1. 1. What’s your experience level?

Different resume formats highlight

different aspects of your background. If you want to demonstrate that you have a
strong career progression, choose a chronological resume format. With some
work experience and a strong set of industry-specific skills, a combination
resume is a great choice. If you are new to the workforce but want to emphasize
the skills you’ve developed in school, a functional resume format would be a better
fit.

2. 2. Do you have a consistent work history?If you have gaps in your

employment history, this should be a consideration when choosing your resume
format. If you have been laid off, let go, or have taken time off for personal reasons,
a functional resume format would emphasize your skills rather than your work
history. Or you could have a small gap in employment and want to apply to jobs
related to your previous field. In that case, highlighting your transferable skills with a
combination resume would work best. Alternatively, the chronological resume
format is a solid choice for a professional with a robust work history and an
impressive career trajectory.

3. 3. Is it ATS-friendly?A well-organized resume is critical to getting your resume

past an applicant tracking system (ATS). ATS software, used by the majority of mid-
to large-sized companies in the U.S., is designed to weed out unqualified candidates
by scanning resumes for keywords. Choosing a resume format that is well-
organized, easy to scan and that puts your most impressive achievements front and
center is critical to making it past the ATS and into the hands of a human recruiter.
Using an ATS-friendly resume format appropriate for your experience level can
increase your chances of getting hired by putting your most relevant skills and
experience front and center.