Best Resume Format Ideas

Do you know how to lay your resume out? Remember, recruiters receive a large number of applications every day. As a result, they usually skim through your resume instead of reading the whole thing. Therefore, using the right resume format is critical.

The three most popular formats are

• Chronological
• Functional
• Combined

Keep in mind that formatting and design are different. However, choosing the right format is your first step to designing a professional resume.

Classic Resume Samples

If you don’t know where to start, try to look up some best practices and free samples online. Most resumes should include the following sections:

• Personal information
• Summary
• Education History
• Employment History
• Skills and qualifications
• References

Of course, you don’t have to include all the sections in your resume. You can also decide how extensive you want each section to be, depending on your situation. For example, if you’re a new college graduate, you should focus more on education history and skills than employment history.

What’s the Best Format for You?

Now, let’s look into the three popular formats and what they focus on.

If you have a long track of employment history, then a chronological resume might best suit your needs. As the name suggests, the chronological design usually goes from top to bottom and maps out your education and employment history vertically.

Functional resumes work the best for people lacking experience or making drastic career changes. In short, they focus on the quality instead of the quantity of the items you include.

If you can’t decide which format to use, try the combined resume. Focus on items you can present chronologically while keeping functionality in mind. Be selective with what you include in the timeline and feature your strongest experiences.

Use a Professional Template

Like we said earlier, having the right format doesn’t mean you have the right design. It’s best to use a  free resume template to make sure online application systems can read your submission correctly.

If you’re customizing your template, you should still start with a design file approved by HR professionals. Also, try to always keep your resume within one page unless there is a good reason to go over it. You don’t want to exhaust the recruiter.

Resume or CV?

Should you submit a resume or CV? The answer depends on what you have to offer. If you’ve been focusing on academia, then a CV will make you a stronger candidate than a resume with less experience. Also, a CV is preferable if you’re applying for a research position.

On the other hand, you want to make a compelling resume if you’re trying to get a business-centric job or a position requiring more experience, such as a field or service position.

Some Final Thoughts

In conclusion, you should choose the right resume format depending on the position you are applying for and your situation. Do you have enough experience? Are you switching career paths? Do you have gaps in your employment history?

In the end, the best format is the one that focuses on your strengths instead of weakness. We wish you all the best on your job-hunting adventure.