{"id":235,"date":"2026-06-13T05:07:57","date_gmt":"2026-06-13T05:07:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/asktherecruiter.com\/blog\/how-to-format-a-resume\/"},"modified":"2026-08-12T03:54:04","modified_gmt":"2026-08-12T03:54:04","slug":"how-to-format-a-resume","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/asktherecruiter.com\/blog\/how-to-format-a-resume\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Format a Resume in 2024"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Resume format is not just aesthetics. The way your resume is structured affects whether ATS can parse it, whether recruiters can scan it, and whether hiring managers trust it. This guide covers what works.<\/p>\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_86 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/asktherecruiter.com\/blog\/how-to-format-a-resume\/#Reverse-chronological_format\" >Reverse-chronological format<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/asktherecruiter.com\/blog\/how-to-format-a-resume\/#Functional_format\" >Functional format<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/asktherecruiter.com\/blog\/how-to-format-a-resume\/#Hybrid_format\" >Hybrid format<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/asktherecruiter.com\/blog\/how-to-format-a-resume\/#The_non-negotiables_of_good_formatting\" >The non-negotiables of good formatting<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/asktherecruiter.com\/blog\/how-to-format-a-resume\/#Read_next\" >Read next<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/asktherecruiter.com\/blog\/how-to-format-a-resume\/#Frequently_Asked_Questions\" >Frequently Asked Questions<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/asktherecruiter.com\/blog\/how-to-format-a-resume\/#What_resume_format_works_best_for_ATS\" >What resume format works best for ATS?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/asktherecruiter.com\/blog\/how-to-format-a-resume\/#Should_I_use_PDF_or_Word_for_my_resume\" >Should I use PDF or Word for my resume?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/asktherecruiter.com\/blog\/how-to-format-a-resume\/#What_font_is_best_for_a_resume\" >What font is best for a resume?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/asktherecruiter.com\/blog\/how-to-format-a-resume\/#How_long_should_a_resume_be\" >How long should a resume be?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/asktherecruiter.com\/blog\/how-to-format-a-resume\/#Get_your_resume_reviewed_by_a_real_recruiter\" >Get your resume reviewed by a real recruiter<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Reverse-chronological_format\"><\/span>Reverse-chronological format<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This is the standard format for most job seekers. List your most recent job first and work backward. It is the format recruiters expect to see and the one ATS systems handle best. Use it unless you have a specific reason not to.<\/p><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Functional_format\"><\/span>Functional format<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A functional resume groups skills and accomplishments by category rather than by employer. It is sometimes recommended for career changers or people with gaps, but most recruiters dislike it because it obscures work history. Use it cautiously. For more on this, see our guide on <a href=\"https:\/\/asktherecruiter.com\/blog\/human-resources-resume-guide-2\/\">human resources resume guide<\/a>.<\/p><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Hybrid_format\"><\/span>Hybrid format<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The hybrid format leads with a strong skills summary or profile section, then moves into a standard chronological work history. It is useful for career changers who want to lead with transferable skills without hiding their employment history.<\/p><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_non-negotiables_of_good_formatting\"><\/span>The non-negotiables of good formatting<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Use consistent font sizes: 10.5-12pt for body, 14-16pt for your name. Use consistent spacing. Use clear section dividers. Do not use color that prints poorly. Do not use tables or text boxes that ATS cannot parse.<\/p>\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Read_next\"><\/span>Read next<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2><ul class=\"wp-block-list atr-read-next\"><li><a href=\"https:\/\/asktherecruiter.com\/blog\/nurse-resume-guide\/\">Nurse Resume Guide: How to Write a Resume That Gets RN Interviews<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/asktherecruiter.com\/blog\/ai-resume-builder-vs-human-review\/\">How AI Resume Builders Compare to Human Resume Review<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/asktherecruiter.com\/blog\/quantify-achievements-resume\/\">How to Quantify Achievements on Your Resume<\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Frequently_Asked_Questions\"><\/span>Frequently Asked Questions<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_resume_format_works_best_for_ATS\"><\/span>What resume format works best for ATS?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A single-column, reverse-chronological format with standard section headers parses best. Avoid tables, text boxes, graphics, and multi-column layouts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Should_I_use_PDF_or_Word_for_my_resume\"><\/span>Should I use PDF or Word for my resume?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">PDF is generally safer as it preserves formatting. Some older ATS systems parse Word better. Check the job posting for specified preferences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_font_is_best_for_a_resume\"><\/span>What font is best for a resume?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Calibri, Arial, Garamond, or Georgia at 10-12pt. Avoid decorative fonts. Standard fonts render cleanly on all systems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_long_should_a_resume_be\"><\/span>How long should a resume be?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">One page for under 10 years of experience. Two pages is appropriate for senior candidates with 10+ years. A third page is rarely justified.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Recruiters spend an average of six to ten seconds on their first pass through a resume. That initial scan focuses almost entirely on job titles, company names, and bullet points. If those three things do not immediately connect your experience to the role, your resume may not make it to a second read. Understanding this reality changes how you approach every element of your document, from the font size to the order of your sections. For more on this, see our guide on <a href=\"https:\/\/asktherecruiter.com\/blog\/financial-analyst-resume-guide\/\">financial analyst resume guide<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In my experience reviewing thousands of resumes, the candidates who get callbacks consistently share one trait: they write about impact rather than activity. Instead of listing what they were responsible for, they describe what changed because of their work. A simple shift from &#8220;managed social media&#8221; to &#8220;grew Instagram engagement by 47% in six months by shifting to video-first content&#8221; tells a recruiter exactly what you bring to a new role.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Formatting also plays a larger role than most candidates realize. Applicant tracking systems parse resumes before a human ever sees them. Tables, text boxes, headers, and footers often fail to parse correctly, which means critical information disappears from your digital file. Keeping your format simple, with standard sections and clean column layouts, ensures that your content survives the screening process intact.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The length question comes up constantly. For most professionals with under ten years of experience, one page is the right target. For senior leaders and executives, two pages is acceptable when every line adds genuine value. The test is not word count. It is density. If a recruiter could cut any section without losing information that differentiates you, that section should go. For more on this, see our guide on <a href=\"https:\/\/asktherecruiter.com\/blog\/sales-resume-guide-2\/\">sales resume guide<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Get_your_resume_reviewed_by_a_real_recruiter\"><\/span>Get your resume reviewed by a real recruiter<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">At AskTheRecruiter.com, a real recruiter reviews your resume and gives you a live, honest estimate of where you stand. No AI fluff, no generic templates.<\/p><div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\"><div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-white-color has-vivid-red-background-color has-text-color has-background wp-element-button\" href=\"\/get-your-resume-reviewed\/\">Get My Free Resume Review<\/a><\/div><\/div><script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"atr-schema-jsonld\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"FAQPage\",\"mainEntity\":[{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"What resume format works best for ATS?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"A single-column, reverse-chronological format with standard section headers parses best. Avoid tables, text boxes, graphics, and multi-column layouts.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Should I use PDF or Word for my resume?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"PDF is generally safer as it preserves formatting. 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Learn reverse-chronological, functional, and hybrid formats and when to use each.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":251,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"nf_dc_page":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[7],"tags":[28,27,16],"class_list":["post-235","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-resume-writing","tag-ats","tag-recruiter-tips","tag-resume-writing"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/asktherecruiter.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/235","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/asktherecruiter.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/asktherecruiter.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/asktherecruiter.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/asktherecruiter.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=235"}],"version-history":[{"count":8,"href":"https:\/\/asktherecruiter.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/235\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":9010,"href":"https:\/\/asktherecruiter.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/235\/revisions\/9010"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/asktherecruiter.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/251"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/asktherecruiter.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=235"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/asktherecruiter.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=235"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/asktherecruiter.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=235"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}