The plainest possible structure: bold name, one contact line, ruled section headings.
One column · IBM Plex SansReverse chronological resume format
A reverse chronological resume lists your most recent job first and works backwards. It is the format most recruiters expect and the one most applicant tracking systems read without trouble. Every template on Luxury Resume uses it by default.
At a glance
- Order
- Most recent role first
- Best for
- Steady work history in one field
- Length
- One page early on, two with experience
- Reads well in ATS
- Yes, with standard headings
- Alternatives
- Functional or hybrid, for career changes
- Dates
- Month and year for each role
Common practice, not fixed rules. Employers differ, so follow the job ad when it asks for something specific.
Sections to include, in order
- Contact details. Name, phone, email, city and a LinkedIn link.
- Summary. Two to four lines on your experience and the role you want.
- Experience. Your current or last job first, then each earlier role. Three to six points per role, with results.
- Education. Most recent first. Move it above experience if you are a student or graduate.
- Skills. Tools and methods that match the job ad.
- Optional sections. Certifications, projects, languages, volunteering.
Tips
- Give more space to recent roles and less to older ones.
- Roles older than 10 to 15 years can be summarised in one line or left out.
- Explain gaps briefly instead of hiding them.
- If you are changing careers, a hybrid layout with a skills section near the top can work better.
Example experience order
Senior Product Designer, Northwind · Jan 2023 to Present
Product Designer, Brightline · Jun 2020 to Dec 2022
Junior Designer, Fable Studio · Sep 2018 to May 2020
Templates that suit this format
Every template uses this order by default. You can switch templates in the editor without retyping anything.
Contemporary sans-serif type, a restrained accent color and headings in a slim left column.
One column, headings in a left column · IBM Plex SansA conservative single column in serif type. One reading order with standard section headings.
One column · Source Serif 4Generous whitespace and a quiet hierarchy that lets your experience speak for itself.
One column · Nunito SansA dense, tidy single column with contact details aligned right and ruled headings.
One column, contact details on the right · Nunito SansA large serif name and section labels in a quiet left margin, like a magazine page.
One column, labels in a left margin · Fraunces + InterQuestions
Why is reverse chronological the most common format?
Recruiters want to see what you are doing now first. Listing roles from newest to oldest answers that in the first few seconds.
Is a reverse chronological resume ATS-friendly?
It is the easiest format for most systems to read, as long as you use standard headings and real text rather than images or text boxes.
When should I use a different format?
If you are changing careers or returning after a long break, a hybrid format with a skills section near the top can show your strengths sooner.
Already have a resume?
Upload it to the free ATS checker to see how it reads, then open it in the editor to change the format.