The Best Resume Formats for 2024

Your resume typically serves as the first impression you give employers when applying for a job. Having a strong resume is key if you want to get your foot in the door for that gleaming new job position you’ve been dreaming about. If you want a golden resume employers can’t resist, having good formatting is critical. It’s time to stand out from the crowd and impress those employers so read on and discover three of the best resume formats of 2024!

1. Chronological Resume Format
Starting with one of the easiest forms of resume formats is the chronological resume format. In this resume format, your most recent position is placed at the top while the least recent is placed towards the bottom. What makes this format special is its ability to showcase the professional development you have garnered throughout your career journey. Each piece of past and recent experience listed on your resume paints a picture of your strengths and skills for employers to analyze. 

Having a resume in chronological format makes the process of consideration quick and easy for employers. Seeing how short the average attention span is, it’s safe to say that a resume in chronological format will likely keep the attention of employers long enough to seriously consider hiring you. This format in particular is popular among college studentsentry level employees due to lack of prior work experience. Students can use the experience they’ve gained from class assignments and projects along with any volunteer programs they have participated in among other things to fill up their resumes.

2. Functional Resume Format
Coming in at #2 is the functional resume format. This type of resume format has more focus on your acquired skills than experience. So, if you have limited work experience in a particular field or just in general this would be a good resume format to use. Take the time to look over any past work or non-related work experience and identify the transferable skills you have gained from them. 

In some cases, skills can be as equally important as work experience so be sure to show employers that you at least have the skills required for the job despite lacking a long work history in that particular field. One thing to keep in mind when considering the functional resume format is its incompatibility with ATS systems. If an employer is using an ATS system to scan resumes, the system may not be able to detect vital information the employer is seeking due to its uncustomary formatting. So, if you choose to go with this format, it’s best to make sure your resume is being handled and read by an actual person such as sending your resume through email instead.

3. Combination Resume Format
Last but not least, the combination resume format. It is a hybrid of the chronological order and functional resume formats. Typically, the top of the resume functions as a skill section while the bottom of the resume details work experience. This type of resume format is best for anyone early in their career with minimal years of experience, changing careers, having only worked for a few employers, or someone who is reentering the job market. Combination resumes utilize the strengths of both the chronological resume and the functional resume by putting a strong emphasis on skills and showcasing career development. 

One benefit of using a combination resume is its flexible formatting. This format allows you to arrange the different sections of the resume to your liking. For example, you can put the most eye-catching skills and credentials towards the top of your resume to entice employers to continue reading due to how much you already have to offer. 

And that’s a wrap! Currently, these resume formats are going strong in the job market and look to stay that way into 2024. Of course, things are bound to change with time so always be sure to keep your eyes out for the next big resume formats so that you can continuously stand out from the crowd