North Face, Albany, NY
20XX–20XX
Retail Clerk

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:

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.

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