You've polished your content. You've optimized your keywords. You've triple-checked for typos. But if your resume format isn't ATS-friendly, none of that matters.

Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) parse millions of resumes every day. They're looking for specific formats, structures, and layouts. Use the wrong format, and your resume gets rejected before a human ever sees it.

In this guide, we'll break down the three main resume formats, show you which one works best with ATS in 2026, and give you actionable tips to format your resume correctly.

What Is a Resume Format?

A resume format is the structure and layout of your resume. It determines how you organize your information—whether you lead with experience, skills, or a combination of both.

There are three main resume formats:

• •Chronological format: Lists your work experience in reverse chronological order (most recent first). This is the most common format and the one ATS systems prefer.
• •Functional format: Emphasizes skills over work history. Groups your experience by skill categories rather than dates. Less ATS-friendly.
• •Combination format: Combines chronological and functional elements. Starts with a skills section, then lists work experience chronologically. Moderate ATS compatibility.

For 2026, the chronological format remains the gold standard for ATS compatibility. But let's dive deeper into why.

Why Resume Format Matters for ATS

ATS systems use parsing algorithms to extract information from your resume. These algorithms are trained on chronological formats because that's what 98% of resumes use.

How ATS Parses Resumes

When you upload your resume, the ATS:

• •Scans for section headers: Looks for "Work Experience," "Education," "Skills," etc.
• •Extracts dates: Identifies employment dates, graduation dates, and certification dates.
• •Matches keywords: Compares your resume content against the job description.
• •Scores your resume: Assigns a match score based on keyword relevance, experience level, and format compliance.

If your format is non-standard, the ATS might misparse your information. For example, a functional resume might confuse the system about your work history, leading to a lower match score.

The Best Resume Format for 2026: Chronological

The chronological resume format is the clear winner for ATS compatibility in 2026. Here's why:

• •98% ATS compatibility: Chronological formats are what ATS systems are designed to parse.
• •Recruiter preference: 9 out of 10 recruiters prefer chronological resumes because they're easy to scan.
• •Clear career progression: Shows your career trajectory at a glance.
• •Industry standard: Works across all industries and job levels.

Chronological Resume Structure

Here's the standard structure for a chronological resume:

• •Header: Name, phone, email, LinkedIn, location
• •Professional Summary: 2-3 sentences highlighting your key qualifications
• •Work Experience: Listed in reverse chronological order (most recent first)
• •Education: Degree, institution, graduation date
• •Skills: Relevant technical and soft skills
• •Additional Sections (optional): Certifications, languages, awards, publications

This structure is predictable, which makes it easy for ATS systems to parse. The system knows where to find your work history, education, and skills.

When to Use Other Resume Formats

While chronological is best for ATS, there are situations where other formats might be appropriate:

Functional Resume Format

Use a functional format if:

• •You have significant employment gaps (more than 2 years)
• •You're changing careers and your previous experience isn't directly relevant
• •You're a recent graduate with limited work experience

Combination Resume Format

Use a combination format if:

• •You have diverse experience across multiple industries
• •You want to highlight specific skills that aren't obvious from your job titles
• •You're applying for a role that requires a unique skill combination

Combination formats can work with ATS, but they require careful formatting. Make sure your work experience section is still clearly chronological.

ATS-Friendly Formatting Rules for 2026

Beyond choosing the right format, you need to follow specific formatting rules to ensure ATS compatibility:

1. Use Standard Section Headers

ATS systems recognize common section headers. Use these exact terms:

• •Work Experience (or "Professional Experience")
• •Education
• •Skills (or "Technical Skills," "Core Skills")
• •Certifications
• •Languages

Avoid creative headers like "Where I've Been" or "My Journey." The ATS won't recognize them.

2. Use Simple, Clean Layouts

ATS systems struggle with:

• •Tables and columns (use single-column layouts)
• •Graphics, charts, and images
• •Text boxes and shapes
• •Complex formatting (multiple fonts, colors, etc.)

Keep your resume simple. Use a clean, single-column layout with standard fonts (Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman).

3. Use Standard Date Formats

ATS systems parse dates best when they're in standard formats:

• •Month Year (e.g., "January 2020 - Present")
• •MM/YYYY (e.g., "01/2020 - Present")

Avoid abbreviations like "Jan '20" or "1/20" as they can confuse the parser.

4. Save as PDF (But Test First)

Most ATS systems accept PDFs, but some prefer Word documents. Here's the rule:

• •If the job posting says "PDF preferred": Submit a PDF
• •If no preference is stated: Use PDF (it preserves formatting better)
• •Always test your PDF: Use an ATS resume checker to ensure your PDF is parseable

5. Use Standard Fonts and Sizes

Stick to these fonts for maximum ATS compatibility:

• •Arial (10-12pt)
• •Calibri (10-12pt)
• •Times New Roman (10-12pt)
• •Georgia (10-12pt)

Avoid decorative fonts, script fonts, or fonts smaller than 10pt. They can cause parsing errors.

6. Include Keywords Naturally

While keywords are important, don't stuff them unnaturally. ATS systems are getting smarter and can detect keyword stuffing.

Instead, integrate keywords naturally into your bullet points:

• •Bad: "Experienced in Python, Java, JavaScript, React, Node.js, SQL, MongoDB, AWS, Docker, Kubernetes"
• •Good: "Developed scalable web applications using Python and React, deployed on AWS with Docker containers"

Resume Format Examples by Experience Level

Entry-Level Resume Format

For recent graduates or those with less than 2 years of experience:

• •Lead with Education (if it's your strongest asset)
• •Include internships, part-time jobs, and volunteer work
• •Emphasize relevant coursework and projects
• •Use a skills section to highlight technical abilities

Mid-Level Resume Format

For professionals with 2-7 years of experience:

• •Lead with Work Experience (chronological)
• •Include 3-5 bullet points per role
• •Focus on achievements and quantifiable results
• •Keep Education section brief (degree and institution only)

Senior-Level Resume Format

For professionals with 7+ years of experience:

• •Lead with a strong Professional Summary
• •Focus on the last 10-15 years of experience
• •Include leadership and strategic achievements
• •Add additional sections (Certifications, Publications, Speaking Engagements)

Common Resume Format Mistakes to Avoid

Here are the most common formatting mistakes that hurt ATS compatibility:

• •Using tables for layout: ATS systems can't parse table structures well. Use simple text formatting instead.
• •Including headers/footers: Some ATS systems ignore content in headers and footers. Put all important information in the body.
• •Using images or graphics: ATS systems can't read images. If you include a logo or photo, the system will skip it.
• •Creative section names: "My Journey" or "Where I've Been" won't be recognized. Use standard headers.
• •Inconsistent date formats: Mixing "Jan 2020" with "01/2020" confuses parsers. Pick one format and stick to it.
• •Using special characters: Symbols like arrows (→) or checkmarks (✓) can cause parsing errors. Use plain text.

How to Test Your Resume Format for ATS

Before submitting your resume, test it for ATS compatibility:

• •Use an ATS resume checker: Tools like our free resume checker can analyze your resume format and identify potential parsing issues.
• •Copy and paste test: Copy your resume content into a plain text editor. If formatting is lost or information is jumbled, the ATS will have the same problem.
• •PDF text extraction: Try to select and copy text from your PDF. If you can't select text, the ATS can't parse it either.
• •Check section headers: Ensure all section headers are standard and recognizable.

Resume Format Templates for 2026

Need a ready-made ATS-friendly template? We offer 9 professional CV templates that are all ATS-optimized:

• •Classic Professional: Traditional format, perfect for corporate roles
• •Modern Minimal: Clean, minimalist design with ATS-friendly structure
• •ATS Boxed: Specifically designed for maximum ATS compatibility
• •Two-Column Balanced: Modern layout that still works with ATS

All our templates follow ATS best practices: standard section headers, clean layouts, and proper formatting.

Final Thoughts: The Best Resume Format for 2026

The best resume format for 2026 is still the chronological format. It's what ATS systems are designed to parse, what recruiters prefer, and what works across all industries.

But remember: format is just one piece of the puzzle. You also need:

• •Strong, keyword-rich content
• •Quantifiable achievements
• •Relevant skills and experience
• •Proper tailoring for each job application

Use our AI CV tailoring tool to ensure your resume is both ATS-compatible and optimized for each job you apply to.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best resume format for ATS in 2026?

The chronological resume format is the best format for ATS in 2026. It's what 98% of ATS systems are designed to parse, and it's what recruiters prefer.

Should I use a functional resume format?

Only use a functional resume format if you have significant employment gaps (more than 2 years) or are changing careers. Functional formats have lower ATS compatibility, so use them sparingly.

Can I use a creative resume format?

Creative resume formats (with graphics, charts, or unique layouts) are not ATS-friendly. If you're applying through an online portal, stick to a traditional, clean format. Save creative formats for in-person networking or portfolio websites.

Should I save my resume as PDF or Word?

In most cases, save your resume as a PDF. It preserves formatting better and is accepted by 95% of ATS systems. However, if the job posting specifically requests a Word document, use that instead.

How do I know if my resume format is ATS-friendly?

Test your resume with an ATS resume checker. The tool will identify formatting issues, missing keywords, and parsing problems.

Can I use tables in my resume?

Avoid using tables for layout purposes. ATS systems struggle to parse table structures. Use simple text formatting with consistent spacing instead.

What font should I use for my resume?

Use standard fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman in 10-12pt size. These fonts are universally recognized by ATS systems and ensure proper parsing.

How long should my resume be?

For most professionals, a 1-2 page resume is ideal. Entry-level candidates should aim for 1 page, while senior professionals can use 2 pages if needed. Always prioritize quality over length.

Related Articles

Want to learn more about resume optimization? Check out these related guides:

• •ATS Resume Explained: What Recruiters Actually See
• •How to Tailor Your CV to a Job Description (ATS-Ready)
• •Resume Checker: Will Your CV Pass ATS?
• •How to Customize One CV for Multiple Jobs