Default to chronological or hybrid. Applicant tracking systems expect dated roles and struggle to parse a purely functional layout, so a skills-only CV can quietly disappear from searches. If you are hiding a gap, a functional format draws more attention than it deflects; address the gap briefly instead. How structure affects parsing: ATS-friendly CV guide.
Chronological vs Functional CV
A chronological CV lists your experience in reverse date order and is the standard, ATS-safe format. A functional CV leads with skills and downplays dates, which can mask gaps but parses poorly and raises recruiter suspicion. A hybrid keeps a clear timeline while highlighting skills, and is the safest choice for most Gulf applications.
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Adil Dahmani
Adil Dahmani is the founder of Yalliq, the AI career copilot for Arabic-speaking professionals across MENA.