Somewhere between ATS bots, hiring managers, and resume coaches on LinkedIn, formatting has gone from footnote to frontline. So which resume format really stacks up best in 2025?
Short answer: It depends on your goals—but reverse-chronological format remains king for most job seekers, while functional and hybrid styles serve specific use cases. Below, we’ll unpack which format suits whom, and why it’s not just what’s on the page, but how it’s laid out that makes the difference.
What are the main resume formatting styles?
There are three widely accepted styles:
- Reverse-chronological: Lists your most recent experience first. This is the go-to format for most industries and recruiters.
- Functional: Focuses on skills and competencies rather than job history. Often used by career changers or those with gaps.
- Combination (Hybrid): Merges both—showcasing skills up top, followed by chronological experience.
Here’s a quick look at how they compare:
| Format Style | Best For | Strengths | Weaknesses |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reverse-chronological | Most job seekers (esp. with consistent history) | Easy to read; ATS-friendly | Highlights gaps or job-hopping |
| Functional | Career changers, freelancers, returnees | Emphasises transferable skills | Can look evasive; less recruiter-friendly |
| Combination | Professionals with hybrid needs | Balanced view of skills and timeline | Can get cluttered if not well designed |
Which format is most ATS-friendly?
Let’s be clear—if your resume can’t get past an Applicant Tracking System (ATS), it won’t get to a human. Reverse-chronological wins here hands down. It’s:
- Easily parsed by machines scanning dates and job titles
- Familiar to recruiters doing quick scans
- Less prone to “design issues” that break parsing logic
Functional resumes often trip ATS wires because they downplay dates and titles, which are primary parsing fields.
Anyone who’s tried to “outsmart” the system by packing a functional resume with keywords knows that it’s a risky bet—especially when recruiters value clarity over creativity.
Who should consider a functional resume?
Functional resumes aren’t evil. They’re just misunderstood.
They work best when:
- You’ve had a career break (parental leave, health, travel)
- You’re pivoting industries and want to highlight skills over titles
- Your work history is patchy, or overly freelance-based
That said, be aware: many recruiters are suspicious of functional resumes. Unless you’ve got a rock-solid skills section and a killer summary, it might not carry the weight you’re hoping for.
One recruiter I spoke with last year put it bluntly: “If I don’t see dates within the first 5 seconds, I’m moving on.”
Why is reverse-chronological still the default?
Because it’s what everyone understands—machines and humans alike.
It speaks to consistency, progression, and credibility. There’s a reason every professional resume writing service still recommends this format for 90% of candidates.
And the beauty is, it can still be customised:
- Add a professional summary up top to inject personality
- Use bolding, white space, and bullet hierarchy to guide the reader
- Include keywords from the job ad for better ATS alignment
Formatting doesn’t mean fancy. In fact, the simpler it looks, the better it performs.
Can hybrid formats offer the best of both worlds?
Yes, but with a warning: hybrids can get messy.
A clean hybrid resume offers:
- A skills snapshot upfront
- Followed by clear work experience with dates and outcomes
- Customisable sections like “Projects” or “Certifications” that highlight key wins
But when overused, it can feel bloated and confusing. The key is balance. For example, a UX designer might want to spotlight tools and skills up top, then map those to specific projects or jobs.
Consistency is the persuasion principle that matters here. If the resume feels visually or logically inconsistent, it subtly undermines your credibility.
How much does formatting actually matter?
A lot more than people think. It influences:
- First impressions (recruiters spend 6–8 seconds on initial scans)
- Readability (especially on mobile or PDF preview)
- ATS performance
- Emotional impact—yes, design triggers perception of quality and trust
Think of it like showing up to an interview in a wrinkled shirt. The content might be gold, but the presentation screams “unprepared.”
Real-world tip: Use white space like it’s expensive
Your resume shouldn’t read like a tax return. Give your content room to breathe:
- Add space between sections
- Use 1–2 fonts max (sans-serif works best)
- Stick to 1-page if you’ve got under 10 years’ experience
Over-designed resumes with columns, graphics, or tables often fail ATS tests and frustrate recruiters. You want your layout to serve your story, not compete with it.
FAQ
Should I use a resume template?
Yes—but customise it. Many templates are overly designed. Strip back what’s not essential.
Are PDFs better than Word docs?
Usually yes. PDFs preserve formatting, but check if the employer asks for DOCX.
What font size should I use?
10–12pt for body text; headings can go up to 14pt. Anything smaller is risky.
In the end, resume formatting isn’t about flair—it’s about function. Think clarity, consistency, and confidence. And if you’re unsure where to start, this format-focused breakdown can steer you in the right direction—especially if you’re considering a professional resume writing service.
For a deeper dive into hiring trends and recruiter psychology, this resource from Harvard Business Review is worth a read.
Because in job search, like in life, showing up well is half the battle.