Resume Sample - Functional Format

In previous articles I discussed how to make your resume "recruiter friendly", using keywords to "optimize your resume", resume "blunders", and how to "reinvent" yourself by re-writing your resume. In addition, I discussed the variety of resume formats and when to use them.

Now, let's take a moment to review an example of a functional resume. If you are not familiar with this format read my article "Resumes and Format Overview. To set the scene the candidate is interested in applying for a customer service role in retail. The ad states that customer interfacing is required and loss prevention is desired. The position involves stocking, cashiering, and loss prevention. The candidate has customer service experience but there is a gap in employment. In this instance a functional resume is used.

CONFIDENTIAL RESUME

(Name)

(Address)

(Best contact number)


Summary of Experience: Cashiering, retailing, customer service, housekeeping, stocking, data entry keyer, keyboarding.

Cashiering
Greet customers entering the store with enthusiasm and energy. Open and close store. Count money in cash drawer at the beginning of shift to ensure that amounts are correct and that there is adequate change. Issue receipts, refunds, credits, or change due to customers. Receive payment by cash, credit cards, vouchers, or automatic debits. Stock shelves, and mark prices on shelves and items. Maintain clean and orderly checkout and overall store area. Identify prices of goods and tabulate bills using cash register. Calculate total payments received during a time period, and reconcile this with total sales. Compute and record totals of transactions. At the end of shift, count drawers’ contents and compare the totals with sales data.

Customer Service
Interact with customers to provide information in response to inquires about products. Maintain solid customer relationships by handling their questions and concerns with speed and professionalism. Gather information either by phone or in person. Greet every customer with enthusiasm and energy. Make changes or updates to a customer’s profile or account information in computer. Use computers and telephone extensively. Frequently enter information into a computer while speaking to customers. Remain aware of the amount of time spent with each customer so that time is fairly distribute among those customers who require assistance.

Retail
Describe a product’s features, demonstrate its use, and showed various models and colors. Handle returns and exchanges of merchandise. Help stock shelves and racks. Recognize security risks and thefts and know how to handle or prevent such situations.

Work History

Customer Service Representative
ABC Clothing
09/07 - 01/09


Cashier
XYZ Company
01/07 - 04/07



Let's do a quick review:

1) There's no objective. It is replaced with a summary of experience so the recruiter or manager can read and assess this candidate's overall background in a matter of 3 seconds.

2) The resume brings this candidate's background and skill set up front.

3) The candidate's skill sets are called out using a paragraph format.

4) This candidate has a gap in employment so the decision to use a functional format was more appropriate.

Constructing a functional resume is really not that difficult. Write down all of the occupational skills (not job titles) that you have experience in and are required of the position. I listed a few of them.

1. Management

2. Administrative or clerical

3. Customer service

4. Sales

5. Transportation

6. Maintenance

7. Personal care and services

8. Healthcare

If you have or can get a copy of your previous job descriptions it may help you fill out your list. You can also reference the2008-2009 Edition of Occupational Outlook Handbook.

Then pick out and list those occupational skills that are pertinent to the position that you are applying for. Write a few sentences about your duties and responsibilities as I did in the sample. BE HONEST! You will have to talk through your resume during an interview.

[Was this article helpful? Take a moment to rate and comment about it.]