When it comes to preparing for a job search, acing interviews, and creating resumes, we know you have a lot of questions. To help answer your job search questions, our very own industry experts at Express Employment Professionals are posting their answers here on the Movin’ On Up blog.

Question: Help! I’ve been laid off from my last two jobs in the span of one year due to budget cuts, and I’m back on the job search. How should I format my resume to make my skills stand out to recruiters rather than tenure at companies?

Answer: There are two types of resumes that job seekers commonly use; chronological and functional. In your situation, I’d suggest creating a functional resume.

A functional resume will focus on your skillsets and how they might transfer to the role you are applying for, whereas a chronological resume typically lists the most recent positions that you’ve held. It’s important that you do your homework when building a functional resume.

I would suggest tailoring each functional resume you send to the specific role in which you are applying. List those skillsets that are clearly desired from the job description or were noted during a conversation with the recruiter or hiring manager. Then help draw the commonalities between their job description and your background. 

Thank you to Joe from Express for providing the above answer! The Movin’ On Up blog has featured articles on how to create and when to use functional resumes. In the changing workforce where more people are spending less time with one company, a functional resume format can help your resume stand out and keep it from heading straight to the trash can. See what a functional resume looks like.

Or if you can’t decide which resume format to use, try both!

Do you have a question about the job search, hiring, or recruiting process? Now’s your chance to have your question answered by industry professionals who find, interview, and hire people every day. Ask your question in the comments section below and check back soon to read what our experts have to say!