Are hand-written resumes still used frequently?

No, hand-written resumes aren’t still used frequently and should be avoided even if you have immaculate handwriting. With the wide availability of resume builder tools and word processing software, there’s no reason to write a resume by hand. Handwriting your resume comes across as unprofessional and makes your resume hard to read. You can easily make a resume in Word, and even if you don’t have access to an online resume builder or a Microsoft Word subscription, there are plenty of free options (like Google Docs or Pages" target="_blank">Pages ) for putting together a resume. Besides, these days most resumes are submitted electronically. It’s easier for employers to keep track of PDFs than physical application documents. So unless you’re applying to a company in person, you’ll likely have to scan your handwritten resume and send it via email anyway.

Does resume format matter?

Yes, resume format does matter. Your resume is all about advertising your greatest qualities as a candidate. In most cases, your most valuable attributes are related to your work experience and relevant achievements, so you should use the chronological resume format. However, if you have gaps on your resume or are changing careers , the right resume format may be a combination or even a functional format to help you highlight your key strengths while downplaying some of your weaknesses as a candidate. In a competitive job market, the right resume format can give you the edge you need to land an interview.

What format should my resume be in?

If you’re wondering what file format to use for your resume, it’s good practice to have both: a resume format in Word , and a resume format in PDF . When you create a resume in Word, you can then export it as a PDF file so that you have both. Then, you can choose which to submit based on the instructions listed in the job ad. If there aren’t any instructions, then choose a Word document when applying to large companies (Word files make your resume more ATS friendly ), and a PDF file when you want to make sure the formatting of your resume is preserved across any device.

What is most important to consider when you select a resume format?

When selecting a resume format, it’s most important to consider what your strongest qualifications are for your target role and how you can best present them. If you want to emphasize the career progression that has perfectly prepared you for your target role, use a chronological format. If you’re changing careers or industries without much experience and your skills are your strongest selling point, a combination or functional resume might be a better option. Ultimately, you should tailor your resume to communicate your best qualifications to potential employers as efficiently as possible.

What resume format do employers prefer?

Employers prefer the chronological resume format because it’s easy to read and provides a clear overview of your work experience. They can quickly see your career progression and assess your suitability for the role. The functional and combination formats can also be well-received if they effectively showcase your relevant skills and qualifications. Research the industry norms and the company’s culture to make an informed choice. If your target industry or company is more traditional, it’s probably best to stick with a chronological resume.

The Best Resume Format for 2025 (Templates & Examples)

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When you make your resume, it needs to be clear, easy to scan, and focused on your most marketable qualifications. We’ll show you how to format your resume so it impresses employers and emphasizes your professional strengths.

Additionally, we provide advice for formatting your resume professionally, including details like margins and fonts.

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Chronological resume format (experience-focused)

The chronological resume format is the most common type of resume and is widely used in the US. Think of it as the “default” format—it’s what everyone learns to write when they start looking for work.

The highlight of a chronological resume is your work experience, with your most recent position at the top. All other sections of your resume are smaller and usually listed toward the bottom of the page.

Example of the most popular format, the chronological resume format, that lays out the candidate

Download a Chronological Resume

When to use this format: Whether you’re an experienced professional or just starting out in your career, the chronological format is a safe option.

How to structure a chronological resume

Here’s how to format your resume chronologically:

1. Resume summary

Start with a brief overview of your professional background, highlighting key achievements and skills relevant to the role you’re applying for. Keep it concise—2–3 sentences are ideal.

2. Experience section

List your work experience starting with your most recent job. For each position:

Include your job title, employer name, location, and dates of employment.
Use bullet points to describe your responsibilities and accomplishments, emphasizing measurable results and relevant achievements.

3. Skills

Clearly list any technical skills you have that align with the job description.

4. Education

Include your highest degree first, along with the institution’s name, location, and graduation date. If you’re a recent graduate, you might also want to move this section higher up on your resume, and include relevant coursework, honors, or activities.

Other ways to format a resume

While the chronological resume is the best format for the US, there are other formats that might work better depending on your circumstances.

Functional resume format (skills-focused)

The functional resume format focuses heavily on your relevant skills instead of your work experience, which is why it’s also known as a skills-based resume.

Instead of outlining your work history chronologically, resumes using a functional layout feature a large skills section with your work experience grouped under related skills.

Example of a functional resume format that lists skills in subheadings near the top of the resume, with a small work history section and education section below.

Download a Functional Resume

When to use this format: If you have large gaps in your career history and want to shift the focus to your transferable skills.

Combination resume format

A combination resume blends the structure of the chronological and functional resume formats.

Combination resumes:

Lead with a big skills section (like a functional resume)
End with a detailed work experience section (like a chronological resume)

If this seems like a lot of information to include, that’s the point. Combination resumes, also known as hybrid resumes, are best if you’ve developed many skills over a long, nonlinear career.

A combination resume format that features a summary, followed by equally sized skills and work experience sections, and education at the bottom.

Download a Combination Resume

When to use this format: If you have a varied, nontraditional career and want to highlight both your transferable skills and work experience.

Resume formats for different experience levels

The ideal resume format depends on where you are—and where you’re heading—in your career journey. Learn which format best highlights your strengths and addresses potential concerns for your unique circumstances.

Entry-level resume format

If you’re like most students or recent college graduates, you don’t have much formal work experience yet, so your education is the core of your resume. This resume format accommodates that by listing your education section before your experience section.

A college student resume format sample featuring an extra detailed education section and a space for relevant experience

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When to use this format: If you’re a college student or recent graduate who lacks work experience and wants to highlight your educational achievements.

Experienced resume format

When you’ve built years of valuable experience, your resume format should reflect that.

This format features a core competencies section and provides plenty of space to highlight your professional achievements.

Experienced resume format for seasoned professionals, with a blue header and light grey side bar.

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When to use this format: If you’re many years into your career, this is the best resume format for you because it focuses heavily on your work history and skills.

Resume templates using different design formats

Different resume template designs are suited to different industries. Choosing the right template for your industry allows you to showcase your skills and professionalism in a way that resonates with hiring managers and matches the culture of your field.

Simple resume format

This simple resume format offers a professional overview of your work history. Its design minimizes any stylistic elements that might distract from your accomplishments.

Download This Resume Format

When to use this format: With a straightforward and easy-to-scan layout, this is a great format to use if you’re applying for highly formal jobs, like those in law or finance.

Modern resume format

More casual industries encourage experimentation, so choosing a resume design with bold colors and stylish design elements will help your application stand out.

Download This Resume Format

When to use this format: A modern resume format like this one is perfect if you’re applying for jobs in a more casual industry like marketing or tech and want to stand out.

Creative resume format

A creative resume format allows you to showcase both your skills and personality through visually engaging design elements. Unlike traditional templates, creative formats emphasize unique layouts, bold typography, and strategic use of color and graphics to capture attention.

Download This Resume Format

When to use this format: This type of format is ideal for industries that value innovation and creativity, helping you stand out while still maintaining a professional tone.

Another option when creating a resume for a casual or creative industry is to opt for a video resume format. Video resumes are an innovative way to differentiate yourself from other candidates while showcasing your personality and video editing skills.

Resume formatting checklist

Your resume’s content is ultimately what will get you interviews. However, minor details like your resume’s margins, line spacing, and text alignment ensure your resume is professional and easy to read.

If you’re applying for a competitive position and are being compared to candidates with similar qualifications, flawless resume formatting can give you an advantage over other applicants.

Here’s a quick checklist you can use to make sure your resume looks perfect before you send it off:

An infographic running through everything you need to know about how to format your resume properly — Make a copy of this checklist

Before you send your resume off, make sure you also scan it with a free resume checker to make sure all your formatting is easy to read and compatible with ATS software.

Common resume formatting mistakes

Formatting mistakes can distract from your experience and skills. Avoid these common errors:

Inconsistent formatting: Using different font styles, sizes, or spacing throughout your resume makes it look unprofessional and disorganized.
Overly fancy design: Decorative elements like graphics, borders, or multiple columns can be distracting and take attention away from your content.
No clear section hierarchy: When headings and subheadings aren’t distinct, it’s difficult for readers to quickly find important information like work experience or education.
Overcrowding the page: Filling every inch with text leaves no white space, making the resume feel overwhelming and hard to scan.
Inappropriate font or font size: Fonts that are too small, too large, or hard to read can make your resume difficult to navigate and appear less professional.

Resume format FAQs

Now that you know a bit more about how to format your own resume, here are some frequently asked questions about resume formats:

What’s the standard resume format used in the US?

The chronological resume format is the standard and most commonly used resume format in the United States.

This format is widely preferred by hiring managers and Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) because it emphasizes a clear work history, making it easy to follow and assess.

Additionally, when applying for a job in the US, avoid putting a photo on your resume. Including a picture of yourself is normally considered unprofessional and may raise issues around hiring discrimination.

How many resume formats are there?

There are three main formats for a resume:

Chronological
Functional
Combination

However, there are some other less common ways of formatting your resume.

For example, job seekers applying to jobs in academia may want to use an academic CV, which follows a unique format. Additionally, if you’re applying for work with the federal government, you’ll need to use a federal resume that has specific formatting guidelines.

Which resume format should I use?

A chronological resume format is the best choice for most job seekers.

The chronological format’s clarity and familiarity make it the safest and most effective choice for the majority of job applications.

Its straightforward timeline helps recruiters quickly assess your experience level and growth, while its traditional structure ensures that applicant tracking systems properly parse your resume.

@resumegenius Choosing the right resume format helps to highlight you as the best candidate for the job. 💪 Take the quiz to find out which one suits you best: 🔸resumegeniusDOTme/resume-formats 🔗 #resumeformat #resumetips #jobsearch #jobseeker #careeradvice ♬ original sound – Resume Genius | Career Advice

What is the most ATS-friendly resume format?

The most ATS-friendly resume format is the reverse-chronological format, where you list your most recent work experience first and proceed backward. This format makes it easy for ATS software to scan and identify relevant details such as job titles, company names, dates of employment, and key responsibilities.

To make sure your resume is ATS-friendly, use a clean, simple design with standard headings like “Work Experience,” “Education,” and “Skills.” Avoid using complex layouts, graphics, tables, text boxes, or unusual fonts, which can confuse ATS software.

Should I use a template or format my resume from scratch?

Using a template can be a great shortcut to creating a well-organized, professional-looking resume. Many resume templates offer a clear structure with consistent formatting, which helps highlight your experience, education, and skills effectively.

On the other hand, formatting your resume from scratch allows for complete customization. This can be useful if you want to create a unique layout that better reflects your background or target industry. If you choose to format your resume from scratch, take extra care to make sure everything looks consistent.

What file format should my resume be in?

If you’re wondering what file format to use for your resume, it’s good practice to have both:

a resume format in Word, and
a resume format in PDF

When you create a resume in Word, you can then export it as a PDF file so that you have both. Then, you can choose which to submit based on the instructions in the job ad.

If there aren’t any instructions, then choose a Word document when applying to large companies (Word files make your resume more ATS friendly), and a PDF format when you want to make sure the formatting of your resume is preserved across any device.

What does a professional resume look like?

A professional resume should be well-organized, visually appealing, and easy to read.

The format of a professional resume should:

Include essential sections like contact information, a summary or objective statement, work experience, education, and relevant skills.
Use clear headings, bullet points, and concise language to convey your accomplishments and responsibilities.
Tailor your resume for each job application by highlighting the skills and experiences most relevant to the role.
Proofread for any errors and keep the formatting consistent throughout.

Here’s what a professional resume looks like:

Example of a professional resume that uses a reverse chronological format and features an aesthetic header with a color gradient.

Download This Resume Format

Additional resume resources

Still unclear on how to format your resume? Here are some extra resources to help you get started:

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Lauren Mastroni

Digital Content Writer

Lauren Mastroni is a Digital Content Writer dedicated to crafting engaging content and providing actionable advice that empowers people in their job searches. An enthusiastic contributor to the Resume Genius team, Lauren has a passion for developing valuable resources for job seekers. Lauren holds an M.S. in Psychology from University of Derby and currently lives in Taipei, Taiwan. She enjoys learning all she can about the career space, and is committed to helping job seekers of all experience levels navigate the job hunt and advance their careers. You can reach Lauren at lauren@resumegenius.com.

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