If you’ve taken time off work for various reasons—be it raising children, pursuing education, or dealing with personal matters—you might find that a functional resume is the perfect fit for you. Unlike traditional chronological resumes, functional resumes highlight your skills and experiences first, allowing you to downplay the timeline of your employment. Below are three diverse examples that cater to different professional backgrounds and situations.
In this scenario, a marketing professional has taken a two-year break to care for a family member. This functional resume emphasizes transferable skills and relevant volunteer work.
Aiming for a return to the workforce, this candidate needs to showcase their adaptability and how their past experiences can benefit a potential employer.
Name: Jane Doe
Contact Information: janedoe@email.com | (555) 123-4567
Summary:
Dynamic marketing professional with over five years of experience in digital marketing and brand strategy. Proven ability to create engaging content and drive brand awareness. Seeking to leverage skills in a challenging marketing role after a two-year career break.
Key Skills:
Relevant Experience:
Managed social media accounts, enhancing engagement by 50%.
Led a team to improve online sales by 30% through targeted ad campaigns.
Education:
Bachelor of Arts in Marketing
University of XYZ | 2015
Notes: This resume effectively highlights relevant skills and experiences while addressing the employment gap through volunteer work, making it an excellent example of a functional resume for professionals with gaps in employment.
This example focuses on a recent graduate who has gaps due to pursuing further education and internships. This resume emphasizes skills gained through education and relevant projects.
Name: John Smith
Contact Information: johnsmith@email.com | (555) 987-6543
Summary:
Enthusiastic recent graduate with a degree in Computer Science, eager to apply programming and analytical skills in a software development role. Experienced in project teamwork and problem-solving through academic and internship experiences.
Key Skills:
Relevant Experience:
Collaborated with a team of developers to troubleshoot software issues.
Developed a web application as part of a team project that won the best project award.
Education:
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
University of ABC | 2022
Notes: This functional resume showcases relevant skills and experiences that can make a candidate stand out, even with gaps in traditional work history, making it an ideal example for recent graduates.
This example features an experienced project manager who has taken a break for personal reasons and is now looking to transition into a different industry. The resume highlights transferable skills and relevant certifications.
Name: Sarah Johnson
Contact Information: sarahjohnson@email.com | (555) 321-0987
Summary:
Results-driven project manager with over ten years of experience in managing complex projects and leading cross-functional teams. Seeking to pivot into the healthcare sector to apply strong leadership and organizational skills.
Key Skills:
Relevant Experience:
Developed and implemented project plans that increased efficiency by 20%.
Personal Development:
Notes: This resume showcases how to leverage extensive experience while addressing gaps through personal development, making it a strong example for professionals looking to transition into new industries.
By utilizing these examples of functional resume template for professionals with gaps in employment, you can create a compelling resume that highlights your strengths and minimizes the focus on employment gaps. Remember, the key is to present your skills and experiences in a way that resonates with potential employers, helping you to stand out in your job search.