Learn about the three types of resume formats—reverse chronological, functional, and hybrid—to find which is right for you. Also, discover the pros and cons of each.
The reverse chronological format emphasizes your work history, starting with the most recent position first. It is easy for employers and ATS to read.
1. Chronological
The chronological resume format is the most traditional layout, and the one hiring managers recognize the most. It’s best for applicants who want to highlight a steady work history and show that the job they’re applying for is a natural next step in their career. It’s also the most straightforward option for students or new grads with limited work experience who want to showcase their consistent advancement within a field.
With a chronological resume example, your education section typically comes after your work experience, though you can shuffle this around if it makes more sense for your application. Any gaps in employment stand out more with this layout, and frequent job changes can make you look like a job-hopper. For these reasons, the chronological resume isn’t a great choice for people who need to highlight unique skills or whose career paths have taken different turns. For those situations, consider a functional or combination resume instead.
2. Functional
Often called “functional resumes” or “skills-based formats,” these are ideal for job seekers who want to focus on their professional skills rather than their work history. This format typically starts with a summary of qualifications followed by sections for different skills, such as computer proficiency or interpersonal skills, with examples of how these skills were used in previous employment.
Toward the bottom of the resume, you would include your work experience in reverse chronological order, listing each position’s name, company, location (city and state), job title, and dates worked. The benefit of this type of resume is that it’s easier for recruiters to scan for keywords and identifies your career progression.
However, some employers raise eyebrows when they see a functional resume and may think you’re trying to hide a spotty employment record. For this reason, it’s best to use a combination of chronological and functional formats to give your application the best chance of success.
3. Combination
A combination resume format features both a reverse-chronological work experience section and a skills section. It’s a great choice for job-seekers who want to showcase their skills in the qualifications summary but also want to demonstrate their experience. You must choose your previous jobs wisely in this section. Only highlight those most relevant to the position you’re applying for, and try to include quantifiable information like dollar amounts or percentages to show your impact on each company.
In the skills section, focus on broader competencies like team leadership or software development rather than specific duties from each job you’ve held. Add some concrete examples to illustrate each skill, if possible. This section is an excellent place to include measurable competencies like team-building and leadership skills, which recruiters often value. You can then connect these broader skills to your professional experience in the work history section.