Choosing the right resume format can make a big difference in your job search. A clear and organized resume helps employers quickly understand your experience and skills.
This guide explains the best resume format for most job seekers and how to structure your resume properly.
The Best Resume Format for Most People
The best resume format for most job seekers is called the reverse chronological format.
This format lists your most recent job first and works backward.
Employers prefer this format because it is:
- Easy to read
- Familiar
- Clear
- Professional
Most hiring managers expect this format.
Basic Resume Structure
A simple resume should include these sections:
- Contact Information
- Summary
- Work Experience
- Skills
- Education
Keeping this structure makes your resume easy to follow.
Section 1: Contact Information
At the top of your resume include:
- Full name
- Phone number
- Email address
- City and state
Example:
Sarah Johnson
Chicago, Illinois
sarah@email.com
555-222-1111
Make sure your contact information is accurate.
Section 2: Resume Summary
A summary is a short introduction near the top of the resume.
Keep it 2–3 sentences.
Example:
“Dependable administrative assistant with two years of experience supporting office operations. Strong organization skills and attention to detail. Seeking a full-time office position.”
This helps employers quickly understand your background.
Section 3: Work Experience
List jobs starting with your most recent position.
Include:
- Job title
- Company name
- Dates worked
Example:
Customer Service Representative
ABC Company
2022 – 2024
Then include bullet points:
- Assisted customers with orders
- Answered phone calls
- Processed payments
- Resolved problems
Use clear and simple bullet points.
Section 4: Skills
Include skills that relate to the job.
Examples:
- Customer service
- Microsoft Office
- Organization
- Communication
- Data entry
Keep the list short and relevant.
Section 5: Education
Include:
- School name
- Degree or diploma
Example:
Roosevelt High School
High School Diploma
or
City College
Associate Degree in Business
Why Simple Formatting Works Best
Many job seekers believe fancy resumes stand out.
In reality, simple resumes perform better because they:
- Load correctly online
- Are easy to scan
- Work with hiring software
- Look professional
Most employers prefer clean and simple resumes.
Fonts to Use
Good resume fonts include:
- Arial
- Calibri
- Times New Roman
Use font sizes:
- 11–12 for text
- 14–16 for headings
Avoid unusual fonts.
What to Avoid
Avoid these mistakes:
- Bright colors
- Graphics
- Photos
- Large paragraphs
- Hard-to-read fonts
Simple formatting works best.
When to Use a Different Format
Most job seekers should use reverse chronological format.
However, a skills-based format may help if:
- You have little work experience
- You are changing careers
- You have employment gaps
Even then, simple formatting is best.
Final Advice
The best resume format is simple, clear, and easy to read.
Employers spend only a few seconds reviewing resumes, so clarity matters.
A clean, organized resume gives you the best chance of getting interviews.