A skills-based resume, also known as a functional resume emphasizes, a candidate's skills over other factors like education or work experience. Instead of listing employment experience chronologically, this form of resume combines skills, such as "Technical Skills" or "Leadership Skills".
Candidates with little work experience, those changing careers, or those with gaps in their employment history will find this type of resume to be especially helpful.
The resume objective section is found at the start of a skills-based resume, which is then followed by a section highlighting the applicant's most important skills and qualifications.
This could be followed by a section outlining pertinent education, training, and certifications; however, these parts are brief and less thorough than those in a regular chronological resume.
In creative or tech fields abilities and skill sets are more important than employment experience. Therefore a skills-based resume is mostly preferred.
What to Include in a Skills-based Resume?
It's vital to concentrate on the skills and qualifications that are most relevant to the position when writing a skills-based resume and to use language and vocabulary that are particular to the industry or area.
The following components should be included while writing a skills-based resume:
- Summary or Objective Statement
- Skills Section
- Work Experience
- Education
- Achievements & Awards
Tips to Write An Effective Skill-Based Resume
- Examine the job posting and identify the precise skills and qualifications that the employer is seeking. Use terms specific to the position and industry and make sure to showcase these talents in your resume.
- Provide specific examples and accomplishments from your previous employment to support your skills and qualifications.
- Put your attention on transferable skills that are relevant to the position you are applying for if you are changing jobs or have gaps in your employment experience.
- Make sure to thoroughly check your resume for spelling and grammar mistakes.
- A resume that emphasizes skills shouldn't be more than two pages. Eliminate any unnecessary facts that do not support your qualifications and express them effectively.
Effective Skills-Based Resume Example
3 Best Skills-Based Resume Templates
Insert images of 3 Skills-Based Resume TemplatesHow To Include Your Contact Information?
Make sure it's simple for the employer to find you when include your contact information on a skills-based resume. Add your contact information ins the following format:
- Include your full name
- Provide your phone number
- Provide your professional email address
- Provide links to your online profiles
- You can add your website or portfolio link if you are a writer.
- Provide a link to social media accounts if you are a marketer.
- Write down the ink to your GitHub profile if you are a developer.
Good Example
Bad ExampleHow To Write An Attention-Grabbing Resume Objective?
A brief sentence that summarizes your professional objectives and what you can give the company makes up an attention-getting resume objective.
- To determine the key skills and experiences they require, use the job description and company research.
- Mention your qualifications for the job, such as your experience and skill set.
- Express your passion for the work and the organization by speaking positively.
- Avoid using generalizations and clichés like "looking for a challenging position" or "looking for a career opportunity".
Good ExampleBad ExampleWhat types of skills can be listed on a skills-based resume?
An emphasis is placed on your skills and abilities rather than your employment experience or degree in a resume that is skills-based. Only list skills that are relevant to the position for which you are applying. Also, provide examples from previous jobs where you used those skills.
Technical Skills: This refers to knowledge of how to operate software, equipment, and other forms of technology.Soft Skills: These are related to your personality traits like communication, problem-solving, time management, and teamwork which are highly recognized.
Language Skills: Be sure to mention them on your skills-based resume if you are bilingual or fluent in a foreign language.
Organizational Skills: Having organizational skills can help you manage your workload, set priorities, and fulfill deadlines.
Industry-specific Skills: These are particular skills that are highly appreciated depending on the industry you work in.
Certificates and Licenses: List any relevant certificates and licenses on your skills-based resume. For example, your CPA or real estate license.
How To Write A Professional Work Experience Section
Use this section to highlight the accomplishments and responsibilities of past jobs and how they relate to the job you're applying for.
The following tips can help you write a strong job experience section:
- In reverse chronological order, start with your most recent job and list all of your previous employment.
- When possible, quantify your accomplishments with numbers and metrics.
- Include work history only if it is related to the position you are applying for.
- Emphasize your experiences that apply to the job you are now looking for if you have worked in a range of sectors.
- Make sure you utilize active language and begin each bullet point with an action verb.
- Use words that are particular to the position and the field for which you are applying.
Good Example- Managed social media profiles with a total following of more than 100,000, which enhanced interaction and brand exposure.
- Increased open rate by 18% and click-through rates by 15% by running email marketing campaigns.
- Enhanced consumer happiness and loyalty by working with cross-functional teams to develop and implement successful product launches and promotions.
Bad Example- Managed social media profiles
- Carried email marketing campaigns
- Worked in a team to enhance consumer loyalty
What If You Have Gaps In Your Work History?
You can still utilize a functional resume structure to emphasize your skills and certifications even if your employment history contains gaps. If your job history has gaps, the following tips will help you fill them up in the professional experience part of your functional resume:
Focus on relevant skillsInstead of outlining your employment history, concentrate on your accomplishments and talents that are pertinent to the position you are applying for.
Use an appropriate headingUtilize a useful heading like "Relevant Experience" or "Professional Skills" instead of "Work Experience".
Consider including volunteering or freelance workInstead of any paid work experience, you must add any volunteering or freelance jobs you have undertaken in this section. This showcases your use of skills during the work gap.
Address the gaps in your cover letterIn your cover letter, you should address any gaps in your career history even though you don't have to on your resume. Give justifiable reasons for those gaps and explain in brief how you used the time to improve your skills during that period.
Good Example- Developed and carried out effective marketing strategies that increased contributions by 20%.
- Managed social media profiles with a combined following of more than 50,000 people, which enhanced interaction and brand exposure.
- Developed and launched successful fundraising events in collaboration with cross-functional teams, which improved donor involvement.
- Created and carried out marketing initiatives to publicize charity events.
- Developed interesting social media visuals and content in collaboration with the team to spread awareness.
Bad Example- Carried out effective marketing strategies
- Launched successful events
- Worked with teams
What is The Proper Format For The Education Section?
Your formal education, including any degrees, certificates, and pertinent training, is often listed in the education part of a resume. The education section of your functional resume must include the following:
- Your most recent degree
- Institution name
- Major
- Graduation Date
- Honors & Awards
- Relevant Coursework
- GPA (only if it is impressive)
Good ExampleBad ExampleHow To Craft an Impressive Skills Summary Section?
