The two most commonly used resume formats are the Chronological and Functional styles. A Chronological resume lists work history in reverse order (most recent first) and is preferred by most employers for its straightforward layout, making it ideal for candidates with steady career progression and no significant employment gaps.
In contrast, a Functional resume focuses on skills and expertise rather than a timeline of jobs, which works best for career changers, those with large employment gaps, or individuals highlighting transferable skills from internships or volunteer work. A Combination format also exists, balancing both skills and work experience, which is often suitable for mid-level professionals.
For freshers or students, a chronological format is frequently recommended to showcase education and relevant coursework, while creative roles may benefit from modern, bold templates that use color and unique layouts, though a standard version should be kept for ATS compatibility. Most experts advise keeping the resume to one page and using ATS-friendly fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Helvetica to ensure the document is easily readable by automated screening systems.
Key Format Characteristics
| Format Type | Best Used When | Key Features |
| Chronological | Seeking a position in the same field with steady career progress. | Reverse chronological work history; highlights career growth and recent roles. |
| Functional | Changing careers, having large employment gaps, or highlighting transferable skills. | Organized by skill areas (e.g., management, programming) with a brief employment history at the end. |
| Combination | Mid-career professionals wanting to balance skills and experience. | Mixes a skills summary with reverse-chronological work history. |
| Creative | Roles in design, marketing, or media. | Uses bold visuals, color, and unique layouts (requires a standard backup for ATS). |
Essential Formatting Tips
Length: Keep the resume to one page unless you are an executive or have an extensive career.
Sections: Include contact information, a summary statement, relevant skills, professional experience, and education.
Bullet Points: Use 4-5 bullet points per job entry to highlight specific achievements and impacts rather than routine duties.
File Format: Download as PDF for emailing and printing, or Word (.docx) if required, ensuring the layout remains consistent.
Content: Avoid listing personal details like age, marital status, or a street address; instead, provide a city/state and contact info.
Videos
How do I write a resume summary?
A great resume summary will contain a combination of positive adjectives describing your character, your most impressive accomplishments, and any qualifications or experience required for the role.
How many pages should my resume be?
We recommend keeping your resume to one page in virtually all situations. However, exceptions may apply for executive level candidates, those with particularly impressive careers, or candidates applying in countries outside of the U.S. and Canada.
Do employers like resume templates?
Employers want to see resumes that are easy-to-read and quickly convey the information they are looking for. While resume templates are a useful tool for creating a professional application, recruiters will not favor copy-paste resumes that have not been customized for the job description.