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Meet Adam, who is recruiting for a large company.
He reviews dozens of CVs every day and invites the best candidates for interviews.
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On average, he spends just 6 seconds going through one document.
Know what resumes he often rejects?
Functional CV.
Why?
Because this type of CV is often used by candidates who want to hide something. Therefore, employers look at them with suspicion.
In addition, many people are unable to prepare a functional CV that highlights their strengths. This further discourages employers.
However, in some cases it makes sense to use a functional layout.
In this article you will learn when choose a functional CV and how to prepare it so that the employer will trust you and invite you to an interview.
Do you want to create a functional CV that will attract the employer’s attention? In our wizard, you will receive ready-made templates to use, tips and examples. Create a resume in 5 minutes here .
See other templates, create your CV and download the document here
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With the advice in this article:
- you will learn when it is worth using a functional layout in your CV (7 situations)
- you will see what layout your functional CV has and how to write it so that the employer wants to invite you to an interview (template)
- learn how to create a career summary to stand out from other candidates (9 tips + examples)
- you will see how to prepare a key section describing your skills to interest the employer (5 tips and examples)
- you will check whether it is worth describing your work experience in your functional CV and how to do it in order to score well with others candidates
- you will learn how to describe your education (even if it is not related to the job offer)
1. Functional CV – when is it worth choosing such a layout?
You have just found your dream job and are wondering how to write an effective CV that will attract the employer’s attention.
The requirements of the offer fully coincide with your professional experience.
Your employment history forms a logical whole. There are no suspicious gaps in it.
You are currently working in a similar position and in your new job you could use the knowledge you have already gained.
Your education is in line with the employer’s requirements.
If this description fits you, prepare a chronological CV.
Otherwise you should apply a functional layout. The template of the CV in question has a specific layout.
When is it worth preparing a functional CV?
- there are many gaps in your employment history, you cannot boast a clear career path
- you have changed positions and industries very often and your career path may seem chaotic
- your experience job is not related to the requirements of the job offer (e.g. in a situation where you want to change the industry)
- you are a student with no experience or you simply did not work in the profession, but you can boast of key skills for the employer
- the experience required in the offer in a similar position you gained several years ago and you want to highlight this stage of your career
- your education does not match the requirements of the job offer
- you worked in many companies, but always in very similar positions, doing the same job (e.g. in the CV of a carpenter with many years of experience, it is worth mentioning specific skills related to woodworking, instead of repeating the same duties performed for different employers)
If several of these points describe your career path, you can increase your chances of employment preparing a functional CV. Why will this layout be more effective?
What do you gain by using the functional layout of the CV?
- in this system, gaps in the employment history are not visible (you do not need to enter dates and periods of employment)
- you highlight skills and competences that are key to the employer in your CV
- you do not have to describe in detail the positions that have nothing to do with the job offer
- you can make your CV stand out even if you are just starting your career professional
- you only draw the employer’s attention to experiences that will be of interest to him
Tip : Remember that some employers view a functional CV with suspicion. Use them only in the cases mentioned above and following the advice in this article. If you are invited to an interview, prepare accordingly (you should, for example, be able to explain gaps in your employment history or your will to change the industry) .
See also: CV – template to fill in without photo (download in PDF)
2. What does a functional CV look like? See the pattern
Imagine a soccer club coach who found out about a young, talented player.
This emerging talent has yet to play for any reputable club. He is just starting his career in youth competitions, but his level is already beginning to be noticed even by football referees.
The coach will not be interested in his experience, but in football skills.
In order to earn a transfer, a young player will have to show his talent and stand out from his colleagues.
Functional CV. You focus primarily on key qualifications and skills.
It is up to you to highlight them properly in your CV and attract the employer’s attention.
Sample CV that has a functional layout (template to use):
Do you want to prepare a similar functional CV? Create them in 5 minutes here.
3. Professional summary in a functional CV – how to stand out with it?
Let’s move to the bar for a moment.
A man next to you is trying to pick up a strange girl. What do you think his first words will be?
“Hey, my name is …”, “Hi, what are you drinking?” Or “Hello, do you come here often?” .
Will such a man seem interesting? Probably not.
Why? Because it does exactly the same thing as hundreds of other men.
It is similar with a CV – it must immediately interest the employer and distinguish you from other candidates.
How do I do this? By creating the so-called a career summary (also referred to as a career goal or profile).
This is a short, specific description of your main strengths and it appears at the top of your CV.
What should be in the job summary in a functional CV?
- a concrete description of your most important skills and competences related to the job offer (e.g. fluent English at C2 level)
- Your most important achievements and successes relevant to the employer (e.g. 1st place in the FOTO 2016 photo competition in the “travels” category)
- information on how you can help the employer (e.g. I would like to use my acquaintance creating computer graphics in the X project)
Functional CV – example of a professional summary:
GOOD
I have been an amateur photographer for 5 years . I took a basic and practical course at the Warsaw Academy of Photography . I took up 2. place in the Photo of the Month contest in the local daily. Currently, I am developing my skills in Photoshop , which I would like to use when preparing photo reports from events for your Agency .
WRONG
I have been passionate about photography for a long time. I read the trade press, follow the most important events and visit exhibitions of famous photographers. I train my skills during courses and I am constantly developing. I would like to work in your Agency and be able to deal with photography professionally.
Why will the first summary attract the employer’s attention?
- the candidate stated how long he has been involved in photography
- described in detail the type and place of photography courses
- boasted of his greatest success
- showed the employer in what field he is currently developing
- indicated how he will use his knowledge in a new company
- used elements that distinguish key information and attract the eye (e.g. numbers – “5 years” and “2nd place”, names – “Academy of Photography” and “Photoshop” and bold key parts of the text)
How do you create a distinctive career profile and goals? Find out more in the article:
“Professional profile in your CV – 3 tips on how to write. Pattern + 10 Examples “(read)
Want to write your CV right away? Use our wizard, where you will find professional templates to complete and practical tips. Create a resume in 5 minutes here .
See other templates, create CV and download PDF document here .
4. How can I describe the skills to get an interview invitation?
Tom is an aspiring actor trying to get his first major role in a movie.
He hasn’t starred in any known production yet, so he is completely anonymous to directors and producers.
His only chance to get a role is through castings.
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During the auditions, his experience and recognition do not matter. Only talent and skill count.
Within minutes, he has to showcase his strengths and convince the creators that he is suitable for the role.
It is similar to look for any other job if you do not have professional experience. Your skills are key.
And it is a functional CV that emphasizes it best.
How to describe skills in a functional CV to attract the employer?
- put this section in the first place on your CV, right below your career summary
- give it an adequate name ( eg “Essential Skills”, “Key Competences”, “Qualifications” etc.)
- focus on describing those skills that are key to the employer (your skill description should be relevant to the job offer)
- show off your industry-related successes and achievements in which you want to work
- catch the employer’s eye by using numbers, specific names and dividing skills into categories
functional resume – skill description template for graphic designer:
Key skills:
- graphic design marketing materials (including landing page, newsletter, infographics, banners)
- preparation of PowerPoint presentations
- very good knowledge of Photoshop
- basic knowledge of html / css
Courses:
- Basic Computer Graphics Course (Grade I) at the Educational Center
Most important achievements:
- 1. place in the competition for the logo of the Karczew commune organized by the City Hall
Additional skills:
- great creativity and head full of ideas
- knowledge of the latest trends in design
functional resume – description template skills for a student without experience (job offer in marketing):
Key competences:
- management of company profiles on Facebook and Instagram
- optimization of paid ads on Facebook and Instagram
- basic knowledge of SEO
- basic knowledge of Google AdWords
- fluent English (level C2)
Successes:
- creating and promoting your own fanpage on Facebook (over 15,000 likes)
Additional skills:
- excellent knowledge of the latest trends in social media (including Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, YouTube, LinkedIn, Twitter)
- the ability to create engaging marketing texts
- knowledge of issues related to content marketing
Want to learn more about how to create a distinctive skill description on your CV? Read the article:
“Skills for your CV. What to enter to quickly find a job? Examples “(read)
5. Do you have to describe your experience in a functional CV?
If you decided to write a functional CV, you probably do not have professional experience or it is not related to the job offer you are interested in. .
However, if you have any professional experience behind you, it is worth mentioning them (e.g. if your position from several years ago was related to the industry in which you want to work) .
How to describe work experience in a functional CV?
Example description of experience in functional CV:
What should you remember? >
- place this section under the description of the most important skills and qualifications
- do not include dates and periods of employment – first list the positions that they are most closely related to the job offer
- if, for example, you worked many years ago in the position related to the job offer, in the description of experience you can distinguish the category of “Industry experience”
- do not write, provide only the most important information (company name, position, possibly main duties)
Tip: Note that in the “Experience” section of your functional CV, you do not need to enter dates and periods of employment. It helps you hide career gaps. Remember, however, that it may arouse suspicion of some employers viewing your CV.
Sample functional CV – description of experience (job offer in logistics):
Industry experience:
FSHA Logistics Company
Position: Warehouseman – intern
Responsibilities: Inventory control
Employment history:
- administration assistant in Pekao SA bank
- cashier in the Cinema City chain
- distributing leaflets for the Italiano pizzeria
Read more on how to create an effective experience description in our article:
“Experience in CV. 4 tips on how to describe your responsibilities “(read)
6. How to describe your education in a functional CV?
If your education is not related to the industry in which you are looking for a job, you don’t need to describe it in detail.
It is definitely not worth mentioning elementary or middle school. Enter the name and type of secondary school only if it is related to your job offer (e.g. you studied in a technical college and you are looking for an electrician job).
What should to be included in the education description in the functional CV?
1. Name of the school or university
2. Name of the major, specialization etc.
3. You can also add periods of study
Functional CV – an example of education description:
2010-2013 University of Warsaw
Major: International Relations
Tip: Do not forget to add the current consent to the processing of personal data to your CV! Here you will find out how it has changed: CV clause after GDPR – how to write in 2020?
Want to learn more about how to describe your education in your CV? Read the article:
“Education in your CV. 5 tips on how to describe your education “(read)
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7. What else is worth mentioning in a functional CV?
Remember that in a functional CV you focus primarily on the skills, qualifications and achievements that are related to the job offer.
For example, if you have obtained certifications or have taken courses that may be of value to your employer, you should mention them in your CV.
Additional elements to be entered in the functional CV:
- level of foreign language skills (describe it in words – e.g. English – intermediate (B2) or graphically using a special module in our wizard)
- obtained certificates and licenses, completed courses
- conferences in which you participated
- related publications with the industry in which you want to work
Remember to save your CV in Pdf at the end. Our CV writing program will do it for you.
Free e-book: if you want to learn more about CV writing, download: ” 47 things you need to check before sending your CV. ”
Do you also need to write a cover letter? In our wizard you will find modern patterns to fill in and practical advice. Create a cover letter in 5 minutes here .
1 See other templates, create a cover letter and download the PDF document here .
Want to see other CV designs? Go here: CV for free – templates for the most popular professions.
What is the greatest difficulty for you when creating a functional CV? If you have any doubts, please share them in the comments. We are happy to help you!
