The short answer
Use the reverse-chronological format unless you have a strong reason not to: it's what recruiters expect and what applicant tracking systems read best. Choose a combination format if you're changing careers and need to lead with skills, and avoid a purely functional format, which hides your dates and makes readers suspicious.
Updated September 30, 2026
The three resume formats
- Reverse-chronological: work history first, newest job at the top, achievements under each job. The standard.
- Functional (skills-based): experience grouped under skill headings, with employers and dates reduced to a short list at the end.
- Combination (hybrid): a short skills or highlights section at the top, followed by a normal dated work history.
Which format fits your situation
- Steady history in one field: reverse-chronological.
- Graduate or first job: reverse-chronological, with Education above Experience.
- Career change: combination, so transferable skills come first.
- Employment gaps: reverse-chronological with the gap labelled. A functional format draws more attention to it.
- Freelance or many short contracts: reverse-chronological, with the contracts grouped under one heading.
The section order that works
Whatever the format, readers expect to find things in familiar places: contact details, then a summary, then experience, education and skills, then extras such as certifications, languages and projects. Early in a career, education moves above experience. Use standard headings ("Work Experience", not "My Journey") so both people and software recognise them.
Layout rules that keep it readable
- One font, 10–12 pt for text, with larger headings.
- The same date format for every job, such as 03/2022 – 06/2024.
- Consistent spacing between sections and enough white space to scan.
- Bold for job titles or employers, but not both in competing styles.
- Skills written as words, not bars, stars or percentages.
March 2021 – 2023 06/19 to Feb. 2021
03/2021 – 08/2023 06/2019 – 02/2021
Which file format to send
Send a text-based PDF unless the employer asks for Word. It keeps your layout identical on every device and modern applicant tracking systems read it without trouble. Avoid scanned or image PDFs, which contain no readable text. Name the file with your name and the role, for example "Maria-Lopez-Accountant.pdf".
Format also depends on the country
Photo, length, personal details and even the name of the document change from one country to another. If you're applying abroad, check that country's conventions before you pick a layout.
Checklist
- Reverse-chronological, or combination for a career change
- Standard section headings in the expected order
- One date format throughout
- One font, readable size, consistent spacing
- Saved as a text-based PDF with a clear file name