The 3 Best Resume Formats To Use (With Examples)

Your resume is the first impression a hiring manager will have of you. Therefore, selecting the right format is crucial for effectively showcasing your skills and experiences. Whether you’re crafting your first resume or updating it for a new opportunity, this guide will explore the three best resume formats, offer examples, and provide tips to help you get started.

Key Takeaways:

• The three primary resume formats are chronological, functional, and combination.
• Maintain a simple and clean design for easy readability.
• Use a sans-serif font in sizes 10-12 points.
• Limit your resume to one to two pages, ensuring information is concise.

The Top 3 Most Common Resume Formats

The three most common resume formats are chronological, functional, and combination. Each has its strengths and weaknesses, making it likely that you’ll use more than one throughout your career.

Here’s a closer look at each resume format:

1. Chronological Resume: This format arranges your work history in reverse chronological order, making it ideal for candidates with a solid work history relevant to the position they’re applying for. For example, if you’re pursuing a career in marketing, a chronological resume is beneficial if you have relevant experience and education.

   Typically, your summary appears first, followed by work experience, relevant skills, and education.

2. Functional Resume: This format is well-suited for job seekers with limited experience in a specific field or those changing careers. Instead of listing job titles, a functional resume emphasizes relevant skills, both technical and soft skills.

   For instance, if a job requires strong communication skills, you would highlight that as a heading and provide bullet points demonstrating your experience in that area.

3. Combination Resume: This format merges elements from both chronological and functional resumes. It emphasizes skills while also detailing work experience, making it ideal for applicants with diverse experiences that may not align directly with the job title.

Resume Format Examples

Here are examples of each of the most common resume formats:

1. Chronological Resume Example:

   Lester Knopp

   lesterknopp@email.com | 444-333-2222 | Pawnee, Indiana

   SUMMARY

   Dedicated marketing professional with six years of experience, seeking to further develop skills as a marketing manager.

   WORK EXPERIENCE

   Marketing Coordinator
   New Blue Apparel
   Chicago, Illinois
   August 2018-Present

   • Managed email marketing campaigns, increasing click rates by 10% in one year.
   • Collaborated with graphic designers and copywriters to create effective marketing communications.
   • Produced 16 marketing videos to enhance online presence.
   • Oversaw and completed projects for an average of three internal clients monthly.
   • Updated website content.

   Social Media Manager
   Illinois State University
   Fredricksville, Illinois
   June 2015 – August 2018

   • Developed social media strategies for university platforms.
   • Executed a six-month Facebook marketing campaign with an 8% ROI.
   • Curated content for social media channels.

   SKILLS AND CERTIFICATIONS
   Salesforce, MailChimp, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, Microsoft Office Suite, Google Analytics Advanced Certification, HootSuite.
   EDUCATION
   Bachelor of Science in Marketing
   August 2011 – May 2015
   Illinois State University
   Freidricksville, Illinois

2. Functional Resume Example:

   For this format, ensure that the skills emphasized match those in the job description to clearly demonstrate why you are the best candidate.

   Rosa Martinez

   rosam@email.com | 333-222-1111 | San Francisco, California

   SUMMARY
   Graphic designer with a passion for problem-solving and design, seeking an opportunity to apply and enhance my skills.

   SUMMARY OF QUALIFICATIONS

   • Proficient in Adobe Creative Suite.
   • Able to manage multiple projects and deadlines efficiently.
   • Strong team player with independent work capabilities.

   SKILLS

   Graphic Design and Illustration

   • Created branding for small businesses, winning “best branding” in a collegiate competition.
   • Illustrated a 15-page children’s book for a senior project.
   • Designed posters for 36 campus events.

   WORK EXPERIENCE
   Graphic Designer | 2017-2019
   UCLA Student Council | Los Angeles, California
   Hostess | 2015-2017
   Malino’s Italian Restaurant | Los Angeles, California
   EDUCATION
   Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design | 2015-2019
   University of California Los Angeles

3. Combination Resume Example:

   William McKay

   wmckay@email.com | 777-888-9999 | Topeka, Kansas

   SKILLS SUMMARY

   Curriculum Development

   • Designed a curriculum for four second-grade classes for three consecutive years.
   • Developed a curriculum plan adopted by other teachers.
   • Trained new teachers in curriculum development practices.

   EXPERIENCE
   Second Grade Teacher | Wichita Public Schools
   2018-Present | Wichita, Kansas

   • Taught second-grade classrooms of 15-25 students.
   • Led a council of second-grade teachers.
   • Coordinated field trips for all second-grade classes.

   EDUCATION
   Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education
   Wichita State University | August 2012 – May 2016
   Summa Cum Laude

How to Format Your Resume

When formatting your resume, choose a clean design and organize your information into clear sections. Here’s how to format your resume effectively:

1. Select a Simple Design: While there are many appealing resume templates, it’s best to keep the design simple. Avoid overly creative formats that can confuse hiring managers or disrupt ATS scans. Aim for a neat, professional look.

2. Keep Margins ½ Inch or Larger: Start with a one-inch margin, adjusting down as needed but never below ½ inch. Smaller margins may risk text cut-off in various formats.

3. Divide Content into Sections: Organize your resume into clear sections for easy reading. Standard sections include:

   • Contact Information
   • Work History/Experience
   • Skills
   • Education

   Consider adding sections for volunteer work, awards, or publications as needed.

4. Utilize Headings and Subheadings: Use distinct headings and subheadings to differentiate sections. You can emphasize your name and contact information by making them bold, larger, or underlined.

Resume Writing Tips

When writing your resume, prioritize professionalism and readability to make a strong impression on hiring managers. Here are additional tips:

• Select the Right Font: Use one or two fonts maximum. Professional options include:
• Avenir
• Calibri
• Helvetica
• Georgia
• Cambria

Keep font sizes within 10-12 points for optimal readability.

• Stick to One to Two Pages: A concise resume is often more effective. If you need to add content, adjust margins and spacing appropriately.

• Prioritize Readability: Review your resume for clarity, and consider asking a friend for feedback. Adjust any confusing sections, focusing on ease of use over visual appeal.

• Use Bullet Points: Bullet points improve readability and highlight key accomplishments and skills, making it easier for hiring managers to skim through your resume.

• Keep Content Concise: Include only relevant information and use short sentences to enhance clarity.

Resume Guide FAQ

1. What are the three common resume formats?

   The three most popular resume formats are chronological, functional, and combination. Other types include:

   • Resume Profile
   • Nontraditional Resume
   • Infographic Resume
   • Targeted Resume

2. What are some professional fonts to use on a resume?

   Professional fonts include:

   • Times New Roman
   • Cambria
   • Georgia
   • Calibri
   • Arial Narrow

3. How long should a resume be?

   Your resume should ideally be one to two pages long, particularly for recent graduates or professionals with up to 10 years of experience. Keeping it concise helps capture the attention of hiring managers.

References

1. Minnesota State – Types of Resumes

2. Forbes – 5 Resume Formatting Tips That Captivate Recruiters

Author

Abby McCain

Abby is a writer who is passionate about the power of story. Whether it’s communicating complicated topics in a clear way or helping readers connect with another person or place from the comfort of their couch. Abby attended Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where she earned a degree in writing with concentrations in journalism and business.

Expert

Don Pippin, MHRM, CPRW, CDCS

Don Pippin is an executive and HR leader for Fortune 50 and 500 companies and startups. In 2008, Don launched area|Talent with a focus on helping clients identify their brand. As a Certified Professional Resume Writer, Certified Digital Career Strategist, and Certified Personal Branding Strategist, Don guides clients through career transitions.