meaning of chronological 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 | Definition and Examples

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What is a chronological resume?

When to use a chronological resume, how to write a winning chronological resume.

A well-written resume contributes to assisting you to land your dream job. Make your resume as outstanding as possible in order for hiring managers to obtain as much as they can from it. The chronological resume when written well will help you make a remarkable first impression. This article explains the elements of a chronological resume and offers a step-by-step guide to writing and formatting a chronological resume.

A chronological resume is a type of resume where you list your work history in a chronological format with your current or most recent job appearing first, and the rest following in descending order. Because of this resume format, the chronological resume is also known as the reverse-chronological resume.

The reason why most employers prefer chronological resumes to functional or combination resumes is because it is a basic, easy-to-follow layout. In this regard, hiring managers easily identify the positions you have held and the duration you have held them.

Although chronological resumes stand out to recruiters and hiring managers, this type of resume mostly suits candidates with rich work histories. (If you are fresh to the workforce or have not been employed for a considerable time, a combination or functional resume is highly recommended.) 

The following scenarios give examples of when a chronological resume can be most practical to use:

• Your work history indicates progressive practice within the same field, and you are still searching for a position in the same field . The chronological resume here highlights to employers that you are already working in your preferred field. Additionally, it shows that your skills are current, an aspect that increases your chances over competing candidates.
• You have served in reputable companies . Working for acknowledged employers is an added bonus to your work history as it reveals the credibility of your experience. In this regard, employers perceive you as a great asset.
• You are a recent graduate, and you possess some experience in the position you are applying for . The fact that you are a recent graduate might be discouraging to some employers. However, listing your experiences in the position notifies the potential employers of your expertise in the field.
• You are seeking a senior executive position.  It is easy for a recruiter to track your career progress with a chronological resume. This type of resume underlines your skills and accomplishments, which is something most employers are eager about when hiring rising stars.

You can follow these steps to write a chronological resume:

1. First, include contact information in your chronological resume

Include your personal information. The following items should be included:

• Telephone number
• Email address

You may present your personal details as shown below:

     Example:

Grace Hathaway 123 Spruce Avenue Boston, MA 78965 617-123-5670 [email protected]

2. Second, include an objective in your resume

This section displays the opportunity where you can give a brief summary of your career objectives. 

A short and precise example may be: ‘To obtain a challenging intensive care unit position that focuses on pediatrics.’

3. Third, include work experience in your resume, beginning with your most recent position

List all the companies you have worked for. Begin with your most recent position to your very first position. Indicate the duration and dates you were working for each specific employer. Be sure to use bullet points when listing your duties and responsibilities under each position. Bullets make it easy for the hiring manager to follow your resume. It is an added advantage if you try to begin each bullet point with action words, such a ‘built,’ ‘organized’ or ‘consulted.’

The following is an example of how your ‘Work Experience’ section might look:

WORK EXPERIENCE

Pediatric Care Nurse , October 2009–Present

Boston Children Hospital, Boston, MA

Duties and Responsibilities

• Evaluating necessary patient care
• Helping in pediatric surgeries
• Giving comprehensive care to children in the intensive care unit
• Requesting for additional examinations as needed

Practical Nurse , May 2005–August 2009

Marian Manor Nursing Home, Boston, MA

• Performed basic bedside care
• Helped patients with personal hygiene, dressing and bathing 
• Monitored patients and reported any serious reactions to treatment

4. Fourth, include your education background in your resume

Similar to work experience, begin with your highest degree and move backward. List all educational institutions you have attended and the degrees or diplomas you have obtained from them. 

A common mistake made by most people is the mentioning of all educational facilities, including elementary. Mentioning a high school diploma is usually not necessary when continued education such as college or trade school is listed.

Your education section might look like this:

Bachelor of Science in Nursing , June 2010

Northeastern University, Boston, MA

Practical Nursing Diploma , May 2004

Emerson College, Boston, MA

5. Fifth, include any relevant volunteer experience in your resume

Document any type of organizations you have worked with, especially in volunteer programs. This is an optional section of your resume but may act in your favor.

Below is a way you may include a volunteering experience in your chronological resume:

VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE

Volunteer , Fall 2015–Present

Friends for the Homeless, Boston, MA

• Coordinated and managed workgroups that built 20 homes for low-income families and the homeless
• Planned and launched an initiative that collected donations of gently used furniture and other household items to place in the built homes
• Led the preparation of Labor Day parade float to increase community awareness of the organization

6. Sixth, include your references in your resume

It is recommended to state that references are available upon request.

A good example of a credible reference might look like this:

Dr. Smith Brown 30 Memorial Drive, Avon MA 3467   857-568-2378 [email protected]

Chronological Resume: The Best Format? (And How to Write It)

By Biron Clark

Published: December 4, 2023

Biron Clark

Writer & Career Coach

If you’re wondering whether you should use a chronological resume format (also referred to as reverse-chronological resume format) or trying to get help with how to write it, then this article is for you.

And if you’ve been told to use a functional resume because you’re changing careers or have a work gap , then this article will help you, too! (And my advice on this topic might surprise you).

Here’s what you’re going to learn:

• What is a chronological resume? And what is a functional resume?
• Why it’s NOT beneficial to use a functional resume in most cases, and why the chronological resume format will get you the most interviews
• How to write your chronological resume

Definition: What is a Chronological Resume?

Chronological resumes are resumes written in a format that lists your work experience based on the dates it occurred. Working downward from the beginning of your Work Experience section, you should start listing your most recent positions first. So the top of the section will contain your current or most recent job. Below that on your resume will be your next most recent job.

This is how to write a chronological resume, which is also commonly called the reverse chronological resume. (They’re the same, just different terms. Always start with your most recent job at the top of your Work Experience. Here are some examples ).

What is Reverse Chronological Order?

As mentioned above, reverse chronological order means that your previous jobs are listed in order of date, beginning with your most recent position at the top. Your final entry in the list should be your oldest or least recent position. This is why the term reverse chronological resume is sometimes used.

Note that you’re NOT obligated to list every job on your resume! You can choose where to begin telling your career story, or whether to omit a certain job for strategic reasons (for example, if it was only a three-month position, and isn’t related to your current career path).

So I’m not suggesting that you must start with the first job you ever held. However, once you’ve chosen a starting point for your resume work history, you should list those positions in reverse chronological order as described above.

Chronological Resume Example:

If you’re still not 100% clear on what chronological order on a resume looks like, here is an example work history section from a chronological resume:

Work Experience

IBM (2019-Present) Senior Product Manager

Brief paragraph describing the role. Don’t write too much here, because you should mostly show your accomplishments and work via bullet points .

• Launched a Groundbreaking Product: Led the launch of XYZ product, resulting in a 25% increase in market share within the first quarter.
• Implemented Strategic Partnerships: Fostered key partnerships that boosted revenue by 30% and expanded the product’s reach to new markets.
• Streamlined Processes: Initiated a process overhaul, reducing project delivery time by 20%, improving efficiency, and ensuring timely product launches.

Microsoft (2016-2019) Product Manager

Brief paragraph describing the role. Two or three sentences is ideal, and you should try to put numbers and metrics whenever possible.

• Product Revamp: Spearheaded a product revamp that led to a 40% increase in user engagement and a 15% growth in customer satisfaction.
• Cross-functional Collaboration: Fostered collaboration between development and marketing teams, resulting in a 25% reduction in time-to-market for new features.
• Revenue Growth: Implemented pricing optimization strategies that contributed to a 20% growth in product revenue over the course of two years.

Notice that the most recent or current job is listed at the top of the work history, and then you move downward for each previous job. The resume date format can vary slightly, depending on what you think is best for your work experience, just make sure that you keep it consistent.

So now you know what chronological resumes should look like, including a real example/template you can use to figure out your own! Next, I’ll explain why recruiters and hiring managers prefer this format, and why it will get you more interviews.

Should Your Resume Be Chronological?

After recruiting for 5 years, I can say without a doubt: Yes, your resume should be in chronological format.

The first reason that you should use a chronological resume date format is: this is what hiring managers and recruiters are accustomed to seeing and prefer.

Why do Recruiters Prefer Chronological Resumes?

Functional resumes are confusing and difficult to gather info from.

When I worked as a recruiter , I had multiple hiring managers send a functional resume back to me, and tell me to have the candidate rewrite it in chronological format. They simply don’t want to read a functional resume because they cannot gather enough info from it.

(If you don’t know, a functional resume lists your skills and past work without any dates. It groups them by skill type or functional area and not by chronological order. So that’s the definition of a functional resume).

This deprives hiring managers and recruiters of important info and context. They’re not as able to understand your career story or see how recently, or for how long, you used certain skills. Therefore, they are less likely to feel confident in inviting you to interview.

(Hiring managers want to interview people who are likely to be able to step into the job and succeed. They want the necessary info to make that decision before occupying their time with an interview).

So, with each online job getting hundreds of applicants, there’s no reason for a hiring manager to struggle to understand the one or two functional resumes they receive. They’ll just move on to a resume that’s written in the format they prefer – which is chronological, with an easy-to-follow resume date format.

The Best Resume Format for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS)

Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) have been the superheroes of the hiring game in recent years. It’s like a super-smart software wizard designed to make recruiters’ lives easier. 

What does it do, you ask? Well, it’s the maestro that scans, parses, and ranks resumes based on keywords, qualifications, and experience. Many companies use these systems for initial resume screenings, so if your resume does not align with the system you might be filtered out of the hiring process even if you are the best candidate for the job.

So should you be using chronological resumes to optimize for applicant tracking systems? Yes, definitely!

Chronological resumes present a clear and organized account of your career path. This straightforward format works well with ATS algorithms, ensuring a smooth and easily comprehensible read for the system to grasp your professional history clearly.

When is a Chronological Resume Not Advantageous?

Many experts will tell you that a chronological resume, or a reverse chronological resume, is not advantageous when you’ve had gaps in your work history, when you’ve had a non-traditional or unusual career path, or when you’re attempting to change careers.

However, even in these cases, most hiring managers will prefer reverse-chronological resumes if they are well-written and the resume date format is easy to follow.

You can explain work gaps right in your employment history section.

You can tailor your work experience to show the pieces of work you’ve done that are most relevant for the job you’ve applied for now… even during a career change.

For more help with this, we have a full article on how to write a resume for a career change. If you click that link, I explain more about why a functional resume isn’t ideal, and one of the career coaches who I featured in the article confirms it. To quote her:

As a former corporate recruiter, I am not a fan of functional resumes. Recruiters are taught to scan resumes chronologically. When you take the experience out of context or “order,” it often gives the recruiter the impression you are trying to hide or fudge the experience.

The bottom line is: Trying to hide the dates and order of work will only frustrate and confuse hiring managers and cost you job interviews.

So my answer to, “Should resumes be chronological?” is a resounding “Yes.”

Now that we’ve covered what differentiates a chronological and functional resume, and which you should be using if you want to get more interviews, let’s talk about how to start writing it!

How Do You Write a Chronological Resume?

To start writing your resume, make sure you understand the format and have reviewed the reverse chronological resume example from earlier in this article.

Then, here are the steps to write your chronological resume:

1. Enter company names, dates of employment, and job titles .

You can list dates in terms of years, or months and years. Whatever you decide, keep it consistent.

You can also list the city/state of each job if you choose. This is also optional and is a personal decision when setting up your chronological resumes.

2. If you held multiple roles within a company, show each job title separately on your resume .

This is important so that employers can see that you advanced/progressed in the company. Recruiters typically love this!

Here’s another example of a chronological resume, where you can see two distinct job titles listed under one single employer. This person was promoted from Sales Rep to Branch Manager.

3. Write bullet points describing each role you’ve held .

Each role should have multiple bullet points describing what you accomplished and did for the employer. (Not just saying, “responsible for ___”.)

It’s much better to start with a verb like, “led six team members…,” or “grew our department revenue by…”)

This article has resume bullet examples to help you.

4. Write a brief paragraph to describe each role (above the bullet points) .

This is optional. As you can see in the resume example above, it’s possible to go directly from job titles to bullets, without any paragraph content.

However, if you’d like, you can write a brief paragraph about what you did in the role overall. This can provide more context to the reader.

However, this paragraph should be concise, and you should never put it instead of bullets. I recommend 2-3 sentences at most. The bullets are more important and will be read more closely.

5. Add metrics and data when possible .

You’ll get more interviews by being specific and talking about results on your resume, rather than responsibilities. So try to pack your bullets with metrics… like dollar amounts, percent increases, number of people you led or trained, etc.

You don’t need to be in sales to have metrics! (I hear this common objection a lot).

For example, if you’re an editor for a company’s news blog, you could write:

“Edited and published 30 articles per month for the company blog, which was read by 40,000 people each month and generated an average of 10 qualified leads for the business .”

The more specific you can be on your resume, the better. So if you see an opportunity to add facts, data, and metrics in any of the paragraphs OR bullets you’ve written, do it.

Here’s another example of how to write about results rather than responsibilities:

Which sounds more impressive…

“Responsible for leading the customer service team and handling all inbound requests for the company”

“Led the 22-person customer service team which handled 250+ inbound requests per day via phone and email”

That second option is going to grab attention and get you more interviews from top employers.

6. Add other necessary resume sections .

After you’ve written your professional experience in chronological order, you then need to fill your chronological resume out with the other key sections, including:

• Your header/contact info.
• A resume summary paragraph.
• Your skills section.
• Your education section.

If you need more help understanding what order to put these in, and how everything fits together in the “big picture” of your resume, this article has more info on the important sections of a resume.

7. Consider adding optional sections .

You can also include one or more of the optional resume sections on your chronological resume:

• Volunteer work/community involvement.
• Honors & awards.
• Testimonials from past coworkers/managers.
• A secondary skills section (sometimes it makes sense to separate your skills into two sections. See the image below for an example).

If you read everything above, you now know why the chronological resume (also called reverse chronological resume) is the format that employers prefer.

It shows the important information that they want to see in your work history, including information that functional resume formats don’t include – like how recently you did each type of work, and for how long.

Without this information, many employers will not be interested in interviewing you.

They just can’t possibly know enough to determine whether you’re a good potential fit for their job. So at best, they’ll ask you to send a chronological resume instead, and at worst, they’ll invite other candidates to interview and you’ll never hear from them.

So that’s a scenario that we want to avoid, and you can do that by writing your professional experience in reverse chronological order.

By combining this with sections detailing your skills, your education, and other key qualifications, you will get more callbacks when you apply for jobs so you can find a new job faster.

If you want to see more resume examples and advice, this article has 3 more work experience examples that follow the advice above.

About the Author

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• Career Blog

Writing a Chronological Resume: Tips and Samples for 2024

A chronological resume, also known as a reverse-chronological resume, is one of the most commonly used formats in the job market. In this format, your work experiences are listed in a chronological order, starting from the most recent job to the oldest. It highlights the progression of your career and accomplishments over time.

Benefits of using a chronological resume

The chronological resume format is popular with employers as it provides them with a clear and concise overview of the candidate’s work history. It allows them to quickly see the candidate’s career trajectory, including job titles, responsibilities, and achievements. As a result, it is easy for recruiters to spot experience that’s relevant to the job requirements.

Moreover, the chronological resume format helps the candidate to showcase their professional growth and development over time. It is particularly useful for those who have a consistent employment history, as it demonstrates their loyalty and stability to a potential employer.

When to use a chronological resume

A chronological resume format is suitable for those who have a stable work history, straightforward career progression, and relevant experience. This format is best suited for candidates who are looking to apply for positions that are similar to their previous roles or are in the same industry.

However, if you have gaps in your employment history, switched careers frequently, or have limited professional experience, then a chronological resume format might not be the best option for you. In this case, other formats such as functional or combination resumes may be more appropriate.

A chronological resume is an excellent format to showcase your career progression and stability. It is best suited for those with a stable work history and relevant experience. By following the tips and utilizing the sample resumes, you can create an impressive chronological resume that highlights your career achievements and gets you noticed by potential employers.

Writing the Header and Objective Statement

When it comes to writing a chronological resume, the header and objective statement are essential parts that should not be overlooked. These sections can make or break your first impression on potential employers, so it’s important to get them right. In this section, we’ll go over guidelines for writing a professional header, tips for creating an effective objective statement, and dos and don’ts to keep in mind when crafting these sections.

Guidelines for Writing a Professional Header

First and foremost, your header should be professional and easy to read. Avoid using overly decorative or flashy fonts that can be difficult to read. Stick to a clean and simple font that is easy on the eyes. Also, make sure that the information in your header is accurate and up-to-date. Include your full name, phone number, email address, and your location. Depending on your industry and the position you’re applying for, you may also want to include a link to your professional website or LinkedIn profile.

Tips for Creating an Effective Objective Statement

Your objective statement should be brief, concise, and tailored to the specific job you’re applying for. Avoid using generic statements that could apply to any job. Instead, focus on highlighting your relevant skills and experience that make you an ideal fit for the position. Use action verbs to describe your goals and the value you can bring to the company. For example, “Seeking a role as a marketing specialist where I can leverage my experience in content creation and analytics to increase ROI and drive brand awareness.”

Dos and Don’ts in Writing the Header and Objective Statement

• Keep it professional and easy to read.
• Be accurate and up-to-date with your contact information.
• Tailor your objective statement to the specific job you’re applying for.
• Use action verbs to describe your goals and value.
• Use flashy or hard-to-read fonts.
• Include irrelevant or outdated contact information.
• Use generic or vague language in your objective statement.
• Sound too self-centered or boastful in your language.

By following these guidelines and tips, you can create a professional and effective header and objective statement that will grab the attention of potential employers and help you land your dream job.

Listing Work Experience

When it comes to writing a chronological resume, your work experience section is the heart and soul of your document. This is where you showcase your professional history and demonstrate your potential value to future employers. To maximize the impact of your work experience section, be sure to:

Organize work experience in chronological order

List your work experience starting with your most recent or current job and working backwards. This ensures that your career trajectory is easy to follow and highlights your most recent achievements.

Include relevant information in each job entry

For each job, be sure to include the job title, company name, location, employment dates, and the primary duties and responsibilities of the position. Use bullet points to make the information easy to scan and read.

You can also include your achievements and specific contributions to the company, such as sales quotas reached, projects completed, or any other notable accomplishments. This can help set you apart from other candidates and demonstrate your value as a potential employee.

Highlight achievements and accomplishments in each job

When highlighting your achievements and accomplishments, it’s important to be specific and give measurable examples wherever possible. Showcasing how you helped the company grow, save money or time, or solve a problem can be very persuasive to a potential employer.

For example, instead of simply stating that you “managed a team,” you could say “managed a team of 10 sales representatives and successfully exceeded monthly sales targets by 25% through effective coaching and training strategies.”

Remember that your work experience section is your chance to market yourself to potential employers. By organizing your experience in chronological order, including relevant information, and highlighting your achievements and accomplishments, you can create a compelling and attention-grabbing representation of your past professional successes.

Showcasing Skills and Accomplishments

When it comes to writing your chronological resume, showcasing your skills and accomplishments is a crucial step in convincing potential employers that you are the right fit for the job. Here are three key elements to consider:

How to write a convincing skills section

Your skills section should highlight your unique strengths that align with the job you are applying for. Start by analyzing the job posting or job description to identify the key skills and qualifications required for the role. Then, tailor your skills section to include those specific skills and highlight any relevant experiences or achievements that demonstrate your proficiency in those areas.

To make your skills section stand out, use bullet points and short phrases to succinctly highlight your skills. Avoid using generic phrases like “good communication skills” or “team player.” Instead, use more specific descriptions that emphasize your expertise, such as “excellent written and verbal communication skills” or “experienced in leading cross-functional teams.”

Key achievements and contributions to employers

Employers are not only interested in your skills and qualifications, but also in what you have achieved in your previous roles. In this section of your resume, provide specific examples of how you made a positive impact in your previous jobs.

To do this effectively, use the STAR method: Situation, Task, Action, Result. Start by describing the situation or problem you faced, then explain the task or objective you had to achieve. Next, describe the action you took to accomplish the task, and finally, explain the measurable result or outcome.

By using the STAR method, you will provide specific, quantifiable examples of your accomplishments, which will be more impressive to potential employers than general statements.

A list of action verbs to use in describing accomplishments

To make your accomplishments stand out, use action verbs to describe your achievements. Here are some powerful action verbs to get you started:

• Implemented

Using these action verbs will help your accomplishments stand out and demonstrate your proactive attitude and ability to make a positive impact in your previous roles.

By showcasing your skills and accomplishments effectively, you can make a strong impression on potential employers and increase your chances of landing an interview. Remember to tailor your resume to the job you are applying for and use specific, measurable examples of your achievements to demonstrate your expertise.

Including Education and Certifications

When writing a chronological resume, including a section for education and certifications is crucial to showcase your qualifications and academic background to potential employers. Here are some tips on how to format your education and certifications in a chronological resume:

Formatting Education and Certifications

The education and certifications section should follow your work experience section and be listed in reverse chronological order (i.e., most recent first). Include the following information:

• Name of the educational institution or certification program
• Degree or certification earned
• Date of graduation or certification
• Any relevant coursework, honors, or awards

If you have multiple degrees or certifications, list them in order of relevance to the job for which you are applying. Additionally, if you are still in the process of pursuing a degree or certification, indicate the expected graduation or completion date.

Providing Necessary Details

When listing your education and certifications, it is essential to include all relevant information that showcases your qualifications. This includes:

• The name of the educational institution or certification program: Employers want to know where you received your education or certification, so provide the full name of the institution or program.
• Degree or certification earned: Indicate the degree or certification earned, such as Bachelor of Arts or Certified Public Accountant.
• Date of graduation or certification: Include the month and year of your graduation or certification to show your timeline of accomplishments.
• Coursework, honors, or awards: If you have relevant coursework, honors, or awards, include them to demonstrate your academic achievements and areas of expertise.

Emphasizing How Education and Certifications Relate to the Job

One of the essential elements of listing education and certifications is to emphasize how they relate to the job for which you are applying. You must highlight how your education and certifications have prepared you for the position you are seeking. This can include:

• Relevant coursework: If you completed coursework that relates to the job requirements, emphasize how it has prepared you for the role.
• Relevant certifications: Highlight any relevant certifications or licenses that demonstrate your expertise in the field.
• Relevant degrees or majors: Emphasize how your degree or major has prepared you for the job, and showcase specific skills or knowledge related to the position.

By emphasizing how your education and certifications relate to the job, you can demonstrate to potential employers that you are a qualified and knowledgeable candidate for the role.

The education and certifications section of your chronological resume should showcase your academic qualifications and relate to the job for which you are applying. Format your education and certifications in reverse chronological order, provide necessary details, and emphasize how they relate to the job to create a strong resume.

Adding Professional Development

As a job seeker, it’s crucial to showcase your commitment to continuous learning and professional development. Adding a section dedicated to your professional development on your chronological resume is an excellent way to do this.

How to create a section for professional development

To create a section for professional development, simply label it “Professional Development” or “Training” and include it after your education section. It’s best to list your most recent training first, and then work backward chronologically.

Including relevant training, workshops, and conferences

Include any training, workshops, or conferences that are related to your profession and demonstrate your efforts to stay up-to-date in your field. For example, if you’re a web developer, listing that you attended a conference on the latest trends in web design shows that you’re actively investing in your career and keeping your skills sharp.

Showing how professional development has improved job performance

Simply listing professional development courses and workshops isn’t enough. It’s critical to demonstrate how your efforts to continuously learn have improved your job performance. Be specific when describing how what you learned in these courses or workshops have positively impacted your work. Employers want to know that when investing in their employees, it’s creating a return on that investment.

For example, let’s say you listed a workshop on project management. To show how this training helped you, you could mention that by implementing new project management techniques you learned, you were able to meet project deadlines more efficiently and ultimately led to increased client satisfaction.

By including a section on your resume that showcases your professional development, you’re demonstrating your commitment to your career and your profession. By also mentioning specific skills you’ve gained from professional development and how it’s contributed to your success, you’re providing employers with valuable information about yourself and your potential contributions to their organization.

Incorporating Volunteer and Extracurricular Activities

When it comes to writing a chronological resume, it’s not just about showcasing your work history, but also about highlighting additional experiences that can elevate your candidacy. Volunteer and extracurricular activities can provide a unique perspective into your character, interests, and skills that can make you stand out from other applicants. Here are some tips on how to incorporate these experiences into your resume.

Listing unique experiences not related to work

Start by brainstorming all of the volunteer and extracurricular activities you have participated in, regardless of whether or not they align with your professional interests. These can include anything from serving at a soup kitchen or fundraising for a charity, to participating in a sports team, club, or hobby group. These experiences can indicate that you are a well-rounded individual with diverse interests, community spirit, and character traits that can contribute to a positive work culture.

Demonstrating transferable skills through volunteer work

Beyond highlighting your interests, volunteer work can also demonstrate transferable skills that can apply to the workplace. For example, volunteering at a non-profit organization can showcase your fundraising, marketing, event planning, and client relations skills. Similarly, mentoring or tutoring can exhibit your teaching, interpersonal, and coaching abilities, while being a member of a sports team or theatre group can demonstrate your teamwork, creativity, and discipline. By emphasizing these skills, you can show potential employers that you not only have relevant work experience but also valuable soft skills that can make you a well-rounded candidate.

Describing experiences that showcase teamwork, leadership, and communication skills

One of the most valuable aspects of volunteer and extracurricular activities is that they can provide concrete examples of how you have demonstrated teamwork, leadership, and communication skills outside of the workplace. For instance, if you have volunteered for a leadership role in an organization or have been elected as a team captain or president, these experiences can demonstrate your ability to lead and manage others effectively. If you have been involved in a group project or planning committee, you can highlight your collaboration, conflict resolution, and decision-making skills. Similarly, if you have given presentations, written articles, or engaged in public speaking, you can emphasize your communication, research, and persuasion abilities. By quantifying these experiences and outcomes, you can effectively showcase your transferable skills and demonstrate how they apply to a professional setting.

Incorporating volunteer and extracurricular activities into your resume can broaden your career story and demonstrate your unique value proposition. By following these tips and using specific examples to showcase your skills, you can make a compelling case for why you’re the best candidate for the job.

Highlighting Awards and Honors

One of the key ways to make your chronological resume stand out is by highlighting any awards and honors you have received throughout your career. This signals to employers that you are dedicated and skilled in your field, and can help set you apart from other candidates.

Creating a Section for Recognitions and Awards

First, it’s important to create a specific section in your resume for any awards and honors you have received. This can be titled “Awards and Honors” or something similar, and should come after your education and work experience sections. Make sure to include the date or year of the award, the name of the organization or institution giving the award, and the specific recognition you received.

Including Details About the Award and Its Significance

It’s not enough to simply list awards you’ve received – hiring managers want to know more about what those awards mean. Be sure to include details about the award and its significance, especially if it’s a lesser known award or recognition. This can include any accomplishments or projects you worked on in order to earn the award, as well as any specific criteria or qualifications that were required.

This will give employers a better sense of your skills and abilities, and can help them see how you might fit into their organization’s goals and mission.

Showing How the Award Relates to the Job

Finally, it’s important to connect your awards and honors with your current job or the job you are applying for. Look closely at the job description and requirements, and think about how the skills or qualities that helped you earn your award align with those needed for the job. Be specific and highlight examples of how your previous work or projects are similar or related to the job you’re applying for.

Highlighting your awards and honors is a great way to make your chronological resume stand out from the crowd. By creating a specific section for these achievements, including details about their significance, and showing how they relate to the job, you can demonstrate your value as a candidate and increase your chances of landing an interview.

Formatting and Design Tips

When it comes to writing a chronological resume, it is important to consider the formatting and design aspects of your document. Your resume should be easy to read, visually appealing, and professional. Here are some tips to achieve the perfect format and design for your resume:

Designing an Easy-to-Read and Professional Resume

Your resume should be easy to read at first glance, meaning that the reader should be able to quickly identify the relevant information about you. The design of your resume should be optimized for clarity and readability. Use simple and clean fonts that are easy to read, and avoid using fancy or complicated fonts that can be difficult to read or distracting.

Choosing the Right Font, Size, and Color for the Resume

The font, size, and color you choose for your resume not only has an impact on its readability but also its professional look. Choose a font that is easy to read, such as Arial, Times New Roman, or Calibri. Use a font size between 10-12 points, depending on which font you choose.

Color can also add visual appeal to your resume, but it should be used sparingly. Choose a color palette that matches the tone and style of your resume. For example, if you are applying for a creative job, you can experiment with bolder colors. However, if you are applying for a conservative job, stick with black and white.

Tips on Spacing, Margins, and Use of Graphics

Spacing and margins can also impact the look and feel of your resume. Ensure that your resume has enough white space around the text, making it easier to read. Use margins of at least 1 inch on all sides of the document.

Graphics can add visual appeal and help highlight your skills and achievements. When using graphics, be sure they complement the text and don’t detract from it. Use graphics sparingly and only where necessary.

Creating a well-formatted and designed resume is just as important as the content within it. Following these tips can help you create a visually appealing and easy-to-read document that will showcase your skills and achievements in the best way possible.

Reviewing and Editing the Chronological Resume

Congratulations, you’ve finished writing your chronological resume! However, your work isn’t quite done yet. It’s important to review and edit your resume to ensure that it is polished, professional, and error-free. Here are some techniques for proofreading and editing your resume:

• Read it out loud:  When you read something out loud, you are more likely to catch errors or awkward phrasing that you might have missed when reading silently.
• Use spell-check:  This feature is your best friend! It can catch spelling and grammar errors that you may not have noticed.
• Get another set of eyes to review it:  Ask a trusted friend or family member to take a look at your resume. They may be able to spot errors or suggest improvements that you hadn’t thought of.

When editing your resume, keep an eye out for these common errors and pitfalls that you’ll want to avoid:

• Spelling and grammatical errors:  These mistakes can harm your chances of landing an interview, as they demonstrate a lack of attention to detail.
• Inconsistent formatting:  Make sure your font and formatting choices are consistent throughout your resume.
• Generic language:  Avoid using cliché statements, and instead use specific, action-oriented language that highlights your achievements and skills.

After you’ve reviewed your resume and made any necessary edits, it’s time to get feedback from others. Here’s how to do it effectively:

• Choose the right people:  Consider reaching out to mentors, former supervisors, or colleagues who have experience in your field.
• Provide context:  Explain to your reviewers the goals of the resume and the types of positions you are applying for.
• Be open to feedback:  Remember, the goal is to make your resume as strong as possible. Listen to the feedback you receive and be willing to make changes if necessary.
• Make revisions:  Once you’ve received feedback, incorporate any suggested changes that you agree with.

By following these techniques and avoiding common errors, you’ll be well on your way to creating a strong chronological resume. Reviewing and editing your resume multiple times is key to ensuring that it stands out to potential employers and ultimately lands you the job that you want!

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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 .”

“CareerOneStop. " Applicant Tracking Systems ."

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.

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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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Everything You Need to Know About a Chronological Resume [25 Examples]

We place the most recent employment on the top, followed by the older ones, so it is also called the reverse chronological order.

A chronological resume, also known as “reverse chronological resume” is the most commonly used resume format.  Recruiters all over the world prefer it because of its straightforward and easy-to-read style.

If you have a rich work history, a chronological resume format is an ideal choice for you. Due to its powerful impact, it’s necessary to know what a chronological resume is and how to write one perfectly.

In this article, you will read about:

• What is a chronological resume?
• Advantages of a chronological resume
• Disadvantages of a chronological resume
• Structure of a chronological resume
• When to use a chronological resume
• When not to use a chronological resume
• How to write a chronological resume?
• Skills for a chronological resume
• Additional tips to write an impactful chronological resume

What is a Chronological Resume

A chronological resume displays your work history and achievements in the order of their occurrence. We place the most recent employment on the top, followed by the older ones, so it is also called the reverse chronological order.  Your most recent employment, education, or achievement comes at the top followed by the earliest one at the bottom. The ability to showcase a candidate’s relevancy to the skills and experiences makes chronological resumes a big hit among recruiters.  

Work experience being the main highlight, chronological resumes are the perfect choice for people with a rich and vast work history .

Source: Resume Genius

Advantages of a Chronological Resume

A well-tailored chronological has many advantages for applicants. The key benefits are

• A chronological resume helps ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems) to read and review the whole resume quicker with better efficiency.
• It highlights your work history, giving recruiters a better place of where and how long you have worked in the past.
• Because of it is common, every recruiter is used to scanning resumes in chronological format. This ensures that they are able to find the exact information they need.
• It helps you to reflect on your job profile advancements with time in your career, giving a professional growth perspective to the recruiter.

Disadvantages of a Chronological Resume

• The employment gap is significantly visible in the chronological resume, which raises additional questions of your absence from work
• Your skills, education, projects, etc., are all overshadowed by your work experience.
• As your job tenure is also written, short tenure spent at various companies showcases you as a “job hopper”. Most recruiters avoid job hoppers for obvious reasons, thus putting you at a huge disadvantage.
• Being a very common resume format, it’s really hard to stand out from other candidates.

Structure of a Chronological Resume

The structure of a chronological is fairly simple yet very organized and impactful.

The right structure with all sections is as follows:

• Contact information
• Professional Objective or Summary
• Work Experience in reverse order
• Skills Section
• Education in chronological order
• Other Achievements or Certifications

When to Use a Chronological Resume

Ideally, you use chronological resume format, if you follow these conditions:

• You have a rich employment history with some prestigious companies to show off
• Your skillset is packed with both technical and soft skills relevant to the job
• You have consistent work experience without any major job drops
• Your work experience acquires a steady advancement in job positions

When Not to Use a Chronological Resume

• You have a lack of experience or a fresher
• Your skills are not relevant enough for the applied job
• You have any visible gaps in your experience

How To Write a Chronological Resume?

Now that you are aware of what and where to use a chronological resume, let’s dive into how to write a chronological resume that brings results.

• Contact Information: This section includes your full name, city, state, ZIP code, telephone number, professional email address, and links to your LinkedIn profile (optional) or your professional website (if any).
• Professional Objective or Resume Summary: Your professional objective speaks about aspirations and skills. It is written in clear, active language. Generally, it’s used for those with less experience or looking for a change of job profile.

However, a resume summary overviews your past experiences in a short concise form, making it ideal for chronological resumes.

• Work Experience in Reverse Order: Your work experience is the key aspect of a reverse chronological resume, thus it's necessary to write it in the correct format. Make sure you include your latest job at the top and then move backward with the earliest job at the bottom.

For each company, add the name of the company, title of the position, tenure, and location of the job. Do mention key responsibilities or achievements for each company. Keep everything organized and concise, and use bullet points to organize.

Mark the company name and your job profile in bold for each company. Also, make sure your past experiences are somehow relevant to the applied job. If you feel anything about past work experiences is not relevant, feel free to omit it and save space for other things.

• Skills Section: Present both your technical and soft skills in bullet points for better organization. Write skills that complement your past experiences and are aligned with the required skills for the applying job.
• Education: This section includes your complete school or college name, location, and the achieved degree. Mentioning the tenure is completely optional. You can also mention any remarkable honors or certifications achieved during your education. No need to mention GPA, if you are not confident about it.
• Other Achievements or Certifications: The achievements or Certifications section is completely optional. You can mention any relevant voluntary work, guest seminars, research papers, skill certifications, remarkable honors, etc., in this section. Only mention those which are relevant and worth mentioning in your resume.

Skills for a Chronological Resume

Skills for academic resumes in chronological format.

• Team Leadership
• Administration
• Higher Education Guidance
• Decision Making
• Relationship Building
• Career  Counseling
• Admission Process Management
• Recordkeeping & Database Management
• Correspondence  Management
• Appropriate Course
• Educational Goals Attainment
• Academic Support
• Education Administration
• Classroom Evaluation Methods
• Teacher Mentoring & Development
• Academic Progress Tracking
• Student Discipline & Safety
• Technology Enhancements
• Curriculum Planning
• Teacher Development
• Education Administration & Leadership
• School Personnel & Teacher Management
• Conflict Resolution

Skills for BFSI resumes in chronological format

• Adherence to underwriting Guidelines
• Customer Service
• Insurance Underwriting
• Policy Terms
• Legal Documents
• Claims Management
• New Insurance Policies
• Portfolio Management
• Mutual & Hedge Funds
• Quantitative Analysis
• Client Relations
• Capital Markets
• Private Equity
• Client Relationships
• Financial Models
• Mergers & Acquisitions
• Due Diligence
• Lending Regulations
• High-Risk Account Reviews
• Data Collection and Analysis
• Risk Assessment Procedures
• Customer Handling
• Administration Support
• Documentation Review
• Business Flair
• Marketing Expertise
• Research Skills
• Quantitative Trading
• Intra- Day Trading
• Quantitative Data Analysis
• Low/ High Trading
• Risk Management
• Frequency Trading
• Forecasting/ Market Trend Analysis
• Financial Products
• Investment Products
• Stock Market Knowledge
• Cold Calling
• Risk Analysis
• Credit Evaluation
• Client Relationship Management
• Asset Based Lending
• Billing and Collections
• Loan Servicing

Skills for engineering resumes in chronological format

• Web-Based Software Engineering
• Coding & Debugging
• Troubleshooting & QA
• Technical Documentation
• Machine learning
• Agile development methodologies
• Automation Testing
• Manual Testing
• Requirement Gathering
• Data Driven Framework
• Hybrid Framework
• Continuous Integration
• UAT Testing
• Functional and Regression Testing
• Version Control
• Test Reporting
• Test Preparation and Review
• Test  Execution
• Project Scoping
• Test Equipment Maintenance
• Troubleshooting
• Object-oriented programming
• Writing User Manuals
• Technical Support
• Quality Control/Assurance
• On-site Support
• Blue Prints & Schematics
• Troubleshooting/Testing
• Industrial PC Configurations
• Cloud Infrastructure
• Database Management
• Service Level Adherence
• Maintenance and Repairs
• System Security
• Documentation & Reporting
• Installation & Configuration Support
• Applications Support
• Team Coordination

• Inventory Management
• Desktop Support
• Active Directory
• Systems Analysis and Evaluation
• Operations Research
• Data Management
• Technical Measurements
• Product Testing and Quality Control
• Work Cell Design
• Production Planning
• Process Management

Skills for healthcare and medical resumes in chronological format

• Clinical Medicine
• Patient Relationships
• Primary Medical Care
• Medical Examinations
• Family Medicine
• Surgery Support
• Treatment Planning
• Patient Management
• Differential Diagnosis
• Pharmaceutical Knowledge
• Medical Devices
• Medical Equipment
• Data Acquisition
• Medical Instruments Mangement
• Preventive Maintenance
• Project Management
• Diagnostic Skills

• Specialized Medicine
• Evaluation and Diagnosis
• Patient Care Plans
• Laboratory Equipment Maintenance
• Tympanometry
• Otology and Rhinology
• Pediatric ENT
• Visuospatial awareness
• Communication
• Organizational Ability
• Patient Care
• Disease Management
• Medication Management
• Medical Records Management
• Test Results Interpretation
• Diagnosis and Treatment

Skills for hospitality resumes in chronological format

• General/ Office Administration
• Quality and Safety Compliance
• Client Relationship Building
• Projects Administration
• Records Management
• HR and Training Support
• Cross-functional Team Collaboration
• Reports Preparation and  Filing
• Scheduling and Coordination
• Team Building
• Cost Containment
• Facilities Management
• Guest Relations
• Quality Assurance
• Spa Management
• Facility Management
• Strong Communication
• Team Management
• Staff Training

• Restaurant Operations
• F&B Management
• Staff Training and Development
• Process  Improvement
• Restaurant Management
• Purchasing/Inventory Management
• Facilities/Safety  Management

Additional Tips to Make an Impactful Chronological Resume

Keep your resume limited to two pages.

On an average, recruiters spend about 5-6 seconds to scan one resume. Yes, you just have 6-seconds to get through.  

Its therefore important to tailor your resume and make it crisp enough to convey your skills.  Don't stuff your resume up with every piece of information you have to put in.

Concise your information in a page or two with all relevant sections.

Don’t List More than 10 Years of  Experiences

Based on the hiring trends, recruiters usually refer to your latest 5-10 years of experience unless mentioned.

Explain up to 1o years of work experience. For your jobs done before the last 10 years, mention your employer name, job role, and dates of employment.

Attach a cover letter to complement your chronological resume

You can strongly reflect your genuine interest in the job by attaching a cover letter along with your resume. A cover letter generally grabs the recruiter’s attention. Mention anything in the cover letter that is not written in your resume to stand out even more.

Chronological Resumes on Resumod

Academic resumes in chronological format.

Resume of PGT Math

Check the full resume of PGT Math in text format here

Resume of instructional designer

Check the full resume of instructional designer in text format here

Resume of admissions officer

 Check the resume of admissions officer in text format here

Resume of school principal

Check the full resume of school principal in text format here

Resume of History Professor

Check the full resume of History professor in text format here

BFSI resumes in chronological format

Resume of KYC Analyst

Check the full resume of KYC Analyst in text format here

Resume of institutional banker

Check the full resume of institutional banker in text format here

Resume of insurance underwriter

Check the full resume of insurance underwriter in text format here

Resume of credit analyst

Check the full resume of credit analyst in text format here

Resume of financial markets broker

Check the full resume of financial markets broker in text format here

Engineering resumes in chronological format

Resume of software engineer

Check the full resume of software engineer in text format here

Resume of equipment testing engineer

Check the full resume of equipment testing engineer in text format here

Resume of service engineer

Check the full resume of service engineer in text format here

Resume of desktop support engineer  

Check the full resume of desktop support engineer in text format here

Resume of industrial engineer

Check the full resume of industrial engineer in text format here

Healthcare and Medical resumes in chronological format

Resume of junior doctor

Check the full resume of junior doctor in text format here

Resume of biomedical engineer

Check the full resume of biomedical engineer in text format here

Resume of physician

Check the full resume of physician in text format here

Resume of ENT specialist

Check the full resume of ENT specialist in text format here

Resume of homeopathic doctor

Check the full resume of Homeopathic Doctor in text format here

Hospitality resumes in chronological format

Resume of front manager

Check the full resume of front manager in text format here

Resume of GM-hotel

Check the full resume of GM-hotel in text format here

Resume of F&B manager

Check the full resume of F&B manager in text format here

Resume of spa manager

Check the full resume of spa manager in text format here

Resume of restaurant manager

Check the full resume of restaurant manager in text format here

This was all about writing a perfect chronological resume that gets you the win in the industry. If you are feeling stressed about writing a chronological resume, you no longer have to! We offer the best resume writing services to help you get closer to your dream job.

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