Functional resumes,

[Deleted]

Hmm. In theory, it seems like a functional resume would be great.

But I honestly have yet to see one that is truly great.

[lime]

Ditto miso.

Every time I've seen one, it's been from a sub-par candidate.

[nannersp]

I'm converting my current resume from chronological into a functional resume, based on the recs of a head hunter who was the HR gal at one of my old jobs. She said that half her clients (the companies for whom she recruits) like them while the other half is more iffy. However, she suggested it for me because I have a varied industry background and have been freelancing part-time over the past 5 years.

[mrsjuleshs]

It seems to be hit or miss. I usually see them from our contractors or people working in IT. I've thought about it for mine but just for the basics. All of my jobs have been similar but with a few key differences. It's 3 pages long. I would probably do a small section with basic functions that all the jobs entail but do a chronological including each special accomplishment per job.

[pantsparty]

How long has he been applying? I am really surprised with 17 years of experience he isn't at least being considered. I'm sorry

[VeryViolet]

Has he tried any networking events? Also, any chance that his old company knows/works with any local companies where he could leverage some old contacts? I don't know how his resume is now but I know our recruiter likes narrative resumes. Would it be worthwhile to pay one of those services to revise if to make it stand out more?

[wise_rita]

I would assume it was an effort to hide a big gap, or at least hide something.

I've only been on 2 hiring panels, though, so am a total hiring newb.

[Deleted]

Why doesn't he get a degree? Even just a nominal/Internet degree, or an AA, if that's what is needed? It doesn't help now but he would be making progress while job hunting.