NextChapter

Resume format: chronological, functional or combination

For most people the right résumé format is reverse-chronological: your jobs from newest to oldest, each with bullets. It is the one recruiters and screening software expect. Use a combination format only if you are changing fields or have a gap to manage, and avoid a purely functional résumé, because it hides your dates and many employers distrust it.

By Last updated

The three formats

  • Chronological: work history first, newest to oldest, with a short summary above it. It shows progression and is the default for experienced professionals.
  • Functional: organized by skill groups with little or no job history. It hides gaps and job-hopping, but it also hides where and when you did the work.
  • Combination: a skills or accomplishments section at the top, followed by a short chronological history. It suits career changers and people with a mix of experiences.

Chronological vs functional

Recruiters read for titles, employers, dates and results, in that order. A chronological résumé gives them that in seconds. A functional résumé makes them hunt for it, and many assume it is covering something.

Screening software also reads dates and job titles to place you. A résumé without them can be parsed badly, which lowers your match.

Which to pick

  • Same field, steady history: chronological.
  • Career change: combination, with the target role named in the summary and the transferable results first.
  • Gap in work history: chronological, with the gap explained in one line or shown with what you did in that time.
  • Many short or contract roles: chronological, grouping them under one line such as “Consulting, 2019 to 2024.”

Font, size and margins

Use one common font in 10 to 12 points for body text and slightly larger for your name and headings. Keep margins between half an inch and one inch, and leave white space between jobs. If you have to shrink the type below 10 points to fit, cut content instead.

Order of sections

Put your summary first, then experience, then education, unless you are a recent graduate, in which case education can come before experience. Certifications go after education, or above it if the role requires one.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best resume format?

For most experienced professionals, reverse-chronological. It is what recruiters and screening software expect.

What is a combination resume?

A résumé that opens with a skills or accomplishments section and follows it with a short chronological work history. It works for career changers.

Are functional resumes a bad idea?

Usually. They hide dates and employers, which makes employers suspicious and can confuse screening software. Use them only if a posting asks.

What font should a resume use?

A common, readable one such as Arial, Calibri or Georgia at 10 to 12 points, with margins of half an inch to an inch.

Free tools for this

Check your layout

The résumé check shows whether your format reads cleanly and what to fix first.

Check my résumé