CV Formats Explained: Chronological vs Functional vs Combination
Two people with identical experience can get very different results depending on how they structure their CV. There are three main formats, each built to flatter a different kind of career. Pick the one that puts your strongest evidence first.
Reverse-chronological: the default
This format lists your work history newest-first and is what recruiters and ATS expect to see. It's the strongest choice for anyone with a steady, relevant work history because it shows clear progression and is easy to scan.
Unless you have a specific reason not to, use this format. It's the safest and most widely accepted.
Functional (skills-based): use with care
A functional CV leads with skills and grouped achievements instead of a job timeline. It can help career changers, freelancers with varied projects, and people returning after a break by shifting focus to capability.
The downside is real: recruiters can read it as hiding gaps, and many ATS parse it poorly because they expect dated roles. If you use it, still include a brief dated work history somewhere.
Combination (hybrid): the best of both
A combination format opens with a strong skills or summary section, then backs it up with a reverse-chronological work history. It suits experienced candidates who want to highlight specific competencies for a role while keeping the timeline ATS-friendly.
How to choose in one minute
Steady, relevant history? Go chronological. Changing fields or have a strong skill set you want up top? Go combination. Significant gaps or a very non-linear path? Functional can help — but pair it with dates. For most people, chronological or combination is the right call.
Switch formats freely in write.cv
write.cv's templates cover chronological and combination layouts, and you can reorder sections to put skills or experience first without retyping anything. Try a layout, check your ATS score, and export the version that reads best.