Efficient Ways to Compose a Functional Curriculum vitae

Functional resumes are on the verge of a gradual decline, facing a slow and uncomfortable fading. This is because candidates now prefer to focus on the accomplishments and recognition they gained from their previous employers, rather than just describing their responsibilities during their tenure.

A functional resume showcases the candidate’s strengths and areas of expertise they excel in. Furthermore, functional resumes prioritize the candidate’s past work experiences, downplaying job titles and company names. The primary objective of a functional resume is to present the candidate in a straightforward and professional manner, steering clear of the allure of flashy high-paying job titles and corporate branding.

Applicants often find drafting a functional resume challenging due to its straightforward approach. Many candidates mistakenly believe that listing their job titles on the application will suffice to impress potential employers.

Here’s a sample sub-heading from a functional resume that many applicants consider uninteresting:

Teaching/Administrative Highlights

• Implemented on-campus programs for communication students
• Introduced research modules for first-year and second-year students
• Monitored academic progress of underperforming senior students
• Authorized departmental events and activities
• Supervised faculty training
• Organized annual forums for fostering teacher-student relationships
• Conducted interviews for students applying to on-the-job training programs

Candidates with a diverse mix of professional experiences that might not directly align with the position they’re applying for are best suited to use a functional resume for their application.

Below are effective strategies for composing a functional resume. This approach is recommended for applicants with an assorted work history and an interest in changing careers in the future.

• Opt for action verbs over self-descriptive words. Action verbs like evaluated, launched, proposed, and translated offer more specificity compared to passive, self-descriptive terms like assertive, competitive, competent, analytical, and skilled.

• A functional resume should not exceed three pages. Applicants should direct their focus solely on strengths.

• The most common components found in a functional resume include the applicant’s header, education, work experience, and references. The functional resume format is less varied compared to traditional and chronological resumes.

Utilize sub-headings to highlight strengths. For instance, employ the sub-heading “Organizational” when outlining skills related to the business aspect of the companies you’ve worked for.

Related Post:   Steps to make a Curriculum vitae the Way Expert Writers Perform