How to Write a Functional CV (Template & Example)

Writing a CV that emphasises your strengths, regardless of your career history, can be a game-changer. If you’re planning to change a job, dealing with employment gaps, or want to showcase skills over job titles, a functional CV format might be the best solution.

In this guide, I’ll show you how to write a functional CV: a skills-based CV alternative that underscores what you can do rather than where and when you’ve done it. It is a good choice for career changers, recent graduates, or anyone looking to enhance their skills and abilities.

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Functional CV template

What is a functional CV?

A functional CV, or a skills-based CV, focuses on the top job skills that you’ve gained rather than your work history. Instead of listing jobs, it groups professional skills under categories to highlight what assets you can bring to the role. This CV format is ideal if you change careers or have gaps in your employment history. 

Key features of a functional CV include:

• Emphasis on skills: Functional CVs demonstrate your skills and qualifications, enabling employers to assess whether you meet the job requirements immediately.
• Highlighting achievements: You can prove your professional strengths through relevant and measurable accomplishments.
• Focus on transferable skills: A functional CV can present skills learnt at past jobs as well as through education, volunteering, and personal interests.
• Minimal work history: The work experience section includes only the essentials.
• Formatting freedom: A Functional CV format works well on visual or creative CV layouts.

How to write a functional CV?

To create a job-winning functional CV, follow these steps:

1. Add your personal data

Begin writing your CV by listing your personal information up top, making it easy for recruiters to contact you. A CV header is a typical element in all CV types, providing employers with essential information to quickly identify whose CV they're reviewing and how to contact you for interviews or job opportunities.

Key contact information includes:

• Full name: Include both your first and last names.
• Profession: Mention your current job title.
• Phone number: Use a phone number you check regularly.
• Email address: Add a professional email address.

When including your personal data, avoid including unnecessary details such as your date of birth, marital status, or photo (unless required in specific countries).

Functional CV example—header area

2. Begin with a personal statement

At the beginning of your functional CV, write a personal statement or a CV profile that concisely introduces you by showcasing your key CV skills and abilities. Your personal profile should be a 3–5 line summary of who you are as a professional and what you bring to the role. It also sets the tone for the rest of your CV.

Here are some tips to prepare a captivating personal statement:

• Always tailor your personal statement to match the specific job description.
• Identify your main competencies or areas of expertise, such as leadership skills or problem-solving.
• Mention the value that you offer, not just your aspirations.

Functional CV example—personal statement

A strong CV summary will convince the recruiter you’re the perfect candidate. Save time and choose a ready-made personal statement written by career experts and adjust it to your needs in the LiveCareer CV builder.

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3. Emphasise your unique skills

As mentioned earlier, showcasing skills in your functional CV is even more important than chronological job history. Organise your skills into categories that are relevant to the job you want to apply for. Under each category, include 1–3 bullet points that describe how you’ve used those abilities in your previous roles. This provides your potential employer with a clearer understanding of how your skills translate into tangible results.

Skills for a functional CV

4. Include the information about your education

Even in a functional CV, employers still expect to see details about your educational history. However, in this CV format, your education section typically comes after the skills and experience sections. Here’s how to organise this information:

• Degrees: Begin with the most recent degree and work backwards.
• Institution name: Add the name of the institution and the location.
• Graduation date: Include the date of graduation or the expected date.

Functional CV examples: education

5. Cover your professional experience

Including a brief section about your work experience gives employers information about your professional history. This can be a simple listing, or you may choose to add details about duties you’ve performed, as this can highlight your accomplishments or qualifications. It is a good idea to include any other experience, such as volunteer work or internships, that relate to the position for which you’re applying. In each entry of work experience, include:

• Company name: List the organisation where you worked.
• Company location: Specify where the company is located.
• Job title: Mention your official job title.
• Employment dates: Include the start and end dates.

6. Add extra facts

At the end of the document, consider adding extra information to explain your abilities and experience. Emphasise any efforts you’ve made to further develop your skills, such as relevant certifications or awards. Some extra sections may include:

• Professional awards: These are awards you’ve received from your employer, industry associations, or other professional bodies.
• Academic awards: Any honours, scholarships, or top rankings in your field of study demonstrate your dedication and intellectual capability.
• Industry recognition: If you’ve received recognition from industry leaders or organisations, make sure to include it.
• Competition awards: If you’ve participated in competitions or challenges related to your field, these can showcase your skills in a competitive context.

Extra tips for writing a functional CV

If you’re writing a functional CV for the first time, these extra tips might help you create an application that will impress recruiters:

1. Include significant ATS keywords

Regardless of the CV format, you must optimise your application for the keywords that appear in the job description. This also demonstrates to potential employers that you possess the skills and qualifications they’re looking for. Many recruiters use Applicant Tracking Systems to check your CV’s compatibility with the specific software and filter candidates applying for a specific job.

2. Incorporate active verbs

Ensure that you use dynamic language and action verbs to describe your skills, achievements, and qualifications. This shows that you were truly engaged in your duties and made a real impact. It also attracts a reader’s attention more than vague and generic statements.

3. Use polished formatting

Once you’ve written your CV, ensure that it is easy to read by using bullet points, clear headings, and consistent formatting. Avoid large blocks of text and keep the descriptions brief. It all enhances readability and helps to grasp the most important information more easily.

4. Proofread thoroughly

Always review your CV carefully or ask someone else to check it before you send it. However, take a break before proofreading. After finishing your CV, step away from it for a couple of hours or even a day. Coming back to it with fresh eyes might help you spot mistakes you might have overlooked when writing the document.

You don’t have to be a CV writing expert. In the LiveCareer CV builder you’ll find ready-made content for every industry and position, which you can then add with a single click.

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Want to explore more about CV writing? Check similar guides:

• Best CV Writing Services in the UK
• Fastest-Growing Jobs in the UK
• Free CV Templates for the UK Job Market
• How to Create a Perfect CV?
• How to Get the Job You Want?
• How to Write a Good CV Introduction
• Jobs AI Will Replace in 2025
• Modern CV Templates for the UK
• Should You Use AI to Write Your CV?
• What Makes a Good CV: Quick Tips

Thank you for reading this article, and good luck with your job search!

How we review the content at LiveCareer

Our editorial team has reviewed this article for compliance with LiveCareer’s editorial guidelines. It’s to ensure that our expert advice and recommendations are consistent across all our career guides and align with current CV and cover letter writing standards and trends. We’re trusted by over 10 million job seekers, supporting them on their way to finding their dream job. Each article is preceded by research and scrutiny to ensure our content responds to current market trends and demand.

Sources

• Ray R., (2024) Four common mistakes to avoid when creating your CV. The Warwick Careers Blog
• University of Cambridge, What skills can I develop?