Best Resume Format for 2026 | Chronological vs Functional vs Hybrid

The reverse-chronological resume format is the best choice for most job seekers in 2026. This format lists your work experience from newest to oldest, which hiring managers prefer because it clearly shows career progression. ATS systems are also specifically designed to parse this structure, making it the safest choice for getting past automated screening.

90% of recruiters prefer the reverse-chronological format, and it performs best in ATS scans with clear job titles, dates, and quantified results.

Source: Resume Genius 2025 Hiring Manager Survey

The Three Resume Formats Explained

1. Reverse-Chronological Format (Recommended)

The chronological resume lists your work history in reverse order, starting with your most recent position. It emphasizes job titles, employers, and dates, making it easy for recruiters to follow your career path. This format is ideal if you have a consistent work history in your target field.

Best for:

*Professionals with steady career progression
*Those staying in the same industry
*Anyone with no significant employment gaps
*Most job seekers across all experience levels

2. Functional Format (Use with Caution)

The functional resume focuses on skills rather than work history. While it can be useful for career changers or those with gaps, recruiters often distrust this format because they assume it's hiding something. Functional resumes can also confuse ATS systems, leading to lower rankings or being filtered out entirely.

Pro Tip

Avoid the functional format unless you're making a dramatic career change. Even then, consider a hybrid format instead.

3. Hybrid/Combination Format

The hybrid format blends features of both chronological and functional formats. It includes a prominent skills section followed by a chronological work history. This format is growing in popularity because it highlights relevant skills while still providing the work history that recruiters expect.

Best for:

*Career changers with transferable skills
*Professionals returning to work after a gap
*Those with diverse experience across industries
*Candidates whose skills are more impressive than their job titles

How to Choose the Right Format

Start with the reverse-chronological format as your default. Only deviate if you have a specific reason that makes another format more advantageous. Ask yourself: Will this format make it easier for the recruiter to see why I'm qualified?

Up to 75% of resumes are rejected before reaching a recruiter. Using the wrong format can significantly reduce your chances of making it through the initial screening.

Source: Jobscan ATS Research 2025

Format Comparison Table

Quick comparison:

*Chronological: Best ATS compatibility, preferred by 90% of recruiters, shows clear career progression
*Functional: Poor ATS compatibility, often distrusted by recruiters, hides employment gaps
*Hybrid: Good ATS compatibility, growing acceptance, balances skills and experience

Can I use a creative resume format?

Creative formats with graphics, colors, and unusual layouts can work for design-related roles but fail miserably with ATS. If applying through an online system, use a clean, traditional format. Save creative designs for portfolios or when handing a resume directly to someone.