Your resume is often the first thing a hiring manager sees, and you only have a few moments to make an impression. Most recruiters skim resumes in under 10 seconds, deciding whether to proceed. Your qualifications might go unnoticed if your resume is cluttered, hard to read, or unstructured.

A well-organized layout makes your key strengths easy to identify, ensures logical information flow, and improves readability. The proper resume format can mean the difference between landing an interview and getting overlooked.

In this blog, you’ll discover the best resume layouts, real examples, and step-by-step tips on how to format a resume that grabs attention and helps you win a job.

What is a Resume Layout?

A resume layout is the arrangement of information on your resume. It includes section placement, font choices, spacing, and structure to ensure clarity and readability. Resume layout is not always about aesthetics; it’s about making your qualifications immediately clear and easy to absorb.

Why Does Resume Layout Matter?

A poorly structured resume can cost you a job opportunity, even if you have strong qualifications. Here’s why layout matters:

• First impressions count— A neat, well-organized resume is more likely to be read. Recruiters scan each resume within 6-7 seconds and decide whether to proceed with it.
• Readability matters—Hiring managers skim resumes within seconds. Inconsistent fonts, lengthy paragraphs, or minimal spacing can make it difficult to find key information.
• ATS (Applicant Tracking System) compatibility—Many companies use software to scan resumes. The formatting of a resume ensures the system reads your information correctly. The ATS may misinterpret or reject your application if your resume lacks proper headings or uses images instead of text.

Key Sections of a Resume

Regardless of the layout, every resume must include these essential sections:

1. Contact Information

This section will include the contact information, mainly including

• Full Name
• Phone Number
• Professional Email Address
• LinkedIn Profile (if applicable)

What you should avoid are complete home addresses, personal details (such as age and marital status), and multiple phone numbers.

Tip: Use a professional email address (e.g., [email protected] instead of [email protected]).

2. Objective or Summary

Generally, this section appears at the top of your resume. Therefore, you should choose one based on your experience level:

• Resume Summary—A 2-3 sentence overview of your experience and key skills. Best for professionals.
• Resume Objective—A short statement about your career goals. Ideal for entry-level candidates or those transitioning to a new career.

For Instance,

Good Summary: “Results-driven marketing professional with 5+ years of experience in SEO and digital campaigns. Proven ability to increase website traffic by 40%.”

Bad Summary: “Hardworking and dedicated professional looking for a job in marketing.” (Too vague!)

Pro Tip: Customize your summary with keywords from the job description to improve your ATS ranking.

3. Work Experience

Your work experience section is the most critical part of your resume. You can follow these best practices:

1. Use reverse chronological order, i.e., add the latest job first.
2. Include key details:

• Job Title
• Company Name & Location
• Dates of Employment
• Key Achievements (use bullet points)

For example:

Digital Marketing Specialist
XYZ Company | New York, NY | Jan 2020 – Present

• I increased organic traffic by 35% for my client’s website through targeted SEO improvements.
• I directed a five-member content team and implemented strategic marketing campaigns.

Tip: Numbers make achievements stronger. Instead of saying “Improved sales,” say “Increased sales by 20% in the Sales Project 2023.”

4. Skills Section

This section allows you to list both hard and soft skills.

Hard Skills:

• Python Programming
• Adobe Photoshop
• Data Analysis

Soft Skills:

• Communication
• Leadership
• Problem-solving

Studies show that 75% of employers prioritize soft and technical skills equally. Even in tech-heavy roles, abilities like teamwork and adaptability can set you apart.

5. Education and Certifications

Enlist your education and certification in this section:

• Degree & Major
• Name of the Institute
• The Year of Graduation
• Other Degree-Related Certifications

Tip: If you graduated over 10 years ago, you may omit the graduation year to avoid age bias.

6. Optional Sections

These sections enhance your resume and represent additional strengths:

• Projects—Personal or professional projects showing skills.
• Volunteer Work—Highlights leadership and social commitment.
• Hobbies & Interests—Only if relevant to the job (e.g., blogging for a content writing role).

Tip: Adding volunteer work can be valuable, especially for career changers or those with employment gaps.

Struggling with making the best resume? You can use our free and easy Jump Resume Builder—a resume tool. 

Proper Resume Format with Examples

Choosing the proper resume format or layout depends on your work history, skills, and career goals. Here’s what you need to consider while formatting a resume:

1. Chronological Resume (Most Common)

Best for: Professionals with a strong work history in the same industry.

Structure:

• Contact Information
• Summary or Objective
• Work Experience (detailed, most recent first)
• Skills
• Education

Example:
Most corporate jobs prefer this format because it clearly shows career progression. It’s ideal for those with steady career growth and few job gaps.

Furthermore, a chronological resume works best for ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems) because it follows a standard, structured format. Some hiring software struggles to scan non-traditional formats, making this the safest choice for online applications.

2. Functional Resume (Skills-Based)

Best for: Career changers, freelancers, or those with employment gaps.

Structure:

• Contact Information
• Summary or Objective
• Skills (detailed, categorized by relevance)
• Work Experience (brief)
• Education

Example:
If you switch careers from teaching to sales, highlight transferable skills such as public speaking, leadership, and communication rather than focusing on past job titles.

Many hiring managers are skeptical of functional resumes because they de-emphasize work history. To avoid concerns, include brief job details alongside skills, such as how you applied leadership in a past role.

3. Combination Resume (Hybrid)

Best for: Candidates with a mix of strong skills and work experience.

Structure:

• Contact Information
• Summary or Objective
• Skills & Work Experience (combined into sections)
• Education

Example:
Best suited for IT professionals, designers, or technical roles where both skills and work history matter.

This format is more suitable for project-based roles, such as graphic design or software development, where listing major projects alongside skills substantially impacts a traditional job list.

You can get more insights from resume templates in Jump Resume Builder– a free online resume tool. With this tool, you can access over 100 resume templates, including chronological, functional, and combination resumes tailored to your needs. 

How to Choose the Right Resume Layout?

Choosing the proper resume layout depends on your work experience, career goals, and industry expectations. Ask yourself these questions to determine the best format:

• Do you have continuous work experience in the same field? → Use a Chronological Resume.
• Are you changing careers or have employment gaps? → Use a Functional Resume.
• Do you have both experience and strong technical skills? → Use a Hybrid (Combination) Resume.

Some Other Factors You Should Consider

• Industry Expectations—Corporate jobs prefer chronological resumes, whereas creative industries (e.g., graphic design or marketing) offer more flexibility in layouts.
• Readability—Avoid dense text and cluttered formatting. Hiring managers scan resumes in under 10 seconds, so clear section headings and white space help them quickly find key details.

Supporting Detail: A 2018 Ladders, Inc. eye-tracking study found that recruiters spend an average of 7.4 seconds reviewing a resume and decide whether to select or not. Resumes with simple layouts, clear sections, and properly formatted text were easier to scan and performed better.

How to Format a Resume to Maximize the Impact?

To format a resume and make a maximum impact, consider the following guidelines:

1. Select a Professional Font and Size
   • Font Choice: Opt for clean, easy-to-read fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman.
   • Font Size: To ensure readability, use 11 to 12 pt for the main text and 13 to 16 pt for section headings.
2. Set Appropriate Margins and Spacing
   • Margins: Try maintaining at least 1-inch margins on all sides to provide a balanced appearance.
   • Line Spacing: Use single- or 1.15-line spacing. For clarity, add double spaces before and after section headings.
3. Utilize Bullet Points for Clarity
   • Bullet Points: Use bullet points concisely to list job duties and achievements.
   • Avoid Large Paragraphs: Keeping information brief and to the point enhances readability.
4. Save and Send as a PDF
   • File Format: Saving your resume as a PDF ensures that formatting remains consistent across different devices and platforms. You can also share a resume format Word file if requested, but a PDF is preferable.

Adhering to these formatting tips will make your resume professional and easy to read, which will automatically increase your chances of making a positive impression on employers.

Common Resume Mistakes to Avoid

Here are the common resume mistakes that one should avoid: 

• Too Much Text – Keep your resume concise and easy to scan. Try to stick to one page.
• Unprofessional Fonts – Avoid decorative or hard-to-read fonts. Stick to Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman for a polished look.
• One Resume for All – Customize your resume for each job you apply. Use keywords from the job description to boost visibility.
• Spelling & Grammar Errors – Proofread thoroughly. Use tools like Grammarly or ask someone to review your resume before submitting it.

Avoiding these mistakes increases your chances of making a strong first impression and landing an interview. 

Final Resume Checklist Before You Apply

Before finalizing, make sure to process your resume through a final checklist, such as:

• Proofread Thoroughly – Double-check for grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors. Even small mistakes can hurt your chances.
• Optimize for ATS – Use standard section headings and keywords from the job description to make sure your resume passes applicant tracking systems.
• Save the document as a PDF. This action preserves the formatting across all devices and mitigates any potential layout issues. Alternatively, use a Word document in resume format if necessary.
• Get a Second Opinion – Ask a mentor, friend, or career expert to review your resume for clarity and impact.

A well-polished resume increases your chances of landing an interview. So take the extra time to perfect it. 

Key Takeaway: Your Resume Is Your Gateway to Success!

A strong resume isn’t just about listing experience. It’s about presenting your skills and achievements in a way that grabs attention. The correct layout, resume formatting, and structure can make all the difference in securing an interview. 

Therefore, you must avoid common mistakes and optimize your resume for effective readability. Moreover, you can personalize your resume for each job to set yourself apart from the competition.

Now, put all these insights into action! 

Create your resume with Jump Resume Builder and take the next step toward your career goals.