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

Posted by Napier Resume on 26 Apr 2025

What is the best resume format? There are a variety of options, and it depends on the job you are in and your previous experience in deciding which one to pick. The most common to choose from are: Reverse-Chronological, Functional, Combination.

Your resume is a critical tool in job hunting, and it’s crucial that it’s properly formatted and simple to read. Here at Napier Resume, we specialize in offering resume writing services to aid you in standing out from the crowd. In this article, we’ll go over the different types of resume formats as well as some guidelines on how to pick 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: This format is best for those with diverse or non-linear work experiences. It emphasizes your abilities and accomplishments, rather than your past 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 Make sure you tailor your resume to the specific job you’re applying for. Pick a format that emphasizes the qualifications and experiences that are most relevant to the job.
  5. Find help from an expert: If you’re struggling with deciding on an appropriate format or require help adapting it to your needs seek out professional assistance from Napier Resume.

Each of the above formats have their own pros and drawbacks. 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. Tailor your resume format to the position you’re applying for and consult a professional for help. Napier Resume can also assist you in creating a professional resume format that showcases your skills and experience.

I was amazed how quickly and efficiently my request was making progress during COVID lockdown. First I made a contact in the chat where we had a short conversation. Then Tanja and Gemma from Napier Resume contacted me over the phone where we discussed the particulars. I am good in my specialty, but writing resumes is not my strongest skill. As a result I got the resume and the cover letter reworked really well. I believe my chances of getting a good job got way better now than before.
Kateryna D
Tanja has put together a fantastic resume and cover letter for me. Her understanding, enthusiasm and turn around was great and I could not be happier with the result. Thanks again Tanja!
D. Ah
I am a experienced RN and had my resume updated including a cover letter done by Tanja Coyne at Napier 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.
T Kaye
Thanks you so much, very professional & knowledgable about what I actually needed for my resume. Highly recommend
Ja C
Came back better than expected. Very helpful throughout!
Tom Greenland
Outstanding service and super quick to do it tanja is the GO TO girl. Awesome job
Jason Latsarnos
Excellent friendly service and outstanding results. Thanks Napier Resume.
Ian Robinson
Positive: Professionalism, Quality, Responsiveness, Value I only moved to Australia a bit over a year ago, with Covid it wasn’t easy to find a job so i took the first opportunity to keep our household going. But i want more, i want educate myself and find a better job. With Napier Resume i finally get this chance, since cv’s and cover letters work a bit different here and i need help to stand out in this harsh times. Tanja is an awesome professional, very responsive and her writing is incredible! Fingers crossed i’ll land my dream job now!
Elle Street
I would highly recommend Napier Resume. Tanja, my writer, was very knowledgeable and understands resumes from a recruiters perspective. Tanja did a complimentary review for me initially and then gave me a great resume and cover letter to follow. Great service, thanks guys!
Kevin Michael
Super easy to work with. I did a face to face. In 3 days u had my resume. I had 2 interviews in the first week. Thanks heaps guys.
Timmy Teale
Finding the Perfect Fit: Understanding Different Resume Formats

Resume

We provide professional resume writing services.

Finding the Perfect Fit: Understanding Different Resume Formats

Cover Letter

We provide professional cover letter writing services.

Finding the Perfect Fit: Understanding Different Resume Formats

LinkedIn Profile

We provide professional linkedin profile writing services.

Finding the Perfect Fit: Understanding Different Resume Formats

Contact Us

Click the button below to get in touch.

About Us &

What We Do

We provide professional resume writing services and our very experienced resume writers will ensure your new resume sticks out among the crowd.

We’re a team of highly certified and experienced HR professionals, recruiters, and consultants who are dedicated to delivering an exceptional, well-written cover letter or resume.

We pride ourselves on our vast understanding of top-practice hiring methodologies and Australian recruitment standards. Also, our expertise in a vast range of professions, industries, and areas means that we can deliver a high-quality, powerful resume that meets your personal needs.

Our end goal is to deliver you with an impressive, striking resume that is perfectly maximised for success in the competitive Napier job market.

We offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee on all of our services, so you can be sure that you will be fully satisfied with your new resume or cover letter.

100% Satisfaction Guaranteed
Make an Enquiry

Request a Quote

Fill out the form below to get in touch or call us today on
0800 215 100