There are three common layouts. One of them suits almost everyone.
Reverse-chronological: the default
Your jobs, newest first, each with dates and results. Recruiters read it fastest and applicant tracking systems read it best. Use it unless you have a strong reason not to.
Skills-based (functional)
Skills grouped into themes, with jobs listed briefly or not at all. It is meant to draw attention away from gaps or unrelated roles, and recruiters know that, so it often draws more questions than it avoids. Tracking systems also struggle to tie skills to jobs and dates.
Combination
A short skills or highlights section at the top, then a normal chronological history. This works well for career changers and for people with specialist skills spread across several jobs.
How to choose
- Steady career in one field: chronological.
- Changing fields: combination, leading with what transfers.
- Long gap: still chronological, with the gap explained in a line (see gaps in your resume).
With JSON Resume your content is separate from its layout, so you can try a different theme at any time without rewriting a word.