Choosing the right resume format is a foundational decision that affects how recruiters perceive your candidacy. In India's 2026 job market, three main formats exist: reverse-chronological, functional, and combination. Each serves different career situations, and picking the wrong one can inadvertently work against you.
The reverse-chronological format is the gold standard and is used by approximately 90% of successful resumes in India. It lists your work experience from most recent to oldest, making it easy for recruiters to trace your career progression. This format works best when you have a steady career trajectory, relevant experience in your target field, and no major employment gaps. ATS systems parse chronological resumes most accurately, and recruiters in India overwhelmingly prefer this format because it's familiar and efficient to scan.
The functional resume organizes content by skill categories rather than by timeline. Instead of listing jobs chronologically, you group your achievements under skill headings like 'Project Management,' 'Technical Skills,' or 'Client Relations.' This format is useful for career changers pivoting to a new field, professionals with gaps exceeding 1-2 years, or those whose most relevant experience isn't their most recent. However, be cautious — many Indian recruiters view functional resumes with suspicion, assuming the candidate is hiding something. ATS systems also struggle to parse functional formats, often failing to correctly associate achievements with specific employers.
The combination (hybrid) format offers a middle ground: it starts with a skills-focused summary section followed by a brief chronological work history. This works well for senior professionals with diverse skills, career changers with some relevant experience, and anyone who wants to highlight specific competencies while maintaining timeline credibility. When in doubt, go with reverse-chronological — it's the safest and most universally accepted choice across Indian industries.