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Resume Format Guide 2026: Chronological, Functional, and Combination Resumes

Learn which resume format is best for your career situation and how to structure your resume for maximum impact.

RT

Robert Taylor

Career Counselor

January 14, 20269 min read
Resume Tips

Choosing the Right Resume Format

The format you choose affects how recruiters perceive your experience. Let's explore the three main formats and when to use each.

1. Chronological Resume Format

What It Is

Lists work experience in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent position.

Best For

  • Candidates with steady career progression
  • People staying in the same industry
  • Those with no significant employment gaps

    • Structure

  • Contact Information
  • Professional Summary
  • Work Experience (reverse chronological)
  • Education
  • Skills

    • Pros

  • Easy to follow career progression
  • Preferred by most recruiters
  • ATS-friendly format

    • Cons

  • Highlights gaps in employment
  • Less effective for career changers

    • 2. Functional Resume Format

    What It Is

    Organizes resume by skills and abilities rather than work history.

    Best For

  • Career changers
  • Those with employment gaps
  • People with diverse experience

    • Structure

  • Contact Information
  • Professional Summary
  • Skills Categories
  • Work History (brief)
  • Education

    • Pros

  • Emphasizes transferable skills
  • Downplays work history gaps
  • Good for career transitions

    • Cons

  • Some recruiters dislike it
  • May raise red flags about gaps
  • Less ATS-compatible

    • 3. Combination/Hybrid Resume Format

    What It Is

    Combines elements of both chronological and functional formats.

    Best For

  • Experienced professionals
  • Those with strong skills AND work history
  • Career changers with relevant experience

    • Structure

  • Contact Information
  • Professional Summary
  • Skills Highlights
  • Work Experience (chronological)
  • Education

    • Pros

  • Best of both worlds
  • Flexible structure
  • Highlights skills and experience

    • Cons

  • Can become lengthy
  • Requires careful organization
  • May be redundant

    • Format Comparison Chart

    | Factor | Chronological | Functional | Combination |

    |--------|---------------|------------|-------------|

    | ATS Friendly | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |

    | Career Change | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |

    | Gaps | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ |

    | Experience | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |

    General Formatting Tips

    Length

  • Entry-level: 1 page
  • Mid-career: 1-2 pages
  • Executive: 2 pages

    • Fonts

  • Professional: Arial, Calibri, Garamond
  • Size: 10-12pt for body, 14-16pt for headers

    • Margins

  • Standard: 1 inch all around
  • Minimum: 0.5 inches

    • File Format

  • PDF: Preserves formatting
  • DOCX: Sometimes required

    • Conclusion

    Choose your format based on your career situation:

  • Steady career: Chronological
  • Career change: Functional or Combination
  • Strong skills + experience: Combination

    • ResumeExpert offers templates for all formats, making it easy to create the perfect resume for your needs.

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