Phil Druker/Department of English/ University of Idaho

Phil Druker                                                                                       UI/Dept. of English

Skills Based (Functional) Résumé

Here is a basic outline for a skills-based résumés.  You can change the order of the sections to meet your needs.  Place the most important points first.

Heading

       Give your name, address (permanent and university), phone number, email, and url.

Objectives

        This is optional.  Provide a one sentence statement that describes your current employment goal:
          be specific but not so specific you eliminate yourself from jobs you might want.

Summary/Highlights of Main Skills/Qualifications

            List two to four main skills, special knowledge, talents, special work attributes.

Education

University.  Where. Degree title (major and minor).  When attended/expected graduation date.  GPA. 
Place UI first.

Relevant Courses or Special Course Projects

            List special course work that qualifies you, that differentiates you from other candidates.

            Omit the course numbers.  Give exact course titles if appropriate.

Relevant Skills/Accomplishments

List specific skills in specific skill areas (e.g.: communication skills, management skills, computer skills, engineering skills).  For example focus on skills:

Computer programming:
    Programmed Schweitzer Engineering’s X-switch using C++.
    Developed software using ….
Communication:
    Gave a presentation to …
    Wrote technical specifications for…

OR

Focus on accomplishments:

    Designed a micro-scale wireless communication system (Electrical Engineering Senior Design)

    Re-designed the infrared paper dryer control for Potlatch, Inc. (Lewiston, ID)

    Analyzed pygmy rabbit DNA

        Note:  Use a parallel form for these descriptions.  In this case, the parallel form uses verbs.

 Employment

            Job title. Where.  When.   (one line for each job)

Honors
Scholarships
Elected Positions
Special Activities
Interests
References

Notes:

1.      Avoid using boilerplate formats from word processors or from the Web. They are difficult to modify, might not meet your needs, and are used so often they might appear bland or unoriginal.

2.      Use headings and make them specific.

       (e.g.:  Mechanical Engineering Skills,  Wildlife Biology Work Experience, Sports Science Internships....)

3.      If you are a college student applying for an entry level job, emphasize education by placing it first.  If you are not a college student and want to emphasize your employment record, place employment first.

4.      List items from most recent to least recent (reverse chronological order).

5.      Use a parallel form (see the note above under the “Employment” heading).

6.      Emphasize all your strengths.

7.      Use font size and bolding to emphasize headings.

8.      Consider length.  Some people say a résumé should be no more than one page.

9.      Use 1 inch margins if possible.  Pick a font size that is big enough to read easily.

10.  Omit “I,” but otherwise do not use telegraphic English (do not omit short words like “the”).