Choosing the right resume format helps you present your background in the best way for the role. The main formats are chronological, functional, and hybrid.
Chronological Format
Experience is listed in reverse chronological order (most recent first). This is the most common format. Use it when you have steady, relevant experience and no major gaps. It is preferred by many employers and ATS.
Functional Format
Skills and achievements are emphasized; job history is shortened. Use it when your skills are more relevant than your job history (e.g., career change, long gap, many short stints). Some employers and ATS prefer chronological, so use functional only when it clearly helps.
Hybrid Format
A strong summary and skills section, followed by chronological experience with bullets. This combines the strengths of both. Use it when you want to highlight skills but also show a clear job history. It works well for career changers and many mid-level candidates.
How to Choose
Use chronological when you have steady, relevant experience. Use functional when your job history is weak or unrelated. Use hybrid when you want to emphasize skills without hiding your history. When in doubt, chronological is the safest choice.