Download 3 Types of Best Resume Formats for 2023
If you're looking for a new job in 2023, you need a resume that stands out from the crowd. But how do you create a resume that showcases your skills, achievements, and personality in the best possible way?
The answer is: by choosing the right resume format. A resume format is the layout and structure of your resume. It determines how your information is organized, presented, and highlighted. It also affects how easy it is for employers to read, scan, and understand your resume.
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Introduction
In this article, we'll explain why resume format matters, how to choose the best resume format for you, and what are the three best resume formats for 2023. We'll also provide you with examples and tips for each resume format, as well as links to download free resume templates in Word and Google Docs.
Why resume format matters
Your resume format can make or break your chances of getting an interview. Here are some reasons why resume format matters:
It shows your professionalism. A well-formatted resume looks neat, organized, and consistent. It shows that you pay attention to details and care about making a good impression.
It highlights your strengths. A good resume format showcases your most relevant and impressive qualifications for the job. It helps you emphasize your achievements, skills, and value proposition.
It passes the ATS test. An ATS (applicant tracking system) is a software that scans resumes for keywords and filters out unqualified candidates. A bad resume format can confuse or reject an ATS, while a good resume format can help you pass the ATS test and reach the human recruiter.
How to choose the best resume format for you
There is no one-size-fits-all resume format. The best resume format for you depends on your personal and professional situation, such as:
Your work experience. How much work experience do you have? Is it relevant to the job you're applying for? Do you have any gaps or career changes in your work history?
Your skills. What are your core skills and competencies? How do they relate to the job requirements? Do you have any transferable or unique skills that set you apart from other candidates?
Your industry. What are the norms and expectations of your industry? Is it more conservative or creative? Does it value hard skills or soft skills more?
Your goal. What are you trying to achieve with your resume? Are you looking for a promotion, a career change, or a new opportunity? Do you want to showcase your achievements, skills, or personality?
To choose the best resume format for you, you need to consider these factors and find the balance between them. You also need to research the job description and the company culture to tailor your resume to the specific position and employer.
The 3 best resume formats for 2023
There are three main types of resume formats: reverse-chronological, functional, and combination. Each one has its advantages and disadvantages, depending on your situation and goal. Let's take a look at each one in more detail.
Reverse-chronological resume format
What is it?
The reverse-chronological resume format is the most common and traditional type of resume format. It lists your work experience in reverse-chronological order, starting with your most recent job and going backwards in time. It also includes your education, skills, and other relevant sections.
Who should use it?
The reverse-chronological resume format is suitable for anyone who has a solid and consistent work history, with no major gaps or career changes. It's also ideal for those who want to highlight their career progression and achievements, as well as their stability and loyalty to their employers.
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Pros and cons
The reverse-chronological resume format has several benefits, such as:
It's easy to read and follow. Recruiters and hiring managers are familiar with this format and can quickly scan your resume for the most important information.
It showcases your work experience. It demonstrates your qualifications, accomplishments, and responsibilities in each role, as well as the impact you made on your previous employers.
It passes the ATS test. It uses a clear and simple structure that is compatible with most ATS software. It also allows you to include relevant keywords from the job description in your work experience section.
However, the reverse-chronological resume format also has some drawbacks, such as:
It highlights your work gaps or career changes. If you have any periods of unemployment or significant shifts in your career path, they will be more noticeable and raise questions from the recruiters.
It focuses on your work history rather than your skills. If you have limited or irrelevant work experience, or if you want to showcase your skills more than your employment history, this format may not be the best choice for you.
It can be repetitive or boring. If you have a long or similar work history, you may end up repeating the same information or using the same bullet points for different jobs, which can make your resume look dull or generic.
Example and tips
Here is an example of a reverse-chronological resume format:
Name
Contact Information
Summary
A brief statement that highlights your value proposition and key qualifications for the job.
Work Experience
Job Title
Company Name, Location
Dates of Employment
- A bullet point that describes your main responsibility or achievement in this role.
- Another bullet point that showcases your skills or results in this role.
...
Previous Job Title
Previous Company Name, Location
Dates of Employment
- A bullet point that describes your main responsibility or achievement in this role.
- Another bullet point that showcases your skills or results in this role.
...
Education
Degree Name
School Name, Location
Dates of Attendance (optional)
...
Skills
A list of relevant skills that match the job requirements, such as hard skills, soft skills, technical skills, etc.
...
Other Sections (optional)
Any additional sections that can enhance your resume, such as awards, certifications, publications, volunteer work, hobbies, etc.
...
Here are some tips for writing a reverse-chronological resume:
Start with a strong summary that captures the attention of the recruiter and summarizes your main selling points.
Use action verbs and quantifiable metrics to describe your work experience and achievements. For example, instead of saying "Managed a team of 10 people", say "Led and motivated a team of 10 sales representatives to exceed quarterly targets by 15%".
Use keywords and phrases that match the job description and the industry standards. For example, if you're applying for a marketing job, use terms like SEO, content creation, social media, analytics, etc.
Keep your resume concise and relevant. Avoid including unnecessary or outdated information that may distract or confuse the recruiter. Aim for one or two pages maximum, depending on your level of experience.
Functional resume format
What is it?
The functional resume format is a type of resume format that focuses on your skills and abilities rather than your work history. It groups your skills into categories and provides examples of how you used them in different contexts. It also includes a brief work history section at the bottom of your resume.
Who should use it?
The functional resume format is suitable for anyone who has gaps or changes in their work history, or who wants to highlight their skills more than their employment history. It's also ideal for those who have diverse or unconventional backgrounds, such as freelancers, career changers, students, or entry-level candidates.
Pros and cons
The functional resume format has several benefits, such as:
It showcases your skills and abilities. It demonstrates your value and potential to the employer, regardless of your work history. It also allows you to showcase your transferable or unique skills that may not be obvious from your work experience.
It hides your work gaps or career changes. It draws attention away from your employment history and focuses on your qualifications and achievements. It also helps you avoid repeating the same information for different jobs.
It highlights your personality and creativity. It gives you more flexibility and space to express yourself and show your personal brand. It also allows you to customize your resume to the specific job and employer.
However, the functional resume format also has some drawbacks, such as:
It's hard to read and follow. Recruiters and hiring managers may not be familiar with this format and may have trouble finding the information they need. They may also suspect that you're hiding something or lying about your work history.
It doesn't showcase your work experience. It doesn't show your career progression, achievements, or responsibilities in each role, as well as the impact you made on your previous employers.
It fails the ATS test. It uses a complex and unconventional structure that may not be compatible with most ATS software. It also makes it harder to include relevant keywords from the job description in your work experience section.
Example and tips
Here is an example of a functional resume format:
Name
Contact Information
Summary
A brief statement that highlights your value proposition and key qualifications for the job.
Skills
Skill Category 1
Skill Category 2
- A bullet point that describes how you used this skill in a specific context or project.
- A bullet point that describes how you used this skill in a specific context or project.
- Another bullet point that showcases your results or achievements using this skill.
- Another bullet point that showcases your results or achievements using this skill.
...
...
Skill Category 3
Skill Category 4 (optional)
- A bullet point that describes how you used this skill in a specific context or project.
- A bullet point that describes how you used this skill in a specific context or project.
- Another bullet point that showcases your results or achievements using this skill.
- Another bullet point that showcases your results or achievements using this skill.
...
...
Work Experience (optional)
Job Title
Company Name , Location
Dates of Employment
A brief summary of your role and responsibilities in this job.
...
Education
Degree Name
School Name, Location
Dates of Attendance (optional)
...
Other Sections (optional)
Any additional sections that can enhance your resume, such as awards, certifications, publications, volunteer work, hobbies, etc.
...
Here are some tips for writing a functional resume:
Start with a strong summary that captures the attention of the recruiter and summarizes your main selling points.
Use skill categories that are relevant and specific to the job you're applying for. For example, if you're applying for a customer service job, you can use categories like Communication Skills, Problem-Solving Skills, Customer Satisfaction Skills, etc.
Provide concrete examples and evidence of how you used your skills in different contexts or projects. Use action verbs and quantifiable metrics to show your results or achievements. For example, instead of saying "Created content for social media platforms", say "Created and posted engaging and informative content for Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, resulting in a 25% increase in followers and engagement".
Keep your work experience section brief and relevant. Only include the jobs that are related to the position you're applying for, or that demonstrate your transferable skills. Use a simple format that includes your job title, company name, location, and dates of employment. You don't need to provide bullet points or details for each job.
Include other sections that can showcase your qualifications and personality. For example, you can include awards, certifications, publications, volunteer work, hobbies, etc. that are relevant to the job or the industry.
Combination resume format
What is it?
The combination resume format is a type of resume format that combines elements of both the reverse-chronological and functional resume formats. It highlights both your skills and your work experience in equal measure. It usually starts with a skills summary or a qualifications summary, followed by a detailed work experience section.
Who should use it?
The combination resume format is suitable for anyone who has a strong and relevant work history, as well as a diverse or specialized skill set. It's also ideal for those who want to showcase their achievements and potential in both areas. It can be used by professionals at any level of experience, but it's especially effective for mid-level or senior-level candidates.
Pros and cons
The combination resume format has several benefits, such as:
It showcases both your skills and your work experience. It demonstrates your qualifications and accomplishments in both areas, as well as the impact you made on your previous employers.
It balances out your work gaps or career changes. It draws attention to your skills and achievements rather than your employment history. It also shows your career progression and stability in each role.
It highlights your versatility and adaptability. It shows that you have a wide range of skills and competencies that can be applied to different situations or projects. It also shows that you can handle various roles and responsibilities.
However, the combination resume format also has some drawbacks, such as:
It's hard to write and format. It requires more time and effort to create a resume that is clear, concise, and consistent. It also requires more space to include all the information you need.
It can be overwhelming or confusing. Recruiters and hiring managers may not be able to find the information they need quickly or easily. They may also get distracted or bored by too much information or repetition.
It may not pass the ATS test. It uses a complex and hybrid structure that may not be compatible with most ATS software. It also makes it harder to include relevant keywords from the job description in both sections.
Example and tips
Here is an example of a combination resume format:
Name
Summary
A brief statement that highlights your value proposition and key qualifications for the job.
Skills Summary or Qualifications Summary
A list of relevant skills or qualifications that match the job requirements, with examples of how you used them in your work experience.
...
Work Experience
Job Title
Company Name, Location
Dates of Employment
- A bullet point that describes your main responsibility or achievement in this role, using action verbs and quantifiable metrics.
- Another bullet point that showcases your skills or results in this role, using keywords and phrases from the job description.
...
Previous Job Title
Previous Company Name, Location
Dates of Employment
- A bullet point that describes your main responsibility or achievement in this role, using action verbs and quantifiable metrics.
- Another bullet point that showcases your skills or results in this role, using keywords and phrases from the job description.
...
Education
Degree Name
School Name, Location
Dates of Attendance (optional)
...
Other Sections (optional)
Any additional sections that can enhance your resume, such as awards, certifications, publications, volunteer work, hobbies, etc.
...
Here are some tips for writing a combination resume:
Start with a strong summary that captures the attention of the recruiter and summarizes your main selling points.
Use a skills summary or a qualifications summary to highlight your most relevant and impressive skills or qualifications for the job. Provide examples of how you used them in your work experience.
Use a detailed work experience section to showcase your career progression and achievements in each role. Use action verbs and quantifiable metrics to describe your responsibilities and results. Use keywords and phrases from the job description to match your skills and experience to the job requirements.
Keep your resume concise and relevant. Avoid including unnecessary or outdated information that may distract or confuse the recruiter. Aim for one or two pages maximum, depending on your level of experience.
Include other sections that can showcase your qualifications and personality. For example, you can include awards, certifications, publications, volunteer work, hobbies, etc. that are relevant to the job or the industry.
Conclusion
In conclusion, choosing the right resume format is crucial for creating a resume that stands out from the crowd and lands you an interview. The best resume format for you depends on your personal and professional situation, as well as your goal and industry. There are three main types of resume formats: reverse-chronological, functional, and combination. Each one has its pros and cons, depending on your skills and work experience. You need to consider these factors and find the balance between them. You also need to research the job description and the company culture to tailor your resume to the specific position and employer.
We hope this article has helped you understand the differences and benefits of each resume format, as well as how to write them effectively. To make your resume writing process easier and faster, you can use our free resume templates in Word and Google Docs. They are designed by professional resume writers and formatted according to the best practices of each resume format. You can download them below and customize them to fit your needs.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about resume formats:
What is the best resume format for 2023?
There is no definitive answer to this question, as the best resume format for 2023 depends on your personal and professional situation, as well as your goal and industry. However, some general trends and tips for choosing the best resume format for 2023 are:
Use a reverse-chronological resume format if you have a solid and consistent work history, with no major gaps or career changes. It's the most common and preferred type of resume format by recruiters and hiring managers.
Use a functional resume format if you have gaps or changes in your work history, or if you want to highlight your skills more than your employment history. It's a good option for freelancers, career changers, students, or entry-level candidates.
Use a combination resume format if you have a strong and relevant work history, as well as a diverse or specialized skill set. It's a great way to showcase your achievements and potential in both areas. It can be used by professionals at any level of experience, but it's especially effective for mid-level or senior-level candidates.
Research the job description and the company culture to tailor your resume format to the specific position and employer. Use keywords and phrases that match the job requirements and the industry standards. Customize your resume to highlight your value proposition and fit.
How do I format my resume in Word or Google Docs?
You can format your resume in Word or Google Docs using the following steps:
Choose a template or a blank document. You can use one of our free resume templates in Word or Google Docs, or create your own from scratch.
Set the margins, font, and spacing. Use standard margins of 1 inch on all sides, a professional font such as Arial or Times New Roman, and a font size of 10 to 12 points. Use single spacing and leave some white space between sections.
Add your contact information. Include your name, phone number, email address, and LinkedIn profile (optional) at the top of your resume. You can also add your location (city and state) if you want.
Add your summary or objective. Write a brief statement that summarizes your main qualifications and goals for the job. Use 2 to 4 sentences and include relevant keywords from the job description.
Add your skills summary or qualifications summary (optional). If you're using a functional or combination resume format, you can add a section that highlights your most relevant and impressive skills or qualifications for the job. Use bullet points and provide examples of how you used them in your work experience.
Add your work experience. List your work experience in reverse-chronological order, starting with your most recent job and going backwards in time. Include your job title, company name, location, and dates of employment for each job. Use bullet points to describe your responsibilities and achievements in each role, using action verbs and quantifiable metrics.
Add your education. List your education in reverse-chronological order, starting with your highest degree and going backwards in time. Include your degree name, school name, location, and dates of attendance (optional) for each degree. You can also add any relevant coursework, honors, or awards.
Add other sections (optional). You can add any additional sections that can enhance your resume, such as awards, certifications, publications, volunteer work, hobbies, etc. Use bullet points or tables to organize your information.
Proofread and save your resume. Check your resume for spelling, grammar, punctuation, and formatting errors. Use tools like Grammarly or Hemingway to help you with this step. Save your resume as a PDF file to preserve its layout and appearance.
How do I download free resume templates in Word or Google Docs?
You can download free resume templates in Word or Google Docs using the following steps:
Visit our website and browse our collection of free resume templates in Word and Google Docs. You can filter them by resume format (reverse-chronological, functional, or combination), industry (accounting, marketing, engineering, etc.), or style (modern, creative, professional, etc.).
Select the template that suits your needs and preferences. You can preview the template before downloading it to see how it looks and what sections it includes.
Click on the download button and choose the format you want (Word or Google Docs). You can also share the template via email or social media.
Open the downloaded file and customize it with your own information. You can edit, delete, or add any sections, fonts, colors, or images you want. You can also use our tips and examples to help you write your resume.
Save your resume as a PDF file and send it to your potential employers. You can also print it or upload it to online platforms.
How do I make my resume stand out from the crowd?
You can make your resume stand out from the crowd by following these tips:
Use a resume format that matches your situation and goal. Choose a resume format that showcases your strengths and hides your weaknesses, as well as one that fits the job and industry you're applying for.
Use a resume template that reflects your personality and brand. Choose a resume template that suits your style and preferences, as well as one that catches the eye of the recruiter and makes a good impression.
Use keywords and phrases that match the job description and the company culture. Research the job description and the company website to find out what skills, qualifications, and values they are looking for. Use them in your resume to show that you are a good fit for the position and the employer.
Use action verbs and quantifiable metrics to describe your achievements and results. Show the recruiter what you did, how you did it, and what impact you made on your previous employers. Use numbers, percentages, or dollar amounts to demonstrate your value and potential.
Use a summary or objective to capture the attention of the recruiter and summarize your main selling points. Write a brief statement that highlights your value proposition and key qualifications for the job. Use relevant keywords from the job description and include a call to action.
How do I write a resume with no work experience?
You can write a resume with no work experience by following these tips:
Use a functional or combination resume format. These resume formats focus on your skills and abilities rather than your work history. They allow you to showcase your transferable or unique skills that can be applied to the job you're applying for.
Use a skills summary or a qualifications summary to highlight your most relevant and impressive skills or qualifications for the job. Provide examples of how you used them in different contexts or projects, such as school, volunteer work, extracurricular activities, etc.
Include any relevant work experience that is not paid or formal, such as internships, freelance work, volunteer work, etc. List them in reverse-chronological order and use bullet points to describe your responsibilities and achievements in each role.
Include your education section and any relevant coursework, honors, or awards. List your education in reverse-chronological order and include any relevant coursework, honors, or awards that demonstrate your skills or knowledge related to the job.
Include other sections that can showcase your qualifications and personality, such as awards, certifications, publications, hobbies, etc. Use bullet points or tables to organize your information.
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