The three resume formats
There are three standard resume formats. For most job seekers, reverse-chronological is the best choice—it's what recruiters expect and what ATS handles best.
Reverse-chronological (recommended)
Lists your most recent experience first. The standard format for 90%+ of job applications. ATS-friendly and easy to scan.
Functional (skills-based)
Groups experience by skill rather than timeline. Rarely recommended—recruiters often view it as hiding gaps.
Combination (hybrid)
Leads with a skills summary, then lists work experience chronologically. Works for career changers with transferable skills.
How to format your resume with JobScoutly
- Use reverse-chronological order (most recent job first).
- Include standard sections: Contact, Summary, Experience, Skills, Education.
- Use one clean font (Inter, Calibri, Arial) at 10-12pt.
- Keep formatting consistent—aligned dates, uniform bullet styles, even spacing.
- Export as PDF to preserve your layout.
Resume formatting rules
Margins & spacing
0.5"–1" margins. Consistent line spacing. Use whitespace to separate sections—don't cram.
Font & size
10-12pt body text. 14-16pt for your name. One font family throughout. No decorative fonts.
Section headings
Use standard titles (Experience, Skills, Education). Bold or slightly larger than body text. No ALL CAPS.
Bullet points
3-5 bullets per role. Start each with a strong action verb. Include measurable results when possible.
FAQ
What is the best resume format for 2026?
Reverse-chronological is the most widely accepted format. It works for most job seekers and is the easiest for ATS to parse.
Can I download a free resume format template?
Yes. Sign in to JobScoutly and you can build, customize, and download your resume as a PDF—completely free.
Should I use a functional resume format?
Functional resumes hide your work timeline, which makes recruiters suspicious. Use reverse-chronological unless you have a very specific reason not to.
What file format should I save my resume in?
PDF is the standard. It preserves formatting across devices and is accepted by virtually all ATS. Avoid .docx unless specifically requested.
How do I format a resume with no experience?
Use the same reverse-chronological format. Lead with education, projects, and relevant skills. Add internships, volunteer work, or coursework as experience.
Related Resources
Free Resume Builder
Build your resume with the right format using our free online builder.
Professional Resume Guide
Learn how to write a polished resume that impresses recruiters.
ATS-Friendly Resume
Make sure your resume format passes applicant tracking systems.
Good Resume Examples
See properly formatted resumes across different industries.
Get the right resume format — free
JobScoutly handles all the formatting automatically. Just fill in your details and download a clean, ATS-ready PDF.