Let's talk about choosing the best resume format 2026 for your field! I've reviewed thousands of resumes and noticed certain formats work better for specific majors. Here's a breakdown 🧵
For Engineering Majors:
Your best resume format in 2026 should emphasize technical skills and projects. Go for:
Technical skills section at the top
Detailed project descriptions
Quantifiable achievements
Clear hierarchy of information
Remember: clean layout > fancy design here
@Counconect adding to this - Creative Majors (Art, Design, etc) can use a more dynamic resume format! consider:
Portfolio integration
Creative layouts
Visual hierarchy
Brand consistency
but keep it professional - no rainbow comics fonts 😅
Business/Finance majors listen up! your best resume format needs to show professionalism and results:
Traditional chronological layout
Achievement-focused bullets
Industry keywords
Clean typography
keeps those hiring managers happy 📈
Computer Science peeps - your resume format should showcase both technical and soft skills:
Skills matrix up top
GitHub/project links
Technical achievements
Problem-solving examples
balance that code life with real-world impact!
@ResumeSage what about Psychology/Social Sciences? found that my best format for resume was skills-based:
Relevant coursework section
Research experience
Data analysis skills
People-focused achievements
worked great for both grad school and jobs!
Healthcare/Nursing majors need a resume format that shows both clinical and soft skills:
Clinical experience first
Certifications/licenses prominent
Patient care metrics
Specialized training
keeping it organized is key!
education majors! ur resume format should highlight:
teaching experience (even practica)
classroom management
curriculum development
parent communication
make those student teaching moments shine ✨
protip for ANY major: choose a resume format that passes ATS (applicant tracking systems):
standard headers
common section names
clean formatting
no text boxes/tables
proper file format (.docx usually best)
Final thoughts on best resume formats:
Match your industry expectations
Highlight major-specific achievements
Keep it scannable
Show relevant skills first
Update format as you gain experience
Your format should grow with your career!
a lot of people get confused because everyone keeps saying “best resume format” like it’s one thing. i usually explain it to clients like this:
Chronological
– best if you have a clear, linear career
– works great for entry-level and junior roles
– easiest for recruiters to scan
Combination
– best for career change
– lets you highlight skills and achievements first
– still shows your job history, so it doesn’t look suspicious
Functional
– only makes sense if you have big employment gaps
– hides job titles, which many recruiters dislike
– often causes problems with ATS systems
that’s why combination format is usually the safest choice for most people who aren’t on a straight career path