To help you choose the best resume format, let’s first understand the differences between the three main resume formats. See the examples and make an informed choice.
Career Expert
I understand your struggle: Which resume format is best for me in my particular situation? How do I highlight my skills and experience for this job I’m applying for? Or even, what is the best way to customize my resume so it’s both visually appealing AND professional?
This guide will give you all the answers because you’ll get:
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The three main resume formats to choose from are:
Based on an analysis of over 500,000 resumes created in our builder, we found out that*:
- Median creation time for a resume on ResumeLab is just 21.3 minutes.
- Our users create 2.4 documents on average.
- Problem-Solving, Teamwork, Collaboration, Adaptability, and Multitasking are the most popular skills overall.
- Cascade, Primo, and Cubic are our most popular resume templates.
* The data comes from the last 12 months (August 2023-August 2024).
Now, see the details about all three main resume formats:
The is the most common and widely accepted resume style. It presents your work experience in reverse chronological order, which means you should list your most recent job first and work backwards through your employment history. This resume format is like telling your professional story using a reversed timeline that starts with the present and goes back in time.
Its main advantage is that it’s familiar to employers and hiring managers. They see it most frequently, so they know exactly where to find the information they need. This format excels at highlighting your career progression and growth over time.
Here’s what a reverse chronological resume format looks like:
And here are two resume samples presenting a reverse chronological resume format (pay special attention to the structure!):
Christopher Panattoni
Bartender
Summary
Dedicated bartender with over 5 years of experience creating memorable experiences for patrons in high-paced establishments. Managed busy bars with an average nightly volume of 200 customers, consistently exceeding sales targets. Adept at fostering a positive and energetic atmosphere, contributing to a 25% increase in repeat business. Seeking to bring proven mixology skills and a commitment to excellence to a dynamic team at Spirited Haven.
Experience
Cheers & Chill Lounge
Bartender
May 2017–August 2019
Education
Willowridge High School, Houston, TX
Graduated in 2014
Skills
Languages
Sophia Rodriguez
Junior Data Analyst
Phone: (555) 123-4567
Objective
Analytical and detail-oriented Junior Data Analyst with a solid statistical analysis and data interpretation foundation. Proficient in extracting, cleaning, and transforming data to provide valuable insights for informed decision-making. Possesses strong skills in data visualization and a commitment to accuracy. Eager to contribute to forecasting and analysis projects at Just Data.
Education
Bachelor of Science in Data Science
University of Maine, Orono, ME
September 2019–May 2023
Experience
Data Analyst Intern
ABC Tech Solutions, Orono, ME
Research Assistant
Department of Statistics, University of Maine, Orono, ME
September 2020 – May 2022
Skills
Certifications
Let me give you some great tips on top of the above samples to make your reverse-chronological resume stand out:
And for who does the reverse chronological resume format work best? Literally, anyone. It’s very easily customizable, and you can tailor it so that each section works to your advantage while still keeping the format intact for recruiters and software to parse it correctly.
Check out our most popular guides using reverse chronological resume format examples:
Do you remember when I said that reverse chronological format is perfect for highlighting career progression and so continuous learning? Fantastic! That’s why, in the technology sector, you’d really want to try it with your resume. It’ll help you emphasize your recent experience, up-to-date skills, and advancement, which are so important in today’s tech world.
I also mentioned the bonus sections making the cut. For nurses, the reverse chronological format should work perfectly since you really need ongoing educational achievements and training to keep your license. Not to mention certifications that will serve as the most tangible proof of your qualifications.
In this case, the carefully crafted bullet points with job achievements should do the job (and get you one). With reverse chronological resumes, your accomplishments are better exposed to the reader, and it’s easier for them to align your successes in the field with the qualities and skills they look for.
Expert hint: If you’re looking for a job outside the USA or in a scholarly field, you might have to apply using different documents. If that’s the case, check out our guides on how to write a CV and how to create a biodata format.
The focuses on your transferrable skills rather than your work history. Also known as a skill-based resume format, it's handy when you have employment gaps, are changing careers, or have a diverse set of skills that may not be evident in a chronological list.
In this type of resume, your work history is mentioned but in a condensed way. It emphasizes the skills used or acquired in each position rather than the timeline itself. The functional format can be particularly beneficial for people with non-linear career paths or those who have taken career breaks, such as parents returning to the workforce.
Let me show you what a functional resume format looks like:
Now, here are two functional resume format examples you can use as inspiration:
John Anderson
Accountant
Resume Summary
Results-driven accountant with extensive experience in financial management and compliance. Proven track record of optimizing accounting processes for efficiency and accuracy. Seeking to contribute expertise to Financial Dynamics Inc. Reduced financial discrepancies by 15% through meticulous auditing at XYZ Corporation. Managed end-to-end financial reporting for 10+ projects, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.
Skills Summary
Financial Management
Audit and Compliance
Project Accounting
Work History
Senior Accountant
XYZ Corporation, Belforest, AL
ABC Ltd., Mobile, AL
June 2015–February 2017
Education
Bachelor of Science in Accounting
University of South Alabama, Mobile, AL
September 2011–June 2015
Skills
Certification
Interests
Emily Carter
Creative Event Planner
Resume Summary
Dynamic event planner with a passion for creating memorable experiences. Proven success in managing events from concept to execution. Seeking a challenging role at Dream Events Inc. Orchestrated 15+ successful events, exceeding client expectations. Implemented efficient vendor management strategies, reducing event costs by 10%.
Skills Summary
Event Coordination
Client Relations
Budget Management
Work History
Senior Event Planner
Elite Events Management, Lafayette, LA
Event Coordinator
Perfect Occasions, Lakeshore, LA
June 2015–February 2018
Education
Bachelor of Arts in Event Management
University of Louisiana, Monroe, LA
Graduated June 2020
Publications
Skills
If you’re considering using the functional resume format, here are my tips to improve your resume:
Is the functional resume format a good or bad idea? It’s definitely a good one if you fall into one of the two categories:
You may have relevant experience, but you will most probably not have enough, and the functional format will help you emphasize skills, qualities, and abilities over short-term and unrelated experience. Have you ever done a project that required a variety of skills you can now transfer to other areas? Be it an internship or volunteer work, type that away.
You took a break from work until today, when you were trying to get back into the workforce. That’s fantastic! Suppose you’re worried about the employment gaps in your work history. In that case, the functional resume format will help you deemphasize them and minimize their impact by focusing more on your strengths and potential rather than a perfect work history timeline.
Expert hint: While writing, keep an eye out for these common resume mistakes. Don’t let them mess up the content and formatting of your resume.
The is often called the hybrid or chrono-functional resume. It blends elements of both previously mentioned resume formats. This format allows you to highlight your skills and qualifications from the start while detailing your work history.
The combination resume format benefits candidates with diverse skills and experience who want to emphasize their qualifications for a specific job or are changing career paths.
A finished combination resume will look like this:
See the combination resume format in action based on the following two samples:
Randy A. Mitchell
Senior Software Engineer
Professional Profile
Results-driven Senior Software Engineer with over 8 years of experience in full-stack software development. Proficient in designing, implementing, testing, and maintaining complex systems. Led a cross-functional team in the development of a scalable e-commerce platform at TechSolutions, resulting in a 30% increase in sales and improved user experience. Excited to contribute technical expertise and leadership skills to elevate software engineering initiatives at TechnoGen.
Skills Summary
Software Development
Technical Leadership
Full-Stack Proficiency
Additional Skills
Work Experience
Senior Software Engineer
TechSolutions, Sacramento, CA
Software Engineer
CodeCrafters, Eugene, OR
January 2014–July 2018
Education
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
University of Oregon, Eugene, OR
September 2010–June 2014
Certifications
Linda Reynolds
Construction Project Manager
Professional Profile
Dedicated Construction Project Manager with over 10 years of experience overseeing complex construction projects. Adept at managing project timelines, budgets, and resources while ensuring high-quality workmanship. Led to the successful completion of a major commercial development project, resulting in a 15% increase in client satisfaction. Eager to bring strong leadership and project management skills to advance construction initiatives at Dynamic Builders.
Skills Summary
Project Management
Team Leadership
Quality Assurance
Construction Expertise
Additional Skills
Work Experience
Construction Project Manager
Dynamic Builders, Boulder City, NV
Project Manager
Solid Structures, Reno, NV
January 2013–June 2016
Education
Bachelor of Science in Construction Management
University of Nevada, Reno, NV
September 2006–June 2010
If you’re set on using this hybrid resume format, here are my tips to make it work:
When is the combination resume format the most effective? Here are a couple of scenarios where it works wonders:
Trying something new is already a challenge, so to ease the transition, work with the functional resume format to create the narrative that will help you connect the dots between your experience and transferable skills to what you’re aspiring to. That format works wonders when the background sets the grounds for future possibilities, also in terms of information organization and presentation.
The combination resume format is definitely the longest one to write, but here, it’s a good thing. You’ll need enough space to translate your military responsibilities and used skill set to civilian terms, making it more accessible to hiring managers. You should also use both your skills and achievements to give yourself multiple opportunities to provide a well-rounded and appealing profile.
Expert hint: A summary of qualifications pairs well with a resume headline. Try it out to instantly draw attention to your application.
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Now that you know all the deets about the three main resume formats, it’ll be easier to discuss their pros and cons in a table. So here it is:
Now that you’ve considered it all, it’s time to decide.
Most of the time, you’ll want to use the reverse-chronological resume format. It’s regarded as the best format for a resume and is preferred by most recruiters, HR professionals, and career experts such as myself.
But “most of the time” doesn’t mean “always,” and choosing the appropriate resume format is yours to make. I made a handy decision tree to help you with this process:
Expert hint: The perfect resume needs to be accompanied by an equally perfect cover letter. Since cover letters are necessary for most jobs, learn how to write a cover letter and unlock your job application’s full potential.
Outside the specific characteristics of each of the mentioned resume formats, there are general formatting rules that are pretty much universal. They’ll help you personalize your resume in a way that’s readable to recruiters and ATS alike.
Seems like a lot of points to remember, those above! Fortunately, you can help yourself by using pre-formatted resume templates that our online resume builder prepares for you beforehand. You can focus on writing great descriptions of your experience and skills while it takes care of the entire formatting. Trust me, it saves a lot of time. Here is a sample of 5 out of over 25 available:
Cubic is a modern resume format designed for confident professionals who aren’t afraid to showcase their achievements. It’s neat, organized, and can hold a ton of information without looking crowded or overwhelming.
Modern uses subtle color accents to guide the reader’s eye straight to the key sections. This is what a great resume looks like. It's perfect for creative and professional, office based fields. No wonder this professional resume format is so popular among our users, and it's my personal favorite as well.
You just can’t go wrong with Nanica! This simple resume format is like a Zen garden: it creates a minimalist, lightweight look with lots of white space. This is one of the best resume formats for professionals who prefer sleek, distraction-free resumes.
If you want a simple resume template that oozes confidence and authority, try Squares. It’s the ideal resume format for business jobs because it gives your resume a calm yet assertive look. As a nice bonus, you also get a personal logo with your initials.
Some things never go out of style. The Vintage resume template is one of them—this professional resume format is as timeless as a power suit. It relies on subtle accents to create structure and highlight what’s important.
Double your impact with a matching resume and cover letter combo. Use our cover letter generator and make your application documents pop out.
Want to try a different look? There's 21 more. A single click will give your document a total makeover. Pick a cover letter template here.
Here’s a recap of what is the best resume format:
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An ATS-friendly resume format is compatible with Applicant Tracking Systems software. This resume layout ensures that your application can be easily parsed by ATS. Things like images and infographics drastically reduce ATS compliance, while using resume keywords increases your chances.
The reverse-chronological resume format is the most ATS-friendly. Its clear structure, focusing on work history and experience, aligns well with ATS systems. Make sure to use standard resume fonts, section headings, and bullet points for optimal ATS compatibility.
A reverse-chronological resume is the best choice when writing a resume without experience. It highlights your relevant experience, even if it's limited. This can include internships, part-time jobs, and volunteer work. And if you have zero experience, you can allow your education section and bonus resume sections to be your selling point.
Employers typically prefer the reverse-chronological resume format. It's the most common and familiar format, making it easy for recruiters to find the information they need. It also allows them to see your career progression, the relevance of your experience, and how up-to-date your skills are.
Although tempting, many creative resume formats are overdesigned. This makes a lot of them confusing for both ATS scans and human recruiters. But if you’re applying for a job in the creative field, you may opt for an unorthodox resume design, such as an infographic resume.
Yes, a simple resume format is often the best choice. It offers a clean and easy-to-read layout, which can make a positive impression. This format is particularly suitable for those in traditional industries or roles, where a straightforward and professional appearance is preferred.
A resume template and a resume format are related but not the same. A resume format refers to the overall structure and organization of your resume. Meanwhile, a blank resume template is a pre-designed document to help you create a resume in a specific format more easily.
The reverse-chronological format is best for a student's resume. Just put the education section of your resume above the work experience section. But if you’re applying for an academic position or writing a grad school resume, forget what you’ve just read. Instead, go with an academic CV rather than a job resume.
If you want to make a resume from scratch without relying on resume templates for Word or resume templates for Google Docs, these are the resume formatting rules to follow:
The best resume format for freshers is the reverse-chronological resume format, but with a few changes. Instead of using a resume summary, start with a resume objective. On top of that, put your education section above your work history section (if you have any work experience at all.)
The best resume format for remote workers is still the reverse-chronological format. To enhance it, consider emphasizing your remote work skills like self-motivation and communication skills. Remember to tailor your resume's content to showcase your ability to excel in a remote work environment.
Written by Mariusz WawrzyniakMariusz is a career expert with a background in quality control & economics. With work experience in FinTech and a passion for self-development, Mariusz brings a unique perspective to his role. He’s dedicated to providing the most effective advice on resume and cover letter writing techniques to help his readers secure the jobs of their dreams.
The best things in life are free. That applies to free resume templates, too—browse our hand-picked free resume template collection and download your favorites straight away!
Maciej Duszynski, CPRW
Certified Professional Resume Writer, Career Expert
Your resume layout needs to be clean and scannable. Otherwise, recruiters will reject your resume in 7 seconds. Luckily, this guide will show you how to do it right.
Maciej Duszynski, CPRW
Certified Professional Resume Writer, Career Expert
![20+ Modern Resume Templates [Examples for 2024]](https://cdn-images.resumelab.com/pages/modern_templates_listing.jpg)
You’ve just come across a modern resume template treasure trove. Now, take your time, look around, pick the modern resume you like most, and make a job-winning resume.
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