People take extended leaves from work, whether voluntarily or not, all of the time. If you haven't worked for a very long time and wish to return to work, it will be necessary to market your skills and abilities while downplaying the gap in your work experience. A number of resume formats exist, and for those individuals with gaps in their career, or even if they are switching careers, a functional resume is the best format.

Open your preferred word processing program on your computer. At the top, type your name in a bold-faced Times New Roman 12-point font and center it. Turn off the bold font and enter your contact information, such as address, email and telephone number under your name. Continue using this font style and size for the rest of the resume.

Add your career objective, which is a short explanation of what makes you the best possible person for the job you are seeking. Make this statement fit your potential employer's needs.

Type your educational experience in the next section, highlighting your GPA or academic honors, if applicable and you think it will aid in obtaining the position. Move your education section to the last section on your functional resume if you lack education relating to the position.

Emphasize your abilities in a section titled "Qualifications." Choose three to five skills that highlight your strengths in the position sought. Include things like language and computer skills, managing others or knowledge of specialized techniques or equipment.

Place your work experience in the next section. Begin with the most recent experience, including dates and titles of position, no matter how long ago they were. Include work for which you were not paid in this section, including volunteer work or internships.

Include the phrase, "References are available upon request," at the end of your resume. Keep a list of professional references with you, should they be requested. Include the names and contact information of these references on another piece of paper.

Print out a copy of your resume and submit it by mail or in person.

Do not overembellish your abilities. What you say must be entirely truthful.

Shoot for your resume to be on one page. Prospective employers do not need a catalog of information, just the important points.

Steer clear of overly complex explanations. Shorter is better. Omit personal information, such as your age, sex or important numbers.