Choose a resume format that makes chronology obvious.

A reverse-chronological resume is usually the safest format for ATS readability because each job title, employer, location, date range and achievement group appears together in a predictable sequence. A hybrid resume can also work when it adds a focused skills summary before a complete chronological history. A functional resume, which minimizes dates and organizes experience mainly by capability, may make career chronology harder for recruiters and software to interpret. Format choice should still reflect the candidate’s actual history: a career changer may benefit from a concise transferable-skills section, but should retain dated roles underneath it. Regardless of format, use selectable text, conventional headings and consistent date labels. Avoid making essential meaning depend on charts, icons, images or disconnected columns.