Find the Best Resume Format for You in 2024

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:

• Detailed descriptions of the three main resume formats (reverse chronological, functional, and combination)
• Examples of their most suitable application based on the relevance to your circumstances
• A table comparison of their pros and cons
• A way to choose the best resume format for you using a helpful decision tree
• Resume formatting rules so you fear rejection from recruiters and ATS bots never again
• And a few samples of pre-formatted resume templates that you can use in the builder

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The 3 Main Resume Formats and What They Look Like

The three main resume formats to choose from are:

• Reverse chronological resume format—Highlights work experience and career progression.
• Functional resume format—Emphasizes transferable skills.
• Combination resume format—Pins skills to each of your job entries.

Now, see the details about all of them:

Reverse Chronological Resume Format

The reverse chronological resume format 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!):

Reverse Chronological Resume Format Example #1

Reverse Chronological Resume Format Example #2

Let me give you some great tips on top of the above samples to make your reverse-chronological resume stand out:

• To show the importance of your skills, don’t just list them in a resume skills section. Weave them into your work experience bullet points as part of your job achievements, too.
• Make sure you include specific resume keywords while doing so. By adding keywords that match those in the job description, you'll increase your chances of passing through Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).
• Additional sections on your resume can really make a difference. Consider adding one or two. Some of the best are certifications, known languages, publications, or volunteering experience.
• If you’re listing multiple degrees in your resume education section, use the reverse chronological format. Simply start with the most recent degree and work backward.

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:

1. IT Resume

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.

2. Nursing Resume

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.

3. Teacher Resume

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.

Functional Resume Format 

The functional resume format 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:

Functional Resume Format Example #1

Functional Resume Format Example #2

If you’re considering using the functional resume format, here are my tips to improve your resume:

• Pick up to 5 soft and hard skills that are crucial for the job you’re trying to get. You can easily find them in the job ad under requirements and nice-to-haves. Explain them in detail, giving examples of when you used them to great effect.
• Think about adding relevant coursework to your education section. These classes you’ve taken will prove your skills further.
• Don’t focus on your work experience. You don’t need to think of what strong resume bullet points to add to your job description. Just mention where you worked, as who, and provide a timeframe.
• Include links to sites that can prove your skills, such as a personal blog or online portfolio, right in your resume header. This is where you should introduce most of your personal details.

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:

1. Recent Graduate Resume

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.

2. Resume With Employment Gaps

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.

Combination Resume Format 

The combination resume format 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:

Combination Resume Format Example #1

Combination Resume Format Example #2

If you’re set on using this hybrid resume format, here are my tips to make it work:

• Maintain a balance between your skills and work history sections. Your skills should reflect the job's requirements, and your work history should showcase your professional accomplishments.
• Begin your resume with a compelling summary of qualifications. This section should clearly demonstrate how your skills align with the job.
• The skills section is the heart of a combination resume. Customize it for each job application by selecting skills that match the specific job requirements. Be concise and prioritize relevant skills.
• Quantify achievements whenever possible. Utilize power words and action words to strengthen your qualifications.

When is the combination resume format the most effective? Here are a couple of scenarios where it works wonders:

1. Career Change Resume

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.

2. Military to Civilian Resume

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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Table Comparison of The Main Resume Formats

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:

	Reverse chronological	Functional	Combination
Pros	Preferred and expected by most employers. Highlights your career progression and relevance to the role you’re seeking. Is the most ATS-friendly resume format.	Emphasizes transferable skills. Ideal when making a career change resume and for job-seekers with employment gaps. It’s a unique format that catches the eyes of human recruiters.	Demonstrates a clear career progression while emphasizing gained skills. Effective for career changers and workers with employment gaps who have relevant work experience. Highlights skills and qualifications upfront.
Cons	Reveals employment gaps on your resume. De-emphasizes your skills.	Potential red flag for employers who prefer traditional resumes. Can fail an ATS scan. Employers may wonder about the chronology of your work history.	It can easily exceed the common resume length and require more effort to create. The hardest resume format for ATS scans to read. Requires careful organization to maintain clarity and balance between sections.

Now that you’ve considered it all, it’s time to decide.

Which Resume Format Is the Best for You? A Decision Tree

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.

General Formatting Rules to Stop Fearing Rejection From Applicant Tracking Software

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.

• Use a clean and professional resume font.
• Organize content with clear headings.
• Set one-inch margins on all sides of the resume.
• Include adequate spacing for readability.
• Keep the resume length appropriate (up to a two-page resume).
• Use bullet points to list achievements.
• Include contact information at the top, but don’t include photos on your resume unless it’s a bona fide occupational qualification.
• Use a professional email address.
• Proofread for grammar and spelling.
• Save the resume as a PDF rather than DOC unless specified otherwise.
• Avoid using excessive jargon or abbreviations.
• Ensure that dates and details are accurate and consistently formatted.

Pre-Formatted Resume Templates From ResumeLab’s Builder

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:

1. Cubic

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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.

2. Modern

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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.

3. Nanica

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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.

4. Squares

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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.

5. Vintage

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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.

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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.

Key Points

Here’s a recap of what is the best resume format:

• The best resume format is the reverse-chronological resume format.
• It works best for experienced employees but also benefits entry-level candidates.
• This format showcases your experience from the most recent one and going backward.
• The reverse chronological format is preferred by recruiters and easily parsable by the ATS.

About ResumeLab’s Editorial Process

At ResumeLab, quality is at the crux of our values, supporting our commitment to delivering top-notch career resources. The editorial team of career experts carefully reviews every article in accordance with editorial guidelines, ensuring the high quality and reliability of our content. We actively conduct original research, shedding light on the job market's intricacies and earning recognition from numerous influential news outlets. Our dedication to delivering expert career advice attracts millions of readers to our blog each year.

Frequently Asked Questions About Resume Formats

What is an ATS-friendly resume format?

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.

Which resume format is the most ATS-friendly?

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.

What is the best resume format for a resume with no experience?

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.

What resume format do employers prefer?

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.

Can I use a creative resume format?

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.

Is a simple resume format a good choice?

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.

Is a resume template the same thing as a resume format?

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.

Is there a special resume format for students?

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.

How do I format a resume in Word or Google Docs?

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:

• Set the page margins to 1” on all sides.
• Pick a classic resume font in 11–12 pts.
• Create the following resume sections: header, profile, work experience, education, skills, and additional sections.
• Leave lots of white space between the resume sections.
• Follow the best practices for resume length.

What is the best resume format for freshers?

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.)

What is the best resume format for remote workers?

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.