Making Your Resume Stand Out: The Pros and Cons of Different Formats

Posted by Bendigo Professional Resume Writers on 17 Jan 2026

What is the best resume format? There are many options to choose from and it depends on the job you are in and your previous experience when deciding on the best option. The most common to choose from are: Reverse-Chronological, Functional, Combination.

Your resume is an important tool to get a job, so it’s crucial that it’s well-formatted and easy to read. Here at Bendigo Professional Resume Writers, we specialize in providing resume writing services to make you stand out from the competition. In this post, we’ll go over the different types of resume formats as well as some tips on how to choose the most appropriate one for your needs.

  1. Reverse-Chronological: This format is the most common and is the best for those with a solid work history. It lists your work experience in reverse-chronological order, with your most recent job at the top.
  2. Functional Format: This is the best for people with a variety of or non-linear work experiences. It focuses on your skills and accomplishments, not your work history.
  3. Combination: This format combines elements of the reverse-chronological and functional formats. It highlights your skills and accomplishments, while also listing your work history in reverse-chronological order.
  4. You can tailor it to the position: Tailor your resume format to the specific job you’re applying to. Select a format that emphasizes the qualifications and experiences that are relevant to the job.
  5. Get help from a professional: If you’re struggling with deciding on a format or need help making it work for your job you’re in, think about seeking help from a professional by contacting Bendigo Professional Resume Writers.

Each of the above formats have their own pros and disadvantages. The reverse-chronological format is best for those with a solid work history, the functional format is best for those with diverse or non-linear work experience, and the combination format is a good balance of both. Make sure your resume is tailored to the position you’re applying for and take professional advice if you require it. Bendigo Professional Resume Writers can also assist you in creating a professional resume that highlights your expertise and skills.

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I moved to Australia 2.5 years ago. After feeling stagnated in my job, I started to look at my resume again and attempted to update it. After realising it was extremely outdated, I enlisted the help of Perth Resume. Tanja was great, very prompt at replying to any queries I had and returned an updated resume, cover letter and LinkedIn profile within 3 business days. I must say the documents look great. Highly recommended.
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I am a experienced RN and had my resume updated including a cover letter done by Tanja Coyne at Bendigo Resume. The result was absolutely brilliant she had managed to get in all my years of experience and at the same time highlight my key achievements the resume was professionally presented as with the cover letter. I would highly recommend this service it was within the timeframe and the cost was affordable friendly service great team working there.
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Maximizing Your Chances: Choosing the Right Resume Format

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