You want to show potential employers the skills and accomplishments you've achieved in previous positions, but worry that listing every former job will suggest that you're not loyal or dedicated. Learn how to use the functional resume format, which minimizes frequent job changes while highlighting your abilities.

Header and Objective

As with any resume format, a functional resume should be printed on letterhead or include your contact information. Include your full name, mailing address, phone number, email address and website or online resume, if applicable. Open with an objective or summary statement. Tailor the one- to two-sentence statement to the specific position for which you're applying to show the employer that you're the ideal candidate for the job. You may wish to include that you seek a long-term position to allay concerns about your lengthy employment history.

Qualifications

Unlike the chronological resume format, which lists all your prior positions in historical sequence, the focus of the functional resume format is the Qualifications section. Select three to five of your strongest talents that best pertain to the position you hope to gain. Write each skill as a heading in the Qualifications section and list two to three bulleted examples that demonstrate an accomplishment or responsibility you achieved utilizing that ability.

Experience

Although not prominently featured in a functional resume, it's still important to list some of your previous employers and positions so a hiring manager can learn more about your background. In the Experience section, share your employment history for the past three to five years in chronological order. Since you already described your qualifications, you don't need to go into detail about the type of work you performed. Simply list the company name, your job title and employment dates.

Supplements

If you have other information wish to share such as applicable degrees, academic honors, special coursework, professional development and affiliations or information regarding specific skills and references, you may include concise sections at the end of your resume. Anything that displays your level of commitment or makes you to stand out above other applicants will take the focus off a considerable job history and help a potential employer notice you in the best light possible.