When you do a general search on resume formats, the number of results is
overwhelming. Yet every year, thousands of job seekers have their applications fall
through the cracks. Let alone interviews, millions of resumes never reached the hiring
manager. That’s why we are sharing with you some best resume format ideas.
In this article, you’ll learn to
- Format your resume for the online hiring systems
- The best resume format of all time
- Non-traditional resumes
Before Formatting, Think Design First
The no.1 reason a resume gets lost is that it’s not compatible with the application
system. To avoid that from happening, you should always use a resume creator.
The templates included in online resume generators are pre-approved by most
mainstream hiring systems. They’re also favored by HR professionals and recruiters for
their clean, simple designs.
The Reverse-Chronological Order — the Best Resume Format
Now that you’ve found a template you like, it’s time to write the content. Most resumes
come with the following sections:
- Short Summary
- Education History
- Employment History
- Skills and Certifications
In general, the best format to use is reverse-chronological, meaning you put the latest
employment and history first and go back in time until your earliest item. Since most
resumes are one-pagers, the reverse-chronological order makes sure you focus on the
most recent, relatable, and valuable experiences first.
A New Approach: by Industry, Project, or Categories
Another approach to resume formatting is to categorize your experience by niche or
project. This format is more suitable for entrepreneurs or freelancers who tend to take
on multiple projects simultaneously.
This approach gives the job seeker more flexibility. In this situation, your resume is
closer to a proposal than a job application. It also makes up for certain disadvantages,
such as a lack of steady employment history or education history.
Final Words
In conclusion, the best resume format by far is still a one-page reverse-chronological
resume. Use a resume creator to ensure your visual design is compatible with online
application systems. HR professionals also approve these templates.
Focus on the most recent and relatable experience, then slowly trace back in time. Make
sure you constantly tailor the content according to the position you’re applying for. It’s
better to present the most valuable information than overloading the recruiter with
trivialities.
