Best Resume Formats (Plus Examples)

Resumes have several formatting options, and the best resume format for you depends on your professional background and the position you’re seeking. This guide explains the differences between the three main formats and provides resume format examples for each.

Why Choosing the Best Resume Format Is Important

The format you choose for your resume affects everything from how readable it is for the hiring manager to how compatible it is with the applicant tracking systems (ATS) recruiters use to filter resumes.

The resume format can also affect how well you can highlight your relevant skills and experience. For example, entry-level candidates can use a functional resume to focus on transferable skills or highlight nonwork experience, such as volunteer positions. A more experienced candidate can leverage the traditional chronological format to make a resume highlighting extensive work history and professional growth.

Key Resume Formats To Consider

1. Chronological resume format

The reverse chronological professional resume formatis the most common type hiring managers are used to seeing. This resume format for experienced professionals lists work history in reverse chronological order, starting with the most recent position. It’s best for professionals with a consistent work history and easy-to-read ATS.

2. Functional (or skills-based) resume format

The functional resume format focuses on skills and accomplishments instead of a chronological work history. Professional experience is still included, but it takes a lesser role, which can be helpful for those with gaps in employment or those going through a career change. Also called a skills-based resume, the functional resume is a suitable resume format for freshers looking for a first job or recent graduates.

3. Combination (or hybrid) resume format

The hybrid resume format combines elements of chronological and functional resumes to emphasize skills and work history. This resume format example is a good choice for professionals with nonlinear career progression or notable accomplishments.

How To Choose the Best Resume Format for Your Career Level

Entry-level candidates and recent graduates

A functional or hybrid resume is the best choice for entry-level candidates, recent graduates, or teens, as it emphasizes skills and academic experience. Look for templates that have sections for extracurricular activities or relevant coursework.

Mid-level professionals

Employees at this level can choose between the combination format and the chronological resume, depending on how well their professional background matches the role’s qualifications. A combination format can showcase transferable skills and explain employment gaps, while a chronological resume highlights a strong career progression and accomplishments.

Experienced professionals and career changers

Professionals with experience benefit from the chronological resume’s focus on work history. Those seeking a career change can use the functional or combination format to highlight transferable skills and include relevant achievements.

Additional Resume Formats for Specific Situations

• Infographic and visual resumes: Highly visual resumes can benefit those in creative industries, such as photographers or graphic designers. However, they need to be ATS-friendly and can be difficult to format.
• Mini or one-page resumes: A mini resume is a condensed version of your entire resume that is only one page. You may use it for networking events or applications that specifically require them. This option is a suitable resume format for fresherswith a short work history.

Resume Formatting Guide

• Use clear headers and sections: Each section on your resume should have a transparent, descriptive header, such as “Experience,” “Technical Skills,” or “Education.” This improves readability and ATS optimization.
• Pay attention to font selection and sizing: The best resume format guides advise using a professional, easy-to-read font. Consistent font sizes for headers and content blocks are also important for a polished look.
• Use white space effectively: Proper spacing improves readability and ensures your resume looks clean and professional. Don’t overcrowd your resume; ensure there’s enough white space so the hiring manager can quickly skim it.
• Optimize for ATS: This includes avoiding images and graphics, complex formatting, and adding industry-relevant keywords and clear section headers.

Resume Format Examples

Common Mistakes To Avoid When Choosing the Best Resume Format

• Using a format that doesn’t suit your experience: Always choose a resume format that aligns with your experience level and the job type. For example, the best resume format for freshers is the functional or combination option that de-emphasizes work history.
• Overloading visual elements: Keep the resume design clean and simple, without any graphics or formatting that may not be ATS-compatible. Strong resume format examples are clear, clean, and professional.
• Ignoring ATS compatibility: A carefully polished resume doesn’t work well if a human reviewer never sees it. Optimize your resume so the ATS can easily read and parse the text.