Help with functional resume
I've spent the last five or six years in careerhell. I worked for the same company for almost 25 years. I movedthrough the ranks to a position of responsibility in the marketingdepartment and then left to take a new position that evolved in adirection that did not fit with my skill set. Unfortunately, all ofthis happened in 2000-2001, the worst economy in a long time. Afterspending 18 fruitless months looking for work, I went back to schooland retrained as a paralegal. I worked as a paralegal for a few yearsand was miserable. Last fall I took a position for a start up marketingcompany at a terrible salary which was supposed to be increased inthree months. Not only has that not happened, but the paychecks,in addition to being woefully inadequate, are consistently late,resulting in sizeable portions of my extremely limited income beingspent on late fees. all of this is more or less venting, but butfriends have recommended that I do a functional resume with somethingin my summary stating that I made a detour into the legal field butreturned to the field that I love and am good it. I'll looking forsuggestions as to how I might do that. also what are your thoughts onusing a functional resume in this circumstance or should I go back to achronological approach. Thanks for your help and input. Susan Removed personal information
Why would you use a functional resume? Simply use a chronological one, and expand your marketing experience while shrinking the space devoted to your paralegal work. Functional resumes raise red flags because they are commonly used to mask serious things like years of unemployment. Should you decide to do a functional resume after all, Yana Parker in my opinion has written the best books out there on doing them. You do have one big problem, though - how to spin the fact that you're looking after less than a year with your startup. The truth - that your paychecks are small and not a sure thing and you're concerned about the company's viability - is delicate. Some possibilities: 1. "I've decided that the startup environment isn't for me. I prefer a more established company." 2. "I feel that I've done as much as I can for the company's marketing but am still concerned about its viability." Finally, be careful about venting. It's okay here, but in an interview, say the absolute minimum possible about negative things. (Why does your handle reference Maine if you live in Connecticut?)
Hi Susan, Steven gave you great advice about not using a functional format. This type of resume has been used for so long by people trying to hide something, you will be raising red flags before an employer has a chance to thoroughly review your resume. Hiring managers will be looking for the problem instead of focusing on the value that you bring to the table. You can try reshuffling your work history into two sections - lead with "Marketing Experience" and include your current position and previous long-term employment, and then "Legal Experience" or "Additional Experience" for your paralegal work. Be sure to emphasize your marketing positions and accomplishments, and don't use a lot of space for your paralegal jobs. Your cover letter can explain that although you pursued a paralegal career in recent years, you've returned to marketing -- a career that you're passionate about and have a proven track record of success. Wishing you good luck! Kim Isaacs The Resume Expert
Good advice, Steven. Thanks. I own, show and breed Maine Coon cats. MaineTales is the name of my cattery. | |
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