Best Resume Formats with Samples, Templates, & Writing Tips
Despite having all the necessary qualifications, landing a job can still be difficult. However, a staggering 68% of candidates who use professional resume writing services are able to secure employment within 90 days after sending out their resumes. Clearly demonstrating how crucial it is to get your resume formatted right.
So in this blog post, we will explore why selecting an appropriate resume format matters and provide useful tips on structuring yours professionally. Learn about different elements which should feature on a good résumé as well as popular formats that you may want to consider using in order elevate your job search prospects.
What is a Resume Format?
A resume format typically refers to the specific design, layout, and structure of a job seeker’s resume or curriculum vitae. This can include things such as
- Which parts are included in the document (e.g., contact information, work experience),
- How much detail is given for each section/item mentioned
- Where different sections should be placed within it (for example whether your references come after professional skills or education).
There are various types of commonly used formats including chronological resumes, functional resumes, and combination resumes. Additionally, some employers may require that applicants adhere strictly to particular formatting instructions when submitting their letters for consideration. This enables recruiters to assess submitted documents more efficiently otherwise risk having them discarded without even being read through entirely.
You can also learn more about how to create the perfect resume, by taking this business communication skills course.
Best Resume Format to Get a Job
When selecting a resume format for job applications, you have three popular and effective options available: chronological, functional, and combination. Each one has different benefits that are tailored to the role you’re applying for as well as your individual needs. So take time to explore each resume writing format before deciding which is best suited for you.
1. A Chronological Resume
A chronological resume is a type of resume that lists out an individual’s professional experience in reverse-chronological order, starting with their most recent role. It includes information such as the job title, employers, and dates worked for each position. Typically it will also include contact details, objective or summary statement outlining relevant skillset/experience, and education history at the top of the page.
Chronological resumes are ideal for people whose employment has been steady over time showing progression from one more role to another. However, if you have multiple gaps in your work history or looking to switch careers then a functional or combination-based format may be better suited instead.
| John Smith 123 Street Name, Anytown, ST 12345 | (555) 555-5555 | johnsmith@email.com Objective: A highly motivated and detail-oriented professional with [number] years of experience in [relevant field]. Seeking a challenging position in [desired position] where I can utilize my skills and expertise to contribute to the growth and success of the organization. SUMMARY OF QUALIFICATIONS: – Professional and organized Administrative Assistant with six years of experience in the field – Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint – Excellent interpersonal skills; able to effectively assist clientele while providing a positive customer service experience PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE: Administrator/Office Manager September 2013 – Current – ABC Company – Successfully managed day-to-day operations for four departments totaling 22 employees – Coordinated multiple projects simultaneously utilizing effective multi-tasking abilities – Established standard operating procedures that are used within the organization today Executive Secretary March 2011 – August 2012 – XYZ Corporation – Scheduled high-volume calendar appointments as well as strengthened processes within the office environment by implementing protocols – Organized travel arrangements on a frequent basis as requested Receptionist October 2009 – February 2010 -City Library – Answering incoming calls & routing them appropriately – Greeted visitors courteously EDUCATION : MONTH 20XX – MONTH 20XX College Name, Location – Degree MONTH 20XX – MONTH 20XX College Name, Location – Degree |
2. Functional Resume
A Functional Resume is a type of resume that emphasizes your transferable skills and experience rather than the chronological order of your work history. It typically includes:
- Your contact information.
- An objective or summary statement.
- A list of key skill areas relevant to the job you are applying for.
- Details around past employment (while not always necessary).
- Education/training qualifications attained in relation to this specific position.
- Additional information which may be useful such as volunteer projects completed or special interests related to the role being applied for.
If you have multiple job gaps, are changing careers with little relevant industry experience, or coming back to work after an extended break, then the functional resume is best.
John Smith 123 Street Name, Anytown, ST 12345 | (555) 555-5555 | johnsmith@email.com SUMMARY: Seasoned project manager with 8 years of experience in leading cross-functional teams and delivering successful projects on time and within budget. Proficient in project management methodologies. Skilled in strategic planning, team leadership, and process optimization. Excellent problem-solving and analytical abilities. Effective communicator and collaborator. Detail-oriented and highly organized. SKILLS: – Project Management: Project Planning, Risk Management – Team Leadership: Team Building, Resource Allocation, Performance Management – Communication: Stakeholder Engagement, Presentations, Negotiation – Technical Skills: Microsoft Project, JIRA, SharePoint, MS Office Suite PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE: Administrator/Office Manager September 2013 – Current – ABC Company – Successfully managed day-to-day operations for four departments totaling 22 employees – Coordinated multiple projects simultaneously utilizing effective multi-tasking abilities – Established standard operating procedures that are used within the organization today Executive Secretary March 2011 – August 2012 – XYZ Corporation – Scheduled high-volume calendar appointments as well as strengthened processes within the office environment by implementing protocols – Organized travel arrangements on a frequent basis as requested Receptionist October 2009 – February 2010 City Library – Answering incoming calls & routing them appropriately – Greeted visitors courteously EDUCATION: MONTH 20XX – MONTH 20XX College Name, Location – Degree MONTH 20XX – MONTH 20XX College Name, Location – Degree |
3. Combination Resume
The combination resume is a type of resume that combines the features and format elements from both chronological and functional resumes. It includes:
- Your contact information.
- An objective or summary statement to explain your qualifications for the job in question.
- Details about relevant work experience such as employer name, position titles held, and dates employed.
- Followed by a skills section that summarises any abilities you have pertinent to the role.
- Educational background.
This particular style allows flexibility when deciding how best to present yourself depending on what you think is more important to emphasize for employers. Whether it’s your job history or some specific capabilities/qualifications. Applicants should consider job posting hints to determine desired qualities for the next employee, before creating a hybrid-format document.
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What Is the Best Resume Format for Freshers?
If you are a recent or soon-to-be graduate, you may be wondering what is the best resume format for freshers or someone with limited work experience. Focus on your education and knowledge gained through school by providing detailed information about courses taken and topics covered in them. Emphasize the most valuable parts of what you have learned to demonstrate how they apply to the job role.
When creating an effective fresher’s resume, make it short (under one page) yet accurate enough that hiring managers can get a comprehensive understanding of your background from reading it. The type of resume should depend upon individual circumstances as well as requirements listed on job postings. Tailor yours accordingly so its content stands out.
Rules and Elements for Formatting a Professional Resume
Once you’ve chosen the right resume format for you, focus on structuring it properly. It’s important to consider certain elements that are essential in the organization of your resume. They include:
1. Use the Right margins
Margins for professional documents such as resumes or cover letters should be one inch all around. However, if the resume has a lot of empty space you can opt for wider margins but make sure they do not go beyond 1.5 inches in any direction. Lastly, aligning portions left-aligned ensures easy reading while centering certain sections like headers adds some style without sacrificing readability.
2. Use a Professional Font Type
When choosing a font for your resume, it is important to use one that is easy to read and professional-looking. Sans serif fonts like Avenir, Calibri, Gothic Garamond, Georgia Gill Sans, or Helvetica are widely accepted by employers and should be used when possible.
3. Use Readable Font Sizes
In order to make your written content readable, it is important to set an appropriate font size. Generally speaking, this should be between 10 and 12 points, but anything greater could appear unprofessional. If there is a lot of information then start with 10 points and increase as needed. However, avoid reducing the size further than that in order to prevent it from going over one page.
4. Short Length
Keep your resume length to two pages at most. If you are in the early stages of your career, one page may be enough. For every 10 years’ worth of experience that you have, add an extra page; however, don’t exceed 20 years of work history on your resume.
5. Be Consistent
The key to a professional and readable resume is consistency. Once you have chosen your formatting style, use it for all elements within the document such as fonts and date formats. By doing this, you will ensure that readers understand what they are looking at easily without needing any extra explanation or deciphering of different styles used.
6. Emphasize Headers
Bolding, underlining, or increasing the font size of feature section headers can make it easier for employers to quickly find what they are looking for on a resume. Differentiation between these headers and body text needs to be kept professional. Proper stylizing techniques include using ‘bold’ fonts, 12-16 point header fonts, and/or underlining them in addition to applying similar treatments when styling your name and contact information at the top of your CV.
7. Use Bullet Points
Bullet points make it easier for employers to pick out relevant pieces of information from your background. Use bullet points when listing achievements. Avoid using one or two bullet points; instead either list the words in sentence form with other punctuation or don’t use them at all if there are less than three ideas.
8. Get Feedback
After you have completed your resume, it can be beneficial to get another person’s opinion on the format and content. Ask them to look for errors in grammar or spelling as well as readability, consistency, and a professional appearance overall.
Conclusion
It’s essential to find the right resume format when applying for a job. Three popular choices are chronological, functional, and combination formats which offer different advantages based on your career path or goals. Furthermore, it is important that all formatting elements such as margins & font type match in order make an attractive document that can be easily read by recruiters. Keep it concise with headers/bullet points where appropriate too.
Also Read: How to Write Educational Qualification in a Resume.
