How to Format a Resume: Ways to Outline Your Experience

No matter where you are in your job search, you’ve got a well-written resume that summarizes your professional accomplishments. But is your resume in the best format for your search?

There are different types of resume formats, and depending on what your job search goals are, one format might be a better choice for you than others. FlexJobs’ career experts have talked with human resources pros and reviewed dozens of studies to learn what employers want to see in an applicant’s resume.

We’re breaking down the pros and cons of each option so you can move forward in your job search with confidence! Here’s what you need to know about the three types of resume formats, along with other resume formatting tips. 

Note:

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Things to Consider when Choosing a Resume Format

Before we detail the specifics of each resume type, here are some general pros and cons to consider for every type of resume.

Applicant Tracking Systems

Applicant tracking systems (ATS) are machines that scan resumes looking for, well, whatever they are told to. Often, it’s specific keywords. While you should use keywords on your resume, depending on the type of resume you use, keywords may not be enough to get past an ATS.

Some resume formats are less compatible with an ATS so take that into account when selecting your preferred resume type.

The Human Element

In most cases, there’s no way to know if an ATS or a human will review your resume. However, even when you know a human (and not a machine) will review your resume, people have preferences and biases.

Because humans tend to scan a resume the first time they look at it (spending, on average, seven seconds), some resume formats may be harder to scan in that short period of time. Your best bet is to keep your resume formatting simple and easy-to-read.

The Three Types of Resumes and When to Use Them

Here are the three types of resume formats to consider, along with their pros and cons.

1. Chronological Resume Format

The chronological resume is probably the one you’re most familiar with. The top usually has a skills or qualifications section that highlights the essential skills you want the hiring manager to know about.

Below that is your job history in reverse chronological order. Starting with your present or most recent job, you list where you work, your job title, the dates of your employment, then your duties and accomplishments for that role. Then you move on to the next most recent role and repeat until you reach the beginning of your work history (or whenever you want to end).

Chronological resumes are easily the most popular type of resumes job seekers use. Chronological resumes also have the advantage of being well-liked by human recruiters and ATS because their format makes them easy to scan.

In general, chronological resumes are the best choice for nearly every job seeker, thanks to their familiarity and how easy they are to create and update. But if you choose this format and have an employment gap, that gap is more likely to jump out at a reader. And, this format may not be the best for career changers since it may be hard for a hiring manager to see how your skills in one field connect to your dream job in another field.

Chronological Resume Example

chronological resume example

2. Functional Resume Format

A functional resume focuses on your skills rather than your work history. Instead of starting with your work history, you start with your “skills groups,” drawing attention to your relevant skills, as opposed to where you worked and for how long.

For example, your first skill group might be “Computer Skills.” Under that, you’d list out all of your computer skills. It could include software and operating systems or programming languages you’re familiar with.

Your next skill group might be “Writing and Editing Skills,” and could include things like “Familiar with AP and Chicago Style” or “technical writing.”

At the bottom of the resume, you list your work history in reverse chronological order. However, instead of including your duties and accomplishments, you simply list the name of the company, your title, and the dates you worked there.

Functional resumes are ideal for career changers and people with employment gaps. However, this is exactly why recruiters don’t like functional resumes. The concern is that job seekers may be trying to hide something like a spotty or inconsistent work history.

Applicant tracking systems also don’t like functional resumes. The format “confuses” the machines because there’s no way to tie the skill to a specific job, something an ATS looks for.

Functional Resume Example

Sample Functional Resume

3. Hybrid Resume Format

A hybrid resume is a cross between a chronological resume and a functional resume. It’s a good compromise if you don’t want a chronological resume but aren’t sure a functional resume works for you.

The top third of your resume focuses on your skills, though they aren’t necessarily grouped by type. Include the skills you really want an employer to know about in this top section. You’re drawing attention to them because they matter.

Below that section is your work history, and it’s formatted in reverse chronological order. However, instead of simply listing your title and dates of employment, you include a little more information. Write a brief summary of the role, then list off a few key accomplishments or duties.

Hybrid resumes are great for career changers and people with employment gaps because these are more like chronological resumes but with some of the benefits of functional resumes. This gives you the advantage of using a “preferred” format but without the biases attached to a less-preferred format.

Hybrid resumes are also perfect for people with less traditional career paths or for people who have already had a few career changes in their work history.

Hybrid Resume Example

Hybrid resume example

The “Fourth” Type of Resume

Some advice says that there are four types of resumes and that the fourth type is “targeted.” This means creating a resume that’s targeted to a specific job description.

At FlexJobs, we always advise job seekers to customize their resume and tailor their cover letter for every job you apply to, no matter what resume format you choose!

How to Format a Resume: Tips

As tempting as it might be to create one version of your resume for all of your submissions, you’ll want to have variations of your resume. As fancy styling elements (columns, sidebars) are harder to scan, you’ll want to have a more traditional resume as well.

It’s also important to note that your resume file type is equally as important as your resume format. Make sure to check accepted file types and follow the communicated guidelines. To speed up the process, keep an original copy of your resume on your hard drive and update copies. Also, consider utilizing an online resume builder to significantly speed up your application workflow.

Resume Formatting Tips

Use these resume formatting tips to help create a simple, easy-to-read resume, no matter which format you choose:

  • Stick with simple fonts that are easy to read and scan
  • Use 11 or 12-point size fonts
  • Use bullet points instead of paragraphs
  • Bold and italicized text can break up text walls and emphasize key details (like a job title or accomplishment)
  • Use 1-inch margins

One last tip: view your resume on your phone! You never know when or where a hiring manager will look your application over, so make sure your resume is readable on a small screen.

The Right Resume for You

In the end, there’s no one “right” type of resume. The trick is that no matter which of the types of resumes you go with, you should always customize it to match the job you’re applying for. To get started, customize and download from dozens of professional resume templates.

And if you're looking for more resume advice, FlexJobs can help! In addition to providing members with exclusive access to our jobs database, which is updated daily with new postings in more than 50 career categories, we offer a variety of resources through the FlexJobs Learning Center. Take the tour to learn more about all of the ways a FlexJobs membership can empower your job search and career!

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