3 Resume formats you need to know for job application success + examples

You’ve probably spent some time writing and perfecting the content on your resume. But what about the formatting? The format you choose can make or break your application, so don’t overlook this part of your resume.

Most job seekers use one of three resume formats. The right format for you will depend on the job you’re seeking, the skills you have, and the experience you’ve gained. Knowing which resume format to use (and which ones to avoid) can get you to the next round of the hiring process.

This article will go over everything you need to know about the different types, so you can choose the best resume format for you. We’ll discuss:

• The differences between chronological, functional, and combination resumes

• How to know which resume format to use

• Formatting tips for every type of resume

• Sample templates you can use to build your resume

3 Resume formats you can use

While there’s no one-size-fits-all resume, most follow a similar structure. The most common resume formats are chronological, functional, and combination. Each format offers different benefits for job seekers based on their backgrounds, skills, and experiences.

We’ll go into each format in more detail, but broadly speaking, here’s what you need to know:

• Chronological resume. Also known as a reverse-chronological resume, this format displays your experience in reverse order, beginning with your current or most recent job. It’s the most well-known resume format and works well with applicant tracking system (ATS) software.

• Functional resume. A functional resume shows off the skills you can bring to a new job. It’s a good format if you have many transferable skills you want to highlight.

• Combination resume. Like its name suggests, this format combines elements of both chronological and functional resumes. You can use this format if you want to show an employer how your past experience has shaped your current skill set.

Chronological resume format

Chances are, you’re familiar with a chronological resume, even if you didn’t know its name. It’s the most widely recognized resume format. Typically, it includes these elements:

• Your name and contact information

• A professional summary

• A work experience section

• An education section

• A skills section

The order of these sections can vary on a chronological resume, but they’re usually all there. Regardless of the order, the work history section will have the most information. You can also add optional sections at the end, like volunteer work, publications, or awards.

To see this format laid out for you, see the example chronological resume below.

When to use a chronological resume

It’s the most common resume format, but is it the best one for you? You should use a chronological resume if you:

• Have relevant professional experience in your industry

• Have no (or small) employment gaps in your work history

• Have steadily advanced in your career

Most hiring managers expect to see chronological resumes, so if you check these boxes, there’s no reason to use a different format. However, steer clear of the chronological resume if you’re changing careers or looking for jobs in a new industry. It’s also beneficial to use another format if you have major gaps in your employment history.

Functional resume format

While a chronological resume focuses on your experience, a functional resume emphasizes your skills. It tells an employer you have the required competencies to do the job well, even if you may lack experience.

A functional resume usually includes these components in the following order:

• Your name and contact information

• A professional summary

• A skills summary

• A short employment history section

• An education section

With a functional format, your skills summary will comprise the majority of your resume. In comparison, the experience section is much shorter, typically listing only your job title and employer’s name. Below your experience and education, you can also list additional information, like languages or projects.

See an example functional resume below.

When to use a functional resume

A functional resume can be the best format to use in several circumstances. You may consider this resume format if you:

• Want to make a career change to a new industry

• Have recently graduated and need to find your first job

• Plan to transition back to the workforce after a lengthy break

• Have other significant gaps in your work history

If you fall into one of these categories, a functional resume could be the right format for you. If not, it’s better to stick with a chronological resume or consider the combination format.

Combination resume format

A combination, or hybrid, format incorporates elements of both chronological and functional resumes. This resume emphasizes your skills while also highlighting relevant details about your past work experience.

A combination resume generally has these elements:

• Your name and contact information

• A work experience section

• A skills summary

• An education section

On a combination resume, both the skills and experience sections can be lengthy. For this reason, you may not have room for a professional summary or additional information, like you do with the other two formats.

To see this format as a template, see the combination resume example below.

When to use a combination resume

Compared to the other two formats, a combination resume has more nuanced guidelines for when you should use it. You can use your best judgment to decide whether it’s right for you. You might choose a combination format if you:

• Want to move into a higher position within your same field

• Want to transition to a related industry, such as moving from sales to marketing

• Have one or two noticeable employment gaps in your work history

For example, you may create a combination resume if you’ve worked as an accountant for five years and want to move into your first supervisory role. It’s also a good format if you want to draw equal attention to your experience and your skills.

How to format a resume

Whether you choose a chronological, functional, or combination format, you can follow some basic tips to prepare your resume. Here are some guidelines for creating a simple resume format:

1. Use standard margins

Start by setting the margins for your resume document. One inch of space on the top, bottom, and both sides will make your resume easy to read. This margin size also allows an ATS to scan your resume completely without cutting off any information. You can reduce the margin sizes slightly if you need to keep your resume to one page, but don’t go any smaller than one-half inch.

2. Choose the right font

Most of the time, your resume will be your first chance to make a good impression on the hiring manager. Make sure you use a clean, simple font that sends a professional message. Some good options include Times New Roman, Arial, and Calibri. On the other hand, skip decorative or intricate fonts, like Comic Sans or Papyrus.

Font size matters too, since you want a hiring manager to read your resume easily. Use 10 to 12-point font sizes throughout most of the document. The one exception is your name, which can be in a larger font at the top of your resume.

3. Provide your contact information

Each resume format starts with your contact information at the top of the page. Include your full name and job title. Below this information, list your location, your phone number, and your email address. You can also include a link to a professional profile, like your LinkedIn page, or an online portfolio if you have one.

4. Create section headings

Your resume needs to have section headings, no matter which format you use. Clearly defined sections help a hiring manager review the key parts of your resume quickly. Set these headers apart by using a slightly larger font. You can also bold or underline the headings to make them stand out. Whatever heading format you choose, keep it consistent throughout your resume.

5. Make it readable

You might spend hours building your resume, but the reality is that hiring managers usually only spend a few seconds reading it—five seconds at most, according to one recruiter. That’s why it’s absolutely essential that you make your resume as easy to read as possible.

Besides using standard margins, a clean font, and designated section headings, here are some other tips for making your resume more readable:

• Leave white space. Between each section, leave some white space so it’s easier to skim your resume.

• Use bullet points. Skip full sentences in favor of bullet points, which draw a recruiter’s eye.

• Condense information. Look for ways to condense the information you present on your resume. Combine similar duties or achievements and replace wordy phrases with impactful action verbs.

• Be consistent. Use the same formatting choices, like bold headers and bulleted lists, throughout your resume. Inconsistent formatting can create readability issues for a hiring manager.

6. Keep it simple

You don’t need to list every responsibility or achievement you’ve had in your career on your resume. Instead, provide just enough information to pique a recruiter’s interest, so they want to learn more about you.

Try to keep your resume to one page, whether you’re using a chronological, functional, or combination format. You can use a second page only if you have extensive relevant experience or many transferable skills.

7. Avoid graphics and photos

If most applicants are using the same three resume formats, you might wonder if you should try to make yours stand out with graphics, photos, or other design elements. In most cases, it’s not advisable to have them on your resume. For one, they don’t usually work well with ATS software. What’s more, many employers consider it unprofessional to include a photo on your resume.

However, there are some exceptions to this rule. Adding graphics to your resume may make sense if you’re applying to be a graphic designer, for example. Some professions, like a model or an actor, may require you to include a headshot on your resume. Use your best judgment to decide whether it’s worth including these elements on your resume.

8. Save it as a PDF

When you’ve finished formatting your resume, save it as a PDF file. Many employers require you to send resumes this way. Even if they don’t, a PDF is a safe format that works with most computers and devices.

Sample resume format templates

You can use these sample resume templates for ideas and inspiration as you create a chronological, functional, or combination resume. In a hurry? Save yourself some stress and use our resume builder to prepare a fully optimized, industry-specific resume in just a few minutes. You can even choose the best resume format for your skills and experience.

Chronological resume format example

Functional resume format template

Combination resume format template

Need even more resume ideas and inspiration? Check out the dozens of free, professional resume examples we have available across multiple industries. Build the perfect resume for your skills and experience!

Key takeaways

1. The three common resume formats are chronological, functional, and combination. The one you choose will depend on your skills and level of experience.

2. A chronological resume works best if you have a steady employment history in your industry, while a functional or combination resume can be a good choice if you want to make a career change.

3. Whatever format you choose, you should follow some standard guidelines to create an optimized, professional resume.

4. Take advantage of existing resume templates, like the ones available from Career.io, so you don’t have to build your resume from scratch.