Functional CV Writing Guide

In a functional CV (skill-based), you highlight the skills and accomplishments developed through work, academic and community experiences. Your skills and potential can be stressed and lack of experience or possible gaps in work history de-emphasized.

The functional CV is advantageous when:

• You want to emphasize skills not used in recent work experience.
• You want to focus on skills and accomplishments rather than lengthy employment history.
• You are changing careers/reentering the job market.
• You want to market skills and experience gained through coursework and/or volunteer experience.
• Your career growth in the past has not been continuous and progressive.
• You have a variety of unrelated work experiences.
• Your work has been freelance, consulting or temporary in nature,

The functional CV is not advantageous when:

• You have little work experience or leadership experience.
• You want to emphasize promotions and career growth.
• You should highlight employers if you are working in highly traditional fields, such as teaching, accounting and politics.

A CV is similar to a resume in that it provides more details about one’s professional qualifications, experience and education. However, the term "Curriculum Vitae" most often called CV, typically carries a different meaning depending on whether one distributes the CV within the US, Canada or internationally (external to the US or Canada) or is seeking a faculty, academic, research, clinical or scientific position.

You can turn your updated resume into a CV by adding relevant detailed information and expanding the descriptions of your educational and professional experiences.

Check the spelling and grammar of your functional CV. Use the word processor's spell and grammar checker. If you are not confident of your ability to detect grammatical, punctuation and usage errors in English or other language or if you need help in organizing your functional CV, bring it to a professional for assistance.

You may run your job search right now, but when you find some suitable jobs you must apply immediately with your current CV and cover letter.

Remember that your CV must be targeted, scannable and generate hits. If you have difficulty with your CV writing instead of staring at a blank piece of paper, use CV samples and CV templates.

Most recruiters expect to receive a cover letter together with your CV. So, prepare a cover letter convincing the reader why you are the best candidate for the interview using cover letter writing tips.

Other Functional CV Info

Now to finalize your Functional CV topic, if your cover letter and CV are ready, you may email them through an international job search to job recruiters and headhunters worldwide.

Start preparing for job interviews and check the job interview tips dos and don'ts. Also, find out why people are not hired for available jobs.

In addition, on job search, visas, work permits, cover letters, CV & resume, job interview and dress codes pages, you will find very useful tips for many different countries.

Good luck with your functional CV!