Are you tired of sending out your traditional chronological resume, only to be met with silence from potential employers? If so, it might be time to consider a functional curriculum vitae (CV). A functional CV is a type of resume that highlights your skills and accomplishments rather than your work experience in chronological order. This article will guide you through everything you need to know about a functional CV, including its purpose, structure, and how to write one that stands out.
What is a functional CV?
A functional CV, also known as a skills-based CV, is a type of resume that emphasizes your skills and accomplishments rather than your work experience in chronological order. In a functional CV, the focus is on what you can do rather than where you have worked.
When should you use a functional CV?
A functional CV is ideal for people who have gaps in their work history or have changed careers frequently. It is also useful for those who have limited work experience or who are new to the job market. Additionally, a functional CV is an excellent choice for job seekers who are looking to change careers, as it allows them to highlight transferable skills that are relevant to the new position.
How to structure a functional CV
A functional CV typically includes the following sections:
The header section
The header section should include your name, contact information, and a professional email address.
The summary section
The summary section is where you should provide a brief overview of your skills and experience. This section should be tailored to the job you are applying for and highlight the most relevant skills and accomplishments.
The skills section
The skills section is the heart of a functional CV. In this section, you should list all of your relevant skills, including both hard and soft skills. Be sure to use bullet points and provide specific examples of how you have used these skills in the past.
The work history section
The work history section of a functional CV is less detailed than in a chronological CV. Instead of listing all of your previous jobs, you should only include those that are relevant to the position you are applying for. For each job, include the job title, company name, and dates of employment. Also, provide a brief description of your responsibilities and the skills you used.
The education section
The education section should list your degrees and any relevant certifications or training programs you have completed. Be sure to include the name of the institution, the degree or certificate earned, and the date of graduation.
Tips for writing a functional CV
When writing a functional CV, keep the following tips in mind:
- Tailor your CV to the job you are applying for.
- Use keywords from the job description in your CV
- Highlight your achievements and results, not just your responsibilities.
- Use bullet points to make your CV easy to read and scan.
- Keep your CV concise and targeted, ideally no more than two pages.
- Use a professional font and format that is easy to read.
- Avoid using graphics, photos, or colorful fonts that could detract from the content.
Advantages and disadvantages of a functional CV
There are several advantages to using a functional CV, including:
- Emphasizes your skills and achievements, making you stand out from other applicants.
- Allows you to showcase your transferable skills, which is especially useful when changing careers.
- Can help mitigate gaps in your work history.
However, there are also some disadvantages to using a functional CV, including:
- May be seen as hiding gaps in your work history.
- Some employers may prefer a chronological CV format.
- It can be challenging to tailor a functional CV to specific job applications.
Common mistakes to avoid when writing a functional CV
When writing a functional CV, there are several common mistakes to avoid, including:
- Failing to tailor your CV to the specific job application.
- Overemphasizing skills that are not relevant to the job.
- Using generic or vague language that does not showcase your accomplishments.
- Including too much irrelevant information that could detract from your skills and achievements.
How to tailor a functional CV to a specific job
To tailor your functional CV to a specific job, follow these steps:
- Carefully review the job description and make note of the required skills and experience.
- Highlight the skills and achievements in your CV that match the job requirements.
- Use keywords from the job description in your CV.
- Customize your summary and skills sections to highlight your most relevant experience.
- Use bullet points to showcase how your skills and achievements align with the job requirements.
How to convert a chronological CV to a functional CV
To convert a chronological CV to a functional CV, follow these steps:
- Identify your key skills and achievements from your work history.
- Group your skills and achievements into categories that align with the job requirements.
- Write a summary that highlights your most relevant experience.
- Focus on results and accomplishments, rather than just responsibilities.
- Use bullet points to showcase your skills and achievements.
Conclusion
A functional CV is a useful tool for job seekers who want to highlight their skills and achievements. By focusing on what you can do, rather than where you have worked, you can make yourself stand out from other applicants. When writing a functional CV, be sure to tailor it to the specific job you are applying for, use keywords from the job description, and highlight your most relevant experience.