Programmatic guides

Resume formats, compared

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Every resume format has trade-offs — ATS compatibility, narrative flexibility, and recruiter perception. Pick the right one, then see the exact structure.

Chronological Resume Format
ATS: Excellent
The default, recruiter-preferred, ATS-friendly format — work history in reverse chronological order.
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Functional Resume Format
ATS: Mixed
Skills-first format — grouped by capability rather than by job. Risky with ATS.
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Combination Resume Format
ATS: Good
Hybrid of chronological and functional — skills at the top, full work history below. The smart choice for career changers.
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Targeted Resume Format
ATS: Excellent
Any format, ruthlessly rewritten for one specific job. The only format that reliably beats ATS.
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Creative Resume Format
ATS: Poor
Graphics-heavy, visually distinctive resumes — good for portfolios, bad for ATS.
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Chronological Resume Format

Functional Resume Format

Combination Resume Format

Targeted Resume Format

Creative Resume Format

Don't want to pick a format at all?