3 Best Resume Formats That Will Get You Hired in 2024

“A resume is the first impression you make on a potential employer. Make it a good one.”

In today’s competitive job market, it’s more important than ever to have a resume that stands out from the crowd. That means using a format that is both ATS-friendly and visually appealing. But with so many different resume formats to choose from, it can be tough to know which one is right for you.

In this blog post, we’ll discuss the three best resume formats for 2024 and help you choose the one that will best showcase your skills and experience.

How to Choose the Perfect Resume Format for Your Situation

The best resume format for you will depend on a number of factors, including your experience level, industry, and career goals. If you’re a recent graduate or have limited work experience, a functional resume format may be a good option. This format focuses on your skills and abilities, rather than your work history, making it a good choice for highlighting your strengths and downplaying any weaknesses.

If you have a lot of relevant work experience, a reverse chronological resume format may be a better choice. This format lists your work history in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent job. This is the most traditional resume format and is preferred by many employers.

Finally, if you have a combination of skills and experience, a combination resume format may be the best option. This format combines elements of both the functional and reverse chronological formats, giving you the flexibility to highlight both your skills and your work history.

What’s New in Resume Formatting for 2024: Trends and Best Practices

Resume formatting trends are constantly evolving, so it’s important to keep up with the latest best practices. Here are a few things to keep in mind when formatting your resume in 2024.

• Use a clean and modern design. Employers are looking for resumes that are easy to read and visually appealing. Avoid using too many fonts or colors, and make sure your resume is well-organized.
• Tailor your resume to each job you apply for. Take the time to customize your resume for each job you apply for. This means highlighting the skills and experience that are most relevant to the position.
• Use keywords. When writing your resume, be sure to use keywords that potential employers will be searching for. This will help your resume get noticed by applicant tracking systems (ATSs).
• Proofread your resume carefully. Before you submit your resume, be sure to proofread it carefully for any errors. A well-proofread resume will make a good impression on potential employers.

Stand Out from the Crowd: The Reverse Chronological Resume Format

The reverse chronological resume format is the most traditional resume format and is preferred by many employers. This format lists your work history in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent job. It is a good choice for candidates with a lot of relevant work experience.

Here are a few tips for writing a strong reverse chronological resume:

• Start with a strong summary statement. Your summary statement should be a brief overview of your skills, experience, and career goals.
• Highlight your most relevant experience. In your work history section, be sure to highlight the skills and experience that are most relevant to the job you’re applying for.
• Use action verbs. When describing your experience, be sure to use action verbs to make your resume more dynamic.
• Quantify your accomplishments. Whenever possible, quantify your accomplishments to make them more impressive.

Highlight Your Skills: The Functional Resume Format

The functional resume format focuses on your skills and abilities, rather than your work history. This format is a good choice for candidates with limited work experience or for those who are changing careers.

Here are a few tips for writing a strong functional resume:

• Start with a skills summary. Your skills summary should list your most important skills and abilities.
• Group your skills into categories. To make your resume more organized, group your skills into categories, such as technical skills, soft skills, and language skills.
• Provide examples of your skills. When listing your skills, be sure to provide examples of how you’ve used them in the past.
• Tailor your resume to each job you apply for. Be sure to highlight the skills that are most relevant to the job you’re applying for.

Combine the Best of Both Worlds: The Combination Resume Format

The combination resume format combines elements of both the functional and reverse chronological formats. This format is a good choice for candidates with a combination of skills and experience.

Here are a few tips for writing a strong combination resume:

• Start with a strong summary statement. Your summary statement should be a brief overview of your skills, experience, and career goals.
• Highlight your most relevant skills and experience. In your skills and work history sections, be sure to highlight the skills and experience that are most relevant to the job you’re applying for.
• Use action verbs. When describing your experience, be sure to use action verbs to make your resume more dynamic.
• Quantify your accomplishments. Whenever possible, quantify your accomplishments to make them more impressive.
• Tailor your resume to each job you apply for. Be sure to highlight the skills and experience that are most relevant to the job you’re applying for.

With a little effort, you can create a resume that will help you stand out from the crowd and land the job you want. Remember to choose the right resume format for your situation, tailor your resume to each job you apply for, and proofread your resume carefully before you submit it.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)

What are the key differences between the different resume formats?

There are three primary resume formats: chronological, functional, and combination.

• Chronological resumes present your work history in reverse chronological order, highlighting your most recent experience first. This format is best suited for candidates with a consistent work history and clear career progression.
• Functional resumes focus on your skills and abilities, rather than your work history. This format is ideal for candidates with gaps in their employment history, career changers, or those who want to emphasize transferable skills.
• Combination resumes blend elements of both chronological and functional resumes, showcasing both your work experience and skills. This format is suitable for candidates with a mix of relevant experience and transferable skills.

How do I know which resume format is right for me?

The best resume format for you will depend on your individual circumstances and career goals. Here are some factors to consider:

• Career Level: Early-career professionals with limited work experience may benefit from a functional or combination resume to highlight their skills and education. Experienced professionals with a strong work history may opt for a chronological resume.
• Industry: Some industries have specific resume format preferences. Research industry norms and company expectations before choosing a format.
• Career Goals: If you are seeking a career change or transitioning into a new field, a functional or combination resume can effectively showcase transferable skills.
• Gaps in Employment: If you have significant gaps in your work history, a functional resume can help minimize the focus on employment dates.

Are there any resume formats that are outdated or ineffective?

Yes, there are some resume formats that are considered outdated or ineffective, including:

• Picture Resumes: Including a photo on your resume is generally not recommended, as it can be seen as unprofessional and outdated.
• Overly Decorative Resumes: Resumes with excessive graphics, colors, or fonts can be distracting and difficult to read. Stick to a clean and professional design.
• Long Resumes: Resumes should be concise, typically one page in length for early-career professionals and two pages maximum for experienced professionals.
• Generic Resumes: Avoid using generic templates or boilerplate language that does not highlight your unique qualifications.

How can I make sure my resume stands out in 2024?

In 2024, recruiters will continue to prioritize ATS-friendly resumes that are tailored to specific job descriptions and showcase relevant skills and accomplishments. Here are some tips to make your resume stand out:

• Use Strong Action Verbs: Use powerful action verbs to describe your accomplishments and quantify your results with specific metrics whenever possible.
• Highlight Relevant Skills: Carefully review the job description and identify the key skills and qualifications required for the position. Highlight these skills prominently in your resume.
• Use a Professional Design: Choose a resume template that is clean, modern, and easy to read. Use a professional font and avoid excessive colors or graphics.
• Proofread Carefully: Before submitting your resume, proofread it carefully for any errors in grammar, spelling, or formatting.
• Get Feedback: Ask a friend, family member, or career counselor to review your resume and provide feedback.

What are the most common resume formatting mistakes?

Some common resume formatting mistakes include:

• Inconsistent Formatting: Using different fonts, font sizes, and headings throughout your resume can make it difficult to read. Maintain consistency in formatting elements.
• Lack of White Space: Overcrowding your resume with text can make it overwhelming to read. Use appropriate white space to improve readability.
• Poor Use of Headings: Headings should be used to organize your resume and make it easy for recruiters to scan. Use clear and concise headings for each section.
• Excessive Length: Resumes should be concise and to the point. Avoid including irrelevant information or unnecessary details.
• Incorrect Contact Information: Make sure your contact information is accurate and prominently displayed at the top of your resume.

How long should my resume be?

The ideal length of your resume will vary depending on your career level and experience.

• Entry-Level Professionals: One page
• Mid-Level Professionals: One to two pages
• Senior-Level Professionals: Two pages maximum

What font should I use on my resume?

Choose a professional and easy-to-read font for your resume, such as:

• Calibri
• Cambria
• Georgia
• Helvetica
• Times New Roman

Should I include a photo on my resume?

Including a photo on your resume is generally not recommended in most Western countries, as it can be seen as unprofessional or discriminatory. However, in some cultures or for certain industries, including a professional headshot may be acceptable. Research industry norms and company expectations before making a decision.

Next Step:

Now that you know the latest resume formats and best practices for 2024, you’re ready to create a standout resume that will impress recruiters and land you your dream job. Head over to ResumeGemini today to explore our library of ATS-friendly resume templates, pre-built resume samples, and expert resume-writing tips. With ResumeGemini, you can create a professional and eye-catching resume in minutes!