tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5558939360732260529.post4636108785814347177..comments2023-09-29T06:09:21.089-04:00Comments on Ask a Manager: don't use a functional resumeAsk a Managerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05281942480230532899noreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5558939360732260529.post-52980002441888212822009-06-05T03:06:00.800-04:002009-06-05T03:06:00.800-04:00I know it is a little dated, but I have to put my ...I know it is a little dated, but I have to put my two cents in on this. <br /><br />I personally think that the concept managers have about functional/chronological resumes is flawed. Managers must admit they do not read EVERY resume and try to understand the applicant's experience. If you go through hundreds of resumes for the first round of interviews, you would have to do a large amount of reading to see if the skills match the job. Chronological resumes by their nature do not do this well at all. For example, I was a front line technical support person for a major OEM. Yes, the guy that tells you to reboot your computer. I also managed the team I was on because our manager had no idea what was going on. Basically, I became the manager of the team and the queue. When I put that on my chron. resume, it gets ignored. When I put that on my functional resume, I can show that I was able to effectively manage a team. And you did not have to find it because it was listed as major skill on the resume (easy to find).<br /><br />People scan for keywords. The functional resume is the perfect keyword tool. Supposed you were hiring for a dump truck driver and you found a functional resume that had major headings for skills: Project Management, Business Analysis, C# Development, etc. You would not have to spend but a few seconds to see the skill mismatch.<br /><br />Besides, the chronological listing of the candidate’s title should be more than enough for you to figure out what their next step is.<br /><br />I guess it’s just me. Maybe chronological resume proponents like to work hard and waste time (justify their existence?). When I have it my way, I discard the chronological resumes because I don’t want to hunt for the skill set.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5558939360732260529.post-19083988596922542792009-03-13T15:26:00.000-04:002009-03-13T15:26:00.000-04:00But then why not just use your cover letter to exp...But then why not just use your cover letter to explain how your skills relate to the position at hand? Isn't that what a cover letter is for?<BR/><BR/>Sorry, but I hate functional resumes of any kind and feel that 95% of job seekers truly do no understand the purpose behind a cover letter or the importance of having a great one.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5558939360732260529.post-5488360087105422602009-03-11T20:37:00.000-04:002009-03-11T20:37:00.000-04:00I agree! In addition to the employment gaps, it's...I agree! In addition to the employment gaps, it's difficult for me to understand the candidate's career progression.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com