The Best Resume Format To Land a Job in 2024

We’ll help you figure out which resume format will show hiring managers you’re a great fit, and provide plenty of resume templates you can download and use for free.

Best resume format example

The chronological resume format is what most job seekers should be using when applying for jobs:

Download a Chronological Resume

When to use this format: You have no obvious gaps in your employment and want to emphasize your career progression.

The chronological resume format is the most common type of resume. 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. Whether you’re an experienced professional or just starting out in your career, the chronological format is a safe option.

Resume formats for different situations

If your circumstances are unique – for example, you have large gaps in your work history – you may want to use something other than a chronological format.

For example, some other common resume formats include the:

• Skills-based resume format (aka the functional resume)
• Combination resume format

Watch this TikTok to see when you should use each format:

@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

Here’s an in-depth explanation of what makes each of these formats unique, and when you should use each one:

Functional resume format (or skills-based resume format)

Here’s an example of a resume that uses the functional resume format:

Download a Functional Resume

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

The functional resume format focuses heavily on your relevant job 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 resume layout feature a large skills section.

Each skill acts as a heading and provides space for you to include bullet-point examples of you using that skill in a professional setting. No timeframe is necessary, making this appealing for applicants with experience gaps.

Combination resume format

This is what a combination resume looks like:

Download a Combination Resume

When to use this format: you have a highly specialized skill set that you’ve developed over a successful career and want to show off both your skills and experience.

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

Combination resumes:

1. Lead with a big skills section (like a functional resume)
2. 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 your career, and have plenty of experience using those skills.

Entry-level resume format

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

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.

Experienced resume format

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

Additionally, this format features a core competencies section, giving you plenty of space to highlight your achievements as a professional.

Simple resume format

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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.

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

Modern format

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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.

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

Additional resume formatting tips

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 easy to read and professional.

These little details might seem insignificant, but a well-formatted resume signifies professionalism. 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 ensure your resume looks perfect before you send it off:

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.

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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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:

How many formats are there for creating a resume?

There are three main formats for a resume:

1. chronological
2. functional
3. 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 which has specific formatting guidelines.

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) 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.

What does a professional resume look like?

Here’s what a professional resume looks like:

Use This Resume Format

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

Regardless of the format you choose, follow these tips to make a resume that demonstrates your professionalism:

• 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.