chronological resume template

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.

To provide a safer experience, the best content and great communication, we use cookies. Learn how we use them for non-authenticated users.

Chronological Resume Templates

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

Double Column

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

Single Column

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

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

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

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

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

In This Guide:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Select the best layout

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Frequently asked questions about chronological resume templates

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

Resume Examples

Resume Styles: The Best Choice For Your Needs [20+ Tips And Examples]

How to follow up on a job application, perfecting your resume header so you get noticed, letter of interest vs. cover letter: what's the difference, robert scored a point against autism and found a job thanks to enhancv, google docs resume templates.

Create Resume
Terms of Service
Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences
Resume Templates
AI Resume Builder
Resume Summary Generator
Resume Formats
Resume Checker
Resume Skills
How to Write a Resume
Modern Resume Templates
Simple Resume Templates
Cover Letter Builder
Cover Letter Examples
Cover Letter Templates
Cover Letter Formats
How to Write a Cover Letter
Resume Guides
Cover Letter Guides
Job Interview Guides
Job Interview Questions
Career Resources
Meet our customers
Career resources
English (UK)
French (FR)
German (DE)
Spanish (ES)
Swedish (SE)

Made with love by people who care.

Reverse Chronological Resume Templates

The most commonly used resume format is a reverse-chronological one as it shows hiring managers how you progressed throughout your career.

Browse templates by resume style

Mix & match unlimited theme, font and color combination..

Product screenshot of how to edit the colors and fonts in Easy Resume editor app

Use our suggestions to complete your resume 5x faster.

Get a head start with one of our resume examples.

Facebook • Twitter • Linkedin • Pinterest • Crunchbase

Protect your data

This site uses cookies and related technologies for site operation, and analytics as described in our Privacy Policy . You may choose to consent to our use of these technologies, reject non-essential technologies, or further manage your preferences.

Resume and Cover Letter
How to Use a Reverse...

How to Use a Reverse Chronological Resume Format

10 min read · Updated on February 07, 2024

Everything you need to know about writing the most common resume format

For most professionals, a chronological resume is the best format to capture skills, experience, and achievements. That's because this resume format focuses on the employment history section, which gives plenty of space to explain the candidate's career trajectory.

The reverse-chronological resume format is also what hiring managers prefer to see , meaning that an alternate structure could even decrease your chances of landing the job.

To keep that from happening to you, let's explore how to use a reverse-chronological resume format. You'll also find a few guiding examples that can help you to produce a perfect example of the most popular resume out there.

What is a chronological resume?

The chronological resume is a format that focuses on the employment history section where work experience is listed. The main idea is that you start with your most recent or current position and work backward through all your relevant experience of the past 10 years.

NOTE: This structure is sometimes called the “reverse-chronological resume format.”

It's been said that past behavior is the most reliable predictor of future outcomes. Therefore, prospective employers rely on your career accomplishments to get an idea of what you can do for them. That's part of what makes the reverse-chronological resume format so popular.

When hiring managers can quickly digest what you've done in the past, they are able to get a feel for whether you'll be the right candidate for their team. By focusing your career history on the most recent experiences and working backward for about 10 years, you provide the most up-to-date and accurate representation of what you bring to the table.

It's critical to note that the structure of your reverse-chronological resume is important, too. How the information is laid out on the page will aid the hiring manager – who's spending mere seconds glancing at it – to easily find the information about your career history they want.

How to structure a chronological resume

Your chronological resume will contain at least six sections with relevant headers. Here's an outline of what you should include in your chronological resume:

Contact information

You want the hiring manager to contact you for an interview, right? Well, here's the place to make sure they have the details they need to do just that. Include your name (it doesn't have to be your full legal name – just use whatever you go by), location, phone number, and email address. You can also add links to your LinkedIn profile (if it's been properly optimized) and any online portfolios you may have

The headline grabs the reader's attention. Write a one-line blurb that contains the title of the job found in the job description, along with a couple of relevant keywords that will help you to stand out from the crowd.

A summary or professional profile

Your professional summary is a three to five-sentence paragraph that outlines the major events of your career. Start with something that mirrors the title on the job description and match it up with the hard and soft skills you have. Throw in at least one achievement.

This is the place for a bulleted list of skills. Include 9-12 skills that you have that will show the hiring manager you have what it takes to get the job done. Use the same language and keywords you find in the job description to ensure that your resume makes it past the ATS .

Work experience or employment history

Now you've come to the nitty-gritty part of your resume – what you've done, when, and where. Keep in mind that hiring managers will look to your past accomplishments to see what you have to bring to their team. It may be tempting to dump everything you've ever done , but relevancy is critical.

Let's take a closer look at how to write this section.

Always list the name of the company you work for first. This is important because if you have a company where you held multiple roles, you can stack the roles to show progression. You need the following information as a sub-heading:

Employer name

Dates worked

Then, add 4-5 bullet points to discuss various aspects of your time in the position. You can focus on topics like:

Projects or tasks you completed

Skills you used

Awards and achievements

Numbers and statistics that quantify your successes

Make sure to list these entries starting with your most recent or current job and working backward, as this is a fundamental component of the reverse-chronological resume format.

For your education, you can (and should) include degrees and the colleges you've attended. However, don't forget about things like professional development classes, certifications, and licenses. Spell out acronyms and omit your graduation dates. Again, this section should be presented in reverse-chronological format.

Additional sections like awards, hobbies, or languages

Sometimes, there are things you've done outside of the regular work day that are also important to securing a new job. You can create additional sections on your resume for things like public speaking, special projects, and awards. Just remember, if you're adding it to your reverse-chronological resume, it needs to be relevant to the hiring manager who will receive it.

Tips on when to use a reverse-chronological resume format

The chronological resume is considered the standard resume format because it suits the widest range of professionals, including people in healthcare, IT, law, HR, business, and education. It's especially useful if you've enjoyed a progressive career with advancements through promotions and new jobs.

The chronological resume is less suitable for creative or independent professions, where gig work and short-term contracts are part of the career path. In those cases, alternative resume formats like functional or hybrid models may be more suitable.

Expert Tip: You should try to use the hybrid format instead of the functional format. There' a bit of a stigma associated with using the functional resume format .

How to use reverse-chronological resume format

Now that you know what a chronological resume is, what the outline looks like, and who should use it, let's dig into the actual writing part.

The format of your chronological resume is almost as important as the writing, because a clean and organized layout is one of the best ways to show that you're a professional and motivated candidate.

Make sure to use bold or italics to highlight the key information within your resume, including the employment history section.

Examples of chronological resumes

To get a sense of what goes into a great chronological resume, let's look at the employment history section for a customer service representative:

Customer Service Representative, Fort Worth, TX

August 2020 - present

Handled customer calls and responded to queries about services, product malfunctions, promotions, and billing

Worked to address all customer concerns in a timely and effective manner

Calmly handled 200+ calls each day

Developed successful tactics to upsell products and services to customers

Piloted a feedback program that resulted in a 15% increase in branch sales

Here's an option for a Server:

Rooster Bar & Grill, Boston

Lead Server

June 2018 - August 2022

Managed a staff of 15 as the Lead Server at a high-end downtown restaurant

Achieved promotion to Lead Server six months after joining the team

Upsold wine pairing suggestions to customers, based on preferences

Memorized ingredients and allergens on a menu of 30+ dishes

Performed bartending responsibilities during holiday weekends and special events

Check out this example for a Sales Associate:

ABC Pet Shop, Durham, NC

Sales Associate

September 2021 - present

Maintained a clean shop environment and neat product displays

Gained recognition for reliability and zero absence work record

Fed animals and made sure they had access to fresh water

Answered customer questions and referred to other departments

Helped customers find products that best fit the needs of their pet

Maintained accurate work logs and reported inconsistencies

Chronological resume template

If you're looking for a little more help creating a flawless chronological resume, here's a template that can allow you to quickly plug in your information and be assured of the right format. These are the essential sections, but you may find hobbies, memberships, or other additional sections to be necessary on your resume.

Header information

Your name & job title

Phone number

Email address

LinkedIn profile

Professional summary

Add a paragraph explaining who you are, what you do, your industry and your area of expertise. Show off your soft and hard skills and give an example of a past accomplishment to show how you can add value to a new employer.

Employment history

Employer name and job title

Dates worked and location

Main duties and responsibilities

A key skill demonstrated

Measurable achievement #1

Measurable achievement #2

Degree name, school

Dates attended, location

Optional bullet point for GPA

Optional bullet point for leadership positions

How to adapt the reverse-chronological resume format for students

Whenever possible, first-time job seekers should aim to create a reverse-chronological resume. However, they may have to resort to an alternative if they lack experience.

Trying to land your first job as a student or recent graduate can feel daunting, especially when you don't have much experience to show. While it may be tempting to try out another style of resume, the reverse-chronological resume format can actually be adapted to the needs of students with little effort.

If you don't have any traditional employment to show, simply rename the section “Experience.” This allows you to include any volunteer positions, hobbies, side jobs, internships, or school activities that can serve as your work history for the time being. You may also wish to move the Education section above the Experience section, as it's likely to be more relevant to your current aspirations.

The rest of the rules of the chronological resume apply, including listing your positions from most recent to oldest and making bold section headings. Here's an example:

Eagle Scout, Boy Scouts of America

May 2022- present, Richmond

Awarded the highest honor for scouts after passing a lengthy review process

Planned and completed the final project involving new traffic patterns at deadly intersections

Reviewed accident records and worked with city officials to develop a crosswalk plan

Worked to educate the local community on safe pedestrian practices

Treasurer, National Math Honor Society, Arcs High School

September 2021 - May 2022, Richmond

Managed bookkeeping and revenue for the high school chapter of a national organization

Tracked payments and expenses and created reports for the Club Supervisor

Worked to eliminate unnecessary spending, resulting in 20% additional profit for the club

Organized four fundraisers that brought in $10,000 over the course of a year

Petsitter, Private client

June 2020 - present, Richmond area

Supervised and took care of three dogs for a neighbor during a two-week vacation

Took dogs on walks twice a day and fed them according to owner's instructions

Reported issues and behavior changes to the owner and adapted accordingly

Land your dream job

With these tips, templates, and adaptable examples, you're on your way to creating a great chronological resume, wowing the socks off a hiring manager, and landing your dream job.

Find more resume writing advice in our related articles below, or upload your resume for a free resume review from our experts!

This article was originally written by Anna Muckerman and has been updated by Marsha Hebert.

Career Advice Newsletter

Our experts gather the best career & resume tips weekly. Delivered weekly, always free.

Thanks! Career advice is on its way.

Share this article:

Let's stay in touch.

Subscribe today to get job tips and career advice that will come in handy.

Your information is secure. Please read our privacy policy for more information.

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.

DON’T:

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!

Call Center Supervisor Resume Examples for 2023
Automotive Technician Job Description for Resume for 2023
Using Associations, Corporate, and College Alumni for Jobs
Business Plan Tutorial: Types of Business Ownership for 2023
LinkedIn URL: A 2023 Guide on How to Get Yours

Rate this article

0 / 5. Reviews: 0

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 ."

Resume Templates

Resume samples

Create and edit your resume online

Generate compelling resumes with our AI resume builder and secure employment quickly.

Write a cover letter

Cover Letter Examples

Cover Letter Samples

Create and edit your cover letter

Use our user-friendly tool to create the perfect cover letter.

Chronological Resume Writing Guide

Get the best out of the standard resume format

Certified Professional Resume Writer

Wondering how to order your resume?

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

We’ve got you covered.

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

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

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

What is a Chronological Resume?

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

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

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

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

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

Pros and Cons of the Chronological Resume

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

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

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

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

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

Tips for Writing the Chronological Resume

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

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

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

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

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

Chronological Resume Templates

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

Here are some ways templates can help:

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

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

Struggling with Resume Writing?

Ease the process with our templates

Online Degree Explore Bachelor’s & Master’s degrees
MasterTrack™ Earn credit towards a Master’s degree
University Certificates Advance your career with graduate-level learning
Top Courses
Join for Free

Chronological Resume Guide: Template and Tips

Learn when to use a chronological resume format, and get tips on how to write your own.

[Featured Image] A person wearing a blue jacket and red and striped top looks over a chronological resume.

Your chronological resume tells the linear story of your career, starting with your most recent position and working backward. In highlighting your accomplishments and responsibilities, each position will logically build upon the previous, showing how you’ve grown your skill set over time.

Chronological resumes are among the most common types of resumes for two main reasons:

1. They tend to be straightforward for potential employers, listing the information they want, like your work history, job responsibilities, and significant accomplishments.

2. They incorporate the type of information that applicant tracking systems (ATS) are programmed to screen for. They filter qualified candidates by credentials such as job titles, company names, or role-related keywords.

Other common resume types include functional resumes, which highlight skills, or combination resumes, which mix elements of chronological and functional resumes. Learn more about [the various resumes you may want to consider]. In this article, we’ll walk through the chronological resume format and offer some tips as you write your own.

What is a reverse chronological order resume?

A reverse chronological order resume is another name for a chronological resume. Although they sound like they could be opposites, people use both phrases to refer to the same type of resume in which a person highlights their work history, starting with the most recent position.

Chronological resume format

If you have less than 10 years of work experience, you’ll likely aim to create a one-page resume, while your resume will likely be longer if you have more experience. Therefore, it’s important to be strategic with the information you include and keep it relevant to your desired job type.

Your chronological resume will include several key sections:

Objective or summary (optional)

Work experience

Certifications.

Skills (optional)

Before getting started, read through a few job descriptions for roles you are interested in. Highlight specific keywords, tasks, and skills, and list ways you’ve incorporated each of them into your work experience. You’ll likely want to include most (if not all) of those list items in your resume, so keep that list nearby.

Chronological resume template

Use this chronological resume template to write your resume as we detail what to include in each section below.

Your resume header is at the top of your resume, typically leading with your full name in a more prominent font than the rest of the document. You may use a larger font size, bold text, or write in all capital letters.

On the line below your name, write key contact information, including your email address, phone number, city and state, and website or portfolio address if you have one. Keep this information on one line, separating each item with a vertical bar.

Objective or summary

Depending on your work experience and job search goals, you can include an objective or summary below your header, if you don't mind. You can use either type of statement to add context to your resume.

A resume objective is an introductory sentence expressing who you are, the value you bring, and what you want moving forward. For example: "Social media coordinator with agency experience looking for a position managing social media strategy, planning, and execution for a major health care brand."

Resume objectives can benefit people who recently graduated college, are changing careers, or are looking to advance their careers.

A resume summary briefly summarises your career and accomplishments so far. For example, "Senior project manager with eight years of experience successfully leading large teams and identifying opportunities to reduce overhead and cost."

Resume summaries help people with some work experience or varied work experience succinctly state the common themes of their careers.

Your work experience is going to be the bulk of your chronological resume. For each position, you should include:

Company name

Dates of employment

Results-oriented list of accomplishments

If you choose to, you can include one sentence summarising your job responsibilities for each role before listing your accomplishments. You may add this brief description if your job title doesn’t fully capture your range of responsibilities or you prefer that organisational style.

This is the section where you’ll incorporate items from the list of keywords, tasks, and skills you created while researching job descriptions. Try to frame all of your tasks as accomplishments, focusing on your work's impact rather than the routines. Use action words to show how you participated actively in your work.

Be accurate, as your future employer may verify the information on your resume before finalising your job offer.

Dealing with employment gaps

Since your dates of employment are prominently featured, chronological resumes tend to highlight gaps in your work history. There was a time when employers saw employment gaps as a red flag. Now, as they’ve become increasingly common amongst people in the workforce, there are more ways to work around an employment gap on a resume.

If you practiced or learned a relevant job skill during your employment gap, you can put an entry on your resume highlighting what you did. For example, if you took time off from work so that you could raise children or care for a family member, you may want to add "caretaker" to your resume to highlight your empathy and communication skills. If you were the primary head of your household, you might even write an entry showcasing your budgeting, scheduling, and delegation skills. Similarly, you can add an entry for any side hustle, contract, or freelance work you did during that time.

Your story didn’t stop when you stopped working for an employer, so get creative as you portray your growth and contributions.

Showing promotions on your resume

There are a few ways to demonstrate promotions on your resume. The two most common ways are: (1) by stacking multiple job titles under a single company header or (2) by creating separate entries, one for each position.

If you want to optimise your resume for ATS scanning, creating separate entries for each position is typically best. This increases the likelihood that the ATS will "read" your resume more accurately. If you submit your resume directly to a recruiter or hiring manager, you can choose whichever format you prefer.

Unless you just graduated, your education section should go below your work experience. If you have more than one degree, organise them with the most recent. For each degree, include:

School name

Degree obtained

Field of study

If you are a recent graduate, you may also opt to include:

Dates attended or graduation date

GPA, if it is 3.0 or higher, or CGPA, if it is 7.5 or higher

Honours, achievements, relevant coursework, extracurricular activities, or study abroad programmes

If you have relevant certifications or professional certificates, you may choose to include a dedicated section on your resume. Alternatively, you can add certifications as a subsection within your education section.

For each certification, include:

Certification name

Awarding institution

Date it was awarded

Expiration date (if applicable)

Relevant skills

Including a separate section for your skills is only sometimes necessary, especially if you can incorporate job-related skills throughout your work experience section. However, if there are additional skills you’d like to highlight, include a section at the end of your resume and list your technical and workplace skills.

Getting started

Learn best practices as you write your resume using the project-centred How to Write a Resume course from SUNY Online, or further explore your potential with the Career Discovery Specialisation . Sign up for Coursera today and begin a 7-day, full-access free trial to browse more personal development courses.

Keep reading

Coursera staff.

Editorial Team

Coursera’s editorial team is comprised of highly experienced professional editors, writers, and fact...

This content has been made available for informational purposes only. Learners are advised to conduct additional research to ensure that courses and other credentials pursued meet their personal, professional, and financial goals.

Resume templates

Put your best qualities on display with professional, customizable resume and cv templates. no matter your line of work or length of professional history, you'll find resume and cv templates that'll help you get the gig..

Download free resume templates

Land your dream job with free, customizable resume templates. Showcase your potential to recruiters and stand out from other candidates with a professional template. Whether you're applying to corporate positions or creative roles, go with a sleek design or show your creativity with bold colors .

Resumes don't need to look boring—add flair to your professional experience with a creative resume template. There are plenty of resume designs to choose from, like simple resume templates and modern resume templates. Each resume template is fully customizable in Microsoft Word , so you can personalize each design element and add your own text. Using a template also makes it easier to customize your resume for each position you apply to.

Print out as many copies as you'd like or download the template for free to share digitally when applying online. These professional resume templates are perfect for any stage of life or career. Whether you're a high school student, actor, or seeking a career in nursing, you can find any format for any job type.

There are also a variety of free CV (Curriculum Vitae) templates to choose from. A CV is often longer than a resume and contains an in-depth look at your education and professional accomplishments. Like our resume templates, these CV templates are also customizable in Word.

Remember, your next job is only a template away! Once you've customized your resume, explore free cover letter templates to help you land the job.

I'm a millennial job seeker whose résumé kept getting rejected

Dania Swails said her résumé wasn't being read by applicant-tracking systems.
Swails, who's worked in finance, revamped her résumé to make it easier to get through the systems.
She simplified her résumé format and has started getting more callbacks for job applications.

Dania Swails , 28, has worked in finance and is looking for another job in the industry after leaving her last role. She has been rejected from many jobs she's applied to. A recruiter suggested she rework her résumé so it would be more likely to make it through an applicant-tracking system.

I have a bachelor's degree in sports management. I graduated in 2019, and the pandemic started in March 2020. So some of the job offers I had and the prospects I had in the sports world weren't starting until the next season, but my opportunities went away because of the pandemic.

I had a friend who was a stockbroker. She said: "Hey, my job will train you to become a broker if that's something you're interested in." At the time, I just needed a job, so I became a broker.

I got into it, and I just really liked it. My dad works in finance; he does taxes and investing. He's told me my whole life that I need to look into finance. When I started in the industry, my dad and I used to study every night for my Series 7 exam, which I passed.

After working as a broker, I was recruited to be an equity trader. I really got into data and trends research when I was working at that job. I was there for two years, and then I got laid off.

After I got laid off, I went on LinkedIn and found a job as an analyst. It was my first time not working with clients. I worked directly for the bank. I liked being an analyst; I just didn't like the company.

I felt like: "Well, I've been in finance for four years. I've managed these accounts. I've done this. I haven't had a problem having a job." So at the end of January, I thought: "I'm burned out from this employer. I'll just leave. I'm sure I can find something else." That didn't happen.

When I was a first-year broker, it felt like I was getting recruited on LinkedIn every day. That's how I got that job as an equity trader. Even when I was laid off, I was only out of work for three weeks before I was right back at work at a new job.

But now, months later, I still don't have a role. This has been the hardest it's ever been. I've never had an experience like this. LinkedIn had always been my best friend, but now it's my worst enemy — it's like a shift happened.

Revamping my résumé

I'd been told my résumé was impressive. I'd also been told it's too long, it's too short, it's too vague, and I needed to change the formatting. I had my education and my skills on the side, along with my contact information. I had a template that was pretty fancy-looking. I'd always used it and I'd always thought that it had caught recruiters' eyes. But I just haven't been having much luck. So I've been changing my résumé — adding things, taking things off.

There were jobs where I met every requirement and I'd still get rejected. When I was an equity trader, I needed three to five years of experience, but they recruited me when I had a year and a half of experience, so I was able to get a more senior role. And then, I became an analyst, a job that also usually needed a bit more experience than I had. But they said in the interview that they liked where my head was at, so I got hired.

Where I go from here

In the end, I will probably keep both versions of my résumé. I want to have one that stands out when a person actually looks at it — one that jumps out against all the other black-and-white, simpler résumés. And then I'll have the résumé I enter in the system for the ATS.

All of this just makes me feel like, "What is the point of having recruiters if you're going to have a system that flags everything?" I get it from an HR standpoint. If I were a recruiter, I would not want to go through 5,000 applications. However, as someone who's job seeking, this system doesn't work.

At my last job, my mental health was deteriorating. But I have a new source of stress now. Part of me feels like I'm being punished for not staying at my job — like I stuck my neck out too far. I wasn't arrogant when I left, but I did have the mindset that I could find something else because I have experience and I have a degree. And in the past, I was always getting recruited.

When you've been unemployed for four months, you feel like maybe you were too arrogant. Maybe I wasn't humble enough. Maybe I should have stuck it out. Maybe I should have just stayed until there was something else. You have all these scenarios that go through your head when you're just not getting anything. It is very demoralizing.

Now, when I apply, it often feels like it's just about what scans in the system. If you can get through the system, then you can prove yourself or have someone take a chance on you. But you have to get through the system first.

Watch: Marketing leaders from Amazon, LinkedIn, Lego Group and more tell Insider what pandemic-fueled business changes are likely to stick around

Main content

COMMENTS

Chronological Resume Template, Examples, & Format
Here are three examples of chronological resumes you can download and use for reference: 1. Chronological resume example for a financial advisor. Here's a financial advisor resume that uses a chronological format, featuring the candidate's experience in the center of the page: Download This Free Example. 2.
How to Write a Chronological Resume (Tips and Examples)
Chronological resume template Review this template to help you understand how to structure a chronological resume: [First name] [Last name], [Degree or certification if applicable] [Phone number] | [Email address] | [City], [State] Professional Summary [Two to three sentences that highlight years of experience, relevant skills, education, certifications and achievements.]
Chronological Resume
Learn how to create a chronological resume that lists your work experience and achievements from most to least recent. Find out when to use this format, what sections to include, and see 5 free templates to get you started.
Chronological Resume Templates for 2023
Find the best chronological resume template for your professional level and industry. Learn how to design, format, and write a reverse chronological resume that highlights your experience and skills.
Complete Guide to Writing a Chronological Resume
Learn how to write a chronological resume that showcases your work experience and achievements. Browse 10 free resume templates for different jobs and use our Resume Builder to create your own.
Chronological Resume: Format, Templates & Examples
Learn how to write a chronological resume that highlights your work history and qualifications. Find expert-approved templates, tips and samples for different experience levels and industries.
Reverse Chronological Resume Templates [Ideal Format]
Learn how to write a chronological resume that highlights your work history and achievements. See examples of reverse-chronological resumes for over 30 professions and get expert advice on formatting and content.
Chronological Resume: Templates, Examples & How-to
Learn how to write a chronological resume that showcases your work history and skills. Find tips, templates and examples for different jobs and industries.
Chronological Resume Writing Guide with Template & Examples
Copy to clipboard. Olivia BurtonFlight [email protected], Massachusetts. #2. Write a Compelling Resume Objective or Resume Summary. The next step in writing a chronological resume is to include a brief but impactful resume statementto catch the recruiter's attention.
Chronological Resume Format
Learn how to write a chronological resume, the most common type of resume, with tips, examples, and a template pack. A chronological resume lists your work and education experience from most to least recent, highlighting your career progression and achievements.
Chronological Resume Templates to Impress Any Employer
Learn how to create a chronological resume that showcases your skills, work history and education. Browse customizable templates and see how to use action verbs, metrics and formatting tips.
How to Write a Chronological Resume (Plus Example!)
A chronological resume lists your work and other experiences in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent jobs. Learn what a chronological resume is, who should use it, and how to make one with this guide and example.
Reverse Chronological Resume Templates
Reverse Chronological Resume Templates. The most commonly used resume format is a reverse-chronological one as it shows hiring managers how you progressed throughout your career. Get started with your resume: Create your resume. Top companies have hired candidates with our templates. Try this template.
Chronological Resume Format
5 additional writing tips. 1. Prepare. Before you start writing your resume, list your job history in reverse-chronological order. You should also create a list of career accomplishments and the skills you used to achieve them. Considering what you want to feature will make it easier for you to put it all together!
Best Chronological Resume Formats for 2024
Chronological resumes follow the same standard layout: 1. Craft a strong summary statement. The summary statement should concisely summarize your professional experience, skills and accomplishments. Here you should underline the key points in your work history and focus on your most relevant achievements.
How to Use a Reverse Chronological Resume Format
The chronological resume is a format that focuses on the employment history section where work experience is listed. The main idea is that you start with your most recent or current position and work backward through all your relevant experience of the past 10 years. NOTE: This structure is sometimes called the "reverse-chronological resume ...
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 ...
Chronological Resume Guide: Template and Tips
Learn how to write a chronological resume, a common and straightforward format that highlights your work history and skills. Find out what to include in each section, how to deal with gaps or promotions, and how to optimize your resume for ATS.
Chronological Resume Example (With Writing Tips)
Learn how to write a chronological resume that highlights your work history and skills. See a sample resume, get writing tips and download a free template.
How to Write a Chronological Resume
Include the following in your experience section: 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.
Chronological Resume Guide: Template and Tips
Chronological resume template. Use this chronological resume template to write your resume as we detail what to include in each section below. Header. Your resume header is at the top of your resume, typically leading with your full name in a more prominent font than the rest of the document. You may use a larger font size, bold text, or write ...
Free Resume Templates for 2024: Downloadable Templates
The chronological resume template offers a classic, no frills format. Consider this template if you work in a formal industry or want to bring attention to the impressive companies on your resume. Hybrid resume templates are versatile and the most popular format in today's job search. Functional resume templates are popular for people ...
Free resume templates to download and print
Download free resume templates. Land your dream job with free, customizable resume templates. Showcase your potential to recruiters and stand out from other candidates with a professional template. Whether you're applying to corporate positions or creative roles, go with a sleek design or show your creativity with bold colors.
Resume Formats That Help Get You Job Interviews
Resume Templates Free ATS-friendly resume templates. ATS Resume Templates Edit your resume in Microsoft Word. Google Docs Resume Templates Edit in Google Docs and download for free. Resume Formats Pick the right format for your career. Resume Examples Explore our library of resume samples for any profession. Get Your Free Resume Score; Cover Letter
How to Write a Resume for a Job in 2024
Simple and clean, this minimalist resume template is a safe choice for just about any job because it's highly formal but still modern-looking. Additional resume template file types. There are countless resume templates available for a variety of platforms. For example: Pages resume templates; Google Docs resume templates
Microsoft Word Resume Template & Example [Free Download]
To create a resume using a Microsoft Word resume template, follow these steps: Choose your template in Word. To create your resume from scratch, click "File" in your Microsoft Word menu (you can also hit Alt+F on a PC or Command+F on a Mac).Click "More templates" to see a selection of Word resume template layouts.
Business Systems Analyst Resume Example (With Tips)
Here is a sample resume for a business systems analyst with over three years of experience that can serve as a helpful example. Monika Paul Pune, Maharashtra | (91) 92544-59888 | [email protected] Summary Detail oriented and result-driven systems analyst with more than five years of experience in business process improvement, data analysis ...
Lead Cook Resume Example (With Tips)
A well-curated resume in the culinary field, particularly for the role of a lead cook, can enhance your prospects for that dream job. By studying a resume sample and using tips, you can elevate your chances of preparing a resume that garners attention. In this article, we offer a sample resume for a lead cook, and we provide some tips to help you craft your own resume.
A Job Seeker Kept Getting Her Résumé Rejected
Dania Swails faced numerous job rejections. On a recruiter's advice, she revamped her résumé to make it more easily read by HR systems.

Chronological Resume - Writing Guide With 5 Free Templates

Chronological Resume Structure

What is a Chronological Resume?

When to Use a Chronological Resume Format

Functional Resume

Combination Resume

4 Chronological Resume Templates

#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

#1: Start With a Contact Information Section

#2: Add a Resume Summary or Resume Objective

#3: Fill in Your Work Experience

#4: Add an Education Section

#5: Spice Up Your Chronological Resume With Your Skills

#6: Include Any of These Optional Sections

10 Chronological Resume Examples for All Industries

#1. Business Chronological Resume

#2. Computer Science Chronological Resume

#3. Architect Chronological Resume

#4. Nurse Chronological Resume

#5. Pharmacist Chronological Resume

#6. Project Manager Chronological Resume

#7. Web Developer Chronological Resume

#8. Teacher Chronological Resume

#9. Bar Manager Chronological Resume

#10. Human Resources Chronological Resume

Discover More Resume Templates

Key Takeaways

Chronological Resume Templates

Double Column

Single Column

In This Guide:

Select the best layout

Frequently asked questions about chronological resume templates

Resume Styles: The Best Choice For Your Needs [20+ Tips And Examples]

Reverse Chronological Resume Templates

Browse templates by resume style

Use our suggestions to complete your resume 5x faster.

How to Use a Reverse Chronological Resume Format

What is a chronological resume?

How to structure a chronological resume

Contact information

A summary or professional profile

Work experience or employment history

Additional sections like awards, hobbies, or languages

Tips on when to use a reverse-chronological resume format

How to use reverse-chronological resume format

Examples of chronological resumes

Chronological resume template

How to adapt the reverse-chronological resume format for students

Land your dream job

Recommended reading:

Related Articles:

Career Advice Newsletter

Writing a Chronological Resume: Tips and Samples for 2024

Benefits of using a chronological resume

When to use a chronological resume

Writing the Header and Objective Statement

Guidelines for Writing a Professional Header

Tips for Creating an Effective Objective Statement

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

Listing Work Experience

Organize work experience in chronological order

Include relevant information in each job entry

Highlight achievements and accomplishments in each job

Showcasing Skills and Accomplishments

How to write a convincing skills section

Key achievements and contributions to employers

A list of action verbs to use in describing accomplishments

Including Education and Certifications

Formatting Education and Certifications

Providing Necessary Details

Emphasizing How Education and Certifications Relate to the Job

Adding Professional Development

How to create a section for professional development

Including relevant training, workshops, and conferences

Showing how professional development has improved job performance