Functional Resume Hide Text Fields For Free

A major problem with functional resumes is their immediately recognizable format. Functional resumes are different in layout than traditional chronological resumes and as such, it takes just a glance from a hiring professional to notice that you did not supply your information in the standard format.

While only certain ATS read columns as objects like tables and text boxes, most others ignore the formatting and read the data as plain text. Unfortunately, this eliminates spaces between words and turns your perfectly presented skills to rows of gibberish.

They hate it because they need to draw their own conclusions. The functional resume format was created to cover up gaps in an applicant's experience and recruiters know it. They will skip straight down to the work history to try and figure what you're hiding. It's a dead giveaway.

A common trick is to include a keyword several times in a row, but change the text color to white so it is hidden. However, when keywords are highlighted on the hiring manager's end, the white text will stick out like a sore thumb (see screenshot below).

Disadvantages: This format can accentuate gaps in a candidate's work history. It may not be the best format for career changers or those re-entering the workforce. The functional resume groups together common skills.

Anyone can copy and paste a job description, and those that do lose points immediately in an employer's eye. You need to minimise the duties/tasks and focus on your actions and results if you want your resume to stand out in a crowded job market. This tells an employer:the results and outcomes from your past roles.

As a rule, you shouldn't use a functional resume in your job search. They may not provide recruiters with the context they need to move forward and machines have difficulty processing them.