functional or skills based resume

How to Write a Functional Resume [4 Free Templates Included]

Struggling with your resume because you just graduated from university and don’t have much work experience?

Or maybe you’re switching careers, and aren’t sure how to make your past position relevant for the new field?

Whichever the case, the solution is pretty simple:

Use a functional resume format!

• What’s a Functional Resume?

When to Use a Functional Resume?

How to write a functional resume.

• What Are Some Other Resume Formats (and When To Use Them)

What is a Functional Resume?

A functional resume, also known as the skill-based resume, is a resume format that focuses on your professional skill test as opposed to work experience.

If you were to create a traditional resume, you’d list out your work experience in reverse chronological order as follows:

Whereas, in the case of a functional resume , you list out each of your skills, and then back them up by highlighting how you’ve practically applied them in the past:

It’s better to use a functional resume in the following situations:

• You’re a recent graduate with no work experience. As the functional resume focuses on skills rather than experience, it can be very helpful to students.
• You’re switching careers . If you have some work experience, but the said experience isn’t relevant for the position you’re applying for, you can use a functional resume to highlight how your skills make you the right candidate.
• You have a long history of unemployment (or gaps between jobs). Since the functional resume format focuses on skills, you can use it to downplay your work experience gaps.

That being said, in around 90% of cases, we don’t recommend using a functional resume .

While it does have its perks (e.g. standing out as a recent graduate), it also comes with significant downsides.

First off, it’s nowhere near as popular as the traditional resume format, and in certain parts of the world, recruiters might not even know that the functional format is a thing.

In addition, some recruiters might find the lack of work experience in a resume suspicious because it can hint the candidate isn’t being truthful (e.g. red flags, being fired from previous employment, etc.).

These 2 disadvantages combined make a compelling case against the functional resume format.

So, if you do decide to create a functional resume, weigh the pros and cons and proceed at your own risk!

Want to also learn how to create a traditional resume ? Check out our guide!

First things first - pick a compelling resume template to get started. We recommend using our Functional Resume template:

Then, create the following sections on your resume:

• Contact Information
• Resume Summary
• Skill Summary

If you have additional space once you’re finished with these sections, you can fill it up with some optional sections (which we’ll explain a bit down the line).

Now, let’s walk you through each of these sections and explain how to do them right:

#1. Contact Information

While it might sound elementary, there’s a ton of tid-bits you need to know about getting the contact information section right.

Here’s what you need to include in the contact information section:

• First and last name
• Current job title
• Email address
• Phone number
• City and country you’re based in

Optionally, you can also include links to relevant social media profiles. For example:

• If you’re a writer, you can link your portfolio page or website.
• If you’re a developer, you can link your GitHub profile.
• If you’re a marketer, you can link your Instagram or Twitter page.
• Your LinkedIn profile link (if it’s up-to-date).

#2. Resume Summary

The next section on your functional resume is the “resume summary.”

This section goes right under your contact information, and looks something like this:

In a nutshell, a resume summary is a 2-4 sentence recap of your biggest professional achievements and career highlights.

The goal of this section is to show the recruiter (in one glance) that you’re qualified for the position you’re applying for.

Here’s what a well-written resume summary would look like:

• Professional executive assistant with experience in supporting high-level CEOs and other executives for over 5 years. Experienced in customer support, data entry, and scheduling meetings. Skilled in time management, MS Office, and Adobe Photoshop.

#3. Skill Summary

This one’s going to be the bulk of your functional resume.

In a skill summary section, you mention the top 3 skills required for the position you’re applying for and then provide information on how you’ve gained the said skills right under them.

Let’s say, for example, you’re a recent graduate applying for a role in marketing. Here’s what your skill summary could look like:

Copywriting

• Wrote over 20+ well-researched papers for my university.
• Worked at the university news media as a journalist, interviewing interesting university alumni and publishing their stories on the website.
• Created and published high-quality tech articles on my personal blog (www.exampleblog.com).
• Participated in a university project for a real-life company (Company X), where we had to come up with ideas for expanding to a new market.
• With the help of my team, came up with 5 ideas, out of which 3 were actually implemented by the company.
• Came up with 100+ topic ideas for content on my personal blog, some of which got over 50 shares when published.

Project Management

• Acted as a team leader for most of my university projects, ensuring that they were completed on time, and that every group member contributed.
• Was part of the Startup Weekend organizational committee. Helped source speakers, organize the event, find sponsors, and overall ensured that the event went smoothly.

#4. Education

The next section on your functional resume is Education , and this one’s actually pretty straightforward.

Here, list out the following information:

• Name of the degree (e.g. B.A. in Computer Science)
• Name of the university and dates attended (e.g. Boston State University, 2012 - 2016)

Optionally, you can also include the following as part of your education section :

• GPA. If you had an impressive GPA in your university (3.5 - 4.0), you can list it in your resume. Most companies, however, don’t really care about your grades all that much .
• Honors. E.g. Cum Laude, Magna Cum Laude, etc.
• Academic Achievements. Your thesis, interesting or noteworthy research papers you’ve written, etc.
• Courses Attended. If you’ve taken some very impressive classes (and they’re related to the role you’re applying for), you can mention them in your education section.

#5. Optional Sections

Still have some space left on your resume? Here are some other sections you can include:

• Projects - In our opinion, this one’s the most underrated resume section. Here, you can include any kind of personal or university project you’ve worked on. E.g. blog you’ve started, a piece of software you coded, etc.
• Extracurricular Activities - If you’re a recent graduate, you can include a section about the extracurricular activities you’ve participated in during university.
• Languages - Knowing an extra language or two can always come in handy. When filling these out, though, make sure to include your level of understanding (Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced, Fluent, or Native).
• Work History - Yep, you CAN include work history on your functional resume. If you decide to do this, though, your resume will be a combination resume and NOT the functional one.

Other Resume Formats

There are 2 other resume formats in addition to the Functional one:

• Reverse-Chronological Resume Format
• Combination Resume Format

Here’s what they’re about:

#1. Reverse-Chronological Resume Format

This one’s the most common resume format out there and it’s what most people have in mind when they refer to a “resume.”

This resume format simply lists out work experiences in reverse-chronological order and backs them up with other essential resume sections (skills, education, etc.).

Unless you have specific reasons to use either of the other resume formats (combination or functional), we recommend you stick with this one.

#2. Combination Resume Format

The combination resume is almost the same thing as a functional resume, with a small twist.

In addition to the skill summary section on the resume, you also add a work history section (which helps even out the downsides that come with a functional resume).

Usually, the combination resume is used by senior professionals with a decade’s worth of work experience.

4 Free Functional Resume Templates & Examples

Want to get started with your functional resume?

All you have to do is pick one of our free templates and you’re good to go!

#1. Functional Resume Template

Our functional resume template adds a dash of style to the traditional black-and-white resume.

Use this template to present your skills and talents in the best way possible!

#2. Combination Resume Template

This combination template allows you to showcase your skills without having to cut down on work experience.

#3. College Resume Template

Our College resume template is perfect for recent university graduates, allowing you to emphasize your skill-set over your work experiences.

#4. Professional Resume Template

Looking for something a bit more professional? This resume template is a prime favorite for job-seekers who are serious about their careers.

Key Takeaways

And that just about sums up everything you need to know about functional resumes!

Now, let’s do a small recap of everything we’ve learned so far:

• A functional resume format is a type of resume that focuses more on skills rather than work experiences.
• You can use a functional resume if you’re a recent graduate with little work experience or if you’re switching careers.
• To create a compelling functional resume, you want to get your skill summary section just right.
• Functional resumes, however, are not that common in most parts of the world, so we recommend sticking to a conventional resume format to most job-seekers, instead.

Discover More Resume Templates

• One Page Resume Templates
• 2 Page Resume Templates
• Google Docs Resume Templates
• Word Resume Templates
• Chronological Resume Templates
• Creative Resume Templates
• Minimalistic Resume Templates
• High School Resume Templates

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How to Write a Functional or Skills-Based Resume (With an Example)

Whether you’re just entering the workforce or you’ve been working professionally for years, your resume is one of the most important documents for advancing your career. As the first introduction to your skills and personality, you want your resume to accurately reflect what you’re capable of.

Chances are, you’ve been told a resume should showcase your work history in a reverse chronological order . For someone who has followed a traditional path to advancing their career, this can be the best way to outline your accomplishments and relevant skills.

However, a reverse chronological resume isn’t right for everyone. Sometimes, a functional or skills-based resume just makes more sense. 

But what exactly is a skills-based or functional resume and when should it be used? Let’s break down when you may want to consider using this type of resume. 

What Is a Functional or Skills-Based Resume?

A functional resume, also referred to as a skills-based resume , outlines your skills and professional accomplishments rather than your work history. While you still include a brief overview of the places you’ve worked and your job titles, the main points of your resume centers on your skills — not your history of employment.

There are a few different circumstances where a functional resume makes more sense than a traditional reverse chronological resume. Let’s take a look at what a few of those may be.

When to Use a Functional or Skills-Based Resume?

Not everyone should use a functional or skills-based resume. Because it’s structured differently, it may not always be well-received when applying to a new job.

However, depending on your situation, the position you’re applying for and your previous work experience, a functional resume may do a better job at showing off your qualifications.

Here are some scenarios where you may want to use a functional or skills-based resume instead of a reverse chronological resume: 

• You’re looking to change careers . If you’ve spent the majority of your working years in an industry that doesn’t relate to the one you’re trying to break into, you may feel like your experience is wasted. However, a functional resume allows you to focus on what you learned during that time and how it applies to the new industry, proving you’re qualified for the transition.
• You’ve worked mainly short-term or temporary positions. One thing hiring managers will look for is a solid work history. If you’ve spent most of your working years taking temporary contracts or you struggled to find the right “fit,” your resume may be peppered with short-term positions. A skills-based resume allows you to focus everything you’ve learned from these jobs and put it in a less overwhelming format.
• You’ve done a lot of volunteer work. Many people underestimate the skills they can develop from volunteer work — especially if you serve as part of a committee or planning team. If you’ve done extensive volunteer work, or held some kind of leadership position within the community, you’ve probably gained more than a few skills you’ll want to feature on your resume. A functional resume gives you the opportunity to do so.
• You took a long-term break from working. Large gaps in a resume can be a potential red flag with hiring managers. Whether you’ve decided to take time off to start a family, help with an aging family member or just to pursue your passion, you want to show that the time you spent out of the traditional workforce was not wasted. Creating a skills-based resume allows you to focus those developments.
• You’re new to the workforce. When you’re just about to start looking for your first real job, it can feel like you have no experience at all. However, when you’re just starting out, you sometimes need to get creative about the actual experience you have . Using a skills-based resume allows you to focus on things you’ve learned throughout school and how they relate to the position even if you don’t have any real-world experience.

A functional resume is great any time you feel like your work experience doesn’t accurately represent what you’re capable of achieving. If you feel like outlining your skills would give you an advantage when applying to a company, then consider creating a skills-based resume for your application.

How to Create a Skills-Based Resume

When creating a traditional reverse chronological resume, it’s pretty straightforward to structure your work listings. But when you’re creating a skills-based resume, you have a bit more room to get creative.

Here are some important steps to follow to ensure you’re creating a skills-based resume that accurately describes your capabilities:

• Select the right skills. Every time you decide to use a functional resume, you want to be sure the skills you feature directly apply to the job you’re applying for. Create a list of your skills and pick the right skills to feature, moving the most important ones to the top of the page.
• Create accomplishment statements. Just like a traditional resume, you’ll want to include practical examples of times those skills were used. Describe your accomplishments, the results and how you used your skills to make those results happen.
• Have a mission statement. A mission statement is incredibly important for a functional resume. Because it may not be immediately apparent why you’re applying to the job, you want to let the hiring manager know what you’re looking for. Including a mission statement in the resume summary at the top of the page can improve your chances of getting an interview.
• Don’t forget your work history. Even though a functional resume doesn’t focus on your work history, you still want to be sure to include it somewhere on the page. With a skills-based resume, a quick overview of your job titles, the position and the time you spent there is typically enough to help a hiring manager get an idea.
• Include your “extras.” On a functional resume, you’ll always want to include any awards, volunteer work, education, professional affiliations, certifications or articles you may have. Be sure to designate an area of your resume to any “extras” that show your qualifications, experience or capabilities.

Just like with a reverse chronological resume, feel free to get a bit creative about the way you lay out your details. However, you always want to put the most important information close to the top. Never assume the hiring manager will read the entire page of your resume, so be sure to put any information you want them to see as high up as possible.

Example of a Skills-Based Resume

Here is an example of a skills-based resume created using Resumonk’s Bold  template:

Here is the text version of the above skills-based resume example:

—————————————–

Jane C. Doe 123 Avenue Street, City, NY, 11111 Phone: 555-123-4567 Email: [email protected] Summary High-energy people person seeking fulfilling work in the sales and marketing industry. A passion for customer service, working with people and a proven track record for assisting others through challenging decisions.

Major strengths: leadership, communication, attention to detail, problem-solving and team-building.

PROFESSIONAL SKILLS AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS

• Volunteered as President of local chapter of XYZ Organization. As President, I helped coordinate 123 events and oversaw a local organization of 100 individuals. Successfully ran meetings, events and fundraisers to contribute to organization/foundation.
• Held management position where I organized schedules and day-to-day activities of a team of ten other employees. Included being the main go-to source for assistance as well as training and supervision.

Communication 

• As President of local chapter of XYZ Organization, I sent correspondence to 1,000 members worldwide. Held weekly virtual meetings with other local Presidents.

PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS 

• Member of ABC Professional Organization 
• Recipient of the National Presidents Award 
• Certified in ABC Professional Development for 2017

WORK HISTORY

• Project Manager, XXX Company, Fall 2015-Current
• Supervisor, YYY Company, Spring 2013-Fall 2015
• Cashier, ZZZ Store, Winter 2012-Spring 2013
• Bachelor of Science, State University, 2012

Creating Your Functional Resume

Don’t be overly intimidated about creating your functional resume. While it may feel a bit unnatural to go against the traditional way of creating a resume, a functional resume can help prove you’re qualified for the position. With the right information, you can land a job you never thought possible.

Consider the most important information a hiring manager may want to see when they look at your resume. Even if you don’t have the direct work experience to show you have these qualifications, find some other skill or relevant accomplishment that can prove you know how to perform that style of task.

Remember — your functional resume should be tailored to the unique position you’re applying to. Be sure to switch it up, change up the skills, and adjust your accomplishment bullets to reflect what the company is looking for in the position they’re trying to fill. Tailoring your message to fit the needs of the position and the hiring manager can increase your chances of getting to the first interview.

If you don’t have the work qualifications to apply for a job you believe you’d be great at, don’t allow it to hold you back.

The Resumonk AI Resume Builder’s features, including AI Rewrites, AI Suggestions, and effortless imports from LinkedIn or PDF/DOCX files, are designed to help you create an impressive functional resume. Start your free trial today!

Related Posts:

Published by Sarah Landrum

Millennial career expert Sarah Landrum is a freelance writer and the founder of Punched Clocks , a career and lifestyle blog for millennials seeking career happiness and success.

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Functional Resume: Everything You Need to Know

In This Guide:

What is a functional resume, when to use a functional skills-based type of resume, pros and cons of a functional skills-based resume format:, how to create a skills based functional resume step-by-step, additional tips, functional resume example with enhancv:, what other alternatives are there for the functional resume format, takeaways: functional resume.

Considering a career switch or having gaps in your employment history? Is there a way to tone this down on your resume and still get noticed by recruiters?

You bet there is!

All you need to do is to focus on your skills in your CV.

A resume that highlights your skills-set is known as a functional or skill-based resume. It’s a bit different from the traditional one, but it can still land you the job interview you are after.

To all job seekers and career-changers out there, this might be the right format for you. Read on to find out!

Here’s what you’ll find in this article:

• what a functional resume is, examples of what it looks like, and a completely free template to use;
• we will have a closer look at the advantages and disadvantages of the competency-based CV;
• and finally, give you advice on creating and formatting a functional resume to emphasize your most valuable, transferable skills.

Let’s dive in!

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As the name suggests, a functional or skills-based resume is orientated around your skills. Instead of prioritizing your work history and job titles like on traditional resume templates, the focus is mainly on your transferable abilities and expertise.

Are there any more differences between a functional and a chronological resume format? Let's find out.

Skills-based Resume vs Traditional (Chronological) Resume

Functional resumes are known to be in reverse chronological order because you start off by describing your most recent and relevant work experience. Then, you continue to work your way backwards towards every job position you’ve taken on in the past.

The biggest difference between a traditional and a functional resume format is that the latter is in reverse chronological format, and puts a stronger focus on your skillset.

Reverse Chronological Resume Format

This format describes your most recent job position or titles first and continues backwards. But you have to be realistic and consider whether this structure is going to be right and best for you to use.

Naturally, it has its own advantages as well as setbacks that could potentially increase or damage your job opportunity chances. But later, we’ll have a look at if you should use a functional or skills-based resume for yourself or not.

Focus On Your Skillset

Do you have what the job board needs? Can you help them take less burden off their shoulders and take on the job responsibilities?

Using the different elements from both your skills and professional knowledge demonstrates to the hiring managers whether you’re a qualified applicant or not. It’s the main reason apart from having gaps in your employment experience that make the functional format convenient. You’re showcasing your most relevant strengths so recruiters can see specific highlights from your career timeline.

Combining all the elements from your work history, achievements and skills is also a powerful way to increase your job interview chances. This is known as a combination resume.

You should emphasize how your skills and expertise make you more than a qualified candidate for the job vacancy. Although recruiters may not see an in-depth description of your corporate background, you can still set yourself apart with your transferable skills and strengths.

Now, you know the difference between a functional resume vs traditional resume. But when is the right time to use the functional format?

The skills-based resume’s aim is to highlight your strongest skills that make you capable of doing what the company needs you to do.

There are five main occasions when it’s ideal to use a functional resume, see below.

You’re a recent college or university graduate, or someone without a lot of professional work experience

In this case, if you used a traditional or combination resume instead, you won’t have as much experience to show for. And, If you lack the formal background or certifications and qualifications, having a competency-based CV helps with conveying to employers that you understand your job responsibilities.

You’re considering a major difference and a new direction in the journey of your career

Are you making a drastic change from one industry to another?

If you are a career-changer, you can test between using either a combination or a functional resume to see which has a higher response rate. If you have a lot of experience in a strong correlation to the new job position you’re applying for, it’s more ideal for employers to see a combination resume. But if not, you can use the functional format.

You have transferable and applicable skills or experience for the next job vacancy you desire

Do you have a lot of experience not in one particular field, but on the scale of a broad variety of different roles you’ve taken on in the past?

Rather than attempting to stitch and put all those pieces together, the skills-based format will help you have a clean resume. It’s more neatly organized for your reader since the information is more put together and isn’t completely scattered everywhere.

You’ve been unemployed for a considerable amount of time

If you haven’t been employed for quite some time now (1 year and over), and you decide to use a chronological resume, it might not be as pleasant for the recruiter to see that the last time you worked was a couple of years ago.

Unless you have a strong, stable track record with promising references, a functional resume is a good alternative to showcase what you’re capable of rather than your recent work history that employers might see as unreliable since you’ve been out of it for a while.

You’ve remained in one industry or field of work for several years

This means that you might lack experience in the new field of work you’re thinking of applying for. If so, a functional resume would work because the format is designed for you to showcase your professional and transferable skills or expertise that will benefit the new industry you’re heading towards.

Suppose you have a fair amount of corporate, professional, or formal work experience that you can talk about. In that case, it’s far more beneficial for you to have a chronological or combination resume. This way, those job positions with the responsibilities and upper-ranking job titles you’ve had will differentiate you from the rest of the crowd as a knowledgeable veteran who knows what they’re doing.

The functional format is in reverse chronological order and is most effective when you have gaps in your employment. In order to make up for that, you emphasize your skill sets that are going to be valuable so you can perform better and at a high standard.

Let’s take a quick look at what a conventional skills-based resume looks like with the following example:

Source: JobScan

In Joe’s functional resume template, he has his skills summary first followed along with a professional accomplishments section. In this format, we can notice there are gaps between his work history and education. Since they’re left at the bottom, it’s not meant for the recruiter to focus more on, but rather on his ability and achievements.

(Side note: later on in this guide, you’ll see how it’s done with Enhancv to minimize and decrease the visibility of those gaps behind your resume so it’s less noticeable!)

There are more advantages and disadvantages of using a skills-based format. It leads nicely into the next point where we’ll take a look at it from the bigger picture perspective…

Let’s start with the advantages of using a resume focused on your skills:

Functional resume advantages

• Groups together your soft, hard, and technical skills that are beneficial assets to help you do your job better. When a look at the bigger picture, you’re listing out and describing in detail how your skills are relevant and aligned with what they need. Although you may be lacking in areas linked to experiences, job recruiters can still acknowledge and recognize you as a capable applicant.
• Different from the conventional resumes out there and can help with making you stand out. With the education or work history section towards the end of your resume, it enables employers to thoroughly see the light of your professional expertise first before getting into the other sections later.
• Draws attention away from the areas that the recruiters may want to see. With a functional skills-based resume, it’s easy to get the job recruiter’s eyes away from your weak points. They are more inclined to relatively focus on your positive areas instead.

Now, let’s take a look at the downsides of using a skills-based CV:

Functional Resume Disadvantages

• Different from the standard resume job recruiters are used to seeing. Since it’s out of the recruiter’s expectations and norms, it can be more difficult to read, review, and understand. Despite being different from the rest of the resumes they’re more used to seeing, it can appear unique but it also has its negative effects.
• Potentially leaves a bad impression on your resume. Some recruiters have even stated that they hate the functional resume format. It’s mainly because they’ll assume dishonesty, you’re hiding things, and possibly even trying to BS your way through to get the job. They may even just jump straight into your work experience section to make a decision. You should also realize that not all companies accept functional skills-based resumes.
• Lacks concrete information about your background. It’s not much of a surprise really. To be clear, you’re using the functional resume format because of your shortcomings in employment. Because of this, there’s no clear context behind the skills you’ve listed. It’s not as strong as what you have in your work experience section, and recruiters will have to draw their own conclusions.

Note that these disadvantages don’t necessarily make the functional resume bad. Some of them apply to conventional types of functional resumes, as well. Towards the end of this article, I’ll show you a well-made example from Enhancv that differs from the typical skill-based resume.

Recommended Read – Resume Sections: Everything You Need to Know

Writing a skill set CV can sound daunting. But you’ll see that it’s not that hard to do. Building the right functional resume boils down to:

Identify and Group Your Skills Into Categories

Pick out the 3-5 skills that are your most relevant and strongest. You can choose broad terms, such as communication or project management. But, it’s better if you get very specific and start pinpointing exactly what you excel in. For example, instead of saying communication, you could mention written communication or emotional intelligence.

There are over 200+ skills hiring managers are demanding in the workforce environment. Make sure you carefully take the right ones that are most appropriate for your job and aligned with what you’re skilled in.

Once that’s been identified, follow it up with a short, detailed description. Any metrics, numbers, or data to support your statements, be sure you use them.

Just as importantly, you need to tailor the skills you’re implementing on your functional skills-based resume. It’s another reason why it’s vital you’ve completed the background company and vacancy research to have a full understanding. Only then can you optimize your document at its best and match the expectations or even exceed their standards.

We have a guide for creating a skills section to impress employers – check it out for yourself here!

Include Your Resume Header

As usual, your resume header should be at the top of the document. It’s the first thing employers should see whenever they get their hands on your resume. This section contains your contact details alongside the essential information recruiters need to see.

Write A Striking Resume Summary

We recommend using a professional summary in your functional resume to enable employers to quickly learn and gain transparency of what you can do. This includes insight into your:

• Professional background
• Primary skills
• Knowledge and expertise
• Work experience

(If you haven’t already, check out our complete guide on how to write a resume summary, including the 30+ examples you need to see!)

Include A Brief Work Experience Section

The emphasis on this resume is on your professionalism and corporate skills. Therefore, this section should be kept at a short minimum, yet compelling enough for the recruiter.

Include the job titles of any previous relevant employment experience you’ve had. Plus, have a short description of how your efforts and skills contributed to that company’s success.

Don’t forget to mention those professional environments you’ve been associated with within the past. This includes things like internships and volunteering experiences. It goes a long way with helping you create an eye-catching resume that helps you get the job.

If you’ve been out of it for a while, then it’s okay to skip out on incorporating the dates. However, it’s strongly preferable – try to at least include the year.

Additional Sections

There are other sections worth including on your resume. For example, you could include a client testimonials section to prove some of your statements. It’s especially powerful when the person who gives you that testimonial holds a respectable position.

One section that we do suggest you include is your education section. List out your qualifications, whether that’s a bachelor’s degree or a professional diploma. They leave a positive impact on the reader about your formal education, so why not?

These sections should add to the results-driven value that you can work towards to help build their organization. How can you assist them in increasing their chances of hitting their goals and objectives?

There’s no problem with getting creative and unique with your resume. And actually, in most cases, that’s even better.

If you want to stay within the employer’s boundaries while having a convincing resume, try using one of Enhancv’s templates. They’re free, easy to use, and designed to make you properly stand out so you can secure the job.

Edit and Proofread Your Resume

This probably takes up time that you feel is unnecessary and not time-efficient. It costs you an extra headache, stress, and effort to keep on the lookout for the smallest technical details. If that’s the case, consider improving your editing process and proofreading strategies.

Without a doubt, not double-checking your resume before sending is a rookie resume mistake all too common . Once recruiters see a single grammar or spelling mistake, it completely throws them off.

Consider Having A Cover Letter Prepared

Functional skills-based resumes have their own disadvantages, which can turn employers off. As we’ve discussed earlier, they may not make the best impression compared to the other resume formats, you can make up for this by having a tailored cover letter.

Accompany your customized document with a personalized cover letter. Show that you’re a serious candidate willing to learn, develop, and do what it takes to meet their demands.

Maintain the Focus On The Core Value You Can Offer

Don’t forget that the basic principles still apply to the functional resume format.

You should be painting a picture to the reader of the value you’re bringing over to their organization. When push comes to shove, the key takeaway they should have is how you will benefit the team.

Stick to Having A One-Page Resume

A short, specific and concise functional resume will help you increase your chances of getting hired. As long as it’s impactful and there’s a purpose behind each of your sentences, it helps with making your resume far from generic. Learn more about the advantages of one-page resumes in our helpful post on the topic .

BUILD MY RESUME LIKE THIS

In Joanne’s marketing intern resume sample, we can see that it’s slightly different from the traditional functional resume. Although it resembles the reverse-chronological format , it actually minimizes the general setbacks as a whole because it’s more subtle.

If you want to, you can move and rearrange some of the section orders. For example, instead of having the education section coming first, we could exchange it with your strengths or skills section first.

We have over 530+ resume examples for different job positions in different industries – one which is sure to be yours. Find your job title, and take note of those examples which are proven to get you hired!

It’s all about knowing whether or not a functional skills-based resume format is right for you. If you’ve read until this far, you’ll have a good idea by now whether it’s something you need or something you think you need. If it’s only desirable but not needed, then it’s not necessary for you to have one since it’s not as effective as the other formats out there.

Apart from the functional resume, chronological resumes are good to highlight your accomplishments and responsibilities. Recruiters are less likely to challenge your capabilities because of how descriptive the chronological format is.

Another alternative is the combination resume. It’s also known as a hybrid resume, and it lets you combine your relevant skills, work experience, and accomplishments.

With various resume templates out there, it’s hard to define which is best for you, because ultimately, it depends on several factors. But if you want a versatile resume that works for virtually any industry, take a look at the free professional resume templates here.

TRY ENHANCV TEMPLATES

• It highlights your skillset over your work experience.
• Use this template when you’re a college graduate without much job experience; when you have applicable skills you can use for your next job; or, when you’ve been unemployed for 1 year and over.
• To write the best functional resume, include a header and a summary section, group your skills carefully, and be as specific as possible. Consider including client testimonials.
• Don’t forget to proofread your resume and prepare a cover letter to maximize your chances of getting interviewed.

One secret ingredient is to inject your own personality and involve other resume sections that will grab recruiters' attention. If you’re looking to get a headstart, try having a go with Enhancv’s resume creator.

What was the one key takeaway you took from this ultimate guide? And are there any other topics you want us to cover in particular? Let me know in the comments below!

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30 Best Core Competencies For Your Resume (+ Examples)

3 key takeaways 

• Core competencies are broad strengths and capabilities unique to you. 
• Identifying your core competencies makes it easier for hiring managers to find you. 
• Teal’s Resume Builder helps you add the right core competencies to your resume. 

When hiring managers look at your resume, they’re not just looking at your GPA, degree, or previous experience. Many employers are moving toward skills-based hiring, evaluating your core competencies. In fact, according to Salesforce’s 2023 digital skills survey , 82 percent of leaders surveyed stated that skills are the most important attribute when evaluating candidates. 

Your core competencies refer to your hard and soft skills , abilities, and personal qualities. If the competencies on your resume match the key qualifications listed in the job description, you have a better shot of grabbing a hiring manager’s attention.

Systematically listing your core competencies on your resume communicates that you have the skills and attributes required for the role.

This guide on adding core competencies to a resume covers:

What are core competencies?

Importance of core competencies in a resume, how to identify your core competencies, examples of core competencies, how to list core competencies on your resume.

Struggling to land interviews with your resume? Get started with Teal’s AI Resume Builder for free.

Core competencies are attributes that show your proficiency in a particular skill or ability. Your core competencies are made up of your unique personality traits, professional experience, and key skills. These are broad one- or two-word terms that highlight what you bring to the table. 

For example, a manager might list “Leadership” as a core competency. An event coordinator could list “Problem-solving.” A sales professional could list “Persuasion.” When done right, resume core competencies quickly illustrate your professional assets and knowledge.

What do core competencies mean on a resume?

Core competencies on a resume are typically a short list of the main attributes and strengths a candidate brings to the role. You might have a range of core competencies, but because your resume offers limited real estate, only list the ones that directly pertain to the position. 

Another word for core competencies on a resume is core capabilities. Other near synonyms for core competencies include core qualifications, strengths, specialty, expertise and talent.

Core competencies vs skills on resume

When you’re job hunting, there’s an emphasis on putting your best skills on your resume. While eerily similar, core competencies are different from skills. So what does core competencies mean on a resume compared to skills?

Alexandria Agresta , a leadership development expert and employee retention and wellbeing consultant explains that:

“Core competencies encompass a broader range of attributes, including attitudes and behaviors, that are essential for organizational success often known as the ‘soft skills.’”

In comparison, she describes skills as:

“Specific abilities or expertise that are often technical or task-oriented, such as proficiency in software, languages, or processes.”

Core competencies and skills are different, though the two overlap in some ways.

Here are a few examples that illustrate the differences between competencies vs. skills.

To understand the difference between core competencies and skills, check out this post on the resume skills section .

Resume core competencies distill your professional attributes and strengths in a couple of words or less. Including core competencies in a resume is important because they succinctly showcase your strengths.

When a hiring manager is scanning resumes in seconds , your core competencies can pop out and make you stand out from other candidates.

Having a list of core competencies can also get your foot in the door. Many companies use an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) as part of the hiring process. ATS software can pick up on specific keywords. So if your resume has competencies that match what’s in the job ad, you may have a higher chance of moving forward to the next step. 

Understanding which core competencies to add comes down to understanding the job description. Teal’s Matching Mode helps you add relevant keywords from the job description to your resume. Having keywords that match the role can show your core competencies to a hiring manager. 

As a job seeker, you know there are many stages between submitting an application to getting hired. The goal of an application is to score an interview. Having the right core competencies listed could make your application rise to the top. 

Knowing which competencies to highlight when can make the difference between recruiters seeing you as a strong candidate or an average one.

It might be easier to identify your skills or achievements, which seem more specific and tangible. Core competencies can be more difficult to pinpoint, as they’re overarching and broader. Here’s a step-by-step guide on identifying your core competencies for your resume.

Step 1: Take an inventory

Start by taking an inventory of your personal traits that help you succeed in the workplace. Consider your unique capabilities and skills and how they’re used at work. 

To identify your core competencies, Agresta shares her expertise, providing these three tips to get started:

1. Self-Assessment: Reflect on your strengths, achievements, and feedback received from peers and supervisors. Consider the aspects of your work where you consistently excel and feel most engaged. 2. Feedback: Seek input from colleagues, mentors, and supervisors who can provide insights into your strengths and areas of excellence. 3. Professional Development: Engage in training, workshops, and educational opportunities to enhance and recognize your core competencies.

Using these tips, you can look both internally and externally to help guide you to make your own list. 

Step 2: Create a list

After taking an inventory, create a list of all of your core competencies. They are typically only one or two words, not full sentences or explanations. Some core competencies examples include:

• Collaboration
• Communication
• Team-building 
• Cultural competency
• Technical skills
• Conceptual thinking

Jotting down your core competencies gives you a list to choose from and return to for other job applications.

Step 3: Narrow down options

Here’s the tough part. Once your list is complete, narrow down your options. Since your resume has limited space, it’s generally recommended to include a maximum of five core competencies on your resume.

Dirk Matthews , senior director of Alumni Relations at Columbia College Chicago and President Elect-Elect (president in 2025) at the National Career Development Association (NCDA), recommends adding core competencies that are in demand by prospective employers. 

“When I work with students or adults in developing their careers, I have them focus on their skills and how they fit into competencies desired by employers. For example, one of the key competencies employers look for [in job seekers] is communication. Various skills make up [communication], including writing or public speaking.”

There’s data to back that up, too. According to The National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) Job Outlook 2024 report , out of eight career readiness competencies communication was rated the most important. Teamwork and critical thinking came in second and third place, respectively. 

So while you narrow down your options, look at which core competencies are in demand. 

Step 4: Compare competencies to job descriptions

Once you have your short list of five core competencies, compare them to what the job requires and what the company is looking at in a candidate. Core competencies might be listed in the job description or on the company website. 

If your competencies don’t match, you may want to swap some out, replacing with options from your comprehensive list that are a better fit. 

And what if your core competencies don’t match at all? It might mean the position or the cultural fit isn’t ideal for you at the moment. 

In addition to surfacing the right skills with Teal’s Matching Mode, Teal’s Resume Skills Management feature can help identify and manage your best core competencies and group them according to job families, so you don’t have to reinvent the wheel for every application.

What are core competencies on a resume and why are they important? Core competencies include your personal strengths, certifications, and expertise. They can differentiate you from other candidates 

There are many different types of core competencies and each company may be looking for something different. But there are some competencies that recruiters and hiring managers look for when vetting candidates. 

Here is a list of core competency examples for your resume that are in demand:

• Communication: Shows your ability to share ideas and information clearly in a variety of ways (writing, speaking) to many different people (managers, customers, stakeholders). 
• Adaptability: Highlights your ability to shift and make changes quickly in an evolving environment. 
• Problem-solving: When presented with challenges, the ability to find solutions to problems when they arise. 
• Strategic planning: The ability to identify a company’s long-term goals and how to reach them.
• Leadership: The skills required to inspire, motivate, and manage a team successfully. 
• Teamwork: The ability to work well with others to accomplish larger goals and objectives.
• Decision-making: Navigating the complexities of making an informed decision on important matters. 
• Initiative: The innate drive to pursue or complete tasks and projects without direction. 
• Empathy: Being able to put yourself in someone else’s shoes and behave in a way that takes others into consideration. 
• Conflict resolution: The ability to work towards a resolution among conflicting parties in a diplomatic and empathetic way.
• Customer-centered: Working in a way that prioritizes customer satisfaction to build long-term relationships and achieve company goals. 
• Relationship building: The ability to connect with others and build organic relationships with customers, staff, stakeholders, community, etc.
• Analytical: Using critical thinking to process data and evaluate challenges and potential solutions.
• Results-driven: The ability to stay focused and motivated to achieve results with excellence.
• Integrity: Working and behaving in a manner that upholds morals and ethics. Being honest and forthcoming, with a high level of discretion. 
• Diversity: Valuing and promoting diverse communities and experiences in the workplace. 
• Flexibility: The ability to go with the flow and not hold too tightly to ways of working or outcomes. 
• Creativity: Generating ideas and possibilities that are outside of the box. Additionally, may refer to a person with an artistic skill set such as design, writing, photography, etc. 
• Time-management: Demonstrates the ability to establish project timeframes and meet deadlines. 
• Detail-oriented: The ability to look at things on a micro-level—always dotting the i’s and crossing the t’s.

If you’re looking for core competencies for your resume, this list is a start. You can add your own or take some from the list. Just make sure your professional experience and abilities back up your stated competencies.

30 examples of core competencies by position

The list of core competencies above can provide inspiration and a starting point. But here you can see some examples of core competencies by position. 

1. Web designer

• Detail-oriented
• Customer-centered
• Results-driven

2. Marketing professional

• Time-management
• Flexibility
• Problem-solving
• Decision-making 

3. Nonprofit program director

• Strategic planning

4. Sales executive 

• Relationship building
• Adaptability

5. Human Resources manager 

6. Project manager

7. Medical assistant 

8. Construction worker 

• Decision-making

9. Music teacher 

10. Customer service representative

• Initiative 

11. Engineer 

12. Accountant 

• Problem-solving 

13. Hair Stylist 

• Relationship building 

14. Journalist 

15. Manager 

• Conflict resolution

18. Editor 

19. Banker 

20. Administrative assistant 

• Customer-centered 

22. Pharmacist

• Flexibility 

23. Psychologist 

• Conflict-resolution
• Adaptability 

24. IT manager 

25. Real estate agent 

26. Librarian 

27. Food service worker 

28. Career counselor 

• Leadership 

29. Financial advisor 

30. Massage therapist 

These positions make up a wide range of industries and each has a different set of core competencies. If you don’t see your role listed, you can use a position that’s skill-adjacent to help you identify your core competencies.

After you identify core competencies, narrow them down based on the position. Once you have the list ready, here’s how to list core competencies on a resume:

Create a resume core competencies section 

Many people wonder where to put core competencies on a resume and the place that makes the most sense is under your name and contact information. You want them front and center so potential employers can see them right away. 

Choose a format

Remember, your core competencies should be short and sweet. When you add them, choose a format and be consistent. You can use either bullet points or vertical lines to separate them. 

Core competencies on a resume example #1

• Strategic Planning

Core competencies on a resume example #2

Communication | Leadership | Strategic Planning 

Add them to your resume 

The final step is to put your competencies on your resume. Double-check the spelling and formatting. Review the job description again so you can feel confident you’re adding the best ones. 

Pro tip: some organizations actually publish the core competencies they’re looking for, removing the guesswork. That way everyone is on the same page with what’s needed to excel and serve in the role. Of course, you should only list the core competencies that match your strengths, so you’re not starting the relationship with a lie or getting caught in an awkward moment. 

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) outlines the top eight core competencies required for special agents to excel, including: 

• Flexibility and Adaptability
• Interpersonal Ability
• Problem Solving and Judgment
• Organizing and Planning

If you want to apply for a role with the FBI, identify what items on the list match your core competencies. Then you can create an FBI core competencies resume section. 

Some examples might look like:

Or, you could use vertical bars to keep core competencies to one line: 

Collaboration | Initiative | Problem Solving | Flexibility

To see if you can find any intel, search the name of the company you’re applying to and “core competencies.”

It’s not just companies that use core competencies either. The Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) published the 15 core competencies for medical students entering school:

• Service orientation
• Social skills
• Cultural competence
• Oral communication
• Ethical responsibility to self and others
• Reliability and dependability
• Resilience and adaptability
• Capacity for improvement
• Critical thinking
• Quantitative reasoning
• Scientific inquiry
• Written communication
• Living systems
• Human behavior

After graduation, doctors are in a public-facing role where quick thinking and adaptability are key. They work with a range of people and handle sensitive information. AAMC clearly communicates the core competencies required to excel in this position. 

You don’t need to work for the FBI or become a doctor for core competencies to be relevant. Every organization has them whether they publish them or not.

Using the Resume Skills Management feature inside Teal’s Resume Builder can streamline this process for you. 

Why you need to add core competencies to your resume 

Having a core competency section on your resume makes it easier for hiring managers to assess your strengths and identify whether you’re a good fit. Tailor your resume and core competencies for every job so it's specific to each role and company. 

Companies want a candidate whose core competencies can help them fill the gaps and drive results. Your goal is to communicate how and why you’re the person who can do that best. 

Revising your resume is easy to do with Teal’s AI-powered Resume Builder and its Resume Skills Management feature. Try it out for free and create new resumes in a few simple steps. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s another word for core competencies on a resume.

Core competencies are included in a resume, but you may not call them that. Another word for core competencies on your resume could be “strengths,” “capabilities,” or “proficiencies.” 

What are the seven core competencies?

Core competencies can be used in business. The seven core competencies for business are business acumen, agile frameworks, organizational ability, efficient processes, continuous learning, product and technology development, and customer focus.

What are the four common competencies?

Four common competencies desired by employers include communication, teamwork, critical thinking, and professionalism, according to The National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) Job Outlook 2024 report. 

What are the three core competencies describe them?

There are a variety of core competencies, but some of the top three are communication, creativity, and collaboration. Communication can include writing and speaking, creativity is the potential for ideas, and collaboration is the ability to work together with others on a project or toward shared goals. 

What are the three levels of competence?

There are different levels of competence and ways they are described. In one example, the three levels of competence can illustrate skill and expertise levels. These include working, journey, and expert.

Melanie Lockert

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Resume Qualifications: 4 Qualification Types To Put on Your Resume (+ Examples)

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Functional Resume Guide: Template and Tips

Learn about the skills-based resume format and get tips for writing your own.

A functional resume , also known as a skills-based resume, is an alternative resume format that prioritizes your skills and how you’ve used them over your work experience.

Some people choose this resume format when transitioning into a new career phase to better emphasize their transferable skills. However, it’s important to use this format strategically so that recruiters and hiring managers can easily find the information they’re looking for on your resume.

In this article, we’ll discuss when you might choose to write a functional resume and how to format a skills-based resume with a customizable template that walks you through the process.

When to use a functional resume

Your main goal in writing a resume is to tell your career story; sometimes, the most effective storytelling relies on alternative techniques. Although the chronological resume is the most common format, several other types of resumes, including the functional resume, enable you to highlight different aspects of your career.

You may decide to emphasize your skills rather than your work history if your desired future path doesn’t align with your previous experience, for example, if you are changing careers or writing your first resume. 

It’s important to note that if you apply for jobs via a web portal, you may want to stick with a more traditional resume format. Many companies use an applicant tracking system (ATS) to scan incoming resumes and use an algorithm to determine whether an applicant fits the job before a human recruiter reviews the application materials. The ATS is typically programmed to “read” chronological resumes and may not interpret alternative resume formats accurately.

To avoid disqualifying your resume based on technical inadequacies, it’s best to submit a chronological resume when applying for a job online and save your functional resume for those cases when submitting it directly to a recruiter or hiring manager.

Other ways to show skills on your resume

If you are applying for jobs through an ATS but still want to lead with your skills, consider adding a skills section to your chronological resume. A skills section can offer you a dedicated space to include valuable resume keywords while maintaining the format an ATS is typically programmed to scan.

Functional resume format

Your functional resume will look slightly different than the chronological format you may be used to, particularly in how you present your skills and work experience. However, the structure of your other resume sections will remain consistent.

Typically, a functional resume will include these key sections:

Objective or summary

Work experience.

Certifications (optional)

Let’s take a closer look at each section.

Functional resume template

Use this functional resume template to write your resume as we detail what to include in each section below.

Your header will appear on the top two lines of your resume. Lead with your name and key contact information, such as your email address, phone number, city and state, and portfolio address, if you have one. Make this information stand out with a larger font size, bold text, or centred formatting.

Use an objective or summary statement below your header to give recruiters and hiring managers context about your experience and goals before detailing your qualifications. Recent college graduates, people changing careers, or people looking to advance their careers usually opt to write a resume objective, while people with some or varied work experience often include a resume summary.

These sections are typically considered optional, but with a functional resume, an objective or summary statement can offer a familiar introduction before you present the less-common skills section.

The skills section is the star of the functional resume. This will be your longest and most detailed section where you name your top three skills. For each, write the skill you want to highlight on one line, followed by about three bullet points to describe how you’ve used that skill to promote business goals.

Use your skills bullets to detail measurable accomplishments or projects you’ve completed that showcase this skill. You don’t need to mention when or where you used them. This lack of specificity and context surrounding your skills is one reason hiring managers may feel less compelled by the functional resume format.  writing a chronological resume to draw more explicit connections between your skills and your roles. 

Here’s an example of what a skill entry may look like:

Project management

Set project goals, developed budgets and timelines, and aligned stakeholders for internal company-wide communications projects

Oversaw project execution workflow and mitigated risks with 100% on-time and on-budget completion and a 95% project success rate over two years

Managed cross-departmental communications to create agendas and presentations for monthly company all-hands meetings

Since you’ve already shared your accomplishments and projects in the skills section, your work experience section will be more condensed than you’d typically see on a resume. With a functional resume, you can simply list your work experience, sharing only your title, company, and dates of employment.

There are a couple of ways to format this section, but the simplest may look like this:

Executive Assistant , ABC Company, June 2019 - June 2021

Your education section will look the same as it would on a chronological resume, listing your school name, location, degree obtained, and field of study. Depending on how recently you graduated, you may include the dates you attended, your GPA, relevant honours, achievements, coursework, extracurricular activities, or study abroad programs.

There are several ways you may choose to format this section. Learn more about how to list education on a resume to decide what works best for you.

Additional sections

Sections such as certifications, hobbies, or volunteer work are all optional. However, if you have relevant experience in any of these areas and they help demonstrate your career development and progress, you should add them below your education.

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