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The classic Harvard template, updated for the 21st century with a refined design that recruiters love and an optimized structure for improved ATS performance.

Elegant template with a beautiful design and compact, easy-to-read layout that highlights your strengths and achievements.

The most popular template for upper management roles, project managers and product owners.

A refined template, especially great for positions where presentation is paramount: business development managers, sales leaders & other customer-facing roles.

A creative template that accents your header and makes recruiters want to read the rest. Built for any industry.

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3 Best Resume Formats for 2024 [W/ 5+ Professional Templates]

How you format your resume matters . 

When reviewing your resume, the first thing hiring managers notice is how your resume looks , not what it contains .

And if the first thing they see is a messy, cluttered, crowded resume, chances are you won’t make a great first impression.

So, this begs the question: what are the best resume formats, and which one should YOU use? 

That’s exactly what we’re here to explain! In this article, we’re going to cover:

• Resume Formatting Guidelines
• 5+ Resume Templates (You Can Steal)
• 3 Main Resume Formats (With Examples)
• Resume Format Pros and Cons
• How to Choose a Resume Format
• 7 Other Resume Resources 

Let’s dive right in! 

Resume Formatting Guidelines 

If you’re formatting your resume from scratch, you’ll first want to pay attention to the layout.  

That involves setting the margins, picking the font size, and determining your resume’s length. 

To create a professional-looking resume, follow these general formatting guidelines: 

• Don’t make your resume longer than one page . Unless you have 5+ years of relevant work experience, there’s no reason for your resume to be two or three pages long. 
• Pick an 11 or 12-pt font size and stick with it throughout your resume.
• Pick an attention-grabbing (but professional) font . We recommend Ubuntu, Roboto, or Overpass.  
• Use standard and legible resume sections . For example, your work experience should be called just that “Work Experience” and not “work history” or something else. 
• Leverage bullet points to list information such as work achievements and responsibilities, academic details , etc. They help make the resume much more reader-friendly. 
• Be consistent with resume formatting (e.g. use the same date format everywhere, instead of using 11.2018 in one place and November 2018 in another). 
• Have good line spacing. You don’t want the information on your resume to look all cramped up. 
• Always save your resume as a PDF file . It’s the safest choice, as it guarantees your resume layout will stay intact no matter what device opens it. Only save your resume as MS Word if the job you’re applying for specifically requires you to and never, ever, submit a JPEG or PNG of your resume.

New to resume-making? Give our resumes 101 video a watch before diving into the article!

6 Free Resume Templates (You Can Start Usign Now!) 

Formatting a resume from start to finish can be a time and energy-consuming process.

 If you’re building your resume with Word, for example, you’ll have to spend at least an hour tweaking the margins, making the headers and body text uniform, picking a font, and so on. You’ll spend an hour or two before you can even start filling in the resume contents!

And if all of that wasn’t enough, one misplaced sentence here or a wrong click there, and your resume layout starts spilling over to page 2!

Want to skip all the hassle of resume formatting? Check out some of our free, tried-and-tested resume templates , pick out your favorite, and fill it in as you go: 

#1. Basic Resume Template

Good for conservative, traditional industries. 

If you want to focus on your resume’s contents rather than its design, then the Basic template is for you. With a concise and well-organized layout, this resume format highlights everything the hiring manager wants to see. 

#2. College Resume Template

Good for university students, recent graduates, and entry-level professionals.

If you’re applying for internships or entry-level jobs, you’ll want to show off your skills, academic achievements, and whatever work experience you have. Well, that’s exactly what this template does! 

Not to mention, its contemporary style is perfect for younger candidates who want their resume to be as visually appealing as it is professional. 

#3. Executive Resume Template

Good for senior executives who may be applying in creative or green industries . While very professionally formatted, it also shows off a tinge of personality with its blue color scheme. 

#4. Modern Resume Template

Good for professionals in the business world or IT industries. 

Square brackets, bullet lists, infographics, and icons work together in this template to attract the hiring manager’s attention and get them to go over your work experience and achievements in depth. 

#5. Creative Resume Template

Good for anyone applying to creative industries such as marketing , design, publishing, and entry-level professionals. 

If you’re looking to stand out visually as much as through your skills and achievements, this is the template for you. Creative is designed to be a stylish resume that makes a stunning first impression while remaining professional. 

#6. Simple Resume Template

Good for senior professionals with a lot of work experience who are in conservative industries such as law or banking. 

The well-organized and professional formatting in this resume template is visually modest, allowing your achievements to do the talking. 

What Are the 3 Main Resume Formats? 

Now that we covered all the basics, let’s talk about resume formats in detail . 

The first thing you want to know is that there are three main resume formats out there, namely:

• The reverse-chronological resume format. This is the most common and practical resume format in 2024.
• The functional resume format is also known as the skills-based resume format.
• The combination resume format , or hybrid resume format, is a combination of the other two formats.

At this point, you’re probably asking yourself how these 3 formats are different from each other. 

Well, the main difference is that they focus on different parts of an applicant’s experience by listing sections in different orders.

Here is what we mean by that: 

So, in a nutshell: 

• The reverse-chronological resume format focuses on your work experience , listing them from most to least recent.
• The functional resume format focuses on your skills that are relevant to the job.
• The combination resume format focuses on your experience and skills by aiming to prove that you possess the skills you list through your work achievements.

What’s the Best Resume Format For Me? 

So far so good - you now know all about the three main resume formats and how they’re different from each other. 

Now, you probably want to know what the optimal format is for YOUR resume. 

Well, mainly, that depends on what point you’re at in your career. Meaning: 

• If you’re a seasoned professional or if you’re looking to get hired in an industry where you have tons of experience, you should pick the reverse-chronological format.
• If you’re applying in a creative industry or for a position that prioritizes your skillset instead of your work history, then you can go for the functional resume format.
• If you’re looking to get hired in a position that requires both experienced and skilled applicants, then the combination format is your best bet.

And now, let’s go over each resume format to see how you can use them to your advantage, based on some real-life examples: 

#1. Reverse Chronological Resume Format

As we mentioned before, the reverse-chronological resume format is the most popular format in 2024.

It usually looks like this:

The main thing about this resume format is that it’s useful for practically every job-seeker.

The reverse-chronological format has a very simple structure, it’s easy to skim, and overall, it’s the most popular format around the globe.

For this reason alone, we typically recommend using this format to most people  - even if using one of the other formats also makes sense. 

Here’s what you’d include in a reverse-chronological resume:

• Contact Information - Your name, phone number, location, and email address. In some cases, you can include useful links such as a LinkedIn or GitHub profile. 
• Resume Summary or Objective - A brief 2-4 sentence summary of your work experience, or your objective for applying for a given position.
• Professional Title - Your title. This should mirror the exact position you’re applying for.
• Work Experience - Your work experience in reverse-chronological order. When possible, talk about achievements over responsibilities.
• Skills Section - Skills relevant to the position you’re applying for.
• Education - Your educational history. Pro tip - if you have a B.A., feel free to skip your high school education.
• Optional Sections - Sections like volunteering, projects, portfolio, hobbies , etc. While they’re not a game-changer, they can help fill up some space on your resume.

As we already mentioned, this resume format primarily focuses on the one part that’s relevant to most hiring managers - your work history . 

As such, the key to making the most out of this resume format is nailing the work experience section. To do that, here’s how you should structure it: 

• Start with your most recent job and go backward from there. 
• Tailor the section to the job description. This means that you shouldn’t list every job you ever worked - only the ones that are relevant for this one. 
• For each job that you list, include your job title , the name of the company, the location, and the time period you worked there. 
• Below, add four to five bullet points for recent jobs and two to three bullet points for earlier jobs. 
• Focus on your achievements instead of your responsibilities. Hiring managers already know the basic responsibilities of the jobs they’re hiring for. So, rather than your responsibilities, they want to learn about your achievements. 
• Whenever possible, quantify your achievements. Facts and numbers are more convincing than words. 
• Use action verbs and power words . (E.g. “created” instead of “was responsible for creating” ). 

Reverse-Chronological Format Example

As we already mentioned, the best thing about the reverse-chronological format is that it’s a great choice whether you’re an entry-level worker or a seasoned professional. 

Any relevant experience you’ve got, the chronological experience will highlight effectively. 

For example, here’s a digital marketer’s resume work experience section created using the reverse-chronological format:

Digital Marketing Manager

Wonderfull Agency Inc. 

06/2017 - Present 

• Created a new format for reporting and presenting the sales, customer engagement and Google Ads reports that decreased the number of meetings by 24% in the last three quarters.
• Updated and monitored the Bid Strategy in Google Ads and Bing Ads which resulted in a CTR increase of 3.2% in the first month.
• Redesigned the webpage UX, decreasing customer turnover by 25% within a period of two months. 
• Conducted keyword research for updating the product pages on the online shop, increasing the organic keywords in the Top 100 by 5.600 and in the Top 10 by 315 for high-volume searches. 

Digital Marketing Specialist 

Company X  

02/2015 - 05/2017 

• Collaborated with a copywriter and designer to update landing pages based on search intent, increasing conversion rates by 20% on average for select clients. 
• Worked directly with company clients, handling their Google Ads accounts. 
• Managed a total of $40,000 in ad spend per month. 
• Achieved an average of 200% ROAS overall ad accounts. 

Reverse Chronological Resume Format Pros & Cons

Still not sure if the reverse-chronological resume format is the right choice for you? See our pros and cons below!

• Recruiters and HR managers prefer this format.
• It will definitely “beat” Applicant Tracking System (ATS) software.
• Provides a reader-friendly chronological history of your work experience.
• The most popular resume format in 2024.
• You need to make your work achievements stand out to catch the recruiter’s attention. 
• Hard to fill in for a recent graduate with no work experience. 
• Makes career gaps very obvious. If you’re a career changer, you need to explain those employment gaps on your resume.

#2. Functional Resume Format 

As we already mentioned, the functional resume format is also known as the skills-based resume format. Here’s an example of what it looks like: 

As the name suggests, the functional resume format focuses on your skills and your key strengths. 

In a nutshell, this resume format takes the spotlight away from your work experience by highlighting what you’re good at instead. 

As such, this resume format is perfect for recent graduates or career changers who have little-to-no experience in a particular field. 

Here’s what to include in a functional resume:

• Contact Information
• Resume Summary or Objective
• Professional Title
• Skills Summary
• Additional Skills
• Work Experience

As you can see, the main difference from the reverse-chronological format is that the focus of the functional resume is the skills summary and the resume objective that’s placed right at the top of the resume. 

Here is exactly how you should write them to impress the hiring manager: 

• Use your resume objective to state your career intent and explain what makes you the ideal candidate for the job. 
• Start off your resume objective by mentioning a skill, education, or certification relevant to the job, mention the responsibilities you could handle, and include your motivation for working that particular job. 
• In the skills summary, include four or five skills that are most relevant to the position. 
• Instead of just listing your skills, be descriptive. In bullet points or in plain paragraphs, give examples of how you applied these skills in practice and try to make them as quantifiable as possible. 

Functional Format Example

Let’s assume that you’re an entry-level journalist. 

Since you graduated, you’ve worked as a part-time intern at a magazine and published a dozen articles online and in print. You also run a blog that has a modest but loyal readership. 

Now, you want to apply for an actual journalism position at a recently founded newspaper. So, you’re using the functional resume format. 

Here’s why it’s the right choice: 

• It highlights your skills. In this case, you don’t have the experience to apply for the job, but you may have all the right skills. 
• It allows you to prove your skills. There’s ample space to show exactly how you can put your skills to use for the upcoming job. 

Now let’s see what your resume objective and skills summary (or areas of strength) would look like in this case: 

Resume Objective

Driven and hardworking journalism graduate looking to get hired as a reporter in The Daily Prophet. I interned at Who Magazine for six months, where I gained hands-on experience in research, fact-checking, and interviewing. Passionate blogger at Fake Blog Website, which is currently followed by over two thousand readers. 

Skills Summary 

Research & Fact checking

• Able to systematically look for information, resources, data, etc. through a variety of sources, such as books, online directories, or social media. 
• Careful to always ensure that every claim and data that gets published is accurate and legitimate. 

Interviewing

• Full knowledge of journalism ethics and standards that are required to conduct successful and dignified interviews. 
• Skilled at connecting with interviewees on a deeper level to ensure comprehensive and detailed interviews. 
• Excel at several types of journalistic writing, including news, feature writing, columns, and reviews.
• Have published over 15 articles in different newspapers and magazines since graduating. 

Considering that the functional resume focuses solely on a candidate’s skills, the only groups of candidates who should consider using it are: 

• Freelancers with impressive portfolios 
• Professionals in creative industries
• Career changers 
• Recent graduates, and entry-level professionals
• Military veterans passing into civilian roles

So, to sum it all up: 

Functional Resume Format Pros & Cons

• Good for highlighting specific skills.
• Useful if you’re switching careers since you can explain how your skills transfer to the new job.
• Useful if you’re a recent graduate with practical skills but not much work experience.
• The functional resume format is not very popular in 2024, and most recruiters and hiring managers aren’t familiar with it, so using this format carries a bit of a risk.
• Since the functional resume has less focus on work experience, recruiters might think you’re trying to hide something.
• Applicant tracking systems (ATS) have difficulties reading functional resumes.

#3. Combination Resume Format

The combination resume format , also known as the “hybrid,” is a mixture of the functional and the reverse-chronological format.

This resume format gives equal attention to an applicant’s skills section and work experience. As such, you end up including both the Skill Summary and the Work Experience sections:

• Skill Summary

The focal point here is the skills summary. Placed right after the contact information section, this is where you list the skills that are required for the job and then prove that you have them through your professional experience and achievements. 

Here is exactly how you should write it: 

• List the skills that are required for the position you’re applying for and that you actually possess. 
• Add up to 4 professional achievements underneath each skill to prove that you possess it. 
• Make your achievements as descriptive and quantifiable as possible. 

Combination Format Example

Say you’re a senior program manager with over a decade of experience in your field. 

You can plan, execute, evaluate programs and projects across diverse industries, and inspire your team to do great work. 

Recently, someone told you about an opening for a program director in an international company. To apply, you’re putting together a hybrid resume format. 

Here’s what makes it the best choice: 

• Saves space. For highly competitive positions, you want your resume to be able to cut through the noise. The hybrid format allows you to do that by bringing into focus your most relevant achievements right from the start.
• Combines the best parts of the other two resume formats, which is perfect for senior professionals or executives that have plenty to show for both experience and skills. 

For example, some of the skills required for the program director gig mentioned above may include interpersonal skills , budget management, and project management. 

Here’s what the skills summary in your hybrid resume would look like in practice: 

Interpersonal Skills

• Initiated formal and informal coaching and mentorship to 50+ team members regarding project charter development, resource planning, best practices of project management, and appropriate delivery of project outcomes. 
• Coordinated all project inputs with several functional/technical directors, managers, and project core teams, to formulate appropriate project tools and methodologies. 

Budget Management 

• Oversaw the implementation of the enterprise’s multi-year, multi-million dollar research system software that benefited employees company-wide. 
• Analysis of financial and statistical data reduced operational costs by 12%.
• Strategically supervised the project execution teams to ensure the timely and cost-effective completion of projects, saving the company $250K in project costs. 

Project Management

• Provided strategic direction, leadership, and project governance for a multimillion-dollar application project portfolio, which successfully supported a population of 60K+ end-users across the UAE and Saudi Arabia.
• Streamlined project management methodologies and communication in the IT division, which increased efficiency by 90%. 
• Accurately report on project status throughout its life cycle to 20+ project teams, stakeholders, and sponsors, encompassing budget estimation, scheduling, and resource planning.

Combination Resume Format Pros and Cons 

• Allows you to show off more of your experience and skills using less space.
• Useful for very senior professionals or executives who need to highlight more than just their work experience.
• Good for applicants who may have a noticeable employment gap but plenty of work experience nonetheless.
• As with the functional resume format, applicant tracking systems have difficulties reading combination resumes.
• If you’re a recent graduate or don’t have much work experience, this resume format is not very useful.
• As is the case with the functional resume, most hiring managers aren’t very familiar with this format, which might cause some confusion in the process.

The Verdict: What Is the Best Resume Format?  

Now that we’ve covered all 3 of the common resume formats, you’re probably wondering which one's best resume format out there .

Here’s our verdict:

In 90%+ of the cases, we’d recommend going with a reverse-chronological resume format.

In 2024, it’s the most common and useful format:

• Applicant tracking systems can read it without any problems.
• All recruiters and hiring managers are familiar with this format.
• Whether you’re a recent graduate or a senior professional, it’s the easiest format to work with.

So, even if you’re a career changer, a highly-qualified professional, or a college student, it’s risky to choose one of the other two formats over the reverse-chronological one.

There’s a good chance that the applicant tracking system won’t be able to read your resume and automatically discard it - after all the time you put into creating the resume!

At the same time, recruiters might just not be familiar with these resume formats, or think that you’re just trying to hide the fact that you’re not experienced, and disqualify you based on that.

So, the rule of thumb - when in doubt, go for the reverse-chronological resume.

Looking for CV writing tips instead? Here's our full guide on how to write a CV !

How to Beat the ATS Software

Did you know that 75% of resumes don’t even make it to the hiring manager ? 

Instead, they get scanned by ATS software, which evaluates your resume and decides whether it’s relevant enough for the hiring manager to give it a look.

At first, ATS software was used by larger companies that receive thousands of applications daily as a way to filter out irrelevant applicants. Today, though, studies show that most companies use ATS to evaluate applicants. 

As worrying as this thought may be, you’ll be glad to know there is a way to beat ATS and get your resume on top of the hiring manager’s desk:

Creating an ATS-friendly resume ! 

Here is a handy list of our top tips for making a resume that beats applicant tracking systems: 

• Place your contact information at the top of your resume. 
• Sprinkle specific keywords from the job description throughout your resume. 
• Avoid using graphics or charts as part of your resume. 
• Save your resume in PDF format. 

7 Other Resume Resources

Picking the right resume format is just the first step in creating a convincing resume.

Want to learn how to make a resume that lands you the job?

Check out some of our best career resources!

• Job Search Masterclass - This one’s our flagship e-book. It covers literally everything you need to know about job-search: how to make a resume, how to write a cover letter, how to apply for jobs effectively, what are the most common job interview questions, and a LOT more. The book is jam-packed with value, and illustrated, making it an extremely easy read.
• How to Make a Resume - Our comprehensive guide on how to make a resume from A to Z.
• Interview Questions And Answers - Have a hard time with job interviews? This guide features ALL the most common job interview questions that you might encounter.
• How to Write a Cover Letter - Our ultimate guide on writing a cover letter (free templates included!)
• 50+ Resume Examples - Need some inspiration with your resume? Check out our resume examples for 50+ different positions and fields.
• 43+ Resume Tips - A complete list of all our resume tips, ordered by importance.
• 26+ Interview Mistakes - Whatever you do, avoid making these common interview mistakes.

And of course, for more industry-leading job-search advice, make sure to follow our career blog !

FAQ on Resume Formats

Do you still have some questions about resume formatting? We’ll get them answered here!

1. What’s the best resume format in 2024?  

For the majority of job-seekers, the best resume format in 2024 is the reverse-chronological resume format. This resume format involves listing your resume information (e.g. your work experience and your education) starting with the most recent one and going backward through relevant jobs, degrees, or qualifications. 

Here’s why the reverse chronological resume format is the best choice: 

• It’s easy to read and skim through
• Hiring managers are familiar with it because it’s the most commonly used one
• It’s ATS-friendly, which means Applicant Tracking Systems can scan it with ease
• It brings your career progression and professional achievements into the spotlight

2. What is the correct format for a college student resume? 

The best resume format for a college student resume is the reverse-chronological format .

While it is true that a functional resume can help you emphasize your skills more than work experience, it comes with two serious problems:

• Recruiters aren’t familiar with it, and they might think you’re trying to hide the fact that you don’t have work experience.
• Applicant tracking systems have trouble reading this resume format. 

So, unless you have absolutely no experience to show for it (meaning, not even unpaid internships, or even college projects with relevant responsibilities for the job you’re applying for), then you should still choose the reverse-chronological resume format over the skills-based one. 

If you’re worried about your lack of work experience , don’t. For most entry-level positions and internships, you’re not required to have work experience. 

3. What is the best resume format for a job seeker with experience? 

The best resume format for a job-seeker with plenty of experience in the industry they’re applying for is the reverse-chronological format. 

Here’s what makes the reverse-chronological format the best choice: 

• It puts emphasis on your strengths as an applicant, namely your professional experience. 
• It shows recruiters exactly what they’re looking for (your achievements and qualifications) from the get-go. 

4. Is resume format important? 

Yes, the resume format you choose is important. Basically, the resume format involves the type of information listed on the resume and the way this information is organized and presented. 

When they’re evaluating your resume, hiring managers expect to see information that will help them assess whether you’re the right person for the job (i.e. your experience, skills, and qualifications, among others). If, for example, you have five years of work experience but your resume format focuses on your education, the hiring manager may have trouble realizing that you’re the right person for the job. 

At the same time, hiring managers want to spend as little time as possible reading your resume. This means that a disorganized, chaotic resume may get them to throw your resume in the “rejected” pile without giving it a second thought. 

That’s why it’s super important to choose the right resume format that highlights your strengths and that recruiters know and like. 

5. What is an ATS-friendly resume format?

Applicant Tracking System software is software that companies use to sort through the countless applications they receive daily. 

What ATS does is scan resumes for specific keywords mentioned in the job description (e.g. necessary skills for the job), and filter out those applications it deems irrelevant. 

As such, an ATS-friendly resume format is the kind of format that lists information in plain text and organizes it in clear sections, making it easier to be read by applicant tracking systems.

This is important because ATS software is typically unable to read text within images or scan infographics.  

6. What resume format is most ATS-friendly?

The most ATS-friendly resume format is the reverse-chronological format. 

That’s because it allows you to use ATS-specific keywords in your skills section and doesn’t use too many visuals such as graphs, infographics, etc.

7. Are hand-written resumes still used?

No, hand-written resumes are barely used in 2024. As such, you should not submit a handwritten resume when you’re applying for jobs. 

Here are some of the most important reasons why: 

• ATS software is unable to scan hand-written resumes. This means that if the company to which you’re applying uses an ATS, your resume will get disqualified.
• Your handwriting might be difficult to understand. Not just that, but you’ll have trouble differentiating one section from the other and keeping everything uniform, which means your resume will be the opposite of reader-friendly.
• We’re technically living online now. Gone are the days when you’d look up job openings in a newspaper or apply by mail. Everything has moved online, so it only makes sense for your resume to do the same.

8. Is the resume format the same as the resume template?

No, a resume format is not the same thing as a resume template. 

Resume format refers to the layout of the resume, namely, the kind of information, its order, and the way it's organized on the resume. Basic document settings, such as line spacing, fonts, and margins, are also part of resume formatting. 

A resume template, on the other hand, is a pre-designed, blank document that you can fill in as you go. Using a resume template to create your resume is a much easier and less time-consuming process than formatting your resume from scratch. 

9. What is the easiest way to build my resume?

The easiest, most efficient way to create a resume is through a resume builder .

If you use a text editor, you could spend hours trying to format your resume, but the moment you make a tiny design change, the whole resume layout gets completely messed up!

Using a resume builder, on the other hand, comes with a ton of benefits:

• Recruiter-friendly layout. All of our resume templates are created with recruiters in mind - they’re extremely easy to read and skim.
• Easy to build. Our resume builder is extremely easy to use. All YOU have to do is fill in the content - we take care of all the resume formatting.
• ATS-friendly . Applicant tracking systems can read our resumes perfectly fine, ensuring that you don’t get automatically disqualified when applying for positions.
• Free (with premium features). Our base builder is completely free without any hidden paywalls! If you’re looking to upgrade the resume design, though, or get access to several awesome features, you can always upgrade to Premium.

10. What are the 7 resume types?

The 7 types of resume formats include the reverse-chronological resume, the combination resume, the resume with profile, the non-traditional resume, the infographic resume, the functional resume, and the targeted resume.

Key Takeaways

And that’s a wrap on resume formats! 

By now, you should know everything there is to know about the most popular resume formats and regarding what the best resume format is for YOU. 

Before you go, let’s do a recap of the most important points covered in this article: 

• There are 3 common resume formats - reverse-chronological, functional, and combination (also known as the hybrid).
• The reverse-chronological format is the most popular one in 2024, and we always recommend you go with that one.
• A functional resume focuses more on skills rather than work experience and is usually used by career changers or students.
• A combination resume is a mix of functional and reverse-chronological formats and puts equal emphasis on work experience and skill set.
• Both functional and combination resumes are not too popular, and applicant tracking systems have trouble reading them.

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The Best Resume Format: 20+ Examples + How-to Tips

How to format a resume the right way and how to choose the best of the three standard resume formats, depending on your current career circumstances. Plus, examples of well-formatted resumes you can steal.

The term “resume format” might mean different things: 

• For some, it’s about the nuts and bolts of the document—things like margins, fonts, overall structure.
• For others, it’s about picking the right type of the three standard resume formats—reverse-chronological, functional (skills-based), or combination (hybrid).
• Then there are those who think of “format” as the visual design and layout of a resume.

Whichever of those aspects of resume formatting you’re curious about, you’ll get all the answers you need here.

In this guide:

• How to format your resume to make it readable and professional.
• Which resume format to choose, based on your current career situation.
• Recent resume formatting trends you should know (and not always follow).

Just came here for the TL;DR version? Here it goes.

Short answer:

• Consistency is the most important aspect of resume formatting. Use a standard font like Arial, Calibri, Helvetica, Georgia, or Garamond. Use 10–12 pt font for the main body and 14–16 pt for headings. Set line spacing for 1–1.15 and margins not below 0.5 inches. For dates, choose one date format and stick to it.
• To save time and effort and make sure your resume looks just right, use an online resume builder. Obviously, I’d love you to take Rezi for a spin because we’re strongly focused on ATS-compliant formats, but if you want alternatives, Wozber, FlowCV, and Teal are also worth a try.
• The reverse-chronological resume format is a safe choice for all jobseekers and the best choice for 9 out of 10 candidates. 
• If you’re fresh out of school and have no work history to showcase, still use the reverse-chronological resume, just put your education section above the work experience part. 
• The combination format might work if you’re changing careers, but only if you’ve had a lot of professional experience in that previous field.
• The functional resume format is usually too risky. Use at your own peril. The only scenario where it might be okay is if you’re applying for a highly-creative role and your portfolio matters more than your resume.

How to Format a Resume?

• Set margins for 1 inch. If a few lines spill over to the next page, you can make your margins slightly smaller, but not smaller than 0.5 inches.
• If you have less than 5 years of experience, make your resume one-page. Two-page resumes are fine for mid-level to senior-level candidates.
• Use one of the standard, recognizable fonts like Arial, Calibri, Merriweather, Helvetica, Georgia, or Garamond. You can use a different font for headings: a combo of serif and sans-serif fonts often looks better.
• Go for 10–12 pt font for the main body and 14–16 pt for section headings.
• Put essential information in bold but don’t overdo it—use it for things like company names, educational institutions, or certifications.
• Use single or 1.15 line spacing for the main body, and 1.5–2.0 for the space between headings and sections.
• Structure your sections in the following order: Contact Information, Summary, Work Experience, Education, Skills, Additional Sections (Certifications, Courses, Conference Participation, Volunteer Work, and similar).
• Use bullet points to describe your duties and achievements in your work experience section. Use up to 7 bullet points per job—the more recent the position, the more bullets you can shoot for.
• Save your resume as a PDF unless the job ad explicitly asks for a different file format. Name the file FirstName_LastName_Resume_TargetCompany , e.g., John_Doe_Resume_Apple.

Formatting your resume right won’t automatically get you hired. Formatting it wrong, though, will automatically get you rejected. 

It’s the bare minimum you need to take care of in your job application. So yeah, don’t mess it up.

These essentials make sure your resume isn’t just professional, but also easy to skim and visually appealing.

Set proper margins

Margins frame your resume, giving it a clean, organized look. Aim for one-inch margins all around. If you’re tight on space, you can squeeze them down a bit—just not below 0.5 inches to avoid a cramped look.

Use respectable fonts

Your choice of font matters a lot. Stick to clear, professional fonts like Arial, Calibri, Merriweather or Times New Roman. Keep the main text between 10 and 12 points, bumping up headings a bit to make them pop. The aim is clarity, ensuring anyone can easily read your resume.

Get your line spacing right

Good line spacing keeps your resume from looking like a wall of text. Use single spacing for your content, with a bit more space between sections (1.5 to 2.0) to break things up visually.

Use clear, descriptive headings

Headings guide readers through your resume, so they need to stand out. Whether you bold them or use a different font, keep it consistent. This helps employers quickly find what they’re looking for.

Put the sections in the right order

How you organize your resume sections can make a big difference. Kick off with your contact info and a punchy summary or objective. After that, what comes next depends on what you want to highlight. Usually, you’ll lead with your work experience, followed by education, skills, and any extra goodies like certifications or awards.

Use bullet points strategically

Avoid using paragraphs to describe previous experience. Bullet points are your best friend for listing achievements and responsibilities. Start each one with a dynamic action verb and, whenever you can, quantify your successes. This format is not just reader-friendly, it also shines a spotlight on your contributions.

Save your resume as a PDF

When saving your resume, PDF is usually your safest bet to keep the formatting consistent across different devices. Name your resume file clearly with your name and the word “resume,” like, John_Doe_Resume.pdf . 

For brownie points, you can add the name of the company you’re applying to: Michael_Tomaszewski_Resume_Rezi.pdf (to be frank, I never got to send one).

Understanding these formatting basics sets a solid foundation for your resume, making it look good and read well. 

But that’s the easy part. Here’s where things get a little more complicated (or do they?).

Which of the Three Resume Formats is the Best?

• The three standard types of resume formats are: reverse-chronological (the most common one, focused on your work history), functional, AKA skills-based (focused on your skills), and combination (highlighting skills while tying them to professional experience).
• Reverse-chronological resume format is the best choice for most candidates, no matter their industry or seniority level.
• Combination resume format can work well for senior professionals with stellar achievements or for career-changers with extensive experience in their previous field.
• Functional resume format is generally risky: most recruiters don’t like it, and it might not pass some ATS scans. You can get away with it when applying for creative roles, where your portfolio matters more than linear work experience.

I’ll go into details right below. But first, consult this handy flowchart.

Below, I’ll break down the three main types to help you pick the best one for your current situation and career goals.

Reverse-chronological resume format

This is the go-to format for most jobseekers. Its main focus is in the work experience section, with jobs you’ve held listed in reverse-chronological order (starting with the current or most recent one, then working your way back in time).

This is the standard order of sections on a reverse-chronological resume:

• Contact Information
• Resume Summary or Resume Objective
• Work Experience
• Additional sections (Publications, Courses, Certificates , Volunteer Work , Hobbies and Interests, and similar)

And here’s what a good reverse-chronological resume looks like.

Reverse-chronological resume sample

Pros: it’s a recruiter- and ATS-friendly resume , highlighting your career progression and best achievements. It focuses exactly on what matters the most to potential employers.

Cons: if you’ve had plenty of success over many years of your professional career, some of the best bits might get lost between the cracks of a reverse-chronological resume.

This format is a no-brainer when you’ve had a straightforward career in the same field. 

That said, the reverse-chronological resume will work well even for career-changers, people with career gaps, or recent grads with little to no professional experience. 

Here’s why:

• Career changers: write an effective reverse-chronological resume by expressing your desire for a career switch in the resume summary, then, focus on experience and skills that are transferable to the new industry.
• Employment gaps: a 2014 study has shown that career gaps are far less significant to hiring decision-makers than you’d fear. As long as the gap has been followed by a period of continuous employment, it’s unlikely to bother your potential employer. The same goes for any gap shorter than 9 months. It shouldn’t even be called a “gap” in that case, you were just out of work for a while. Of course, you still need to explain the break, but something as straightforward as “Job Seeking” or “Break for Personal Reasons” will do the trick.
• No relevant work history: still fresh out of school with no work experience? Put your “Education” section above your “Work Experience.” In the education section, elaborate on relevant coursework or extracurricular activities . As for the work experience, list anything that might count, even that part-time cafeteria job or volunteer work.

Note : more recent, post-pandemic studies suggest that Americans do display slightly negative sentiment towards those who were unemployed during the pandemic. That said, those surveys were run on general population, not hiring professionals, so take the results with a grain of salt.

Functional (skills-based) resume format

Here, you focus on your skills rather than when you worked where. 

It’s commonly advertised as *the* resume format for candidates with gaps in employment or who are switching careers and want to highlight transferable skills.

The twist is that, technically, you don’t even have to put in the dates next to your jobs. And that might sound really tempting to those of you who aren’t too confident about your career progression so far.

But it just doesn’t work like that. 

You’ll be much better off honestly addressing any irregularities in work history on your resume than trying to conceal those. A functional resume immediately raises questions.

Honestly, any time I had to write a sample functional resume to show that it MIGHT work, I always ended up creating something closer to a combination resume (more on that in a moment).

This is the standard order of sections on a functional resume:

• Resume Objective
• Skills Summary
• Additional sections

Here’s what it looks like in practice.

Functional resume sample

Pros: it lets you play up your strengths and downplay less relevant positions. Can be a good choice for creative or artistic positions or when applying to small businesses.

Cons: recruiters aren’t fans because it can seem like you’re hiding something. It’s not great for dealing with ATS scans. It conceals what hiring decision-makers are interested in the most—your career progression.

If you’re dead set on using the functional resume format, by this point, I’ve probably run out of options to convince you otherwise. 

My final piece of advice: provide concrete examples that prove the skills you’re listing. And if you have an online portfolio, by all means include a link in the contact information section.

Combination (hybrid) resume format

Also called a chrono-functional resume. A mix of both worlds, this format showcases your skills upfront, followed by a reverse-chronological work history. It’s ideal for highly experienced senior candidates or career-changers who’ve had long stints of employment in their “previous” careers.

• Extensive Skills Summary

Combination resume sample

Pros: highlights your most important skills and achievements up top. The magic sauce is tying a skill you mention to concrete evidence from your work history.

Cons: it’s fairly difficult to write it well. The whole point is compiling the highlights from your career in the skills summary at the top, but you don’t want to repeat all that information all over again in the work experience section.

A great example of someone who benefited from a combination resume comes from my individual client from a few years back, we’ll call him Jose.

Jose had over a dozen jobs throughout his 20-year career. He wasn’t much of a job hopper, more like a jack of all trades, taking a part-time gig here and there or holding two jobs simultaneously at times. 

He spent most of his life as a goalkeeper coach for a soccer club in Florida. Jose also handled some promotional activities for the club, was responsible for fundraising, and worked as a sales rep for a niche goalkeeper gear manufacturer. He was looking for a job in sales. And—

As we started talking, I realized he was an amazing salesperson! 

For instance, he single-handedly closed a sponsorship deal with the then Real Madrid’s first-choice goalkeeper (to those of you in the US—trust me, that’s a huge name in Europe) despite competing with the Nikes and Adidases of this world, and other companies he wouldn’t have been able to outbid. He also did spectacularly well managing sales initiatives for the soccer club.

And yet, if two of his most recent job positions had just read “Head Goalkeeper Coach” and “Goalkeeper Coach,” all of those other relevant achievements would have gotten buried. And recruiters won’t dig for information they don’t have readily available at first glance. 

Long story short, we wrote a combination resume for Jose and quickly landed him his dream sales gig. If your current situation sounds even a bit similar, this might be your cue!

CV format vs. resume format

Just a quick note here. If you’re looking for a job in academia, none of the above holds true. You’ll need to follow a CV format—and it’s an entirely different document.

A CV (Curriculum Vitae) is not just a “fancy” resume. It’s way more detailed and used primarily in higher education teaching and research positions, covering your entire career. 

How to choose the best resume format for you?

Depending on your experience level:.

• Entry-level with no experience: lean towards a modified reverse-chronological resume with the education section above the work experience.
• Mid-level: use the reverse-chronological format, which showcases a solid work history and upward career trajectory.
• Senior-level: go for a combination format as it allows you to display a rich mix of skills and impactful career milestones.
• Career-changers: the combination format is a good bet, letting you emphasize relevant skills over past job titles. You can also use a reverse-chronological resume, but provide some context for your desire to change careers in the resume summary or resume objective.

Depending on other factors:

• Linear work history: when you have a solid, consistent work history in the same field, use the reverse-chronological resume format. If your work history is varied with gaps or changes in career paths, a combination resume format might be better.
• Your industry: creative fields are more open to unique formats and designs. For more traditional fields, stick to the basics of standard resume formatting and, ideally, use the reverse-chronological resume.
• The role’s requirements: no matter the exact structure you end up using in your resume, always tailor any resume format to highlight the skills and experience that the role requires.

Here’s what you need to know about resume formatting and resume formats:

• Make your resume presentable. Treat it as any other formal document. Use an elegant font, single line spacing, 1-inch margins, and clear, visually-distinct headings.
• Always include the following sections: contact information, summary or objective, work experience, education, and skills.
• It’s best practice to throw in additional sections that back your expertise up: certifications, conferences, publications, volunteer work, projects, and similar.
• There are three standard resume formats: reverse-chronological, functional, and combination.
• The reverse-chronological resume is the best pick for a majority of candidates.
• Senior candidates or career-changers with a rich history of employment can benefit from using the combination resume format.
• Functional resumes are a less-than-perfect choice. They’re not exactly ATS-friendly, and they conceal some of the most important information.

Thanks a ton for reading and, as always, keeping my fingers crossed for your job hunt! Got any questions unanswered? Check out the FAQs below or hit me up via a DM on LinkedIn, always happy to talk careers!

Should my resume be one page?

For most early-career professionals, keeping your resume to one page is ideal. It forces you to highlight your most relevant experiences and skills. However, if you’re a mid- to senior-level professional with extensive experience relevant to the job you’re applying for, it’s acceptable to extend to two pages. The key is relevance and value—every section should add something meaningful.

How do I create an outline for my resume?

Start by listing the essential sections: Contact Information, Summary or Objective, Work Experience, Education, Skills, and any other relevant sections like Certifications or Projects. Next, under each category, bullet point the items you plan to include, focusing on achievements and skills. Adjust the order based on the resume format you choose and what you want to emphasize most.

What’s the best resume format for college students?

College students often benefit from a modified reverse-chronological format with education placed above work experience. It allows you to highlight your academic projects, and extracurricular activities, especially if you lack formal work experience. However, if you’ve had significant internships or relevant work, a traditional reverse-chronological format that showcases this experience can also work well.

Can I include a picture on my resume?

Generally, it’s best to avoid including a picture on your resume, especially for jobs in the US and UK, where it can actually work against you due to anti-discrimination laws. However, there are exceptions based on industry (like acting) or geographic location (some countries outside the US expect a photo). Always research the norms for your specific situation.

What’s the best resume format for ATS scans?

A reverse-chronological format is the safest bet for ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems) because it’s straightforward and easy for the software to parse. Regardless of format, ensure your resume includes relevant keywords from the job description, uses standard headings (like “Work Experience”), and avoids overly complex layouts or elements that could confuse the ATS.

What should I always include on a resume ?

Always include your contact information, a summary or objective (tailored to the job), your work experience (with achievements and quantifiable results), your education, and relevant skills. Depending on the job, you might also include sections for certifications, languages, volunteer work, or projects. Remember, customization based on the job you’re applying for is key.

Michael Tomaszewski

Michael Tomaszewski, CPRW, is a resume and career advice expert with 7+ years of experience in the hiring industry. He has helped millions of readers and dozens of one-on-one clients create resumes and cover letters that *finally* do their talents and accomplishments justice.

The Best Résumé Templates For Your 2024 Job Search

N o matter what the news says about low unemployment rates, if you don’t yet have your dream job , you’re going to need every tool at your disposal to attract an employer’s eye . Literally.

That’s why it’s increasingly popular for people to incorporate flashy designs in their résumé. For those of us who aren’t graphic designers, that often means using a résumé template. We’ll point you in the direction of some résumé templates out there in a minute, but first, you might be wondering how necessary these are for a job search . Do hiring managers even look at résumés when they can find out everything about us on social media or in those lengthy online applications we’re always filling out?

“Employers are always going to look you up on LinkedIn , but you also need to have some kind of tangible document that you can send along to demonstrate your professional identity,” career coach Elana Konstant tells Refinery29.

Amanda Augustine, careers expert for  TopCV , says having a strong résumé template is vital. “If a résumé’s content is king, then consider its design is queen,” she says. “How your information is presented on a résumé is just as important as the information itself. Recruiters want to see a visually appealing, yet uncomplicated, résumé that strikes the right balance between content and white space. If your résumé is not easy to read, employers will simply move on to the next application.”

When you’re going up against potentially hundreds of people for a job, the layout of your résumé could be the difference between being skipped over and getting an interview, Augustine warns. After all, studies have proved recruiters typically make a decision about a résumé within 10 seconds.

“A good résumé template is designed with both the hiring professional and its recruitment tools in mind,” she adds. “The document is first and foremost easily skimmable; it utilizes a consistent layout with clearly marked headings and an uncomplicated design that allow the reader to quickly understand why you’re a good fit for a particular job. It also avoids certain design elements that might throw off an  applicant tracking system  (ATS), such as custom fonts or bullet points, graphics, and right-hand columns or rails, among others.”

As you browse through some of the templates, you might be tempted to choose the designs that are the most artistic or fit the most words on the page. Konstant warns that those aren’t necessarily the ones that will land you a job. Some managers in creative fields might welcome an unconventional design, while many others will prefer a more conservative approach.

“I’ve noticed on Etsy, and some other sites, they sell formats that are pretty to look at, but I sometimes find that it can be hard to extract the right information from them,” she says. “It’s a delicate balance between finding something that you think looks good, but that represents the right information. … I definitely err on the side of fewer bells and whistles and really having the experience stand out.”

While many of these template sites include guidance on the content, not just the design, Konstant suggests seeking guidance offline. “Ask people who actually do the kind of work that you want to do to take a look at [your résumé] and see what’s missing,” she says. “[That way] you can make sure that your résumé really speaks to the kind of jobs that you’re looking for.”

Before you run off and find your mentor, you can at least start by using the following template sites. One note: Beware of many sites offering free or low-cost templates. Some of them will automatically subscribe you to their services after 14 days, and charge you fees. If there’s no pricing info available on a site, that should be a red flag.

There are plenty of options here, and Augustine recommends using the London, Santiago, Singapore and Athens templates if you’re applying for a job in a country that discourages using a résumé photo.

In both the UK and US this should be avoided as many recruiters won’t consider applications with a photo.

Google Docs

The easiest place to start is right here, and it’s free. There are five templates to choose from that include tiny bits of personality in the form of font changes, colour, and lines.

This can give you a clean, need and easy to read format to follow, that you can also adapt and develop further if you need.

Create your Europass CV

The Europass CV builder makes it easy to create your CV online. You can use it to apply for a job, education or training opportunities as well as volunteering.

The best-known CV format in Europe

The Europass CV is one of the best-known CV formats in Europe. It is easy-to-use and familiar to employers and education institutions.

You will first have to create your Europass profile with information on your education, training, work experience and skills. After you complete your Europass profile, you can create as many CVs as you want with just a few clicks. Just select which information you want to include, pick your favourite design and Europass will do the rest. 

You can create, store and share CVs in 31 languages . You can download your Europass CV, store it in your Europass Library share it with employers, with  EURES  or other job boards.

How to create a good CV

Remember that your CV is your first opportunity to communicate your skills and experiences to a future employer. It is a snapshot of who you are, your skills, your educational background, work experiences and other achievements.

Present your experience clearly

Highlight examples of your skills and experiences matching the job you are applying for. Pay close attention to the details published in the vacancy notice.

Tailor your CV

Make sure you update the ‘About Me’ section to highlight why you are the best person for the job. Do not include a full detailed history. Focus on facts and main points that match the job you have in mind.

Make it readable

Make sure your CV is easy to read. Use clear and simple language.  Use strong verbs (e.g. ‘managed’, ‘developed’, ‘increased’).

Use reverse chronological order

Always list the most recent experience on the top followed by previous ones. In case of long gaps in working or learning, include an explanation.

Polish and fine-tune

Check for spelling and grammar mistakes, provide a professional e-mail address, and add a professional photograph of yourself.

Your Europass profile

Your Europass profile is the place to keep a record of all your skills, qualifications and experiences. If you keep your Europass profile up-to-date then you will always have all the information you need to create tailored CVs and job applications quickly.

Good luck with your applications!

Find support through EU services

Eures the european job mobility portal, working abroad in other eu countries, education and training in other eu countries, you may be interested to read.

Create your Europass Cover Letter

Develop your skills through volunteering

Managing your personal information in Europass

Share this page.

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Indeed vs. LinkedIn (2024 Job Board Comparison)

Gabbie Rhodes is a creative content writer with over eight years of experience. Before freelancing, she worked at content marketing agencies and helped multiple brands—from startups to Fortune 500 companies—find and showcase their unique voice and thought leadership.

Katie is a Chicago-based editor. She started her career writing and editing content about home warranty, renters insurance, homeowners insurance and other home services topics before transitioning to home improvement products. She has spent the last year and a half working at a software company, managing content about CRMs, project management tools and other tech topics.

Indeed and LinkedIn are two popular job boards for large and small businesses alike. However, that doesn’t mean they are the same.

Indeed is a search engine that aggregates millions of job postings. Its constant flow of new opportunities attracts job seekers in droves. LinkedIn, on the other hand, focuses on fostering business connections. There is a job posting part of the platform called LinkedIn Jobs, but it’s a smaller part of what LinkedIn is about.

These contrasting purposes are just the tip of the iceberg. This article dives deeper into the differences between Indeed and LinkedIn so that you can determine which platform to use for your upcoming vacancies. 

Indeed vs. LinkedIn at a Glance

Indeed aggregates job listings from thousands of websites. Many job seekers use it to find open positions based on search filters for industry, job title and experience level. On the flip side, employers use it to comb through candidates who apply to their openings on the platform. There is also a resume database that recruiters can use to source qualified candidates that haven’t applied.

LinkedIn is primarily a social media platform for professional networking. Millions of workers and companies have profiles on it. Recruiters can use their profile or their company’s profile to reach out to qualified candidates who may be a good fit for their open roles. However, there is also a smaller part of the platform for posting jobs if recruiters want candidates to come to them. 

Large and small companies across all industries are vying for top talent on both sites. However, LinkedIn may be better for small businesses that want to connect directly with potential candidates. Indeed, on the other hand, works well for big or international companies that want to cast a wide net.

Indeed Pros and Cons

No platform is perfect. Here is a list of the pros and cons that come with using Indeed.

• Free job posting: All Indeed job postings are free. However, you have the option to pay for a sponsored placement if you want to boost your post’s reach.
• Affordable sponsored placement: As previously mentioned, you can pay to boost the visibility of your job post so that it appears at the top of Indeed’s search results. This costs as little as $5 per day .
• Company profiles: You can create a company profile on Indeed to showcase your mission, values and culture. This information gives potential applicants insight into what it would be like to work for you.
• Resume database: Indeed has a database with over 245 million resumes to help you find qualified candidates for your open positions. You can sort them based on education, skills, experience, location and more.
• Virtual interviewing: You can interview applicants directly on Indeed using the site’s on-platform video tool. 
• Strong competition: There are so many job listings on Indeed that yours needs to be unique to stand out and attract talent.
• Resume database fee: It costs between $120 and $300 per month to access Indeed’s resume database.

LinkedIn Pros and Cons

LinkedIn has its own advantages and disadvantages. Below are a handful to consider.

• Free job listing: Like Indeed, LinkedIn has free job posting. As applicants roll in, you can filter them into three groups — yes, no and maybe. 
• Sponsored job listing: LinkedIn also has an option to boost a job post’s visibility for a fee. Like with Indeed, you set your own budget.
• Business profiles: You can create a LinkedIn page for your business that summarizes your company mission, workforce, culture and more.
• Personal connections: You can tap into your network of school peers and past coworkers to source qualified candidates who would be willing to consider a new job even though they’re not actively searching.
• Recruiting resources: LinkedIn Talent Solutions expands recruiting and hiring help beyond simply job posting.
• Talent Solutions fee: LinkedIn Talent Solutions comes at a cost. The Lite version starts at $139.99 per month after a one-month free trial . The advanced version doesn’t have transparent pricing; you must contact sales.
• No interviews: The platform has messaging but not interviewing. 

Indeed vs. LinkedIn Pricing Comparison

Both Indeed and LinkedIn have several free features. With Indeed, it is free to post as many jobs as you want at a time. For LinkedIn, it’s free to post one job at a time. You can also source potential candidates for free by looking at their profiles.

For a summary of their paid offerings, review the comparison table below. 

Indeed vs. LinkedIn Features Comparison

Indeed and LinkedIn have various tools to help you source, vet and manage job candidates. We have a table with explanations of the main features below.

Resume Search

Indeed has an extensive resume database that you can access for a monthly fee. You can do as much searching and filtering as you want on the database, but you have a monthly limit in terms of how many candidates you can contact. The limit is either 30 contacts per month or 100 contacts per month depending on the Indeed Resume plan you choose.

LinkedIn doesn’t have a resume database. However, you can search for and view as many profiles as you want for free. Seeing as personal profiles on LinkedIn often have sections for experience, education and skills, they are effectively resumes. Similar to Indeed, you’re limited in who you can contact. You can contact anyone who is a first-degree connection. For a second- or third-degree connection, you must pay for the Recruiter Lite plan.

Employer Dashboard

Every employer gets a dashboard on Indeed and LinkedIn. Indeed’s dashboard lets you track, message, invite and interview candidates. You can also update job statuses, filter applications and access templates. It’s essentially a one-stop shop for managing your hiring process from start to finish. 

LinkedIn’s employer dashboard isn’t as robust, but it does have some foundational features. You can see how your job post is performing by looking at the number of views and applicants. You can also filter out unqualified candidates and message qualified ones.

ATS Integrations

If you use an applicant tracking system (ATS) for recruiting and hiring, you can integrate it with Indeed for free. Indeed integrates with more than 300 ATSs , so yours is likely to be on that list if you use a well-known one. You can also integrate an ATS with LinkedIn. However, LinkedIn doesn’t offer as many integrations, and the integrations aren’t free. 

Screening Questions

Both LinkedIn and Indeed allow you to include screening questions with your job listings. There are pre-made as well as custom questions to ask about education, location, experience and expertise. You can mark the questions as “required” to filter out any candidates from the start who don’t meet the job’s qualifications.

Skills Assessments

Indeed has hundreds of assessments that you can use to test hard or soft skills. Tests vary in complexity and length depending on the topic. Candidates get a score at the end, which you can see while reviewing their other qualifications. 

LinkedIn doesn’t offer skills assessments.

Virtual Interviews

You can schedule and conduct video interviews directly on Indeed, but LinkedIn doesn’t offer on-platform video interviewing. 

Job Listing Templates

Indeed and LinkedIn both have templates to help you craft job listings that are as engaging and attractive as possible. LinkedIn also has a new AI feature that it’s testing out that writes job descriptions for you. In either case, you can edit the listing template or the AI-generated description to fit your needs.

The Bottom Line

Indeed and LinkedIn are both effective hiring platforms. They start with free job posting and offer paid services if you want more recruiting help.

Their main difference lies in how they work. Indeed aggregates millions of job opportunities from other sites, including LinkedIn, whereas LinkedIn is a social media platform for professional networking with recruiting tools on the side.

Frequently Asked Questions About Indeed vs. LinkedIn

Which platform is better, indeed or linkedin.

Neither Indeed nor LinkedIn is better. However, they do have their different focuses. Indeed has a massive pool of open jobs for job seekers and potential candidates for employers. LinkedIn, on the other hand, is primarily a social media platform for networking.

Do employers prefer LinkedIn or Indeed?

Employers use both LinkedIn and Indeed. An employer’s preference between the two platforms comes down to what they want — networking with some recruiting or comprehensive recruiting.

Is LinkedIn the best way to find a job?

LinkedIn lets you tap into your professional network to find job opportunities. However, if you would prefer to apply to jobs without referrals, you could try Indeed, Glassdoor, Monster and/or ZipRecruiter.

What is the best job search engine?

There is no “best” job search engine, as each one has its pros and cons. However, some of the most well-known ones you could use include Indeed, LinkedIn, Glassdoor, ZipRecruiter and Monster.

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• Web Development

Netflix Software Engineer Resume Examples in 2024

Home Blog Web Development Netflix Software Engineer Resume Examples in 2024

According to me, readers can use this article as a step-by-step manual to create an impressive resume for a Netflix job as a software security engineer . The extremely talented software engineer with a love for creating dependable, expandable, and creative solutions can easily create this Netflix Software Resume. With advice on how to personalize your Netflix software engineer resume to stand out from other candidates, it will cover the range of experiences and abilities you should emphasize to show that you are qualified for the position. To write a professional and approachable Netflix software engineer resume in 2024, readers will also learn what language and tone to use.

Netflix Software Engineer Resume Format

1. create a solid netflix software engineer resume template/structure.

[Your Name]

[Your Contact Information]

Objective:  Dedicated software engineer with a focus on efficiency and scalability in system development. In search of a demanding position at Netflix as a software engineer where I can help create innovative streaming technologies and improve user experiences.

2. Work Experience:

a. Lead Embedded Software Engineer at Rockwell Automation, OH

Developed a 15% more efficient production system using new embedded software for Rockwell Automation, OH. This technology has been used throughout the organization to monitor and react to environmental changes in real time.

Developed a new software platform for the industrial automation products of Rockwell Automation while serving as the team leader for seven software developers. This platform cut development time by 20%, saving over $200,000 in costs.

A new system for handling and tracking Rockwell Automation feature requests and software defects has been implemented. Customer satisfaction increased when this method reduced the time to resolve bugs from two weeks to one week.

Developed and implemented a unique software platform for Rockwell Automation, facilitating remote equipment monitoring. A 10% improvement in productivity was achieved due to this system's 50% reduction in downtime.

b. Honda R&D Americas, Inc., OH Senior Embedded Software Engineer

The development time of a new embedded system project was cut by thirty percent due to implementing an Agile-based development strategy.

The 25% less time was spent troubleshooting Honda's embedded systems due to the development of a new diagnostic tool.

A 40% increase in user interface speed was made to the embedded software already in place for Honda's connected car system.

It developed a custom debugging system that reduced the number of software faults discovered in production by 20% and raised debugging accuracy by 45%.

What if You Don't Have Work Experience?

When applying for a Netflix software engineering job without prior work experience, emphasize your schooling, projects, and applicable skills. Start with a compelling synopsis emphasizing your love of technology and desire to help. An education section describing your degree, pertinent coursework, and any projects or accomplishments in the classroom should come next. Match the programming languages, frameworks, and tools you highlight in the skills section to Netflix's tech stack. To illustrate real-world experience, list any volunteer work, internships, or Coding Bootcamp Software Engineer you have completed. In addition, emphasize any extracurricular activities, leadership positions, or collaborative experiences that demonstrate your capacity for cooperation and effective problem-solving. Ensure your resume is error-free, concise, and formatted correctly to leave a good impression.

3. Contact Information

Heli Shigley, Embedded Software Engineer [email protected] (563) 409-7132 Akron, OH

4. Education

Embedded Software Engineering Bachelor of Science, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH

Relevant Course: Data Structures and Algorithms, Programming Languages, Software Engineering, Embedded Systems Design, Digital Logic Design, Computer Architecture, Operating Systems, Computer Networks and Computer Security.

• Debugging and troubleshooting
• Real-time systems
• Microcontrollers
• RTOS (Real Time Operating System)
• IoT protocols and technologies
• Embedded Linux

An innovative software developer with a strong background in computer science and a strong motivation for success. It is competent in working in agile teams to produce excellent software solutions and knowledgeable in various programming languages and technologies. The Netflix software engineer resume summary demonstrates outstanding problem-solving and communication capabilities. I am ready to use my experience to further the dynamic work environment at Netflix, which values innovation and superior technical performance. The company aims to contribute significantly to creating innovative goods and services by proactively approaching issues and maintaining a continuous learning mindset.

7. Use Action Words to Strengthen Your Resume

Choosing the appropriate action words to use on a resume might be challenging. An excellent and persuasive Netflix Embedded Software Engineer resume must use various words. It includes fresh and intriguing terms that are crucial to catch the reader's attention because using the exact words again can make your resume seem repetitive. It will also help to highlight your technical expertise and experience in software engineering if you use action verbs that are specifically relevant to engineering. On a resume for an embedded software engineer, action words like "designed," "developed," "tested," "implemented," "debugged," "analyzed," and "optimized" are examples.

8. Extra Sections

Here are some of the extra sections that you can add to your Netflix software engineer cv mentioned below: 

A. Awards & Certification

I've received recognition for my dedication to and skill in software engineering throughout my academic and professional career. These honors confirm my commitment to quality work and my aptitude for creating creative ideas. To complement these successes, I've actively worked towards certifications to upgrade my skill set and stay current with developments in the field. These qualifications testify to my experience and show how proactive I am in my professional development, which ensures my value in the ever-changing technology industry.

B. Languages

I am not only technically proficient but also speak English, Spanish, and French with ease. This language diversity promotes a more profound knowledge of various cultures and viewpoints and makes communication easier. Being multilingual has been extremely helpful in fostering smooth cross-cultural interactions, cooperating with international teams, and overcoming language difficulties. It also highlights my versatility and adaptability, which are essential qualities for growing in various job situations and navigating today's interconnected world.

C. Interests & Hobbies

Hiking and camping outdoors help me discover nature, revitalize myself, and gain inspiration from the wonders of the natural world. I also love taking pictures with my camera; it allows me to preserve memories and capture fleeting moments. Playing instruments like the guitar and losing myself in the percussion rhythm brings me comfort and happiness when I venture into the world of music. In addition to offering a creative outlet, these activities build community, resilience, and teamwork—all of which benefit my career as a software engineer.

9. Netflix Software Engineer Cover Letter

Priyanka Bhati 11 Parihar Chowk, Jodhpur (Raj) 342008 [email protected] 0987654321 21 March 2024 Hiring Manager Netflix, Inc. Swami Vivekanand Society, Sant Nagar Pune (Maharashtra) 411008 Dear Hiring Manager, I'm writing to Netflix to express interest in the software engineer position listed. Having a solid foundation in software development through Web Development and designing courses and a love for coming up with creative solutions, I'm thrilled about the chance to support Netflix in its goal of providing audiences all over the world with top-notch entertainment experiences. During my work, I have developed my expertise in cloud computing, backend systems architecture, and full-stack web development. I have delivered scalable and reliable software solutions in various sectors during my career, including [name any pertinent industries]. My ability to work well in dynamic, fast-paced contexts is facilitated by my expertise in languages like Java, Python, and JavaScript, as well as my knowledge of frameworks like Spring Boot and React. Netflix's dedication to pushing technological boundaries to improve the user experience is one of the things that drew me in. Netflix's innovative culture and emphasis on data-driven decision-making stand out. I am excited to work with skilled teams to develop reliable and effective systems that satisfy users and spur company expansion using data insights and modern technology. Moreover, Netflix's ongoing education and personal growth principles appeal to me. I take the initiative to stay current with emerging technology and trends in the business, and I'm constantly keen to pick up new skills and techniques to further my work. I do not doubt that my versatility and eagerness to take on new tasks match Netflix's goals and objectives. I'm excited about the possibility of working with Netflix and supporting its goal of reshaping the entertainment industry. I'm thrilled to contribute my technical know-how, teamwork spirit, and quality commitment to this position. I appreciate your consideration of my application. I'm excited to discuss how my abilities and background fit your team's requirements. Warm regards, Priyanka Bhati

Best Practices to Make Your Resume Easy to Scan

In today's competitive job market, making your CV easy to scan is essential to getting hiring managers to notice it. To make sure that your Netflix software engineer resume for freshers is simple to read, follow these best practices:

• Make your formatting simple and easy:  To arrange your material, use bullet points and a professional, clear font. Maintain a unified formatting style for the entire document.
• Sort important information into priority:  At the top of each section, highlight your most noteworthy and applicable experiences and abilities to generate attention quickly.
• Make use of subheadings and headings:  Make sure that all of the sections on your resume—such as "Work Experience," "Education," and "Skills"—have clear headings. To further organize the content in each section, use subheadings.
• Assess accomplishments:  Quantify your successes as much as you can with measurements and data. This makes it easier for recruiters to determine your impact from previous work.
• Make smart use of white space:  Make sure to fill your resume with enough text. To improve readability and ease the strain on the eyes, leave enough white space between sections and bullet points in the writing.
• Highlight the most crucial terms: Include pertinent keywords from the job description in your resume to make it unique for each application you submit. Hiring managers could be attracted to your resume, and it may even make it through applicant tracking systems (ATS).
• Make it short: If feasible, keep your Netflix software engineer CV  on one page, particularly if you're starting your profession. Choose wisely what to include, emphasizing your most relevant experiences and abilities.

Do's and Don'ts

Netflix software engineer resume example/sample.

Here are the examples of software developer resumes at different levels: entry-level and senior level.

1. Entry-Level Resume Sample

A resume sample for an entry-level software developer usually comprises a concise description that emphasizes the candidate's education, experience, and any projects or internships. It should also demonstrate problem-solving and teamwork capabilities, as well as programming language knowledge. Highlighting any certifications or prior work experience relevant to the business might also help the candidate.

2. Senior Level Resume Sample

The extensive experience in software development, project management, and team leadership are often cited in resume samples for senior-level software developers. It ought to showcase successes like managing intricate projects, teaching younger engineers, and putting creative solutions into practice. Furthermore, it is imperative for senior roles to demonstrate proficiency in modern technology in order for effective cross-functional team collaborations.

Download the Netflix Software Engineer Resume Template here!

Top 10 Skills for a Netflix Software Engineer Resume

A Netflix Software Engineer CV must emphasize a blend of primary talents, soft skills, and domain-specific knowledge. The top ten skills are as follows:

• Software development: It is essential to be proficient in several programming languages, such as Java, Python, and JavaScript. Engineers are expected to write clear, compelling, and easy-to-maintain code.
• Full-stack development: Able to work with front-end and backend technologies, such as front-end development frameworks, including React, and backend services frameworks, such as Spring Boot.
• Cloud computing: Building scalable and robust apps requires familiarity with cloud platforms such as AWS or Azure, as well as knowledge of cloud services.
• Microservices architecture: Knowledge of creating and executing microservices -based designs, which allow software systems to be flexible and scalable.
• Big data technologies : Knowledge of big data frameworks and technologies like Spark, Hadoop, and Kafka, as Netflix works with enormous volumes of data for analytics and content suggestions.
• Machine learning and AI: Understanding of content optimization algorithms, personalized recommendation systems, and machine learning approaches.
• DevOps practices: Knowledge of infrastructure automation tools (like Terraform), containerization (like Docker), and continuous integration/continuous delivery (CI/CD) pipelines to ensure adequate software application deployment and administration.
• Data structures and algorithms: Excellent knowledge of basic algorithms and data structures is necessary for creating optimized and efficient code.
• Collaboration and communication: Collaborating with cross-functional teams comprising product managers, designers, and other engineers requires strong communication and teamwork abilities.
• Problem-solving skills: Possess the ability to recognize and address complex technical problems, develop creative solutions, and adjust to changing business needs and technology.

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A software engineer who is committed to achieving results and has a wealth of expertise in creating scalable and effective solutions for Netflix's streaming platform. Knowledgeable about various technologies and programming languages, such as Python, Java, and AWS services. Strong collaborative mentality and problem-solving abilities, as seen by productive cross-functional teamwork. Devoted to keeping up with new technological developments and consistently streamlining procedures. Devoted to producing top-notch goods that improve user experience. Eager to drive the company's technological advancement and contribute to Netflix's creative projects.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

To make an impression on Netflix recruiters, highlight your relevant software engineering experience and proficiency with AWS, Java, and Python. Emphasize teamwork successes and a love of innovation and user experience to show that your culture fits Netflix's fast-paced work environment well.

Highlight technological abilities that apply to the Netflix platform, such as cloud computing, Java, Python, and knowledge of AWS services. Display your expertise in streaming technologies, distributed computing, and scalable system design. In addition, highlight your proficiency with microservices architecture, data processing, and pipelines for continuous integration and deployment (CI/CD).

In your resume, highlight specific instances where you overcame challenges or implemented solutions. Explain the issue, your strategy, and the successful result. When feasible, quantify the outcomes to show how effective your problem-solving abilities are.

Sachin Bhatnagar

With 20+ yrs of industry experience in media, entertainment and web tech, Sachin brings expertise in hands-on training and developing forward-thinking, industry-centric curricula. 30k+ students have enrolled in his tech courses.

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