chronological resume quizlet

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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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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What specifically is a chronological resume and how really should it be written? What might a chronological resume look like in 2023? With increased unemployment rates during the COVID-19 pandemic, the job…

Resume Help - Chronological Resume Writing Guide 2023

• Resume Help

Chronological Resume Writing Guide 2023

What specifically is a chronological resume and how really should it be written? What might a chronological resume look like in 2023? With increased unemployment rates during the COVID-19 pandemic, the job market is more competitive than ever. The importance of writing a well-structured chronological resume cannot be downplayed at a time like this. If…

Sarah Reynolds

Content specialist.

What specifically is a ch r onological resume and how really should it be written? What might a chronological resume look like in 2023?

With increased unemployment rates during the COVID-19 pandemic, the job market is more competitive than ever. The importance of writing a well-structured chronological resume cannot be downplayed at a time like this.

If you want your resume to get noticed , you need to step up your game. Otherwise, your resume—like many others like it—will end up in a junk or trash folder somewhere, extinguishing your hopes of landing that job you had applied to.

A resume is essentially a formal document outlining your professional profile. It categorizes your past qualifications, achievements, and experiences, highlighting the most important details.

There are various styles and formats used for resumes . In this blog, we’ll be discussing one of these styles in detail: the chronological resume.

Let’s get started.

What Is a Chronological Resume?

A chronological resume is a type of resume format in which you list all of your work experiences in reverse chronological order, i.e. list the most recent experience at the top of the resume.

The resume starts with your current or the last held position, and continues to list the jobs you had before that. In doing so, it highlights your work experiences and qualifications in an organized and logical way and makes it easier for recruiters to get an insight into your professional profile.

The chronological resume has been popular for several years and is among the most commonly used format for 2023. It’s used by experienced professionals from various industries and backgrounds as it allows them to accurately list facts.

Since the focus is on the reverse chronological order being utilized, your resume must contain all relevant dates throughout the document. This applies to all of your professional, academic, voluntary, or extracurricular experiences listed in the resume.

how to write a chronological resume?

• Include a list of your contact details.
• Start off with a powerful resume introduction.
• Write about your professional history in reverse chronological order.
• Include a succinct section about education.
• Describe your skills.

The Benefits of Using a Chronological Resume

Wondering why chronological resumes are so popular? The simple and to-the-point format makes it easier to convey and absorb information. This helps both recruiters as well as job seekers.

The format of a chronological resume also helps clearly display career progression. Recruiters can easily get a glimpse of applicants’ journeys and use the reverse order to trace back their careers.

Chronological Resume Structure

The resume structure is fairly straightforward. The prime objective here is to ensure that all of your qualifications and experiences are listed in reverse chronological order.

The resume structure includes:

• Contact details
• Resume summary/objective
• Professional experiences and work history
• Academic qualifications and educational background
• Relevant hard/soft skills

Additionally, you may also include certain optional sections in your resume to highlight your voluntary experiences, language proficiency, or certifications.

A Step By Step Guide to Creating a Chronological Resume

As you may have noticed, the structure of a chronological resume isn’t all too different from the traditional resume format you’re used to seeing. It has the same sections that most resumes use. So, what sets a chronological resume format apart? The trick is in how you curate each section.

Let’s go over this in detail:

1. Start by Filling in Your Contact Details

The contact section sits at the very top of the resume, usually aligned to the left or at the center. This section should include your:

• First and last name
• Email address
• Phone number
• Location (city)

Make sure the information you enter is accurate and free of any typos or errors. This is what recruiters will use to contact you if you match their requirements, so you don’t want to enter the wrong digits or miss a letter in your email address.

You can also choose to include the URL to your LinkedIn profile. Do this only if your profile is up to date and organized. You may also add URLs to other social media accounts if they’re relevant to the role or the industry you’re applying to.

For instance, if you’re applying for an interior designing position, you can share your Instagram or Facebook profile where you’ve added pictures of your previous work.

2. Write Your Career Statement

The next thing to add to your chronological resume is your career statement or candidate profile. This is done in the form of either a resume summary or a resume objective.

A resume summary is a brief overview of your professional experiences. It’s used by individuals who have several years of work experience. On the other hand, a resume objective highlights your career goals and aspirations.

It’s mostly used by candidates who have limited work experience, such as those looking for entry-level roles or planning on switching careers.

3. Elaborate on Your Work Experience

Here comes the main crux of your resume: the work experience section. This is undoubtedly the most important part of your resume as it highlights all that you’ve done and achieved over the years. It’s also where the reverse chronological order comes into play.

As discussed above, you need to list your work experiences starting from the most recent one. Here’s how to go about it:

• Start by stating your current/latest designation as the first heading within the section
• State the company name alongside the designation
• Mention the dates of employment next to the job title, including starting and ending dates. If you’re currently employed at the job, replace the ending date with “present”
• Beneath the heading, list your core responsibilities and achievements (e.g. “Managed the company’s official social media platforms”)

The text should look something like this:

Marketing Head – XYZ Firm (2019 – 2023)

• Executed successful marketing campaigns for international brands such as “A”, “B”, & “C”
• Conducted training seminars and marketing workshops for internal teams
• Set up an in-house social media management team

Follow the same pattern for every job entry as you move down the chronological order.

Make sure you highlight your quantifiable achievements wherever possible. Avoid using lengthy sentences or wordy chunks of text, keeping things concise and to the point.

Don’t forget to tailor your resume according to the role you’re applying for! If you’ve worked multiple jobs in the past, exclude the ones that are irrelevant or emphasize more on the most relevant ones.

4. Mention Your Educational Background

Once you’ve listed your work experiences, follow the same strategy to fill out your education related details in reverse order. This section doesn’t need to be as elaborate as the work section, though. Here, you only need to focus on what you studied, when you studied it, and where you studied at.

For instance, if you hold a Master’s Degree and are currently pursuing your PhD, there’s no need to mention your high school diplomas. You can simply include your previous and ongoing college degrees.

On the other hand, if you’re a fresh graduate or have limited work experience, you can include your high school education alongside your undergraduate degree.

For every qualification that you include, don’t forget to mention the:

• Degree & program name
• Name of the educational institute
• Period attended

You may also mention your CGPA, majors/minors, and academic achievements. Unlike the work experience section, you don’t need to elaborate on your courses or study matter under each heading.

5. Impress With Your Skills

Finally, it’s time to show recruiters what you’re capable of in the skills section. The reverse chronological order isn’t really applicable here. You can list all of your hard and soft skills , choosing the ones that are the most relevant to the role you’re applying for.

Hard skills are technical, measurable abilities needed for a job. For instance, Cloud Computing or knowledge of Photoshop would count as hard skills .

Soft skills are interpersonal skills that reflect your personality. They may include your critical thinking skills, communication skills, and leadership skills.

Don’t downplay what you’re capable of! Include a balance of hard and soft skills, listing the most relevant ones at the top.

6. Include Optional Sections

Once you’ve added all the core details in your chronological resume, think of what additional information can be included in it. This is where you turn to optional sections to earn yourself some brownie points.

Optional sections may include:

• Community or voluntary work
• Languages (applicable if you’re fluent in more than one language)
• Hobbies & interests
• Extracurricular activities & memberships
• Awards & certifications

Be smart about what you include!

Who Should Use a Chronological Resume?

We’ve discussed at length what the structure of a chronological resume looks like and what each resume section entails. Now it’s time to look at who benefits from this resume format.

One of the best things about a chronological resume is that it can be used by just about any job seeker, irrespective of their industry or experience. Most job seekers are familiar with the layout and find it to be an easy way to organize their professional and academic information.

In other words, there’s no specified group of job seekers and candidates to whom this resume style is beneficial to. Anyone can use the format and tailor it as per their experiences and requirements.

That said, there’s no denying that a chronological resume is most effective for applicants who have solid work experience. The format enables them to easily list all of their accomplishments, most recent to first, and show recruiters that they have sufficient experience and skills.

There are also instances where using a chronological resume isn’t the best option. Sure, you can use it and tailor it according to your needs, but there are other formats that can help you more.

For example, if you’re switching careers and your last three jobs have been in a completely different field, you should use a functional resume style. This will allow you to highlight your skills needed for the industry you’re aiming to be a part of, while also showcasing your work history.

Similarly, if you’ve switched jobs one too many times or have gaps in your resume, then it’s best to use a format that diverts focus from these aspects. Instead of using a chronological resume, you can use a combination approach blending the functional and chronological styles.

Bonus Resume Tips

As important as the formatting and structuring of your resume is, you can’t neglect the content itself. Everything that you include in your resume should be accurate, well-written, and impactful.

• Use bullet points when mentioning their accomplishments and qualifications
• Be as concise as you can be and use action verbs to highlight the impact you made at your job instead of just listing down your duties
• Use relevant keywords to prevent your resume from getting lost in an applicant tracking system.
• Proofread every single thing you write and triple-check for grammatical errors and spelling mistakes
• Keep your resume one page long and include only the most relevant details

Remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach that you can use for your resumes. Revise your resume each time you’re applying for a role, tailoring it according to the job requirements and expectations.

Also get in the habit of updating your resume periodically so that you don’t forget to include recent accomplishments and always have a draft ready to send at a moment’s notice.

1- What are the 5 parts of a chronological resume?

Your chronological resume should have the following five sections: contact information, summary, work experience, education, and supporting information. They are arranged in this post according to the queries that each section must address.

2- Is CV written in chronological order?

On a resume, work history should always be listed in reverse chronological order. Your employment history should start with your current or most recent position at the top and work its way down to your oldest but still relevant position.

3- How do you do chronological format?

• Back Heading. NAME, FIRST AND LAST.
• Resume Introduction. Dedicated professional with [number of years] years of experience in [business].
• Work or Practical Knowledge. Recentest Job Title.
• Education. Name of degree/major.
• Competencies and Certifications
• Extra Section for Your Resume.

4- Why do we use chronological resume?

Employers can more easily appreciate the significance of your most recent and pertinent work experiences when reading a chronological resume. Prioritizing the most recent information on a resume helps ensure that your experience is visible because employers may only spend a few seconds reviewing each one.

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Chronological Resume Example and Writing Tips for 2024

If you’re a job seeker, you’ve likely come across the term “chronological resume” at some point in your job search. But what exactly does it mean? A chronological resume is a document that lists your work experience in reverse chronological order – starting with your most recent job and working backwards.

But why is this format important? A chronological resume is one of the most common types of resumes – and for good reason. It allows employers to quickly see your career progression and easily identify any gaps in employment. It’s especially useful for job seekers who have a solid work history and are looking to advance in their careers.

The purpose of this article is to provide you with examples and tips on how to create an effective chronological resume. Whether you’re a recent college graduate or a seasoned professional, having a well-crafted resume is key to landing your dream job. We’ll cover everything from the basic structure of a chronological resume to how to highlight your skills and accomplishments. By the end of this article, you’ll have a better understanding of how to create a resume that stands out from the rest.

Characteristics of a Chronological Resume

Overview of the chronological resume.

A chronological resume is a type of resume that highlights the applicant’s work experience in reverse chronological order, starting with the most recent employment. This type of resume is widely used by job seekers as it’s easy to follow and understand.

Advantages of the Chronological Resume

There are several advantages of using a chronological resume. Firstly, it highlights the job seeker’s work experience, which is an essential factor for employers when considering a potential candidate. It also helps to demonstrate career progression, showing how the applicant has grown their skills over time.

Moreover, recruiters and hiring managers are often familiar with the chronological format, making it easier for them to navigate through it quickly. This type of resume also helps the job seeker present their work experience in a concise and orderly fashion, making it easier for the employer to assess their qualifications.

Disadvantages of the Chronological Resume

While there are several advantages to using a chronological resume, there are also some disadvantages. The chronological resume format may not be ideal for job seekers who are starting their careers or have gaps in their employment history. It also doesn’t allow for much creativity, as it follows a strict format that can be limiting for those seeking to showcase their diverse skillsets.

Another disadvantage is that it tends to focus solely on the applicant’s work experience, often neglecting other aspects of their professional profile, such as their education or volunteer work. Additionally, this type of resume may put more emphasis on the applicant’s most recent work experience, which may not necessarily showcase their best work or accomplishments.

Despite the disadvantages, a chronological resume remains one of the most popular types of resumes used by job seekers. Its straightforward format and ability to showcase work experience in a clear and concise manner make it an attractive option for both job seekers and employers alike.

Chronological Resume Writing Tips

As a job seeker, your resume serves as your first impression to potential employers. It is important to create a resume that effectively showcases your work experience and key skills. A chronological resume is one of the most common resume formats used by job seekers, as it highlights a candidate’s work experience in a reverse-chronological order.

When writing a chronological resume, there are several key tips to keep in mind:

Emphasize your Work Experience

Start your resume with your most recent work experience and list your previous jobs in reverse-chronological order. Be sure to clearly state your job title, the name of the company, the dates of employment, and a brief description of your responsibilities and accomplishments.

Highlight your Key Skills

In addition to work experience, employers want to see what skills you bring to the table. Highlight your key skills, such as communication, leadership, and problem-solving abilities, by incorporating them throughout your resume. Use bullet points to showcase your skills in a clear and concise manner.

Use Relevant Keywords

To increase your chances of getting noticed by employers, use keywords that are relevant to the job you are applying for. Carefully review the job posting and incorporate keywords throughout your resume. This will help your resume pass through applicant tracking systems (ATS), which are used by many companies today to screen resumes.

Include Metrics and Achievements

Quantify your accomplishments by including metrics, such as percentages or dollar amounts, to showcase your impact on the company. This can include things like increasing sales revenue or reducing expenses. Including metrics and achievements will help demonstrate your value as a candidate.

Keep it Concise and Organized

Aim to keep your resume at one to two pages in length. Use clear and concise language and avoid unnecessary information that does not relate to the job you are applying for. Also, ensure that your resume is well-organized, with clear headings and bullet points that are easy to read.

By emphasizing your work experience, highlighting your key skills, using relevant keywords, including metrics and achievements, and keeping your resume concise and organized, you will be well on your way to creating an effective chronological resume.

Chronological Resume Template

A chronological resume is the most commonly used resume format, and it is preferred by many employers because it presents a clear, concise history of an individual’s employment and educational background. This section will discuss the basic structure of a chronological resume, the sections typically included, and some formatting and design tips that can make your resume stand out.

Basic Structure of a Chronological Resume

The basic structure of a chronological resume follows a timeline format, starting with your most recent job and working backwards. This format highlights your work experience and career progression in a clear and logical manner. Your education should be included at the end of the resume, after your work experience.

Sections of a Chronological Resume

The following sections are typically included in a chronological resume:

Contact Information

Your name, address, phone number, and email address should all be included in the top section of your resume. It is important to ensure that your contact information is up-to-date and professional.

Objective or Summary Statement

An objective or summary statement is a brief statement that summarizes your career goals and experience. This section is optional, but it can be helpful in highlighting your skills and experience.

• Work Experience

Your work experience should be listed in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent job. Each job should include the following information:

• Company name and location
• Dates of employment
• Key responsibilities and achievements

Your education should be included at the end of your resume, after your work experience. It should list your degrees or certifications, the name of the institution, and the dates attended.

If you have skills that are relevant to the job you are applying for, you may want to include a skills section. This section can highlight your technical, language, or interpersonal skills.

Formatting and Design Tips

Here are some tips on formatting and design that can help make your chronological resume stand out:

• Use a clean and simple format that is easy to read.
• Use bullet points to help break up large blocks of text.
• Use bold, italic, or underlined text to highlight important information.
• Be consistent in your font choices and formatting throughout your resume.
• Tailor your resume to the job you are applying for by including keywords and phrases from the job description.

By following these tips and including the appropriate sections in your chronological resume, you can create a clear and concise document that highlights your skills and experience to potential employers.

Chronological Resume Example 1 – Entry-Level

Included in this section is a sample entry-level chronological resume, along with an explanation and analysis of the example. The overall theme of the article is about chronological resume examples and writing tips.

Sample Entry-Level Chronological Resume

[Full Name] [Address] [Phone Number] [Email]

Objective: To obtain a position in [industry or job title] where I can utilize my [skills or experiences] to contribute to the success of the company.

Education: [Bachelor’s/Master’s] Degree in [Major], [University], [Graduation Date] [Related coursework or Certifications]

Experience: [Job Title], [Company], [Employment Dates]

• List accomplishments and responsibilities in bullet points
• Start with most recent or relevant experience

[Job Title], [Company], [Employment Dates]

Explanation and Analysis of the Example

This entry-level chronological resume example showcases a clean format that is easy to read and highlights the most important information. The resume starts with an objective statement that briefly summarizes the candidate’s career and what they are looking for in their next role.

In the education section, the candidate includes relevant coursework or certifications to further demonstrate their qualifications. This is particularly important for entry-level candidates who may not have much work experience yet.

The experience section is the focus of the resume and includes two job titles with accomplishments and responsibilities listed in bullet points. The bullet points use strong action words and quantifiable achievements to showcase the candidate’s skills and achievements.

Finally, the skills section provides a concise summary of the candidate’s most important skills. It is crucial to tailor skills to the job description in order to highlight relevant skills that match the requirements of the job.

This entry-level chronological resume example demonstrates the importance of succinctly highlighting relevant education, experience, and skills. Employers want to see how a candidate’s skills and experiences can contribute to their company’s success, and this resume does just that.

Chronological Resume Example 2 – Experienced Professional

Sample experienced professional chronological resume.

Name:  John Smith

Contact Information:

• Email:  [email protected]
• Phone: 555-555-5555
• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/johnsmith

Summary:  Motivated and experienced sales professional with 10+ years of experience in the retail industry. Excels at building strong relationships with customers and delivering outstanding customer service. Proven track record of exceeding sales targets and implementing effective sales strategies.

Work Experience:

Sales Manager  – ABC Company (2015-Present)

• Oversees all aspects of the sales department, including hiring, training, and managing a team of 10 sales representatives.
• Develops and implements sales strategies to meet and exceed company targets.
• Builds and maintains relationships with key clients to ensure customer satisfaction and retention.
• Consistently exceeds sales targets, delivering a 25% increase in sales revenue over the past year.

Sales Representative  – XYZ Inc. (2010-2015)

• Developed and maintained relationships with clients to increase sales revenue by 20% in the final year.
• Consistently achieved and exceeded individual sales targets.
• Collaborated with the marketing department to design and implement effective marketing strategies.

Store Manager  – DEF Retail (2005-2010)

• Managed all aspects of a busy retail store, including inventory management, staff scheduling, and customer service.
• Developed and implemented effective sales strategies which resulted in a 15% increase in sales revenue over a period of 3 years.
• Successfully led a team of 7 sales representatives and support staff.
• Bachelor of Commerce, University of XYZ, 2004

This sample chronological resume showcases an experienced professional with 10+ years of experience in the retail industry. The resume begins with the candidate’s name and contact information, followed by a summary that highlights his experience and skills, complementing his career objective of securing a sales position.

The work experience section showcases the candidate’s career growth, beginning with his current role as a Sales Manager, where he is currently overseeing all aspects of the sales department. The section also highlights his accomplishments across the different roles he has previously held, including exceeding individual and company-wide sales targets, collaborating with other departments, managing a team of sales representatives, and developing and implementing effective sales strategies.

The education section briefly highlights the candidate’s educational background, complementing his vast experience in the retail industry, which makes him a well-rounded candidate for sales positions.

The example showcases an excellent chronological resume, highlighting the candidate’s relevant experience and skills clearly and concisely. It demonstrates the importance of tailoring one’s resume to the job description, including relevant skills and experience, and highlighting one’s accomplishments through quantifiable metrics.

How to Customize Your Chronological Resume

When it comes to writing a chronological resume, customization is key. Employers want to see how your past experiences and skills align with the requirements of the job they are offering. Here are some tips on how to tailor your resume to the job description to make it stand out:

Tailoring Your Resume to the Job Description

The first step in customizing your resume is to carefully analyze the job description. Look for keywords and try to incorporate them into your resume. This will increase the chances of your resume passing through an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) and reaching the hands of the hiring manager. You should also add any relevant job titles, responsibilities, and requirements to your resume, to show that you understand what the employer is looking for.

Focusing on Relevant Skills and Experience

Highlight your most relevant skills and experiences in the resume. The more closely they align with the requirements of the job, the more likely you are to get shortlisted for an interview. The key is to focus on the skills and experiences that demonstrate your ability to excel in the position you are applying for. Be specific and provide examples of how your skills and experience make you an ideal candidate for the job.

Avoiding Common Mistakes

One of the common mistakes people make when writing resumes is listing irrelevant experiences and skills. Be sure to weed out any information that does not relate to the position you are applying for. It is also important to avoid subjective or misleading language, such as exaggerations or half-truths. In addition, be mindful of formatting, grammar, and spelling errors. A polished, error-free resume helps make a lasting and professional impression.

Customizing your chronological resume is crucial for making it stand out and increasing your chances of getting an interview. Analyze the job description to include relevant keywords and show your understanding of the position. Highlight your most relevant skills and experiences that show your ability to excel in the role. Avoid common mistakes such as listing irrelevant experiences and skills and be mindful of formatting, grammar and spelling errors.

Common Questions About Chronological Resumes

As a job seeker, it’s important to be familiar with the most common questions about chronological resumes. Here are the top three queries that job seekers have about these resumes:

Should I Include References on my Chronological Resume?

No, it’s not necessary to include references on your chronological resume. Most hiring managers will ask for references during the final stages of the hiring process, so there is no need to clutter your resume with this information. Instead, reserve your resume for your job history, skills, and achievements.

How Far Back Should I List my Work Experience?

The general rule for chronological resumes is to list your work experience in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent job first. However, it’s important to decide how far back in time you want to go. For most job seekers, it’s sufficient to include their last 10-15 years of work experience. This not only keeps your resume concise but ensures that you’re showcasing your most recent and relevant work history.

Can I Use a Chronological Resume if I’m a Recent Graduate?

Yes, even if you’re a recent graduate, you can still use a chronological resume. In fact, it’s the most common type of resume format used by job seekers. As a recent graduate, you may not have much job experience, but you can highlight your education, skills, extracurricular activities, and any relevant internships or volunteer work. As you gain more work experience, you can continue to update and refine your chronological resume.

By understanding the top questions about chronological resumes, you can create a well-crafted resume that is tailored to your skills and experience. Remember to keep your resume concise, highlight your most recent and relevant work history, and showcase your education and skills. With these tips, you’ll be on your way to landing your dream job.

Chronological Resume vs Functional Resume

Overview of the functional resume.

A functional resume focuses on highlighting an individual’s skills and abilities rather than their work history. This format is ideal for those who are changing careers, have gaps in their employment history or are applying for a position that requires specific skills that they possess but don’t necessarily have experience in.

The functional resume typically includes the following sections:

• Summary or Objective Statement
• Skills or Qualifications Summary
• Professional Experience

The skills or qualifications summary is the most important section of the functional resume. It should list the specific skills and abilities that the individual possesses and provide examples of how they have demonstrated these skills in their past experiences.

Comparison of the Chronological and Functional Resume

A chronological resume, on the other hand, focuses on an individual’s work history and job responsibilities. This format is ideal for those who have a steady work history with no gaps in employment and are looking to advance in their current career path.

The chronological resume typically includes the following sections:

• Skills or Certifications

In the work experience section, the individual should list their previous positions in reverse chronological order, starting with the most recent. They should also list their job responsibilities and achievements in each position.

When comparing the two formats, it’s important to note that the functional resume emphasizes an individual’s skills and abilities, while the chronological resume emphasizes their work history and job responsibilities.

Choosing the Right Resume Format

When deciding which format to use, the individual should consider their current situation and the position they are applying for. If they have relevant skills and abilities but little work history, or gaps in their employment, the functional resume may be the better option. If they have a steady work history with no gaps and are looking to advance in their current career path, the chronological resume may be a better choice.

It’s also important to tailor the resume to the specific job the individual is applying for. They should review the job description and highlight the skills and experiences they possess that are relevant to the position. This will help them stand out as a qualified candidate.

Choosing the right resume format depends on an individual’s specific situation and the position they are applying for. While the chronological resume is more traditional, the functional resume can be a great option for those with transferable skills or who are changing careers. Regardless of the format chosen, tailoring the resume to the job description is key to standing out in the job market.

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PRDV102: Resume Writing (2020.A.01)

Chronological resumes i.

In this article, we learn that a chronological résumé is the most popular résumé format because most online job search sites prefer it. The author describes the résumé components and advises us that times have changed. Today, few job candidates use the objective line. Much of the power of your résumé comes from your summary statement, which briefly describes your skills, talents, and successes. The challenge of writing an impressive chronological résumé is not the format, but the "quality of the writing and the use of engaging text".

At one time there was just the simple chronological resume…and everyone had one. It started off with your contact information across the top, an objective statement, a reverse chronological listing of your career history, your college education, and maybe closing with organizations or awards. This format accounted for over 95% of all resumes about 10 years ago. It was clear, easy to read, and structurally simple to format. But times have changed…and so must the classic chronological resume.

Let me first state that the basic chronological format has not changed much over the years. It is the general improvements in resume writing and formatting that has kept this classic resume style alive. That, and the numerous online job search sites that request, store, and present your resume in their preferred chronological layout that keep this format the most popular. Still, we can make some slight improvements over the old tried-and-true format and have a very nice looking resume!

Your resume starts with your contact information , which is usually kept simple and clear. Include your first and last name, your phone number, your e-mail address and at least your city, state, and zip code – your street address is optional. The layout is not predefined, but centering your name with the other elements all on a single line below your name would be a fine start.

In most cases today the  objective line  has been done away with unless you are writing the resume for a very specific job or if the objective line is used more as a mini-summary statement (which I like). If you are open for a variety of positions and are going to use a summary statement (below), you can leave the objective line off.

The  summary statement  is the newest piece of information of this format. It is either a multi-sentence or a multi-bullet section – it is just four to five lines that provides a mini-commercial of your skills, talents, and successes. This section was actually taken from the functional resume format (we will discuss this format later) to help the reader get a quick idea of who you are and what strengths you might have. Note that some online resume systems do not have a place for this summary, so you may need to make sure that you address these points carefully within the respective career history sections.

Career history, presented in reverse chronological order, is the next section and also the namesake of this format. You list your title, your company, the time you were with the company (mm/yyyy – mm/yyyy format is preferred), and optionally the city and state of the job, all on one or two lines and usually in bold print.

Then below this is where you point out your major activities, the successes, any measurable accomplishments – preferably using a  STAR  writing style. It can either be  paragraphs or bullets , but I suggest using a little of both – a two-to-three sentence paragraph followed by two to four bullets. List your jobs back at least eight years, but not more than 15. Yes, this is important…the old stuff is not generally something that will sell you…save it for your cover letter or your interview.

Your degree information will follow your career history. And before you are all done, you might also add the optional sections of awards, groups, activities, or other job-related, career-related or industry-related information (no hobbies, no personal stuff, etc.).

My suggestion is that everyone should have a chronological resume. Even if you are inclined to use a different resume format for various reasons or situations, there will always be a need to have your resume available in the chronological layout.

Bottom Line:

The chronological format is the classic form for a resume. But it is not the layout that is the challenge, it is the quality of the writing and use of engaging text that can still make this format work. Even if you eventually use another format, create a chronological format version of your resume…it will be the one most often requested by the online job sites.

• CV - Curriculum Vitae
• Cover Letter
• Bibliography
• Business Plan
• Business Letter
• Business Writing

Our Chronological Resume Template Guide

The chronological resume format is a simple one that contains very basic information only. When using the chronological resume template, keep phrases and sentences short and to the point. Stress previous experiences that directly relate to your job objective. Finally, ensure that each of the jobs and duties you list begins with an action word.

How to Use The Chronological Resume Template

The chronological resume format spotlights your work history in reverse order, meaning that your current job or the last position you held is listed first. Place an emphasis on your accomplishments when summarizing.

If you are new to the workplace or have been out of the workforce for an extended period of time, a functional or combination resume might be a better choice as the chronological resume format is best for those with strong work histories.

While this type of resume focuses primarily on work history, it is possible to include some additional elements that apply to your particular situation and / or the position you are applying for. Besides a detailed job history in reverse chronological order, the following elements can be useful when utilizing the chronological resume template.

Wondering whether the chronological template is right for you? Learn more about chronological resumes and when to use them here.

Chronological Resume Template

FIRST_NAME LAST_NAME

First line of address

Second line of address

Telephone number with area code

Email address

OBJECTIVE: Use a single short sentence to name your work objective.

WORK EXPERIENCE:

Date range                Title                Company Name, City, State or Province

Describe your job in a concise sentence.

• Create bulleted list of duties
• Do not add punctuation
• See chronological resume example for more

EDUCATION:             School Name, City, State or Province. Type of Diploma.

Should I Use a Chronological or Functional Resume Format?

• Post author By Casey Fleischmann

Your resume can open and close doors. It’s main purpose is to market yourself to your prospective employers, and hopefully it will land you an interview or two.

Resumes can come in different formats. The most common ones are chronological format and functional format. There are a variety of situations in which each certain formats can work differently.

Here is the difference between the two and what could work best for you, depending on your situation:

1. Chronological resumes:

A chronological resume is straightforward and easy to scan, making it the most commonly used format. It lists information in chronological order, starting with the most recent information. It works well if you have a very consistent career life. If you are applying for a job in the same industry, the full chronology will be relevant to your prospective employer.

However, if you gaps in your career path or if you have changed careers often, then a chronological resume may not be suitable for you, as it will dramatise these gaps and career changes.

Situations where a chronological resume works best for you:

• Your work history shows progressive experience within the same career field, if you are applying for a job in the same field.
• You have worked for companies that are recognised nationally.
• You are a new graduate, and you have experience in a the field you are applying for.
• You are applying for a senior executive position.

2. Functional resumes:

A functional resume highlights your skills and abilities. Instead of organising your information in a chronological order, your skills and achievements are organised into categories. You usually put your work history at the bottom of your resume.

This type of resume is best suited for you if you have gaps in your work history because by not listing your information chronologically, you can make these gaps less noticeable. A functional resume is also a good format to you if you have held jobs in different fields, as you are likely to have acquired various skills in these jobs. However, some employers may not be used to seeing resumes in this format and may find it confusing and hard to follow.

Situations where a functional resume works best:

• You have taken extended leaves from the work force.
• You may be overqualified for the job you are applying for.
• You are changing careers.
• You are a new graduate, and you have no experience in the field you want to work in.
• You are leaving military and are applying for a job with a different job function.

Which format of resume do you prefer to use? Let us know in the comments below!

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By Casey Fleischmann

Account Executive at Link Humans , home of The Employer Brand Index .