A functional CV emphasizes the candidate’s competences, making it useful in many situations. Is professional experience not your forte? Perhaps a functional CV will be a good choice for you. Read its detailed characteristics to see if it will help your candidate or harm her.
This article will provide you with knowledge about:
What is a functional resume?
A functional CV, otherwise known as a skills CV, is a type of resume that focuses on the candidate’s competencies instead of a chronological presentation of the employment history.
A functional CV will be useful if:
- you are changing industries and the experience from previous jobs is not currently valuable;
- you have employment gaps that could worry recruiters;
- you are returning to the labour market after a long break;
- you have a short work experience or are just starting your career;
- you have worked in many different industries unrelated to the position you are applying for;
- you are a freelancer or project worker and cannot boast of a simple career path;
- you want to highlight specific skills at the top of your resume.
Functional CV – layout
By using a functional layout, you have a chance to highlight important competences.
What does a functional CV contain?
- Personal and contact data: name, surname, email address, telephone number;
- Professional goal: a few-sentence description of your greatest strengths and professional goal;
- Skills: skills relevant to the position you are applying for;
- Experience: briefly mention the names of companies and positions, you can highlight achievements and completed projects, you do not need to provide a job description;
- Education: name of the school or university, field of study, title obtained and year of graduation.
- GDPR clause.
The structure of a functional resume is more flexible compared to a traditional resume because it focuses on skills, however, it does not present an accurate, chronological career course. Use a functional layout if you want to limit the information in the work experience section.
Functional vs. traditional CV – differences
| Element | Functional CV | Traditional CV |
| Construction | Focuses on skills | Chronologically presents employment history |
| “Experience” section | On the bottom, it is not important | On the top, it is very important |
| Use | Rebranding, employment gaps, the beginning of a career | In any situation |
| Advantages | Highlights skills, hides employment gaps | It shows the chronological career path, inspires confidence |
| Disadvantages | It may arouse suspicion of employers | Unoriginal layout used by most candidates |
CV functional layout – template step by step
Your functional CV can be effective if you prepare it in the right way. Check out how to do it!
Personal and contact details
Fill in your personal data in the same way as in a traditional CV, provide your name, surname, phone number and e-mail address, optionally a link to your portfolio or your website.
Professional goal – functional CV
In the “Professional goal” section, highlight the assets that are valuable for the position you are applying for, you do not have to focus on your experience. Mention in the last sentence what you would like to achieve in the new company.
Functional CV – example of a professional goal:
“I’ve been creating content for websites as a freelancer for 4 years, my portfolio includes articles for companies like XYZ and ZYX, I also write in English. I have completed an intermediate SEO course and I have a Cambridge C1 Advanced certificate. At ABC, I would like to use my language skills and creativity.”
Skills – functional CV
Skills are a key element of a functional resume, so it is worth creating this section in a thoughtful way. Your functional resume will be more attractive if you divide your skills into different categories to better showcase them.
Functional CV – a model of skills:
Technical skills
- Programming: Java, Python, SQL
- Tools: Adobe Photoshop, AutoCAD, MATLAB
- Technologies: HTML, CSS, JavaScript
Soft skills
- Excellent communication skills
- Team management skills
- Ability to analyze and solve complex problems
Interpersonal skills
- Effective team collaboration
- Negotiate contracts effectively
- Conflict management
Financial Literacy
- Accounting: full accounting
- Financial analysis: assessment of the financial condition of the company
- Budget management: budget planning and control
Work experience – functional CV
Professional experience is not a key element in a functional CV, but it is an obligatory part of a CV that you cannot skip. Instead, you can choose how you complete this section: enter only job titles and companies, or add a job description as well. You don’t have to include periods of employment because a functional CV is designed to hide irregular and short work experience.
Education – functional CV
A functional resume is a fairly non-standard resume format where you don’t have to include your education. Provide information about your education, if it is relevant to the position you are applying for.
Interests – functional CV
The hobby section, like a traditional resume, is optional. It is worth mentioning your interests if they indicate your positive character traits or are related to your profession.
GDPR clause – functional CV
The clause on the processing of personal data is an obligatory element of every CV, if you forget about it, your candidacy may be rejected, so put at least a basic formula in the footer.
Functional CV – template
Mariusz Nowacki
Phone: 123 456 789
Email: [email protected]
Professional objective:
I have been involved in portrait and event photography for 3 years. I have advanced skills in photo editing in Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom. I graduated from the Eugeniusz Geppert Academy of Fine Arts in Wrocław. My achievements include publications in the magazines “Fotografia Polska” and “Artystyczne Wzię”. I want to work in your company to use my competences in a dynamic and creative environment.
Key Skills
Photography:
- Create professional portraits in the studio and on location with a variety of lighting and compositions.
- Documenting events such as conferences and concerts.
Technical Skills:
- Excellent knowledge of Adobe Photoshop.
- Excellent knowledge of Lightroom.
Language skills:
- English language level B2, confirmed by the Cambridge B2 First certificate.
- Spanish – Intermediate.
Communication:
- Excellent interpersonal skills, effective cooperation with clients and team.
- Understanding the needs and expectations of customers, adapting services to their individual requirements.
Organisation of work:
- Ability to maintain high quality work even in stressful situations and under time pressure.
- Effective time management, photoshoot scheduling, and timely delivery of projects.
Professional experience:
Photographer, XYZ Company
Photographer, ABC Studio
Education:
2021-2023 Eugeniusz Geppert Academy of Fine Arts in Wrocław
Field of study: Media Art – Photography and Multimedia
Title obtained: Master of Science
Interest:
In my free time, I like to paint pictures and visit art galleries, I also photograph nature and run a blog where I post my works.
I consent to the processing of my personal data by ZYX for the purpose of recruiting for the position I am applying for. I also consent to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of conducting future recruitment by ZYX.
How to make your functional resume stand out?
Include additional sections in your resume that will allow the recruiter to better understand your competencies:
- Certificates;
- awards and distinctions;
- Achieve;
- courses and training.
Functional CV – a template suitable for everyone?
A functional resume is helpful when you want to highlight skills and accomplishments and hide the chronology of your career. In these situations, it is not worth sending a functional CV:
- when you have a consistent professional history;
- in conservative industries such as law or finance;
- for senior positions;
- for scientific and medical professions.
In these cases, a traditional CV will be a better choice, thanks to which you will avoid the suspicion that you want to hide something. Also, keep in mind that functional resumes may not be processed by automated recruitment systems (ATS), which is why many recruiters prefer traditional resumes. When choosing the right resume format for you, pay attention to the specifics of the industry and the requirements of employers.
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Nika Walęcka
Copywriter, author of articles with practical advice that will help you look for satisfying employment. It provides a lot of information that is useful in preparing applications, conducting job interviews and building a professional image.
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