Content can overlap, as examples are not provided within the work experience section.Buries key information that recruiters want to see first.Allows for emphasis on skills while still providing outline of work history.While this format is a notable improvement over the functional resume format, it still lacks the clarity and concise nature of the chronological approach. Can seem disjointed, as examples of how the applicant demonstrated a particular skill are provided out of contextĬombination resumes start out with a functional overview of key skills followed by a reverse-chronological outline of work experience.Leaves readers looking for basic information, which can cause them to overlook the resume entirely.Does not flow into applicant tracking systems as easily.Generally not looked upon favorably by recruiters.Can work for career switchers by highlighting skills that they did not demonstrate in their day-to-day roles.Can help downplay perceived weaknesses, such as career gaps.Can work well for current students with no work experience.Underneath each skill, you provide examples of how you have demonstrated that skill in the past. Instead of listing each position you held by company, you highlight core skills that make you a strong for for the job. FunctionalĪ functional resume format provides a summary of your key areas of expertise. To see an effective example of a chronological resume, take a look at this article. Difficult to create for applicants with little or no work experience.Provides a clear structure with little overlap.Allows you to provide examples in the context of your work experiences.Compatible with applicant tracking systems.It is not only the most popular format but also provides key information recruiters expect to see in a logical sequence, making it the most effective. We strongly recommend the reverse-chronological resume format for most applicants. This format starts with a summary of your career highlights and key skills followed by a comprehensive outline of your work experience, starting with your most recent role. ChronologicalĪ chronological resume outlines your work experience in reverse-chronological order. In this article, we discuss the strengths and weaknesses of each approach. There are three main types of resume formats you can use: We explain the difference between chronological, functional, and combination resumesīefore you start writing your resume, you need to decide how to structure it.īy strategically thinking about which format you use, you’ll present your background to recruiters in the most effective way possible, helping you land more interviews.