Best Resume Formats For 2022 (2024)

FAQs

What is the most effective resume format for 2022? ›

Chronological Resume

This is the most common type of resume format and is generally preferred by most hiring managers. A chronological resume leads with your work history, which should list your current and previous positions in reverse chronological order.

The chronological resume (also known as the reverse-chronological format) is the most popular format and the best resume format for experienced candidates. The chronological resume emphasizes your work history section, where you list information about current and past jobs with the most recent job first.

The combination resume, sometimes called a hybrid resume, is the most versatile. You may want to use it if you're changing careers or don't have extensive experience in the field yet. The advantage of the hybrid format is that it highlights your relevant skills while preserving the familiar chronological layout.

As you move through your career, the rule of thumb is to include only the most recent 10 to 15 years of job experience. This article will guide you through exactly how far back your resume should reach.

Chronological resume

The chronological resume format (or reverse chronological resume format) is the most popular. This layout emphasizes your most recent work experience first. Using this format is super straightforward—list your experience, starting with your most recent position, and work backward.

Traditionally, including your address when you write your resume was standard practice because employers would reach out to you via physical mail. Today, most (if not all) jobs handle hiring communication through email or online portals. For that reason, listing a mailing address on your resume is no longer necessary.

There are three common resume formats: chronological, functional, and combination. The table below describes and gives the pros and cons of each.

The most common resume format is called "chronological" and is really reverse chronological, meaning most recent items first. Within each section [education, experience, activities, etc.] list entries with most recent items first.

The best resume format for a job-seeker with plenty of experience in the industry they're applying for is the reverse-chronological format. Here's what makes the reverse-chronological format the best choice: It puts emphasis on your strengths as an applicant, namely your professional experience.

How do you decide which resume format to use? ›

Choosing the right resume format

The reverse-chronological resume format is the most common for a reason. It is the most straightforward and you should choose it in most cases. The functional or skills-based resume format could imply you're hiding a lack of experience, so avoid it. Be transparent in the job search.

Chronological resume

This format is generally the most common, as it makes it easy for prospective employers to visualize your career trajectory. It's also the format that an ATS is best equipped to scan, so if you're applying for jobs online, you'll probably want to submit a chronological resume first.

Ensure the layout of your resume is clear and consistent, containing only one type of font (bold can be used to highlight). Use bullet points to outline skills, achievements, responsibilities, etc. rather than rambling sentences. Spelling or grammar mistakes are to be avoided at all costs.

Traditionally, including your address when you write your resume was standard practice because employers would reach out to you via physical mail. Today, most (if not all) jobs handle hiring communication through email or online portals. For that reason, listing a mailing address on your resume is no longer necessary.

The X-Y-Z format

Google touts the X-Y-Z resume format, describing it as accomplished [X] as measured by [Y], by doing [Z]. Better shortened to the X-Y-Z resume. Essentially, this format is an easy-to-read, concise, and practical way to get to the heart of an applicant's achievements.