Functional résumés showcase or promote an applicant’s accomplishments. This is especially the case when the said applicant has accomplished quite a bite. Those with significant and impressive career achievements are advised to employ the functional résumé. Of course, non-professionals can, too, if they have made various outstanding contributions. Although experience is deemed important, the accomplishments will definitely emphasize an applicant’s uniqueness and dedication to the field. Mostly, however, this format is effective in highlighting those applicants of exceptional and distinct quality, despite work history.

This alludes to another main reason for organizing a résumé in a functional format. For those who have questional gaps in their work history, placing a bulleted detailed list of accomplishments first will detract attention from the incongruities in the work history. Yes, the reviewer(s) will scan the work history and spot the gaps, but the list of [special] accomplishments, which are presented first, will stand right out prominently in the reviewer's mind so that the applicant’s merits outweight the gaps, and the latter therefore do not seem as important. This is intended by the format structure, and it is suggested, too, by many employers and human resource interviewers. Incongruities can be discussed and explained, but the accomplishments reflect and represent the value of the applicant.

Below is an example of writing a Functional résumé:

Marianna Chase
2275 W. Jamison Ave.
Los Angel, CA 90028
M.Chase@online.com

Objective: Experienced waitress seeks a full-time position as a waitress or deli cook in a restaurant or sandwich shop.

Accomplishments

* Created a series of new sandwiches featuring three tiers of meat-and-cheese combos, each combo having a different type of meat and cheese. These increased business 15% for the Delicatessen.

* Devised an easier, more attractive display arrangement that made serving more convenient. Cafeteria supervisor incorporated this arrangement into subsequent food prep routines. Received an honorable mention and promoted to serving line leader as a result.

* Nominated Employee of the Month in service at Raspolo’s Italian Cuisine for quick, friendly and excellent service.

* Gained recognition for most original soup while taking an elective cooking class at Los Angeles Community College

Work History

5/2006 – Present – Cafeteria Line Person – Prism Insurance, Inc.
Prepared food for sale, made drinks, carried trays to table for handicapped customers, performed cleaning before and after shift. Work: part-time. $8.00 per hour. No tips.

10/2004 – 5/2005 – Night Waitress – Raspolo’s Italian Cuisine
Prepared food for sale, made drinks, carried trays to table for handicapped customers, took orders, performed cleaning as necessary before and after shift. Work: Full-time. $4.65. Tips: 15%.

1998 – 9/2002 – Sandwich Maker – Frieberg’s Delicatessen
Sliced meat and cheese, made and wrapped sandwiches, baked bread, prepared food for serving, performed cleaning as necessary before and after shift. Cash register. Work: full-time. $6.00. No tips.

Education

* 9/91 – 6/95 - Winthrop High School, 23307 Highland Rd. Los Angel, CA 90028
* 9/95 – 6/98 - Los Angeles Community College, 3334 McKenzie Drive Los Angeles, CA 90028

References

Janet Watson – Night Manager
Raspolo’s Italian Cusine
6617 Orlich Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90028
310-881-7248

Adam Frieberg - Owner
Frieberg’s Delicatessen
2355 Macon St.
Los Angeles, CA 90028
310-883-0217

Stella Wassler – Coworker
Frieberg’s Delicatessen
Home: 5441 Edland St.
Los Angeles, CA 90028
310-887-1224