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Location: The Chatterdome in La La Land, CaliFUNia
39,031 posts, read 23,012,380 times
Reputation: 36027
Quote:
Originally Posted by hopefulone
Are functional resumes not the ideal resume format for those that have large gaps? Why do hiring managers frown upon these types of resumes?
Why is it assumed that those using a functional resume are trying to hide something?
I also would like opinions on which resume format presents one's skills and qualifications better?
You should use the resume format that would best highlight your suitability for the position and your skills/experience/education, etc. The chronological resume is ideal for those with a solid work history without significant gaps (as the chronological resume would highlight the gaps). A functional resume may work best for you if you are concerned about the gaps. There are also hybrid formats which is a combination of a chronological and functional formats.
I have no problem with a functional resume as long as it's not just full of meaningless catchphrases and is presented in a logical manner which actually showcasess your skills and experience.
Of course I also want to see a listing of your employment history.
These days I expect to see unemployment, and don't hold it against anyone--unless they haven't worked in three or four years, in which case I have a legitimate reason to wonder what's wrong with them.
Unemployment gaps can be addressed in a one word sentence in the cover letter. "There is a gap of employment between company A and company B as I was laid off from company A due to budget cuts," or "Since being laid-off from Company A due to budget cuts in 2009 I've been seeking a new opportunity."
I wouldn't reject a functional resume out of hand, but I find chronological resumes tell the applicant's 'story' better. To me, functional resumes usually feel forced, like the applicant is trying to mask incongruous, sporadic, or irrelevant work history. Possibly because that is precisely why people tend to use this format.
Does seeking an education count for having employment gaps?
Quote:
Originally Posted by annerk
Of course I also want to see a listing of your employment history.
These days I expect to see unemployment, and don't hold it against anyone--unless they haven't worked in three or four years, in which case I have a legitimate reason to wonder what's wrong with them.
So what happens if applicants are mothers that have been out of the workforce for 3-4 years or more? What about those that have taken care of someone ill in their family for 3-4 years or more? Are they automatically assumed to have something wrong with them?
The economy was bad for a lot longer than just 1.5 years.
Quote:
Originally Posted by hopefulone
So what happens if applicants are mothers that have been out of the workforce for 3-4 years or more? What about those that have taken care of someone ill in their family for 3-4 years or more? Are they automatically assumed to have something wrong with them?
Location: The Chatterdome in La La Land, CaliFUNia
39,031 posts, read 23,012,380 times
Reputation: 36027
Quote:
Originally Posted by hopefulone
So what happens if applicants are mothers that have been out of the workforce for 3-4 years or more? What about those that have taken care of someone ill in their family for 3-4 years or more? Are they automatically assumed to have something wrong with them?
It's unfair for those who have been forced out of the workforce due to family-related issues. That should be addressed in application materials so the time is accounted for.
Damnit...I just finished submitting a functional resume
Well you must have something to hide by using that format
I still would like to know why functional resumes are frowned upon? Not everyone's work history is connect the dots perfect.
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