chronological master resume

Chronological Resume - Writing Guide With 5 Free Templates

The chronological resume - also known as the “reverse chronological resume” - is the most popular resume format out there.

Particularly advisable for those with rich work history, the chronological resume prioritizes and lists your work experience and achievements from most to least recent.

This article is here to teach you all there is to know about creating a chronological resume.

• What is a Chronological Resume? 

Chronological Resume Structure 

• When to Use a Chronological Resume Format? 
• 4 Free Chronological Resume Templates
• How to Create a Chronological Resume - Step by Step
• 9+ Chronological Resume Examples for All Industries

What is a Chronological Resume?

A chronological resume lists your work experiences and achievements starting from the current or most recent one, and following up with previous jobs below.

For this exact reason, the chronological resume is the perfect choice for job-seekers who have plenty of experience and achievements to list on their resume .  

What’s most important, studies point to the chronological resume being a favorite among recruiters, too.

Why? Well, because you are applying for a job, so work experience in your resume will be the first thing a recruiter looks out for.

But worry not, you can structure your resume in a chronological format even as a recent graduate too. Or, you can opt for other popular formats fitter to your profile.

But first, let’s go through the basics. 

The chronological resume follows a straightforward structure. The only thing to keep in mind is that your current or most recent experience - be it professional or educational - comes first.

The second most recent will follow, and so on.

Here are the main and most popular sections for the chronological resume structure:

• Contact information
• Professional title and resume summary/objective
• Work experience and achievements
• Education section
• Your top soft/hard skills
• Include optional sections (languages, certificates, volunteer experience, etc)

If you’re a recent college graduate and want to build your resume in the chronological structure format, you still can.

All you have to do is rearrange the order of your resume sections so that the education resume section comes first.

Here, too, make sure that your education entries are listed from the most to least recent, and you’re good to go!

If reading this is already looking too complicated and time-consuming, try out the Novorésumé online resume builder . Novorésumé provides 8+ free resume templates that follow the chronological resume structure. 

When to Use a Chronological Resume Format

The three main types of resume formats are the chronological, functional/skills-based one, and a combination resume format of the two. What you choose to use will depend on the type of job you are applying for and your experience level.

In the majority of cases, the obvious choice is the chronological resume. It is common, it highlights just the right sections, and job recruiters prefer it over the other formats.

Nonetheless, this doesn’t mean you should just cross the other options off your list, especially if your work experience doesn’t amount to much.

Consider these other two formats, taking into account their advantages and disadvantages as well: 

Functional Resume

• Perfect for students or recent graduates, as it highlights your skills. 
• Offers creative space for a varied portfolio 
• Difficult to pass through the ATS (Applicant Tracking System) that most companies use to scan through countless resumes they receive daily. 
• It conceals your experiences, however minor they might be. 

Combination Resume

• A great choice for job-seekers with a diverse skill-set, because it highlights both skills and experiences. 
• It can mask gaps in your employment history since you can also list your skills, so it’s the second-best option for those who lack work experience. 
• It is a really good fit only for highly specialized professionals who have a very diverse skill-set. Say, for example, that you’re applying for a role that requires expertise in 3-4 different fields, and you want to show all that in your resume - then, the combination resume really is the one for you.
• It is hard to organize. As a professional with a diverse skill-set, it might be a challenge to decide which part of your expertise to prioritize in the combination resume format.

4 Chronological Resume Templates 

Below, you will find 5 chronological resume templates out of many free resume templates. Dig right in to find the best match for you. 

#1. Creative Chronological Resume Template 

#2: Modern Chronological Resume Template 

#3: Professional Chronological Resume Template

#4: Functional Chronological Resume Template

How to Create a Chronological Resume

Now that we mentioned the traditional structure, let’s go through each section one by one to create the perfect chronological resume. 

#1: Start With a Contact Information Section 

Depending on the template you have chosen for your chronological resume, there is a possibility that your name will be directly followed by your professional title right at the top.

How do you fill up your professional title in chronological resume format? Easy. If you’re not looking to change career paths your professional title should be your current title. However, if you’re changing career paths, then choosing the combination resume mentioned above might be a better option for you.

Regarding the rest of the contact information section on your chronological resume, it should be current and lacking any typos. The mandatory elements of the information section include: 

• First and last name
• Phone number
• Email address
• LinkedIn URL (optional)

#2: Add a Resume Summary or Resume Objective

  Second in the chronological resume comes your ‘profile’ as a candidate, which is expressed through a resume summary or a resume objective .

Wondering what the difference is?

Well, the summary is a short (2-3 sentences) overview of your career so far and it is used in 90% of resumes - especially by those with two or more years of work experience. A summary is a perfect fit for the chronological resume.

On the contrary, a resume objective represents your aspirational career goal and highlights your skills, making it perfect for entry-level professionals with little work experience, or job-seekers looking to completely switch career paths. 

#3: Fill in Your Work Experience 

This is, without a doubt, the section that weighs the most when it comes to the chronological resume, so it’s vital that you get it right.

Your work experience section is there to show the recruiter what you can bring to the table through your past accomplishments and responsibilities and what the company would be gaining were they to hire you.   

Feeling pressured? Don’t. There are many practices to help your work experience section stand out in the eyes of the recruiter.

If you are looking for more tips and tricks to help you take your resume to the next level, head over to our beginner’s guide on how to write a resume . 

Here are the key points you should keep in mind when it comes to the work section:

• This is the most important so we’ll be repeating it as many times as it takes: your current or latest job position should be placed on top. Then come the previous ones, all the way to your earliest job position. 
• For each entry, list your job title and position, the company and its location, as well as the dates when you were employed. 
• List your achievements and responsibilities, with a higher focus on quantifiable achievements, whenever you can. 
• Use bullet points instead of just text to express what you have achieved and what you were responsible for in every job entry. 
• Tailor the resume to the position you are applying for. For example, if you’ve had too many jobs in the past and some of them don’t relate to the field you are now applying for, then they are just taking space. Feel free to omit them.

Here’s a close-up of a work experience section in the chronological resume:   

#4: Add an Education Section

Generally, the education section comes right after work experience. 

If, however, you have just graduated college and want to create a chronological resume to start applying for jobs, the education section can replace the experience section that you’d be lacking. 

Either way, the education section should be brief but jam-packed with information that can communicate your values and skills to the recruiter.

Here’s what the education section consists of: 

• Program Name: E.g. “MA in Conflict Resolution and Peace Studies” 
• University Name: E.g. “University of Greenwich”
• Period Attended: E.g. “08/1214 - 05/2018”
• (Optional) GPA: E.g. “3.9 GPA”
• (Optional) Honors: E.g. “ Cum Laude, Magna Cum Laude, Summa Cum Laude”
• (Optional) Academic Achievements: E.g. Papers you might have published, or awards received.  
• (Optional) Minor: E.g. “Minor in Political Science”  

#5: Spice Up Your Chronological Resume With Your Skills

Needless to say, the reverse-chronological order doesn’t really apply in the skills section. 

What you can do, however, is begin by listing your hard skills and then your soft skills. 

Unsure of what this means? 

• Hard skills are measurable abilities. These can range from programming in Python language to knowing how to use Photoshop and InDesign.
• Soft skills are personal skills. They vary from attitude to flexibility, motivation and teamwork. 

Listing your skills has its own peculiarities, so don’t pay this section less attention than the ones above it, especially if you’re a recent college student. Pay attention to skills specifically required at the job ad and if you have them, make sure to include them. 

Here’s an example of how your skills section can look like:  

#6: Include Any of These Optional Sections

Last but not least, come these optional sections.  

Having them in your resume can earn you extra points and even separate you from the competitors, but only if they don’t make your resume longer than it should be (1-2 pages maximum) and if they are relevant to the job position.

Some of those sections include (but are not limited to):

• Languages : If you speak two or more languages, don’t fail to put that in your resume. To list them, simply categorize your proficiency level into native, fluent, proficient, intermediate, or basic . 
• Hobbies & Interests : They can help humanize you and show a part of your personality that work and education can’t. If
• Volunteering Experience : Studies show that volunteering experience actually raises your chances of getting hired . 
• Certification & Awards : If you have awards that make you stand out in your field or certifications from experts that are relevant to the position you are applying for, don’t hesitate to show them off!

Not sure how adding volunteering experience works? Check our article on how to list volunteer experience on your resume .  

10 Chronological Resume Examples for All Industries

Now let us walk you through a few practical examples of what the chronological resume looks like depending on the industry. 

#1. Business Chronological Resume

In the world of business, accomplishments matter. This is why in this business chronological resume , the work experience section is jam-packed with measurable information on what the employee achieved in his previous professional experiences. 

#2. Computer Science Chronological Resume

Computer science jobs are heavily based on hard skills - in addition to your previous work experiences, that is. So, make sure to include your hard skills on your computer science resume to impress recruiters. 

#3. Architect Chronological Resume 

As you can see from the example above, the sections that follow your work experience and education can be placed according to your profile. If, for example, you’ve worked on some side projects that you feel do your resume more justice than your skills, feel free to prioritize those projects.

In this article, you can find what’s expected from an architect’s resume in more detail.

#4. Nurse Chronological Resume  

Action verbs can really make an active professional like that of a nurse shine. So when you list your achievements under your experience, use strong verbs that can paint a picture of who you are and what you can do.

#5. Pharmacist Chronological Resume 

With plenty of attributes up their sleeve, the chronological format is the perfect choice for a pharmacist’s resume . 

#6. Project Manager Chronological Resume 

Project manager resumes have good chances to show industry expertise - given they hold the manager title - and highlight successful projects. Feel free to do both in your chronological resume, as shown above. 

#7. Web Developer Chronological Resume

As you can see in the example, the candidate has chosen to place his courses and training above his education. When you have followed courses or have been trained in the exact field of work where you’re applying, it makes sense to rank the field-specific courses and training higher than your university education. 

This article has more information on how to perfect your Web Developer Resume .

#8. Teacher Chronological Resume 

This is another “special” example of a chronological resume. Right after the experience section, the candidate has listed their volunteering experience. Not normally the case, it makes sense here because the volunteering experience has been as a tutor - which is pretty much the same thing as a teacher in the teacher resume . 

In cases when your volunteering experience is directly connected to the job you are applying for, feel free to list it under professional experience as well. 

#9. Bar Manager Chronological Resume 

For more info on how to update your own bar manager chronological resume for 2024, this is the article for you. 

#10. Human Resources Chronological Resume

The example says it all: the chronological resume does wonders showing the peak of your work experience first, and then going back to your professional history and skills. This article on the HR chronological resume has more tips on how to perfect it.

Discover More Resume Templates

• Combination Resume Templates
• Creative Resume Templates
• Functional Resume Templates
• Minimalistic Resume Templates
• High School Resume Templates
• One Page Resume Templates
• 2 Page Resume Templates
• Google Docs Resume Templates
• Word Resume Templates

Key Takeaways 

And that’s a wrap! 

Let’s do a quick recap of the main points covered in this article: 

• The chronological resume - or reverse chronological - is a top choice among candidates with years of professional experience and a favorite among recruiters.
• The chronological resume focuses on your work experience, starting your current or most recent one, and following up with the rest - from most to least recent.
• Recent college graduates that want to use this format can - simply replace the work section with the education section, following the same reverse-chronological order.
• Save time and energy building the reverse chronological resume from scratch by using online resume builders , such as the one Novorésumé offers.   

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How to Write a Chronological Resume: A Guide

Your resume will be one of the first impressions you make on an employer, and so it is important that you make it count. If a recruiter finds it difficult to read your resume, your chances of being called in for an interview will be impacted.

One of the most popular methods of formatting a resume is to use the chronological approach. The chronological resume is a resume where you list your professional experience from most to least recent.

Find your bootcamp match

In this guide, we’re going to discuss the basics of chronological resumes, who should use this type of resume, and what you should include in a chronological resume.

What is a Chronological Resume?

A resume, or CV,  is a short document that outlines your work experience, skills, projects, and skills to an employer—this is likely one of the first things you learned about when you started looking for career advice.

Chronological resumes are a type of resume that presents your skills by listing your work and professional experiences in reverse chronological order. This means that your most recent jobs appear at the top of your resume, and your least recent jobs will appear toward the end of the resume.

(Technically speaking, the chronological resume should be called a “reverse chronological” resume. In fact, this term is sometimes used to discuss the resume, as it more accurately reflects the order in which items appear on the resume.)

The chronological resume structure only affects the employment section of a resume—everything else will come in the order that it otherwise would on a resume.

Who Should Use a Chronological Resume?

The chronological resume is a good structure to use if you have strong experience in a particular field. This is because by featuring your most recent work experience at the top of your resume, you’ll be able to immediately show an employer that you have recent experience that is relevant to the job.

There are a few situations where you should avoid using the chronological resume format.

If you are just beginning your career, the chronological resume format may not make sense for you. This is because you’ll likely have limited experience to list in the first place. So, the experience that you’ll want to feature at the top of your resume is that which best demonstrates the skills you have acquired related to a job. In this case, a functional resume may be a better fit.

In addition, if you are changing careers, you may also want to use a different resume approach. 

This is because the work experience at the top of your resume will be one of the key points an employer uses to judge you. If they see that you don’t have work experience directly related to the job, they may not consider your resume further. In this case, a combination resume may be a better fit, which prioritizes your transferable skills. 

How to Write a Chronological Resume

There are a few components that make up a chronological resume. These are:

• Your name and contact details
• Your summary or resume objective
• Your work experience, listed in reverse chronological order
• Your education
• Your skills and abilities

The contents of your resume will depend on what attributes and experiences you think best showcase your skills. For instance, if you have extensive volunteer experience that you think an employer should know about, you may also want to mention it on your resume.

The main difference between a chronological resume and other resume types is in how you order the experience section. Your most recent experience—the job you most recently held—should come at the top of your resume. Any experience that follows should appear in reverse order based on when you worked in that position.

If you’re looking to write a chronological resume, the best way to start is to make a list of all the jobs you’ve had. This will help you see all the positions you’ve held, and then you can sort them based on when you held those positions.

Once you know your experience, you can decide which jobs you are going to include and list them in reverse chronological order. Each list item should be accompanied by your job title, the company name, as well as a few bullet points explaining what you accomplished in a particular role.

To learn more about how to write a resume, read our guide to technical resumes .

Chronological Resume Example

To help you write an effective chronological resume, we have prepared an example that uses the chronological structure. You can use this example as inspiration for your resume.

Anne Graham

San Francisco, California

[email protected]

An organized and committed administrative assistant with three years of experience meeting the needs of executives.

Professional History

D.H Paper Company

May 2019 – Present

"Career Karma entered my life when I needed it most and quickly helped me match with a bootcamp. Two months after graduating, I found my dream job that aligned with my values and goals in life!"

Venus, Software Engineer at Rockbot

• Answered and directed phone calls on behalf of Director of Sales
• Developed and maintained administrative documentation filing system
• Maintained executive contact lists of over 500 people

Hallson Paper & Co

April 2017 – May 2019

• Took charge of ordering office supplies for administrative assistants
• Responsible for taking minutes of executive meetings
• Organized and scheduled appointments on behalf of the Office Manager

Mission High School

August 2012 – June 2017

Administrative assistant skills include organizational skills, experience using the Microsoft Office suite, strong oral and written communication skills, time management, strategic planning, comfortable using technology, ability to anticipate needs, detail-focused.

As we discussed earlier, the main difference between a chronological resume and a traditional resume is the order of skills. As you can see in the above example, the candidate has ordered their experience in reverse chronological order. The rest of the resume appears as it would in a traditional resume.

The content that appears at the top of your resume is what a recruiter will read first. If you have a lot of experience in a field, then using the chronological resume format is a great way to catch the attention of an employer.

Of course, the structure of your resume is only one of many things you should consider. In addition to choosing a good structure, you should make sure that the content of your resume is in good order. For instance, when listing your professional experience, you should use bullet points to showcase your accomplishments and core responsibilities.

By using the tips in this article, you should be able to write a resume using the chronological structure that impresses an employer and lands you an interview.

About us: Career Karma is a platform designed to help job seekers find, research, and connect with job training programs to advance their careers. Learn about the CK publication .

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Chronological Resume Writing Guide

Get the best out of the standard resume format

Certified Professional Resume Writer

Wondering how to order your resume? 

You may be deciding if you should list your latest job at the top or at the bottom . Or what you should focus on more.

We’ve got you covered. 

With a chronological resume, you can highlight your work history, achievements , and roles in past jobs, especially if you’re an experienced job seeker . 

This format is a great way to show career stability and can be the right choice for many job seekers. 

In this guide, you’ll learn how to craft one, what to include, and get expert advice. Plus, you can also use our resume building tools and samples to help yourself craft a stunning application.

What is a Chronological Resume?

A Chronological Resume is a popular format that allows you to list your work history from your most recent job to your earliest. 

It is a favorite of HR specialists because t he format is clear and easy to read . 

Research shows recruiters spend just 7.4 seconds on a resume , so this format helps them catch the most important details of your work history quickly. 

A chronological format starts with a summary, then l ists jobs in reverse order , and ends with your education.

You can also add sections like skills or volunteer work if they fit the job you’re applying for.

Pros and Cons of the Chronological Resume

Let’s look at the benefits of using this type of resume format, and some disadvantages. It’s great for those with a clear career path or deep expertise in a specific field, helping them move forward in that area.

• Clearly lists responsibilities and achievements for each job.
• Easy for hiring managers to read and see your career path.
• A very clear format.
• It can be used for the Applicant Tracking Systems, which is currently used by 99% of Fortune 500 companies . Using a resume template can optimize it for these systems more.

However, it may not be the best depending on your level of experience and work history.

• Not the best format for those with gaps or regular job changes.
• It’s a common format, so it might not stand out or showcase personality. 
• It may not highlight your skills as much as you may like.

In cases like these, using other types of resume formats such as the functional or combination resume is better.

Tips for Writing the Chronological Resume

Making a chronological resume can raise certain questions, such as what do I need to include in the work experience section ? 

The following tips will serve as guidelines for learning how to create a resume with the typical chronological resume format.

• Start and end dates (month and year)
• Job title and company name
• Responsibilities and achievements
• Use action verbs , statistics, and facts to back up your claims.
• Always maintain a formal tone and structured layout.
• Check for errors to ensure a good final product.
• Different layouts exist for students and other individuals.

Make sure the best parts of your experience stand out by using AI-powered suggestions that you can create with our resume builder.

Consider trying out a number of templates to find which one goes best with your resume.

Chronological Resume Templates

Once you understand what to include in your chronological format, using the correct tools such as a resume template will make the process much easier .

Here are some ways templates can help:

• They provide example sections to guide your personalization.
• They’re flexible and fit many professions and levels.
• They highlight relevant sections and leave out unnecessary ones.

With ResumeCoach you can find plenty of chronological resume templates for all different styles and levels to help you build your ultimate resume to land the job of your dreams.

Struggling with Resume Writing?

Ease the process with our templates

Chronological Resume Format: Your Step-by-Step Guide

When it comes to creating a powerful resume, the chronological format is one of the most popular and effective choices. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the ins and outs of the chronological resume format, teach you how to write one, and even provide you with a sample to download.

Whether you’re just starting your career, transitioning to a new field, or a seasoned professional, a well-crafted chronological resume can make a significant difference in your job search.

What is the Chronological Resume Format?

The chronological resume, also known as the reverse-chronological resume, is a structured document that highlights your work history in reverse chronological order. This means your most recent job is listed first, followed by the previous one, and so on. The format is straightforward, making it easy for employers to understand your career progression.

How Do I Write a Chronological Resume?

Contact Information : Start your resume with your name, address, email, and phone number. Make sure it’s accurate and up-to-date.

Objective or Summary : Write a concise objective or summary statement that introduces you and your career goals. This section should grab the employer’s attention and make them want to keep reading.

Experience : List your work history in reverse chronological order. Remember to include the company name, job title, and dates of employment respectively . Beneath each job, describe your key responsibilities and achievements using action verbs and quantifiable accomplishments.

Education : Outline your educational background, including degrees, institutions, and graduation dates. If you have a strong work history, this section can be brief.

Professional Certifications and Training : Include all relevant certifications and training programs you’ve completed. This demonstrates your commitment to professional development.

Awards : If you’ve received any awards or recognitions related to your work, make sure to include them in this section.

Chronological Resume Format Sample

Here’s an example of a chronological resume:

Download Chronological Resume Sample in PDF

How do i tailor a chronological resume to a specific job application.

Tailoring your resume is essential to match the job you’re applying for. Here’s how to do it:

• Review the Job Description: Carefully read the job posting to understand what the employer is looking for. Highlight the key requirements and skills.
• Customize Your Summary: Adjust your objective or summary to align with the specific job. Highlight how your experience matches the job description.
• Prioritize Relevant Experience: Emphasize the work experiences that are most relevant to the position you’re applying for. You can de-emphasize less relevant roles.
• Leverage Keywords: Integrate the keywords found in the job posting into your resume. This strategy enhances the likelihood of your resume successfully navigating applicant tracking systems (ATS) commonly employed by many employers.
• Highlight Matching Achievements: For each job, showcase achievements and responsibilities that demonstrate your ability to excel in the new role.

In conclusion, the chronological resume format is a tried-and-true method for presenting your work history and skills to potential employers. By following these steps and utilizing our sample, you can create a compelling chronological resume that not only showcases your qualifications but also helps you stand out in a competitive job market.

Download our sample , and start building your path to career success today.

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Chronological Resume Templates

Classic chronological templates are popular for a reason - they do their job. Use one of the tried-and-tested resume formats below to secure your interview.

Double Column

Chronological resume template. Education position is reversed to focus more on the experience.

Single Column

Reverse chronological resume template. Classic one-column style for chronological resumes.

Chronological timeline template. Additional line between job titles makes up for a clean and presentable resume.

Professional resume template. A sleek and straightforward design that conveys a sense of professionalism and competence.

Modern resume template. A stylish two-column design with a pop of color to stand out from the crowd.

Creative resume template. Showcase your unique personality with a custom design that speaks to your creativity.

In This Guide:

What is a chronological resume template, who should use a chronological resume, tips for building the best chronological resume template, chronological resume templates pros and cons.

Chronological resume template is the most commonly used format in resumes, and recruiters prefer them to others. A reverse chronological order resume template lists your jobs, starting with the current or most recent one at the top. It provides comprehension opportunities for hiring managers to see your experience.

Have it in mind that chronological and reverse chronological resume templates are essentially the same thing. Because they list your experience chronologically, but in a reverse way, starting with your most recent job. You can use Enhancv builder to build your chronological resume in the best way possible.

People who can get all the advantages that chronological resume templates offer are jobseekers at any professional level with a consistent work history without gaps between roles.

However, reverse chronological order can work for just about anyone looking for a job. This resume formatting is simple and professional, and you can effortlessly apply it to any resume design.

Resumes in chronological order are very convenient for students because this formatting is the easiest way to organize their limited experience.

Choosing this format is easily understood by recruiters because chronological resume templates are the most popular layout hiring managers see.

A chronological resume is arranged in a way to emphasize your professional experience - your education and certifications, skills, other relevant activities, or volunteer experiences. A summary statement is optional in chronological resume formatting. Excluding the cases in which you are higher-level management or changing your current professional field.

If you think a chronological resume template is not a good fit for your case, you can try a functional or combination resume template. A functional resume is focused on your skills and abilities and lists your roles and education at the bottom.

A combination resume blends a functional resume and a chronological resume and emphasizes both your skills and experience in equal measure.

Let’s create your perfect chronological resume by following the best practices.

The reverse-chronological format resume template can be applied to any design – modern or traditional. It only depends on your professional field and the type of company you are applying to. Modern design is appropriate when you are in more creative and innovative industries and want to make your resume pop up from the rest of the applicants. Use the traditional design without icons, graphics, and flashy colors for applying for positions in more traditional companies.

The best font to use for resumes is a classic, easy-to-read font, like Times New Roman or Calibri. You can use modern fonts, which are also appropriate, like Helvetica, Verdana, Ariel, or Lato. Keep in mind that ATS systems don't mind the font as long as it's readible serif or sans-serif. The regular font size for resumes is 12 points. Larger fonts are acceptable for headings, your name, or titles of sections. If you're having trouble fitting your content on one page, you might try making your font 10.5 points, but don't go lower.

Your resume should be easy for the hiring manager to digest all your best work. Using the right font in combination with colors can help that. Use white as the background, black for the text, and the remaining color as an accent. It is advisable to use for the third color some shades of blue, green, or dark red. Avoid too flashy colors.

Select the best layout

Your resume should always begin with your full, searchable name. Your name should be the biggest thing on the page. Recruiters are spending a few seconds on your resume, they should know whose it is. Show your location, there is no need to put your full home address, but recruiters expect to see your city and state. Add your contact information like your phone number and professional and easy-to-read e-mail address.

As we mentioned before, for the Chronological resume template, you can skip the summary statement section . It can be a plus to add one or two sentences about who you are as a professional and what is your experience.

Your work experience section on the Chronological resume template is the most important one. You should include responsibilities and accomplishments for each job you’ve held. If you want your resume to stand out more, you can organize your experience in two separate sections. The first one, under the header “Relevant work experience” to a specific job you are applying for, and the second section is Work Experience.

Right after your work experience section, you should list your education in reverse chronological order first on the list you should add your academic degrees, following your training and certifications . Do not list your high school diploma once you have attended college unless relevant to your professional field.

You can list your achievements on a chronological resume template in your work experience section. If you can additionally emphasize your achievements, you can lay them out in a separate section. People who don’t have much work experience can use achievements in education, volunteering, or project sections. When you list achievements, make sure they include the time frame, scale, and results.

You can design your Chronological resume template in two columns to fit all information on one page. Recurred prefer one-page resumes because they are easy to scan for the key points they are looking for in a candidate.

• The chronological format is the most commonly used, and most recruiters prefer them. This resume format draws attention to your work experience and career advancements.
• A chronological resume template is the easiest format to read for ATSs because emphasizes your work experience by putting it on top of the page.
• This resume layout works for anyone looking for any kind of job, and it is student-friendly.
• Chronological format is not recommended for people with gaps in their work history.
• This format is not a good choice if you are applying for a position in a field in which you don’t have previews experience.
• If you are just starting your career, chronological resume formatting will emphasize your lack of experience.

Frequently asked questions about chronological resume templates

Is the chronological resume best, what is the difference between a chronological and functional resume, why do most employers prefer chronological resumes to functional resumes, how far back should a resume go.

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• Resume Tips

How To Write A Chronological Resume (Guide + Example)

11 min read

Job applicants use many different resume formats, but none are more popular than the reverse-chronological resume format. Also referred to as a chronological resume, it starts with the most recent job experience and works backward. Chances are you've seen a few of these in your time and even used one yourself.

In fact, it’s so popular that most people instinctively picture the reverse-chronological resume format when they hear the word “resume.” So, you’ve seen them and maybe used them - but do you know how to write a reverse-chronological resume?

These tips can help you gain more insight into the important process of writing a resume and help you build a chronological resume that facilitates your job search.

Why is the reverse-chronological resume format so popular?

First, it’s important to understand why the reverse-chronological resume format is so popular. Its name comes from the way that it lists your current and previous work history in chronological order.

The reverse chronological listing method showcases your career progression, so it provides the most relevant information to hiring teams at the top. Because it’s the most widely-used resume format, it also provides hiring personnel with an easy-to-read summary of your various jobs and is compatible with the widest possible array of industries and job types while accommodating different experience levels, too. 

Another critical factor as to why the reverse-chronological resume format is typically the best choice is that it is easily read by an employer’s applicant tracking system, or ATS. Applicant tracking systems filter resumes for employers by scanning them for key information and relevancy related to the job posting. If you use a format that the ATS can’t easily read, it will likely mean your resume won’t land in the hands of a human reader, even if you’re qualified.   

Who should use the reverse-chronological resume format?

In most instances, you should list your work experience reverse-chronologically: start with your most recent experience and order the remaining experience from newest to oldest.

One exception to this is if you have a nonlinear professional history. In that case, it might be best to use a hybrid or functional resume format instead. A functional resume focuses on your job functions and key skills and minimizes your work history to titles and dates. A hybrid resume combines aspects of a functional and reverse-chronological resume. These should be a last resort but are sometimes a good option for those with significant employment gaps or little relevant experience.

How to write a reverse-chronological resume

There are five areas of focus to consider for the reverse-chronological resume format: contact information, summary, work experience, education, and supporting details. This post organizes them by the questions each section needs to answer.

1. How should hiring managers contact you?

Your chronological resume needs to start with the right information about you: your contact details. It’s vital that employers know how to reach you. Be sure to include all these details right at the top of your resume:

Your phone number

Your LinkedIn URL (optional)

If a hiring manager needs to hunt for your contact information, there’s a good chance you won't be contacted. Always include your full name, phone, and professional email address at the very top of your resume. 

It’s also a good idea to include your LinkedIn URL. Most employers will look you up online before contacting you, so this is anticipating that step. It's unlikely employers will contact you by LinkedIn, however, since most correspondence about job applications happens by email.

Example of a contact section on a resume:

Here are some additional tips to consider:

Don’t include your full mailing address - this is an outdated idea from when people applied for jobs by submitting paper resumes. You can provide your city, state, and zip code, or just the country if you're outside of the USA.

You don't need to label each section "Email" or "Telephone." It's obvious to the reader.

2. How would you summarize your experience and key accomplishments?

Next up, include a brief resume summary of your skills, work history, and career highlights. Think of this section as your resume's elevator pitch - a short and simple pitch to capture employers' attention and make them want to read on.

The elevator pitch is a concept from the sales industry. Sales professionals should be able to sum up their product in 30 seconds or less: roughly the amount of time you might share an elevator ride with someone.

Similarly, your resume should quickly convey why you're a great fit for your job target. Your work experience section will support your claims.

Example of a summary on a chronological resume:

Consider the following tips for your summary section:

Start your resume summary with a headline . This can be as simple as the job title you're targeting or your top certifications, skills, or accolades.

This section should generally stay between 4 and 6 lines. Be selective about what you showcase here.

It’s a good idea to include a list of core competencies just below the summary to highlight key skills you have related to the job. 

Keep this section employer-focused. Try to check all the boxes the employer is looking for by using keywords from the job description and examples of how you add value.

3. What have you accomplished in your work experience?

As we've already mentioned, your work experience should be listed in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent job. Beyond the job title and basic info, though, what should you include in this section?

The bulk of your resume will be in the work experience section. To make the most of your experience, you need to include both the essential information and the compelling information that will land you the interview.

Here are the essential parts of your work experience section:

Basic company information like company name, the location of the job, the dates you were employed

Your job title (or multiple job titles if you earned a promotion or changed jobs internally)

Details about your experience

Some people incorrectly assume that the details about your experience are merely a list of obligations or daily duties. The reality is that you need to highlight your accomplishments and achievements in a way that shows employers how you add value and can succeed on the job. Let's look at an example before we talk about how to level up how you describe your work experience.

Example of work experience on a chronological resume:

This example does several things to represent this candidate as compelling and valuable. The bullet points are specific, informative, and impressive. None of these bullet points could be guessed from the job title. This resume would really stand out from other Creative Manager resumes that only list bullet points like "Helped with creative ideas for [company project]."

Here is some advice on what to include to make your work experience more compelling to employers.

Include standout accomplishments from each position, such as projects you contributed to that had a positive outcome or specific ways you improved business.

Add numbers that translate your effort into value. Monetary gains are great, but here are some other metrics ideas: time saved, people managed, increase in output, decrease in errors.

Use plenty of keywords from your industry and the job you're applying to. If all the jobs you want to apply to want marketing strategy, be sure to include your experience with marketing strategy in this section. You'll appear especially compelling if you can provide the results of your marketing strategy.

4. Do you have the proper credentials?

After your work experience section, there should be a section that details your education: degrees, certifications, continuing education, and training. You should provide the name of the school or institution and the name of your degree or certification. You don't need to include the year you completed the education unless it was very recent or is a certification that will expire at some point—like a real estate license.

Essentially, you want to prove you're qualified on a basic level to do the job you're applying for. If the job description requires a degree, license, or certification, this is where you should include it if you have it.

Just like your work experience, you want to list your most recent education first. This tends to be your highest degree. An exception to this is if you’re changing careers. In that case, you’ll list your most relevant degree first and the rest in reverse chronological order. 

5. What else makes a good chronological resume?

Suppose you have additional relevant information that doesn't fit into the sections above. In that case, you can add more sections to a reverse-chronological resume format. However, most resumes should be no more than one to two pages long , so be sure to stick to this guideline and only add what's necessary.

Here are some additional sections you might include:

Additional applicable skills: This section is optional and would go near the end of your resume following your education section. Adding a skills section can be helpful if you want to highlight specific required skills, like technical skills, or if you have additional skills that would help an employer make a decision. However, if you feel you covered all your skills in the core competencies section below your summary, then forgo adding an additional skills section at the end. 

Volunteer work: Volunteer work can be very relevant when applying for jobs. You can have a dedicated volunteer work section or include it as "Additional Experience" with other part-time, freelance, or work experience. Volunteer work serves a number of purposes, such as displaying skills you don't use in your professional work, like event organization, fundraising, or even leadership skills, and nods to the causes you care about enough to donate your time to. 

Volunteer work can also help fill gaps in your resume and your interview. If you've been job searching for three months, it sounds way better to say you've been volunteering and learning new skills versus sitting at home refreshing your email inbox.

Interests and hobbies: You can also opt to include an interests and hobbies section that allows you an opportunity to showcase any interests that might showcase your depth as an employee and person. You should be careful to avoid controversy, however. For example, don’t list political groups that you might belong to or interests that might draw any sort of controversy. If you belong to professional groups or organizations related to your field of expertise, they’re well worth mentioning. If you do add this section, it should be one of the last sections on your resume.

Time to put it all together!

Now, let's look at a full example of all five parts of the reverse-chronological resume format.

Example of a reverse-chronological resume:

Final tip: Be flexible

Remember also that the chronological resume does have some built-in flexibility. It’s not a stale formula that you plug details into.

For example, if you’re a student with little professional expertise, you can place the educational section before the work experience section to better highlight your educational achievements. In short, don’t be afraid to make some strategic changes to the order of the sections, as long as you stick to basic reverse-chronological resume format standards. The goal is always to showcase the best parts of your resume to enhance your chance of success.

A reverse-chronological resume format is generally best

Now you know why it’s typically best to use the reverse-chronological resume format and how to create it. As long as you answer the questions for each section, you should be well on your way to landing more interviews.

Of course, resume writing is as much art as science. Like any type of endeavor, it takes practice and experience to create a perfect resume. These tips will help you to get a handle on the process, but no formulaic tips can ever replace a well-crafted professional resume written by experienced resume writers.

If you want to ensure that your resume earns you twice as many interviews, hire your own personal resume writer . Zipjob has over 100+ professional resume writers to help you display your work experience in the best way.

Recommended reading:

Resume Formats: The 3 Best Options

200+ Resume Examples For Every Job Title and Industry

10 Best Resume Writing Services US + CA (All Industries)

Ronda Suder, Professional Writer

With a drive to foster safety and expand possibilities through writing, performing, and working with others, Ronda brings 25 years of combined experience in HR, recruiting, career advice, communications, mental and behavioral health, and storytelling to her work. She’s a certified career coach and holds a Master’s in Human Resources, a Master’s in Film and Media Production, and a Master’s in Counseling and Development. As a writer, she’s covered topics ranging from finance and rock mining to leadership and internet technology, with a passion for career advice and mental-health-related topics. When she’s not at her computer, Ronda enjoys connecting with others, personal growth and development, spending time with her beloved pooch, and entertainment through movies, television, acting, and other artistic endeavors. You can connect with Ronda on  LinkedIn  and through her  website .

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• Finding a Job

Chronological Resume Example (With Writing Tips)

When to Use a Chronological Resume

When to use a different resume format, what to include in a chronological resume, tips for writing a chronological resume, how to format a chronological resume, chronological resume example, frequently asked questions (faqs).

What is a chronological resume, and when should you use one? A chronological resume lists your work history in reverse chronological order. That is, the top of your resume lists your most recent job first. Your previous role is directly below that, and so on. 

This type of resume affords you the opportunity to give pride of place to your most recent and outstanding talents, skills, and expertise, ensuring that a hiring manager will be interested enough to read through your entire resume.

Review information on when to use a chronological resume, when to choose a different format, what to include, writing and formatting tips, and examples.

Key Takeaways

• Chronological resumes are a good fit for most job seekers. If you have a limited job history, employment gaps, or did some job hopping, consider using a different format. 
• Include the standard sections—contact information, education, and experience—in your resume and consider adding optional sections like a profile.  
• Pay attention to your word choices and formatting. Your resume should be easy to scan through, as well as be full of details that match the job description and play up your most relevant qualifications. 

Chronological resumes  are the most commonly used format, and for good reason. Most employers prefer candidates who have current or very recent experience in their career fields. Plus, it's the easiest option to create.  

The more experienced a potential new employee is, the less likely it will be that the employer will have to spend time and money to train them after they’re hired.

If you have a straightforward work history—one where you have work experience in the job area you are targeting, with few significant unemployment gaps—then a chronological resume is the way to go.

While it’s fine to include several job descriptions in your “Professional Experience” section, you don't need to present more than 10 years of employment in the work history section of a resume. Doing so may result in your application being screened out by employers guilty of ageism.

While most candidates will opt for the chronological resume format, it's not always the best choice. Consider a non-chronological  functional resume  or a  combination resume  format if you: 

• Have done a lot of job-hopping
• Have employment gaps
• Do not have a work history
• You're working in a different field than the one you're currently targeting 

These alternate resume formats allow you to place your most relevant experience at the top of the document, even if the role isn't the most recent one. 

Take a look at the sections you'll include in a chronological resume: 

• Contact information:  This is where you'll inform potential employers how to reach you. This should go on the very top of the page—along with your phone number, email, and address. This section also includes your name in a bigger font size. 
• Experience:  This is generally the heart of your resume, where you share your previous work experience. In a chronological resume, this is listed in order from most to least recent. 
• Education:  In this section, you'll list your education background, along with any certifications, professional development, and academic accomplishments. 
• Skills:  Here, you'll highlight your hard skills, such as computer skills and language skills.  

You can also choose to include an objective statement, resume profile, or career summary on your resume. These optional sections generally summarize your skills and experience. In the case of an objective statement, you also call out your employment goals.

As you're writing your resume, keep these tips in mind: 

• Create top-notch job descriptions:  As you describe your previous jobs, look for ways to  make them sound impressive . Try adding numbers and incorporating  action verbs . Don't limit yourself by simply listing out day-to-day responsibilities. Instead, look for ways to highlight your achievements. 
• Avoid "I" and "me":  It's customary to write resumes in the third person. So, in a job description, instead of saying "I managed a team of five people," you'd simply say, "Managed a team of five people." 
• Match your qualifications to the job :  Employers are most interested in your relevant qualifications. That is, it's lovely if you're skilled at accounting best practices, but if you're being hired for marketing, that may not be very meaningful to your hiring manager. Look for ways to showcase skills that are mentioned in the job ad and are needed in the role at hand. 
• Carefully eliminate all typos and errors:  Having a typo makes your resume appear unprofessional. It also reflects poorly on you, as well as potentially makes you appear sloppy and poor at handling details. Read through your resume carefully to catch—and remove—errors and typos. 
• Include relevant keywords:  Both hiring managers and automated tracking systems (ATS) look for  keywords in resumes . Including them in the document can help you increase your chances of landing a job interview. 

A resume is a formal document, with fairly set guidelines for how it should look. If your resume looks different from the usual format, you should have a very good reason. For instance, a design-focused role might offer more freedom to deviate from the norm. Here are some formatting strategies to keep in mind: 

• Consider using a template:   Resume templates , which are available through word processing software such as Google Docs and Microsoft Word, can help you cut down on the labor to create the document. A template can be a very helpful starting point as you create or update your resume. 
• Choose a readable font:  Make sure to choose a standard font (think: Times New Roman or Arial) that's easy to read. Don't make the size too small because you're looking to include lots of information on a single page. 
• Make sure it's easy to read on the screen and when printed out:  Few people want to read a document with cramped margins and a tiny font. Try to make your resume easy to scan by using bullet points, strategically bolded text, and incorporating plenty of white space. 

This is an example of a chronological resume.  Download the chronological resume template  (compatible with Google Docs and Word Online) or see below for a text version of the resume.

The Balance

Chronological Resume Example (Text Version)

James Applicant Edmond, OR 555-555-1212 james.applicant@email.com

Energetic and motivating leader with a proven ability to effectively manage both staff and long and short-term projects. A self-starter and strong independent worker who excels at analyzing products and procedures in order to generate new ideas that improve efficiency and production quality.

  PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

COMFORT, INC., Edmond, OR MANAGER (2018-Present) Manage daily operations of a $1 million foam insulation company.

• Train and supervise work crews in more efficient product installation techniques resulting in reduced material waste by 20% and labor hours by 43%.
• Instrumental in developing sales team’s knowledge in the areas of building science and energy conservation in order to provide customers with the information to successfully plan for, and utilize, spray foam insulation.

MILITARY BASE. Edmond, OR DATA NETWORK MANAGER (2016-2018) Managed command and control data network used to generate video representation of geographic area surrounding the ship. The team consisted of 38 individuals from four departments.

• Production Control Officer - Coordinated the efforts of 135 personnel utilizing 37,000 man hours. Completed 520 jobs totaling over $4 million during a 13-month refurbishment period.
• Assistant Command Duty Officer - Directed daily routine utilizing a duty section of 600 personnel from 12 different departments.

MILITARY BASE. Edmond, OR INSTRUCTOR PILOT (2012–2016)               Administered, coordinated, and supervised flight and academic training for the United States flight training program that encompassed over 200 instructors and 600 students in five units.

• Coordinated and supervised four Flight Commanders to ensure that pilot completion rates met quarterly and annual goals.
• Managed and scheduled 11 instructor pilots and 38 flight students to complete primary and intermediate level flight training.

EDUCATION AND TRAINING

• AUBURN UNIVERSITY, MBA in Finance, 2021
• UNIVERSITY OF COSTA RICA , Bachelor of Arts in Business Economics, 2012
• Aviator - Advanced Flight Training, United States Flight Patrol

In what order should work history be listed on a resume?

In a chronological resume, which is the most common format, work history is listed in reverse chronological order. Your current or most recent job is listed first, followed by your other jobs in descending order. Your oldest job is listed last.

What is the difference between a chronological and a functional resume?

A chronological resume focuses on your employment history, while a functional resume highlights your skills and qualifications for a job. A combination resume includes your top qualifications plus your chronological work history.

CareerOneStop. “ Resume Styles ."

 CareerOneStop. “ Select the Best Resume Format .”

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Chronological Resume: Examples And Tips

• Combination Resume
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When you think of a resume , there’s a good chance you’re thinking of a chronological resume. They are the most popular way to structure a resume today and preferred by many human resources departments, hiring managers, and recruiters.

A chronological resume is one of the most common resume formats because employers (and the applicant tracking systems they often use) prefer the easy-to-scan structure.

Key Takeaways:

The chronological resume lists your work history in order of date, with your most recent work experience listed at the top.

The order of a chronological resume is: contact information, career summary/objective, professional experience, education, and skills.

You should use a chronological resume if you have several years of experience in a single career path , have worked in a single industry, and have minimal or no employment gaps.

The are 2 other resume formats: functional and combination.

What Is a Chronological Resume?

How to write a chronological resume, chronological resume example, when should i use a chronological resume, how the chronological resume format can help you, additional chronological resume sections, other resume formats, chronological resume frequently asked questions.

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A chronological resume is a resume that lists your professional experiences in the order that you had them, with your most recent jobs listed at the top and your more distant work experience following it. This is technically reverse-chronological order, but the term “chronological resume” is much more commonly used.

The chronological resume is by far the most popular resume format in the modern world because it’s the best option for presenting your experiences and qualifications in a logical and straightforward way.

Previous job experience consistently ranks as the most important factor of your application to recruiters and hiring managers, so it makes sense that these people prefer to see your professional history laid out clearly and in a logical order.

One thing to note is that the reverse-chronological aspect of your resume applies to each section separately. In other words, you wouldn’t place your college experience in between two jobs you held just because that’s when you went to school — you still separate sections based on work experience, education, skills, and any other resume sections you’re using.

You should aim to make your resume include information that relates to the position you are applying for. The most significant difference between a chronological resume and other resume formats is how the experience section is formatted.

List your most recent experience first. Pay attention to the details under each job experience and make sure you pull keywords from the job description for which you are applying. If you insert them naturally into the copy on your resume, it will feel like a perfect fit for your hiring manager or recruiter .

Additionally, you can choose how to best format your professional experience and education section . If you are a student, you may choose to prioritize your education section with relevant accomplishments, awards, and coursework for your potential employer.

To use a chronological resume, your sections should be split in this order:

Contact information. This is the most vital information on your resume. Make sure this is highlighted appropriately and displayed prominently. Always double-check the information in this section. If your potential employer can not contact you with the correct details, you may miss out on your job opportunity.

Summary or objective. Typically resumes will include either a resume summary statement or resume objective. This is a short statement that describes who you are as a professional. It gives your potential employer a quick context of who you are, what your experience looks like, and what you believe your key skills are.

Those with extensive experience in a specific industry should include this in the summary, especially if you are applying for a job in the same industry.

New graduates or those still in school should consider the objective statement instead, which describes your short-term goals.

Professional experience. Under your professional experience , you will list all of your work experience in past and present jobs in reverse-chronological order. This means starting with your current or most recent position, and working backward while listing dates.

When writing this section, consider the experiences that are relevant to the next step you’re planning to take in your career.

For example, for a job that is not as relevant, you can provide minimal details to save some space on your resume. When writing your dates for each job, ensure you double-check that they are correct to avoid confusion on the hiring manager’s part if they choose to cross-check the information.

Educational history. The education section is where you’ll list your degree, where you went to school, and your GPA if you so choose. Just like professional experience, your education experience should be listed in reverse-chronological order, listing your most recent educational achievements and working backward.

Note that if you have completed a post-secondary degree in college, you do not need to list your high school information. However, if you did not complete a post-secondary degree, you should consider including your background from high school, along with your GPA, and any other relevant information.

This is also the place where you can also share any awards or certifications you have received.

Skills and abilities. The purpose if your key skills section is to highlight your attributes and skills. Don’t forget to include both technical ( hard ) skills and interpersonal ( soft ) skills here. The most important thing to pay attention to is to make sure these skills are relevant to the job you’re applying for.

Often, job descriptions will call out the exact skills they expect to see, so take a look at the posting to ensure you’re sprinkling the right skills throughout this section.

The chronological resume is a fairly straightforward and simple template. To some extent, all resumes will look a little different, but the components and relevant information should remain the same across the board. Below is an example of what a chronological resume may look like in practice:

Lila Craft 18 Cross Road, Denver, Colorado 80014| [email protected] | 134-234-2123 Marketing manager seeks management position with top technology company that will allow her to utilize her digital marketing and content marketing skills, while coordinating marketing efforts to improve sales and drive sales qualified leads. Professional Experience Salesforce, Inc — Marketing Manager April 2018-Present Manage and maintain Marketo for micro-Salesforce events, including drip campaign set-up, database management, and email creation across events. Provided social copy for all relevant events used by Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn Monitored the customer service email box for any pressing questions from attendees prior to the event Coordinated all event logistics for both external and internal attendees Accenture, Inc — Marketing Assistance November 2014-April 2018 Assisted with the development of their new event website including photo selection, web copy, design layout, and logistics management Developed SOPs for Pardot which was shared across the full marketing team Education Colorado State University | May 2014 Bachelor of Arts, English Minor, Marketing Skills Marketo Pardot Constant Contact Salesforce Microsoft Office suite Google suite Adobe Illustrator Adobe Photoshop

Although anyone can use a chronological resume, it’s most effectively used by applicants who have a solid work history in a single field. The format allows you to showcase work history front and center, as the most important piece of your resume. This shows the employer that you have the specific sets of skills and abilities they may be looking for in a job.

For those who are just beginning their career journey, the chronological resume can be tricky. You likely have an abundance of skills and experience that falls outside of actual paid work history that you can list. This includes work such as volunteering, school clubs, or extracurricular activities.

When you use a chronological resume with this type of experience, it could work against you. It will be blatantly obvious to the hiring manager that you lack paid work experience.

If you are in the process of making a career leap, the chronological resume may also not work the way you want it to. If you’re applying for a job that requires a specific set of skills, it’s not ideal to go in with a resume that highlights your experience in a different industry.

You would be better served to use a resume like a combination resume, which lists both skills and work history, with an emphasis on skills (this is a functional resume, and we’ll talk more about it later).

Additionally, if you have gaps in your work history or you have changed jobs frequently, it’s probably not ideal to use a chronological resume either. The chronological format highlights gaps and shifts front and center. Although job-hopping is no longer a concern in the workspace, too many job changes could signal a red flag for your potential employer.

As one of the most common resume styles used today, the chronological resume provides familiarity and makes it easier for the reader to absorb the information included. This resume format accommodates all types of industries and all levels of experience.

Human resources departments often prefer this formatting because it is what they are most familiar with and it is the easiest to scan. Consider the fact that some HR departments look at hundreds of applicants per day, so you should do your best to make yours stand out from the crowd.

Ideally, your chronological resume will show the progression of your work history and career in a positive light. Because of this, chronological resumes may not work for recent graduates, applicants with little to no work experience, or those with work gaps or career shifts.

You should use a chronological resume:

If you have several years of experience in a single career path

If you have worked in a single industry

If you have minimal or no employment gaps

Additionally, the chronological resume can be easier to compile since its dependency on dates helps you nail down the details of your job history.

Employers and hiring managers may only glance at your resume quickly, scanning just the important details. It’s imperative that you highlight your most recent information and accomplishments first, and ensure they are relevant to the job you’re applying for.

We kept things pretty basic because the sections above are all you really need to make your chronological resume work. But if you’ve got other experiences you feel would benefit you to share with the hiring manager or recruiter, by all means, include them.

Optional resume sections include:

Achievements, honors, and/or awards. While a section dedicated to professional accomplishments can work, we recommend weaving your achievements into your resume’s work experience section and expounding on one or two accomplishments in your cover letter .

Publications. This section is basically mandatory for academic and research-type professionals. But a subject matter expert in any field who has publications under their belt should certainly highlight those for hiring managers to see.

Volunteering. A volunteer experience section works great for those without much professional experience or folks looking to cover up awkward gaps in their employment history. However, in most cases, it’s best to include your volunteering experience within your professional history section, especially if it’s for the purpose of concealing employment gaps.

Certifications. Certifications can also fit into your education section, but if you work in a field that’s heavy on licensures and certifications, it dedicating a section to such can help draw the hiring manager’s eye straight to the most important aspects of your background.

Hobbies, interest, and/or extracurriculars. This optional section is more for recent high school or college graduates who lack formal experience, but it can also be valuable for folks looking to make a radical career change.

While the chronological resume is the undisputed champion of the resume formatting world, it’s helpful to know about the other options. Plus, there are only two other options, so we felt it worth the time to briefly describe what they are, their advantages, and when to consider using them:

Functional resume . The functional resume flips the chronological format on its head. Instead of kicking off with professional experience, a functional resume moves straight from the summary/objective to your most impressive skills.

But instead of giving only a list of skills without detail, a functional resume aims to provide fewer skills (4-6) but with a greater level of detail given for each (3-4 lines).

Then, you follow this up with your education or relevant experience section. For relevant experience, you should still list your jobs in reverse-chronological order, but you don’t have to (or even include dates). The whole idea of a functional resume is that it hides your lack of recent, relevant experience and brushes over long gaps in your employment history .

It also emphasizes skills over experience, which makes it a great option for those looking to change careers in a significant way and want to draw attention to their transferable skills.

Combination resume . As you might imagine, a combination resume attempts to combine the best of both the chronological and functional resume formats. You still lead with a detailed skills section (albeit slightly briefer than a functional resume) and then move into an equally impressive experience section in reverse-chronological order.

For a combination resume, you should list the years to indicate you haven’t had any gaps in your employment history (unless you do have gaps, in which case you can opt to omit years — but again, applicant tracking systems don’t like that).

What are the 5 parts of a chronological resume?

The five parts of a chronological resume are contact information, summary/objective, professional experience, education, and skills. Each section serves a distinct purpose.

The contact information provides a way for the hiring manager to get a hold of you. The summary/objective creates a pitch for you. Professional experience provides evidence for your qualifications. Education gives the hiring manager more context. The skills section helps highlight your ability to take on the job.

What is the difference between a chronological and a functional resume?

A chronological resume focuses on your work experience while a functional resume focuses on your skills. Chronological resumes are better when you have extensive relevant professional experience. If you are missing that experience, then a functional resume can supplement experience with skills.

What order should a chronological resume be in?

A chronological resume should be in reverse chronological order. This means you start with the most recent professional experience and work backwards from there. Reverse chronological order helps a reader know where you are coming from and what makes you recently qualified.

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Caitlin Mazur is a freelance writer at Zippia. Caitlin is passionate about helping Zippia’s readers land the jobs of their dreams by offering content that discusses job-seeking advice based on experience and extensive research. Caitlin holds a degree in English from Saint Joseph’s University in Philadelphia, PA.

Don Pippin is an executive and HR leader for Fortune 50 and 500 companies and startups. In 2008, Don launched area|Talent with a focus on helping clients identify their brand. As a Certified Professional Resume Writer, Certified Digital Career Strategist, and Certified Personal Branding Strategist, Don guides clients through career transitions.

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How to Craft a Winning Resume: Step-By-Step Guide

A standout resume showcases your fit for the role and reflects your professional narrative and brand, emphasizing your qualifications, experience and the unique value you bring to the position.

Quality Verified

Updated: April 5, 2024

On This Page:

• Why Your Resume Matters
• Step 1: Job Description
• Step 2: Format
• Step 3: Objective
• Step 4: Work Experience
• Step 5: Skills
• Step 6: Education & Credentials
• Step 7: Optional Sections
• Step 8: Proofread

Additional Resources

Advertising & Editorial Disclosure

An effective resume is much more than a simple list of skills and career history. Your resume often makes the first impression on potential employers and is vital to securing an interview during a job search . When crafted correctly, it's a tool that reflects your qualifications, experiences and compatibility with the position you're applying for.

Importance of a Well-Crafted Resume

A well-crafted resume does more than state your work history — it's a strategic way to present your professional narrative in the most compelling light. Here's why a resume is vital in your job application process:

Step 1: Carefully Read the Job Description

The first step in crafting a compelling resume is a thorough understanding of the job description. It sets the direction for how you'll customize your resume to meet the specific needs and requirements of the role. Here's how to approach it:

Read Attentively

Begin by reading the job description carefully. Pay attention to the language used and the listed responsibilities and requirements. This will give you a clear idea of what the employer values most.

Highlight Key Skills and Qualifications

As you read, underline or highlight the essential skills and qualifications mentioned. These are usually listed under sections titled "Requirements," "Qualifications," or "Skills."

Match Your Skills

Compare your experiences and skills to those in the job description. Identify where your background aligns with the job requirements. This step is crucial for tailoring your resume to show you're an ideal fit.

Incorporate Keywords

Integrate keywords and phrases found in the job description throughout your resume. Use them in your summary, work experience and skills sections. This shows that your qualifications match the role and helps your resume get past Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), which screen resumes based on specific keywords.

Step 2: Choose the Best Resume Format

Choosing the right resume format ensures that your application captures the attention of hiring managers by presenting your background in the most effective and relevant way. Below are the three most commonly used resume formats, along with guidance on who should use each and why:

Chronological Resume

This format arranges your work experience in reverse chronological order, beginning with your most recent job at the top. It's ideal for individuals with a solid and steady work history. The chronological resume highlights career progression and is particularly effective for those looking to advance in the same field.

Best for: Seasoned professionals with consistent employment in their field.

Example: A marketing manager with 10 years of experience seeking to become a marketing director.

Functional Resume

This format emphasizes your skills and abilities rather than the chronological chronology of your professional experience. It's beneficial for those with career gaps in their employment, newcomers to the workforce or career changers, as it allows them to highlight how their skills transfer to the position they're applying for.

Best for: Career changers, individuals with employment gaps or those with diverse skill sets not tied to specific roles.

Example: A professional transitioning from a teaching career to a corporate training position, emphasizing skills in curriculum development, presentation and educational technology.

Combination Resume

A hybrid of the chronological and functional formats, this style allows you to showcase your relevant skills and work history. It's perfect for those with a solid employment record who also want to highlight specific skills that are particularly relevant to the job they're applying for.

Best for: Professionals with a robust work history and specific, transferable skills directly applicable to the job opening.

Example: A software developer with extensive experience in project management looking to focus on agile project management roles.

Step 3: Write a Compelling Resume Summary or Objective

Your summary or objective should introduce your resume and encapsulate your professional identity and value proposition, making a compelling case for why you're the ideal candidate for the position. Here's how to differentiate between the two and write them effectively:

Resume Summary

Ideal for experienced professionals, a summary provides a concise overview of your career achievements and key strengths. It highlights your experience, major accomplishments and the value you bring to a potential employer.

Example: "Customer Service Manager with over seven years of experience specializing in improving customer satisfaction and team performance. Achieved a 30% increase in customer satisfaction at XYZ Co., demonstrating proficiency in CRM software and effective team leadership."

Resume Objective

Best suited for those at the entry level, career changers or applicants with gaps in employment, an objective focuses on your career goals and how they align with the company's needs, emphasizing your enthusiasm and potential contributions.

Example: "Recent Computer Science graduate passionate about software development and problem-solving. Aiming to apply academic knowledge and innovative thinking in a Junior Developer role. Awarded university prize for excellence in project development, showcasing strong technical skills and creative solutions."

• Be Concise: Keep your summary or objective brief, targeting three to five lines.
• Showcase Your Value: Mention specific skills and experiences that align with the job description, indicating how you can solve problems or add value to the team.
• Use Active Language: Start sentences with action verbs and use the active voice to convey dynamism and proactivity.

Step 4: Detail Your Work Experience

The work experience section of your resume is where you showcase your professional journey and demonstrate your value to potential employers. Here's how you can effectively list your work experience:

Chronological Order

Begin with your most recent position and proceed backward in time. This format allows employers to quickly understand your current level of responsibility and track your career progression.

Dynamic Action Verbs

Initiate each bullet point with a strong action verb (e.g., led, developed, increased, optimized) to capture attention and actively convey your role in each achievement.

Quantify Achievements

Wherever possible, use numbers, percentages and specific outcomes to quantify your achievements. This approach provides tangible evidence of your contributions and impact on your roles.

Beyond Duties

Focus on your achievements in each position rather than simply listing job duties. Describe how you added value, solved problems or improved processes. This distinction helps employers gauge your potential impact on their organization.

Tailor to the Job

Select experiences and accomplishments most relevant to the position you're applying for. Tailoring this section to the job description ensures you highlight the skills and experiences that align closely with what the employer is seeking.

Step 5: Highlight Your Skills

The skills section can be an opportunity to respond directly to the job description's call for specific competencies. Follow these steps to make your skills section stand out:

Inventory Your Skills

Compile a comprehensive list of your skills, including technical skills and interpersonal skills. No skill is too small to consider.

Prioritize Relevant Skills

From your inventory, select the skills that most closely match the job description. These are the ones you should highlight in your resume.

Balancing Hard and Soft Skills

A well-rounded candidate possesses hard and soft skills . Hard skills demonstrate your specific qualifications for the job, while soft skills illustrate how you interact with others and approach your work.

Presenting Your Skills

When listing your skills, consider using bullet points for clarity and ease of reading. Provide brief examples of how you've applied each skill in a professional setting, either within the skills section itself or elsewhere in your resume.

Integrating Soft Skills Throughout

While it's important to list soft skills, you can also integrate them into your work experience and achievements.

Step 6: Include Your Education and Credentials

This section should highlight your academic achievements and underscore your commitment to professional development. Consider the following tips to showcase your education and credentials effectively:

List Your Highest Education First

Begin with the most advanced degree you've earned, followed by others in reverse chronological order. For each, include the degree type, your major, the name of the institution and your graduation year (or expected graduation year if you're currently enrolled).

Certifications and Licenses

List any professional certifications or licenses you hold, especially those directly relevant to the job. Include the name of the certification, the issuing organization and the date of attainment or expiration, if applicable.

Relevant Coursework, Honors and Awards

Mention any courses, honors or awards directly relevant to the job or that showcase exceptional achievement. Place these details under the appropriate educational entry, keeping the descriptions brief yet descriptive.

Formatting for Clarity

Use bullet points for each element to ensure the section is easily scannable. This helps potential employers quickly grasp your academic and professional learning achievements.

Prioritizing Information

Your educational background will be particularly important if you're starting your career or a recent graduate. In this case, consider placing your education section above your work experience. For those more advanced in their careers, education can follow the work experience section, focusing more on degrees and certifications than on coursework or honors.

• Master of Science in Data Analytics – XYZ University, 2023
• Specialization: Big Data Processing and Visualization Technique
• Honors: Received the Dean's Award for Outstanding Graduate Research

Certifications

• Certified Data Analyst – Data Science Institute, 2022

Step 7: Consider Optional Resume Sections

In addition to the essential components of your resume — such as your career summary, skills, work experience and education — consider including optional sections to further develop your brand, showcase a comprehensive skill set and stand out from other candidates. Select optional sections that add value and are relevant to the position you're applying for. Here are some possibilities:

Volunteer Work

Highlight significant volunteer roles and community service activities. These experiences can illustrate your commitment to social causes, leadership abilities and application of professional skills in a volunteer setting.

Detailing relevant certifications underscores your dedication to professional development and expertise in your field.

Share hobbies that reflect positively on your personality and offer insights into your soft skills, such as teamwork, creativity or leadership. Choose hobbies that are relevant or could contribute uniquely to the job.

Awards and Honors

Include professional or academic recognitions to emphasize your commitment to excellence and achievement in your career or field of study.

Listing language proficiencies can demonstrate your ability to communicate in diverse environments, an essential skill in many global or multicultural roles.

Professional Affiliations

Show your engagement with the professional community through memberships in associations, which can indicate a broader network and up-to-date industry knowledge

Step 8: Proofread and Format Your Resume

Errors, typos and inconsistencies in formatting can significantly detract from your professionalism and attention to detail. Here are some strategies to ensure your resume is polished and professional:

Be Consistent

Use a consistent format for headings, bullet points and fonts throughout your resume. This uniformity helps maintain a clean, professional look.

Choose a Professional Font

Use a professional, easy-to-read font such as Arial, Calibri or Times New Roman. Maintain a font size of 10 to 12 points for body text and slightly larger for headings.

Bullet Points

Use bullet points to list achievements and responsibilities, improving the document's readability and making it easier for employers to scan.

Margins and Spacing

Set your margins to 1" on all sides to create a balanced, uncluttered layout. Adequate spacing between sections further enhances readability.

Multiple Rounds of Proofreading

Go beyond a cursory spell check. Read your resume several times, each focusing on different elements — first for typos and grammar, then for consistency in formatting and finally for overall flow and persuasiveness.

Get a Second Opinion

Having someone else review your resume can provide valuable insights and catch errors you might have missed.

Use Digital Tools

Leverage grammar and spell-check tools like Grammarly or Microsoft Word's Review features for an additional layer of error checking.

Here's a list of valuable resources for crafting a standout resume that effectively navigates modern job application processes. Each offers unique insights and guidance tailored to different aspects of resume writing and job search strategies:

• GCFLearnFree.org : Features a wide range of guides, including formatting resumes for Applicant Tracking Systems and tailoring resumes to specific job applications​​.
• U.S. Department of Labor : Shares tips for writing a federal resume, including tailoring your resume to the job's requirements and selecting the right format​​.
• Workshops for Warriors : Provides targeted advice for veterans transitioning to civilian work, focusing on showcasing military training, certifications and soft skills​​.

About Nathan Paulus

Nathan Paulus is the Head of Content Marketing at MoneyGeek, with nearly 10 years of experience researching and creating content related to personal finance and financial literacy.

Paulus has a bachelor's degree in English from the University of St. Thomas, Houston. He enjoys helping people from all walks of life build stronger financial foundations.

Reverse Chronological Resume Templates

What you miss out on with a Reverse Chronological Resume.

Resume checker, resume bullet point generator, resume job description match.

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Resume summary generator.

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LinkedIn Resume Builder

Showcase your experience with our reverse-chronological formats, find and select a resume template.

You'll be taken into the Teal Resume Builder

Update the template with your information

Import your existing resume, connect your LinkedIn profile, or quickly add the details yourself

Customize your template further

Dozens of formatting options with granular control over the look and feel of your resume template

Resume Templates by Job

Explore our comprehensive selection of resume examples across job titles, industries, experience levels, and more. Draw inspiration from thousands of real samples hand-picked by our team.

Administrative Assistant

Front End Developer

Executive Assistant

Types of Resume Layouts in 2024

The complete guide to crafting impactful, one-page resumes and making effective use of limited space.

Explore the benefits and use cases for two-page resume. See when it's strategic, and when it's not.

Discover the best resume formats to stand out in todays job market as we head into 2024.

Customize Your Next Resume with a Reverse Chronological Style

Take full advantage of Teal's advanced customization options that give you full control over the look and feel of your resume template.

• Color Patterns
• Date Formatting
• Date Range Control
• Section Order
• Section Groupings
• Skill Categories

Choosing a Reverse Chronological Template for Your Next Resume

The reverse-chronological resume, a time-honored classic in the job search arsenal, remains a favorite among recruiters and hiring managers. This format, emphasizing a clear timeline of your professional journey, is ideal for showcasing a steady career progression and highlighting your most recent and relevant experiences. In this guide, we'll delve into how reverse-chronological resume templates can effectively capture your career milestones, providing valuable insights for job seekers aiming to leverage this traditional yet powerful format.

Reverse-chronological resumes are particularly advantageous for those with a strong, linear career trajectory and for job roles that value extensive experience and expertise in a specific field. By strategically using 'reverse chronological' keywords and a layout that emphasizes your work history, these templates help you present a compelling narrative that aligns perfectly with your career goals.

Key Aspects of a Great Reverse Chronological Resume Template

A well-crafted reverse-chronological resume template should have certain key features that aid in presenting your professional story in a coherent and impactful manner:

Clear Timeline of Work Experience

‍ The essence of this format is a well-structured timeline, listing your jobs starting with the most recent and working backward. This layout makes it easy for employers to trace your career growth and achievements.

Emphasis on Career Progression and Achievements

‍ Highlight key achievements and responsibilities in each role, demonstrating how your experience has evolved. This focus on progression is a crucial element of the reverse-chronological resume.

Concise Education and Skills Section

‍ While the spotlight is on work experience, ensure your education and skills are concisely presented, complementing your professional narrative without overwhelming it.

Professional and Clean Design

‍ Opt for a template with a professional and uncluttered design. This aesthetic ensures that the emphasis remains on your work history and achievements.

Adaptability for Different Professions

‍ Select a template that can be easily adapted to suit various professions, allowing for subtle adjustments while maintaining the core reverse-chronological structure.

Key Considerations for Any Reverse Chronological Resume Format

When opting for a reverse-chronological resume, consider these essential points to ensure that your resume is not just chronologically sound but also strategically compelling:

Highlighting Recent Relevant Roles

‍ Prioritize detailing recent roles that are most relevant to the position you're applying for. This relevancy ensures that your resume resonates with the specific requirements of the job.

Balancing Detail and Brevity

‍ Provide enough detail to showcase your achievements and responsibilities, but be brief enough to maintain the reader's interest throughout your career history.

Incorporating Keywords Strategically

‍ Weave relevant keywords throughout your resume naturally. This approach helps in aligning with the specific language of your industry and the job description.

Consistency in Formatting and Style

‍ Maintain consistency in formatting, such as dates, job titles, and company names. A consistent style aids in readability and professionalism.

Build Your Resume with Teal

Should I use a Reverse Chronological resume template for my job application?

The reverse-chronological resume is particularly beneficial for individuals with a solid and continuous work history. It might not be the best choice for those with significant employment gaps or those who are new to the workforce.

Can I use any of these templates for free?

Absolutely. While the core structure remains focused on chronological work history, the content and emphasis can be tailored to suit different industries and roles, making it a versatile choice.

To make your reverse-chronological resume stand out, focus on quantifiable achievements in your roles, use a clean and professional layout, and ensure the content is concise and relevant to the job you're applying for.

How can I make my resume stand out with a Reverse Chronological template?

Yes, reverse-chronological resumes are generally ATS-friendly due to their clear structure and straightforward layout. However, ensure you include relevant keywords and maintain a simple format for optimal ATS readability.

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Masters tee times for Round 2 at Augusta National as cut line looms

Editor's note: Follow live coverage of the Masters, leaderboard, highlights and more.

It's cut day at Augusta National.

A lot of golf will have to be played Friday, though, after the start of Thursday's first round was delayed by weather, which prevented several groups, including Tiger Woods' , from finishing their rounds before play was suspended at 7:51 p.m. ET due to darkness.

The Masters said first round play will resume Friday at 7:50 a.m. ET, with the second round still scheduled to begin at 8 a.m. ET.

When the second round of the Masters begins, there will be a scramble to advance further into the weekend with a chance to claim the Green Jacket. Typically the cut is at the top 50 players and ties, and new groups are announced.

Bryson DeChambeau enters the second round with a one-shot lead at 7 under. He's one shot in front of 2022 Masters champ Scottie Scheffler.

Here are the tee times for Friday's second-round action at the Masters.

2024 Masters tees times for Friday's second round

All times Eastern

8 a.m.: Lee Hodges, Adrian Meronk, Grayson Murray

8:12 a.m.: Camilo Villegas, Denny McCarthy, Cameron Davis

8:24 a.m.: Mike Weir, Ryo Hisatsune, Neal Shipley

8:36 a.m.: Vijay Singh, Si Woo Kim, Emiliano Grillo

8:48 a.m.: Fred Couples, Adam Hadwin, Stewart Hagestad

9 a.m.: Justin Rose, Eric Cole, Peter Malnati

9:12 a.m.: Akshay Bhatia, J. T. Poston, Shane Lowry

9:24 a.m.: Bubba Watson, Nicolai Hojgaard, Adam Schenk

9:36 a.m.: Patrick Reed, Sungjae Im, Kurt Kitayama

9:48 a.m.: Keegan Bradley, Matthieu Pavon, Tyrrell Hatton

10:06 a.m.: Adam Scott, Sam Burns, Cameron Young

10:18 a.m.: Tiger Woods, Jason Day, Max Homa

10: 30 a.m.: Brian Harman, Brooks Koepka, Tom Kim

10:42 a.m.: Jordan Spieth, Ludvig Aberg, Sahith Theegala

10:54 a.m.: Dustin Johnson, Collin Morikawa, Tommy Fleetwood

11:06 a.m.: Erik van Rooyen, Jake Knapp

11:18 a.m.: Jose Maria Olazabal, Taylor Moore, Santiago de la Fuente

11:30 a.m.: Danny Willett, Austin Eckroat, Stephan Jaeger

11:42 a.m.: Charl Schwartzel, Luke List, Christo Lamprecht

11:54 a.m.: Gary Woodland, Thorbjorn Olesen, Bryson DeChambeau

12:12 p.m.: Zach Johnson, Corey Conners, Jasper Stubbs

12:24 p.m.: Sergio Garcia, Chris Kirk, Ryan Fox

12:36 p.m.: Lucas Glover, Byeong Hun An, Harris English

12:48 p.m.: Phil Mickelson, Sepp Straka, Tony Finau

1 p.m.: Nick Taylor, Joaquin Niemann, Russell Henley

1:12 p.m.: Patrick Cantlay, Min Woo Lee, Rickie Fowler

1:24 p.m.: Hideki Matsuyama, Will Zalatoris, Justin Thomas

1:36 p.m.: Jon Rahm, Matt Fitzpatrick, Nick Dunlap

1:48 p.m.: Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy, Xander Schauffele

2 p.m.: Wyndham Clark, Viktor Hovland, Cameron Smith

2024 Masters leaderboard

Check out the full Masters leaderboard here .

What happened Thursday and Friday at the 2024 Masters

Day two at the Masters

It was a windy, gusty Friday at Augusta National for the second round of the Masters.

It's a three-way tie atop the leaderboard heading into the weekend with Scottie Scheffler, Bryson DeChambeau and Max Homa all at 6-under-par.

DeChambeau, who was the 18-hole leader, shot a second-round 73. He is searching for his second major championship this weekend.

Scheffler shot even par in his second round. The 2022 Masters champion is also searching for his second major after victories at the Arnold Palmer Invitational and the Players Championship.

Then there's Homa, who continued his brilliant play after his first round Thursday was suspended due to darkness. After playing 23 holes Friday, Homa shot a second-round 71, putting himself in contention to win his first major.

Tiger Woods shot a second-round 72 and made a record 24th cut at the Masters. Woods also played 23 holes on Friday after completing his first round in the morning.

Follow live coverage of the third round here.

⛳ Follow The Athletic 's golf coverage

Leaderboard:

T1: Scheffler -6 (72)

T1: Homa -6 (71)

T1: DeChambeau -6 (73)

4: Højgaard -4 (73)

T5: Davis -3 (72)

T5: Morikawa -3 (70)

T24. Woods +1 (72)

Third-round tee times

Third-round tee times for the Masters are out.

Tiger Woods is teeing off at 12:45 p.m. ET with Tyrrell Hatton.

Below are the final Saturday groupings:

2:05 p.m. ET: Cameron Young/Tommy Fleetwood

2:15 p.m. ET: Ludvig Åberg/Matthieu Pavon

2:25 p.m. ET: Cameron Davis/Collin Morikawa

2:35 p.m. ET: Scottie Scheffler/Nicolai Højgaard

2:45 p.m. ET: Max Homa/Bryson DeChambeau

Read the full Saturday tee times here .

Finally, here's the link for our live coverage of the third round .

See you there.

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How Neal Shipley claimed Masters low amateur honors: ‘A little bit of grit’

AUGUSTA, Ga. — Neal Shipley wasn’t raised in a golf family. But he did grow up with a family that loved golf.

The Sunday afternoon of the 2004 PGA Championship was all it took for the Ohio State graduate student — the only amateur to make the cut at this week’s Masters — to fish his dad’s neglected golf clubs out of a closet and give this humbling game a lifelong shot.

“Me and my dad were on our couch,” Shipley said on Friday after finishing 36 holes at Augusta National in 3-over and making the cut by three shots. “And Vijay Singh won. The next day I took my dad’s golf clubs, which were dusty and probably never used, and started swinging around. I decided to get my own little set, and it took off from there.”

Shipley wasn’t just hooked, he was adamant. As an elementary schooler, he told anyone in his hometown of Mt. Lebanon, Penn. that he intended to become a professional golfer. In the second grade, he took his bag to school for “show and tell.” Shipley’s class ventured outdoors at recess to watch him launch drivers into the schoolyard. He was a regular at his local junior league. Shipley’s family eventually decided to join St. Clair Country Club, so he could properly hone his craft.

“We joined a country club so that he’d have a place to play,” says his father, also named Neal Shipley, “But we’re not country club people.”

Twenty years later, Shipley will play the weekend at the 88th Masters at a firm and fast Augusta National after being invited as the 2023 U.S. Amateur runner-up. He’s tied for 30th, hanging right in there with legends of the game, including 61-year-old Singh, who sits at 4-over, one stroke behind the 23-year-old on the leaderboard through 36 holes.

Round of the day: Ludvig Åberg

(Photo: David Cannon / Getty Images)

Ludvig Åberg shot the round of the day Friday with a second-round 69.

The last player to have the round of the day at the Masters — no ties — in his Masters Tournament debut was Smylie Kaufman in 2016 (69 in round three).

History of world No. 1 holding 36-hole lead at Masters

Since the OWGR began in 1986, this will be the fourth time the reigning No. 1 has held the 36-hole lead at the Masters.

1996 Greg Norman — led by four (finished 2nd)

2020 Dustin Johnson — co-led (won)

2022 Scottie Scheffler — led by five (won)

2024 Scottie Scheffler — co-leader

A challenging scoring day at Augusta

Today (75.08) was the highest field scoring average in round two of The Masters since 2007, and just the fourth time in the last 30 years the field averaged higher than 75 in the second round.

Who missed the cut?

The wind was punishing Friday, seemingly eliminating stars in a matter of seconds with one blowup hole being enough to derail a round. Double bogey became a common score to see, like reigning Open Champion Brian Harman (+9) finishing his first round Friday morning by going triple-bogey, double-bogey, double-bogey.

Maybe the most painful missed cut was Justin Thomas. The two-time major winner was even par with four holes to go, but he double-bogeyed 15 and 16, bogeyed 17 and double-bogeyed 18 to miss the cut by losing seven shots in four holes.

Viktor Hovland was one of the best players in the world six months ago, but his fascinating, strange struggles continue as Hovland went from 4-under early Thursday to shooting an 81 in round two to drop to 8-over and miss out on the weekend.

Others to miss the cut include three-time major winner Jordan Spieth (+9), Wyndham Clark (+7), Sam Burns (+9) and Dustin Johnson (+13).

Masters Round 2 takeaways: Scheffler, DeChambeau, Homa share 36-hole lead

LIV has 8 make the cut

DeChambeau is certainly doing most of the heavy lifting for the LIV field as he sits at 6-under for the co-lead, but LIV brought 13 golfers to the Masters and eight made the cut. It might not be looking like the same success as three golfers finishing top four last year, yet multiple players are still in the mix.

DataGolf gives DeChambeau a 23 percent chance of winning the Masters, while Cam Smith sits at 1-under par at the halfway point. Smith is one of the better players at Augusta, with four top-10s here in the last five years. Patrick Reed, another Masters expert who won the green jacket in 2018, is T16 at even par.

Other LIV golfers to make the cut include Brooks Koepka (+2), Tyrell Hatton (+2), Joaquin Niemann (+4), Phil Mickelson (+4) and Jon Rahm (+5). Rahm, the defending Masters champ, shot 76 in round two to take himself out of contention but still made the cut. Meanwhile, 2020 Masters champ Dustin Johnson missed out at 13-over.

DeChambeau in lead with new custom-made irons

One of the stories of the tournament has been not just DeChambeau’s impressive play — where he co-leads at 6-under par — but also his fascinating switch to a new set of custom-made, 3D-printed irons that were only approved by the USGA this week.

The approval was down to the wire, with DeChambeau receiving feedback last week they’d be non-conforming due to too sharp of groove edges. He didn’t receive full approval of the set made by a company called Avoda until early Tuesday morning. Despite the Masters being 48 hours away, he switched to them immediately and felt comfortable by the end of Wednesday. Thursday, he shot a first-round 65 for the solo lead.

“They have just got a different curvature on the face than other equipment,” Dechambeau explained. “Most equipment is flat. These have a different curvature on the face that allows me to have my mis-hits to go a little straighter sometimes.”

DeChambeau has had the idea for these irons since 2020, and when asked if he couldn’t find a manufacturer to make them he only said: “I’m not going to speak much more on that but I’ve had this idea for a long, long time.”

The set is one of a kind, with DeChambeu confirming there is no backup set. He said they’re holding up well, but if anything did happen to them he would switch back to his Ping i330s that he’s been using since July. It’s worth noting that since July, DeChambeau has had two LIV wins and four straight top-10s.

Scheffler shoots second-round 72

(Photo: Andrew Redington/Getty Images)

After a tricky day at Augusta National, Scottie Scheffler is atop the leaderboard at the Masters.

He shot a second-round 72 with three birdies and three bogeys.

Scheffler is in a three-way tie atop the leaderboard with Bryson DeChambeau and Max Homa.

JT misses the cut

Justin Thomas will once again miss the cut at the Masters due to an abysmal back nine. The two-time major champion finished double-double-bogey-double to shoot a back nine 42, carding a 7-over 79 for his second round. Thomas suffered a very similar fate last year at Augusta National, when he came in with four bogeys and a double to miss the weekend, playing in a torrential downpour.

While many big names struggled on Friday afternoon on a firm, fast and brutally windy Augusta, Thomas's implosion feels particularly notable, especially in the wake of his recent split with his longtime caddie Jim "Bones" Mackay.

Thomas missed the cut in three of the four majors last season and hoped 2024 would serve as a sort of blank slate. So far, his PGA Tour results have shown signs of hope (he has four top-12s this season) but is Thomas still in the midst of his major championship slump?

Tiger compared to the field average

(Photo: Ben Jared/PGA TOUR via Getty Images)

Tiger Woods beat the field average in each of the first two rounds. Today was the 80th time in his Masters career he's shot a score better than the field that day.

Highest percentage of rounds beating field in Masters history (min. 30 rounds):

Lloyd Mangrum, 81.7 percent

Tiger Woods, 81.6 percent

Ben Hogan, 79.6 percent

Hovland falls to 8-over-par

Viktor Hovland is now 8-over but he's still having a very good week because all golf clothing discourse is now solely about Jason Day/Malbon.

Max Homa is finally having his Masters breakthrough

AUGUSTA, Ga. — Max Homa walked up to the beginning of the most famous three holes in golf, alone, unconcerned with the legend behind him. Unconcerned with the surroundings or the stage.

Back on the 10th green, Tiger Woods and Jason Day took their time reading putts and finishing the hole. But Homa had his par. He had his co-lead at the Masters. So for a full two minutes, Homa walked ahead, up the hill to the start of Amen Corner.

This time was going to be different. This time, he was going to worry about himself.

He thought back to his journal scribblings from Thursday night, a habit he’s been focusing on the past year. He writes what he’s grateful for and mental goals for the day. And on Thursday night he wrote a simple mantra.

However good I am is however good I am.

Read more about Homa's second-round performance here .

Rahm back-to-back birdies

Jon Rahm, the reigning Masters champion, had a double bogey on the 14th hole.

That brought him to 6-over, below the cut line.

How did Rahm respond?

With back-to-back birdies on 15 and 16. His birdie on 16 was well below the hole on the green.

Rahm is 4-over-par and currently inside the cut line. Can he hang on to make the weekend?

Zach Johnson responds to apparent profanity toward patrons: 'That's laughable'

Zach Johnson responded to his apparent profanity toward patrons on the par-3 12th.

"That I swore at the patrons? That's laughable," Johnson said. "That's completely laughable. I can't hear the patrons, number one. Number two, I just made a triple bogey on the 12th hole that evidently is going to make me miss the cut, which at the time I knew was pretty sensitive in the sense that I needed to keep making pars.

"If I've said anything, which I'm not going to deny, especially if it's on camera, one, I apologize, and two, it was fully directed towards myself entirely because I can't hear anything behind me. Does that make sense?"

Scheffler bogeys 13 after finding water

Scottie Scheffler entered the 13th hole with a one-shot lead at the Masters. He left it in a three-way tie with Max Homa and Bryson DeChambeau after putting an aggressive second shot into Rae's Creek. His nice chip from the drop gave him a chance to save par, but he just barely missed the putt to ultimately bogey the hole. Some might call it slight karma after Scheffler caught a lucky break on 13 yesterday.

He hit a similar approach that fell short in round one but that time it miraculously stayed up on the hill above the creek. He was able to chip up and still birdie the hole. Now, he enters the final five holes at even par for the round.

Tyrrell Hatton criticizes pace of play

(Photo: Warren Little/Getty Images)

Englishman Tyrell Hatton criticized the pace of play in the group in front of him at the Masters on Friday, a group that included LIV teammate Patrick Reed in addition to Sungjae Im and Kurt Kitayama.

"Yeah, the lads in front have been so slow," Hatton said. "It's pretty poor from the officials that it took 32 holes to put them on the clock. Yesterday they'd lost a hole and a half, and then they weren't any better even this morning, and then for the second round they were just brutal. Fine for them; they're not waiting on any shot that they hit. But for us, we stood in the fairway, we stood on the tee. It was really hard to get a rhythm, so it was disappointing that it took 32 holes for an official to go, oh, we've put the group in front on the clock."

Hatton said he said something to a rules official on the eighth hole when his group had to wait to hit on 8 because the group ahead was still putting on the green. He said he knew that group was the culprit because the group two ahead was already teeing off on the 10th hole.

"It's a small field. It's not hard to really keep up with the group in front. I understand if you've had a tough hole, but when it's just like every hole, then it's a bit more frustrating."

DeChambeau shoots 73

(Photo: Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)

Bryson DeChambeau shoots a second-round 73.

An up and down back nine for DeChambeau who recorded three bogeys and two birdies.

He also had the content moment of the day when he carried a direction sign with his bare hand.

DeChambeau is currently at 6-under-par and tied with Max Homa.

Scottie Scheffler is the solo leader at 7-under-par.

Howling winds at Augusta

The winds are howling at Augusta National.

Gary Woodland's ball at the par-3 16th moved down the green from its original spot.

Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy and Xander Schauffele had an extra wait at the par-4 11th.

A difficult conclusion to this second round ahead.