The three resume formats
| Format | How it works | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Reverse-chronological | Lists jobs from most recent to oldest | Most job seekers with relevant experience |
| Functional | Groups achievements by skill, with a short work history | Rarely recommended; some career changers use it |
| Combination | Skills summary followed by chronological history | Career changers and people with strong transferable skills |
Functional resumes can look like they hide gaps and are harder for applicant tracking systems to read. If you are unsure, use reverse-chronological or a combination format.
For students and new graduates
- Lead with Education, then Projects, Internships, and Skills.
- Include coursework, group projects, volunteering, and part-time work that show relevant skills.
- Add your GPA or grades only if they are strong and the employer expects them.
- Link a portfolio, GitHub, or LinkedIn profile where it adds proof.
- Keep it to one page.
For experienced professionals
- Lead with a short summary of your expertise and strongest results.
- Put Work Experience first and describe your last ten to fifteen years in detail.
- Show promotions, scope, and measurable outcomes: revenue, savings, growth, team size.
- Condense older roles to a line or two.
- Two pages is acceptable.
Must-have sections
- Name and contact details: phone, email, city, LinkedIn.
- Summary (optional but useful).
- Work Experience.
- Education.
- Skills, including tools and certifications.
- Optional: Projects, Volunteering, Languages, Awards.
Leave off personal details that are not needed for hiring, such as date of birth, marital status, and national ID numbers.
Start with a template
Our free Resume Builder offers several templates. Choose the single-column Classic Pro layout for the safest result with applicant tracking systems, and consider the design-led templates for roles where visual style matters and you are sending the file directly to a person. When you are done, export it and check the text order with the steps in our ATS resume guide.
Do’s and don’ts checklist
| Do | Don’t |
|---|---|
| Tailor the resume to each job | Send the same generic resume everywhere |
| Use numbers and results | List duties without outcomes |
| Proofread twice, and ask someone else to read it | Rely on spellcheck alone |
| Use a professional email address | Use a nickname or an outdated address |
| Keep formatting consistent | Mix fonts, date styles, and bullet types |
Applying in another country? Check resume vs CV conventions by country.
Frequently asked questions
Which resume format is best?
For most people, reverse-chronological. Recruiters and applicant tracking systems read it easily, and it shows career progress clearly.
Should a new graduate include a summary?
A short two-line summary or objective can help if it names your target role and strongest skills. Skip it if it would only repeat your headline.
How long should my resume be?
One page is standard for early-career candidates in the US and Canada. Two pages is common in the UK and for experienced professionals in most countries.
Should I include a photo?
In the US, UK, Canada, and Australia, leave it off. In India, include a photo only when the employer asks for one.