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The three common formats
| Format | What it does | Often suits |
|---|---|---|
| Reverse-chronological | Lists jobs newest first, with bullets under each | Most people with a steady work history. |
| Functional (skills-based) | Groups skills first, with a short job list | Rarely the best choice. Some readers find it hard to see when and where you used each skill. |
| Hybrid (combination) | A strong skills section, then a normal work history | Career changers and people with gaps who still want dates to be clear. |
The UK National Careers Service says to list your most recent experience first. Harvard's career center also advises reverse chronological order within each heading.
Layout basics for every format
- One column, standard headings (Summary, Experience, Education, Skills).
- A clear font in a readable size; see resume font and size.
- Same date format on every line.
- Real text, not text inside images.
- The file type the employer asks for.
More on this in ATS-friendly resume.
Plain hybrid example
Sam Example sam@example.com | 555-0100 | Springfield Summary Retail supervisor moving into inventory planning. Key skills: inventory counts, Excel, scheduling, vendor orders Experience Shift Supervisor, Example Market | Mar 2021 – Present - Ran weekly stock counts for 6 aisles - Built a simple Excel reorder sheet used by the store team Education Certificate in Supply Chain Basics, Example College | 2024
Related: How to write a resume · Resume length · Career change resume. Check your resume with the free ATS resume checker.
Sources
- National Careers Service (UK): CV sections
- Harvard Mignone Center for Career Success: Guide to creating a strong resume
- Job Bank (Government of Canada): How to write a good resume
Advice differs by employer and country. Follow the job ad when it asks for something specific.
FAQ
What is the best resume format?
For most people, reverse-chronological: newest job first. A hybrid format can help career changers.
Is a functional resume a good idea?
Usually not on its own. It can hide when and where you used a skill. A hybrid keeps a clear work history.
Which file type should I use?
The one the employer asks for. If they do not say, a text-based PDF or DOCX is common.
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