By Steve Burt Certified Professional Resume Writer
______________________________
Even though many resume writers promote
the use of functional resumes, this presentation has inherent problems for
the job hunter:
Functional resumes often don't give
employers all the information they need to make a decision. For example:
Assume you've held 2 jobs, one where you were responsible for directing
marketing activities for IBM and the other where you swept floors for
John Smith's Unknown Computer Company. In a typical functional resume,
the prospective employer wouldn't have a clue which company you directed
marketing activities for and which company you swept floors for. All your
duties, responsibilities, and accomplishments get blended together with
no indication as to where you did what. It's significant for a
prospective employer to know what your duties and accomplishments are
within the context of each employer for whom you worked.
Functional resumes have a reputation
as a resume style used by applicants who have "sketchy" backgrounds (i.e.
periods of unemployment, underemployment, etc.)
Functional resumes offer a way for
candidates to disguise the fact that the skills called for in the
positions for which they are applying haven't been used for many
years.
Resume writers like to use the
functional resume format because they're easier to write and they can make
their less qualified clients and their clients with "problem backgrounds"
appear more qualified. I've heard other resume writers refer to the
functional resume format as the "Liar's Style". Many employers have
become suspicious of functional resumes and when they receive one, their
focus may turn to finding out what the candidate is trying to hide. Why take
a chance of that happening when you don't have to.
______________________________
I'm a charter member of the Professional Association of
Resume Writers. I earned the designation of Certified Professional
Resume Writer in 1992 and have helped 1,000's of people reach their career
goals. I'd be happy to help you do the same. Read
more about my services.
Thanks,
Steven M. Burt
Certified Professional Resume Writer
