25+ Resume Formats That Work
By
Liz Fujiwara
•
Aug 27, 2025
The right resume format can make a big difference in how hiring managers, recruiters, and potential employers perceive your application. A strong resume is more than just a list of your past jobs. It is a tool that communicates your skills, experience, and career goals in a way that aligns with the recruitment process. Choosing the best format not only highlights your strengths but also ensures your professional background is presented in the clearest and most effective way possible.
If you are unsure about which resume style will give you the strongest advantage in your career journey, you are in the right place. In this article, we will explore the three main resume formats: chronological, functional, and combination. You will learn how each format works, when to use it, and how it can support your job search. By the end, you will have a clear understanding of which resume format will help you stand out to employers and make a strong impression in today’s competitive job market.
Key Takeaways
The three main resume formats, chronological, functional, and combination, serve different purposes and effectively highlight unique aspects of a candidate’s professional background.
The chronological format is best for those with a stable employment history, while the functional format suits individuals with gaps in their work history, emphasizing skills over job experience.
Optimizing resumes for applicant tracking systems (ATS) is crucial. Using standard file formats, incorporating industry-specific keywords, and focusing on quantifiable results can significantly improve chances of passing ATS scans.
Understanding Resume Formats
Selecting the right resume format helps you highlight your strengths effectively in a competitive job market. The three most common resume formats are chronological, functional, and combination, each serving a distinct purpose and emphasizing different aspects of your professional background. Choosing the right format can make a significant difference in how well you showcase your skills and experience to potential employers. Understanding these formats allows you to craft a resume that aligns with your career goals and meets the specific requirements of the job you are applying for.
Chronological Resume Format
The chronological resume format is a favorite among employers because it provides a structured view of a candidate’s career progression. This format lists work experience starting with the most recent position, making it easy for employers to track your career development and assess your qualifications. Chronological resumes give a clear overview of your professional journey.
Each position in a chronological resume is detailed with dates, duties, and accomplishments, providing clarity and highlighting a stable work history. This format is ideal for those with a steady employment record and a clear path of career progression.
When to Use a Chronological Resume
The chronological resume format is ideal for individuals whose employment history shows continuous progress. This format benefits applicants seeking roles in the same field, as it effectively highlights relevant experience and career advancement.
Candidates with a consistent work history and no significant employment gaps will find this format particularly advantageous because it emphasizes steady career growth at each stage. For those with clear career progression, a chronological resume is an effective way to present their professional journey and accomplishments.
Combination Resume Format
The combination resume format is a blend of chronological and functional types, emphasizing both work experience and relevant skills. This format is ideal for candidates who want to showcase their diverse experiences and expertise in a comprehensive way.
Combination resumes:
Integrate elements of chronological and functional formats
Provide a balanced view of qualifications
Are suitable for career changers and freelancers
Allow you to highlight your skills while also presenting a clear work history
When to Use a Combination Resume
A combination resume is beneficial for midlevel candidates and individuals making career changes. It is especially useful for those transitioning to a new career or with a diverse employment history. This format effectively highlights leadership accomplishments and transferable skills, providing a comprehensive representation of your qualifications.
For individuals with varied experiences, a combination resume offers a versatile way to showcase their professional background.
Additional Resume Formats
While the three main resume formats are widely used, certain less common formats may provide advantages in specific fields. For example, creative roles can benefit from visually appealing designs, while tech and engineering positions may require formats that emphasize technical skills and project-based experiences, offering additional opportunities for candidates.
Your choice of resume format should align with how you want to showcase your experience and skills.
Formatting Tips for Resumes
Proper formatting ensures your resume is both readable and professional. To achieve this:
Identify the type of resume you need
Set margins
Choose appropriate font styles and sizes
Organize information logically
Use clear section headers
Maintain a clean layout to help both ATS and human reviewers quickly scan your resume
Professional fonts and a clear structure improve your resume’s readability. Avoid light or thin fonts that can compromise readability, and make sure the document maintains a professional appearance.
Margins and Spacing
Setting standard margins of at least one inch on all sides of the resume ensures readability and a clean layout. While margins can be reduced to 0.5 inches to fit more content, this should be done carefully to avoid clutter.
Proper margins and spacing contribute to a resume that is easy to read and visually appealing, allowing you to create effective white space.
Font Style and Size
The right font style and size are crucial for clarity and professionalism, making them an important consideration. Common professional fonts such as Helvetica, Garamond, and Times New Roman are easy to read and appropriate for resumes, especially for professionals.
Font sizes should generally range from 10 to 12 points to ensure readability and maintain a polished appearance.
Using Bullet Points Effectively
Bullet points effectively format information and highlight achievements on your resume. They should consist of concise sentences, ideally no longer than two lines, to keep information easily readable.
Bullet points list achievements and emphasize key points in a narrative style without overwhelming the reader. To convey information effectively, it is important to write clearly and concisely, using action verbs, especially in project management.
Tailoring Your Resume for ATS
Approximately 75% of job applications fail to reach hiring managers due to applicant tracking system (ATS) filtering. Optimize your resume for ATS by using standard file formats such as .doc or .docx and avoiding important contact information in headers or footers.
To increase the chances of passing ATS scans, consider the following strategies:
Incorporate industry-specific keywords throughout your resume
Use a resume headline that matches the job title
Focus on quantifiable results in bullet points to improve ATS performance
Preparing for Interviews
Preparing answers to common interview questions enhances your confidence and presentation. Practicing your speaking voice and body language helps leave a positive impression during interviews.
Conducting mock interviews reduces anxiety and builds confidence in real scenarios. Having printed copies of your resume on hand shows preparedness and organization, while preparing thoughtful questions for interviewers demonstrates your genuine interest in the role.
How Fonzi Enhances Your Job Search
Fonzi speeds up the hiring process, often allowing employers to finalize hires within three weeks of the application date. Their Match Day event connects candidates with vetted employers, enhancing the overall recruitment experience.
Fonzi is designed to reduce bias, protect the candidate experience, and provide real-time updates and transparent communication throughout the hiring process. By leveraging artificial intelligence, Fonzi helps recruiters focus on people, ensuring a human-centered approach to hiring.
Summary
Choosing the right resume format is essential for effectively showcasing your strengths and making a lasting impression on potential employers. Whether you choose a chronological, functional, or combination resume, it is important to align your format with your career goals, professional background, and the specific requirements of the job you are applying for.
By following the tips and examples provided, you can craft a resume that stands out, and highlights your skills, experience, and accomplishments. Additionally, taking advantage of Fonzi’s innovative approach can further enhance your job search by connecting you with vetted employers, streamlining the hiring process, and supporting a human-centered hiring experience.
