Resume
Functional, combination, and reverse-chronological resumes are the three primary types. Even though one isn't necessarily superior to the other, the ideal choice depends on your unique background and the position you seek.
We'll discuss the distinctions between each format in this guide to help you choose the one that best meets your needs. We'll cover the benefits and drawbacks of each format and offer examples to help you make an informed choice.
Do you want to write your resume using the most used format? That takes only a few minutes with our resume creator. Simply choose your favourite resume template and follow the advice.
Which Resume Format Is Ideal?
The reverse-chronological format is the most popular as of 2024. For most job seekers, this approach is not only the most popular but also the most productive. It's a dependable choice for you and a decision that recruiters prefer.
A lot depends on your prior work experience. Your selection of the resume format that best suits your needs as a job seeker is crucial. While it's essential to customise your CV for each job offer, it's best to use the same format for all your applications.
Still deciding which format is best for you? Here’s a quick comparison:
Reverse Chronological
Ideal for positions in your field of extensive experience.
Showcases consistent professional advancements in a single industry.
Best for those with no employment gaps.
The most popular resume format, preferred by recruiters across all industries.
Functional
Perfect for creative jobs where your skill set and project portfolio matter more than job history.
Suitable for those with limited relevant work experience or transitioning to a new industry.
Ideal for experienced professionals, freelancers, overqualified candidates, and first-time job seekers.
Combination
Suitable for senior posts requiring specialised expertise.
Great for career changers.
Useful for those with significant gaps in their work history.
The Three Main Types of Resume Formats:
Reverse Chronological: Highlights your work history.
Functional: Emphasises your skills.
Combination: Blends your skills and experience.
Most recruiters favour the reverse-chronological format, which is also my personal favourite. However, choose the format that best suits your professional background.
Format for Reverse Chronological Resumes
This format is the most common. List your relevant professional experience starting with the most recent position and go backward.
Suitable For:
Candidates with several years of professional experience and consistent advancement.
Those without significant gaps in their work history.
Structure:
Resume Header
Resume Profile (Summary or Career Objective)
Work Experience
Education
Skills
Additional Information
This comprehensive structure helps recruiters quickly identify relevant information. To stand out, focus on listing achievements rather than responsibilities, align your skills with work achievements, and consider adding sections that further demonstrate your value.
Functional Resume Format
Pros:
Emphasises transferable skills over work history.
Suitable for veterans, fresh grads, non-traditional industries, overqualified applicants, and entry-level job seekers.
Displays a variety of credentials not directly related to past jobs.
Cons:
May suggest you're covering up employment gaps or a lack of qualifications.
Less likely to pass Applicant Tracking System (ATS) checks.
Not ideal for experienced applicants.
Structure:
Resume Header
Career Objective
Competencies Synopsis
Key Skills
Employment History
Education
Tips:
Outline your professional aspirations in a career objective.
List the most important skills with examples of their use.
Include additional skills and relevant coursework.
Frequently Asked Questions about Resume Format
Which three resume formats are there?
Reverse-Chronological: Focuses on accomplishments by highlighting work experience.
Functional: Concentrates on skills, ideal for hiding employment gaps but might face rejection.
Combination: Balances professional background and skills but shares the same issues as the functional format.
For most applicants, the reverse-chronological format is best. Use functional or combination formats only if a non-standard approach offers an edge.
Is there a special format for student resumes?
No, student resumes are similar to entry-level resumes. Most use the reverse-chronological format. For academic or graduate school applications, use an academic CV instead.
Does the resume template align with the resume format?
No, the resume format refers to how the information is arranged, while a template is a blank document to fill in. Creating a resume from scratch takes longer.
Is a basic resume format always preferable, or can I be creative?
Generally, stick to a straightforward format for readability by recruiters and ATS software. For creative industries, consider a more intricate design but maintain a clear structure.
For resume examples and templates, explore our selection to find the best fit for your needs.
