What Is the Best Resume Layout to Use?

Oftentimes, your resume is the first impression you make on a potential employer. You need to somehow convert a page (or two) of text into a personable and impressive testament to your value as an employee. So how can you ensure that your resume not only conveys important details such as work experience, skills, and proficiencies, but also that it does so in an appealing and effective manner? Is it all about funky text and sparkly graphics? The quality of your resume largely boils down to one thing: the format. 

There is a plethora of different resume formats that you can use, which may seem intimidating at first. However, this just means that you have a variety of options available to really show yourself off! 

Here are some of the most popular resume formats in 2024, and how to select the right style based on your own personal needs. 

1. Chronological Resume
The chronological resume would be one of the more common resume formats, but that is not to say that it is not efficient or effective. This style of resume focuses on highlighting your history in the workforce, listed in reverse chronological order, with your most recent job or project at the top and your first work experience at the bottom. The chronological style is an excellent choice for individuals who have a very consistent work history and show dedication to their previous employers with long periods of time spent with one company or employer. Like all resumes, the chronological style should also include a section that includes skills and proficiencies.

2. Targeted Resume
The targeted resume is, as the name suggests, targeted towards a specific job or position. A resume written in this style should highlight your key skills and proficiencies that align with the job’s requirements for which you’re applying. Let’s say you are applying to be an editor for a magazine. You would want to emphasize that you are skilled in editing, proofreading, and other related qualifications. You would not want to include the fact that you have an affinity for baking and spent three years working at a bakery (unless the publication specializes in that of course). The goal of the targeted resume is to show your potential employer that you are exactly what they are looking for, and that your skills and experience are perfect for the position they need to fill. This style of resume is perfect for people who may not have the most work experience but are eager to prove that they can get the job done.

3. Functional Resume
Next is the functional resume (not that any resume you create should be dysfunctional). This style of resume focuses more on you personally rather than your work experience. A functional resume should highlight your individual skills and abilities and outline your character as a potential employee. As there is less of a focus on past work experience in this format, the functional resume is ideal for those who have gaps in employment, or who have little experience. This resume is perfect for students looking for a first job, as they can highlight the key things they learned in their time at school and how that can translate into the work environment.

4. Hybrid Resume
A hybrid resume is exactly what it sounds like. This is a mix between the previous three formats that have been listed. A hybrid resume will showcase your work history, your specific skills and qualifications that are related to the job you are seeking, and your character in the workforce if accepted into the role. This is a sort of catch all and can be very efficient in presenting yourself as a well-rounded and experienced individual. With that in mind, it is important to keep your resume concise and to the point. A hybrid resume is a great choice for someone who has a solid history of employment and a defined set of skills- most useful for transferring from a current position into a similar field.

5. Curriculum Vitae
A Curriculum Vitae, or CV, is not necessarily a substitute for a resume, but can be just as efficient in landing you a job. While most resumes consist of bulleted lists, as CV is essentially one to two pages of your personal achievements. A CV is an excellent way to highlight yourself in the best possible light. It's OK to brag! Well, within reason of course. You never want to sound pretentious, but don’t sell yourself short, either. A CV can make a great addition to any resume or application and is typically used for applying to jobs outside of the United States. If you’re applying to positions in the US, it’s best to stick to using a resume.