Best resume format for 2023 candidates

You can find a job you like. Decide to create or update your resume and click Apply. Weeks or even months go by and you don't hear back from the recruiter or employer. Did you use the right resume format to convey the message that you are the best candidate for the job? What did you do wrong?

Not all resume formats are created equal, so identify early on which layout you want to use to represent your experience, qualifications and skills in the best way possible That is important.

We're all used to the standard chronological resume format. This format begins with a short paragraph summarizing the key candidate highlights, followed by a summary of relevant work experience in reverse chronological order. This is the most commonly recommended template as it is the most widely used and preferred by employers.

But what if you're faced with the dilemma of having little or no relevant experience, or a long career break or multiple gaps in your work history? How can I prove I'm a good candidate without going back?

Welcome to CV!

How to write a work history

A functional resume layout focuses on transferable skills and core competencies to meet the requirements of the role, rather than traditional work history.

Before you start writing, you should first research the job description and pull out the competencies listed in the “Person Specifications” or similar section. Identify your transferable skills from this list and identify specific examples of your experiences that demonstrated those qualities.

You also need to ensure that the skills listed on your resume are relevant and a good mix of technical and soft skills.

When you start building your resume, start with your contact information, relevant portfolio links, and a professional summary.

Next, list the core skills associated with the role and provide a short summary of where you have implemented each of these skills, including success metrics and positive results.

Following this, list your work history, including employer, title, and dates of work, without going into details of your responsibilities. As with a standard chronological resume, it should be listed in reverse chronological order.

Insert a section for your education and professional development certificates, and include any volunteer experience or other significant projects at the end.

Advantages and disadvantages of functional resume formats

Before you start writing your resume, there are a few things to consider.

The work history is do not have Compatible with ATS systems. This means that applicant tracking software won't be able to detect the important information a recruiter needs when they scan your resume due to the unconventional layout.

So if you really need to use it, send it in a way that's guaranteed to be read by a real person, like via email or LinkedIn message.

Another important factor to consider is that most recruiters prefer a traditional chronological layout over a functional, skills-based resume. This is because it is easy and straightforward to obtain important information about where they have worked, their respective experience and accomplishments, and how long they have been with each employer.

So, although it highlights your skills, choosing a functional resume may hurt your chances of getting the job.

One way to solve this problem is to use a combination resume, also known as a hybrid resume layout. This includes a professional overview and detailed core competencies at the top, but is not as detailed as it appears in feature format. Next, list your previous work experience, similar to a chronological resume.

This is a great option if you're changing directions in your career and have some unrelated work history, but don't want to give the impression that you've never worked.

So what is the best resume layout to use?

If you're applying for a position that directly relates to your industry or experience, use the traditional resume format.

If you have little experience or gaps in your work history, use a functional resume with great care.

However, the most preferred option is to use a combination resume. This reduces red flags for employers, making them easier to scan and demonstrating consistency and a solid work history, while bridging the gap between where you are and where you are now. A desire to participate in one's career.