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What are the best formats for a resume?

Best resume formats and when to use them:

  • Reverse-chronological: lists jobs newest→oldest. Best for steady career progression and most recruiters; easy for ATS to parse.
  • Functional (skills-based): emphasizes skills over dates. Good for career changers or large employment gaps, but some employers distrust it.
  • Combination (hybrid): leads with key skills, then a brief work history. Useful for mid-career professionals who need both skills and career context.
  • Targeted: tailored to a specific job with relevant keywords and accomplishments. Highest-impact approach for competitive roles.
  • Creative/infographic: visually driven. Use only for design/creative jobs and when submitting directly to humans, not for ATS.
  • Academic CV and federal/resume: longer, detailed lists of publications, grants, clearances—use respective formats.

Practical rules: keep early-career resumes to 1 page, senior resumes to 1–2 pages, CVs longer. Use simple fonts, standard headings, and save as PDF unless an ATS/job posting requests .docx.

What industry and level are you applying to so I can recommend the best format for your situation?

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