Resume format is simply the order you present your experience. There are three main options, and for most people the choice is easy.
Chronological
This format lists your jobs from most recent to oldest. It is the format recruiters expect, and it is the easiest for applicant tracking systems to read.
Best for: almost everyone, especially people with steady work history in the same field.
Functional
A functional resume groups your experience by skill, with little focus on dates or employers. It can draw attention away from gaps, but many recruiters find it harder to follow and may wonder what it is hiding. Software can also struggle to connect skills with specific jobs.
Best for: rare situations, and even then a combination format is usually the better choice.
Combination
A combination resume opens with a strong summary and key skills, then follows with a normal chronological work history. You get to highlight transferable skills while still giving recruiters the timeline they want.
Best for: career changers, people returning to work, and those with a varied background.
What about employment gaps?
You do not need a special format to handle a gap. Use a chronological resume, list years rather than months if that helps, and include anything useful you did during that time, such as training, caregiving, freelancing or volunteering. Keep any explanation short and be ready to discuss it.
Our recommendation
Start with chronological. If you are changing careers or have an unusual history, add a stronger summary and skills section at the top. Skip the purely functional format unless a career coach who knows your situation suggests it.