Most of us only know the most common, basic format for a resume. We are all aware a resume typically includes your work history presented in chronological order, and any additional effort given to it usually involves word choice and how to organize the materials for a suitable employer. Simple...right?
But what if you have major gaps in your work history? What if you are early in your career and your resume doesn't properly reflect your skill set? What if you have been working for several years and decided to pivot into a new sector or industry – what then?
Skills-Based Resumes can be used when you have a diverse set of experiences and you need a document to connect the dots for your possible employer. This type of resume, also called a Functional Resume, allows you to organize your skills by how relevant they are to the position you are applying for, regardless of when you performed them. As perfect as this may seem, there are many warnings and drawbacks to this format, further discussed below.
The activities in this learning path will explain & demonstrate how a skills-based resume may be perfect for you! (Or not).
A Skills-Based Resume May (or May Not) Be Best
A skills-based / functional resume focuses on transferable skills that more directly apply to the position you are seeking. This resume style is different from the traditional resume style which focuses on your work history being listed in chronological order.
Showcasing transferrable skills is challenging on paper which is why many people decide to try a different resume format. There are several reasons why you would choose this format based on your unique background. The activities below can help you decide whether or not this style is right for you!
The activities below walk you through the process of creating a new skills-based resume or simply converting your existing traditional resume into this format.
Some recruiters suggest you try a more blended approach – the hybrid resume which allows you to promote your skills that are most applicable for the job you seek as well as when you demonstrated them at a previous employer. These activities explain why functional resumes are seldom used so you can make an informed decision before you choose which format is right for you.