should resume be chronological or relevance

What is the Best Resume Format: Functional, Chronological or Combined?

  The chronological format  

The chronological resume is the most used out there, it’s the employer’s favorite as it is very easy to read and it’s hard to hide anything in it. It works brilliantly when you have stayed consistent in your career. As long as the job you are applying for is in the same field, the full chronology will be relevant to the reader and therefore the focus is on your experience.   Your employment history is actually in reverse chronological order and your current position will be at the top of the list. The chronological resume doesn’t work well when you have gaps or when you have shifted industries often, as it will expose your weak points.   • Objective • Summary • Experience • Education • References  

The functional format   

The combined format

  The combination format is exactly what it sounds like; it combines the chronological and functional formats to give you the best of both worlds. It allows you to use the tasty features from the functional resume but you can still fly in under the radar in the eye of the reader.   Examples of people that can benefit from this would be someone wanting to change careers and has some relevant skills for the new field. It can also be useful when someone wants to pack more skills in than the work experience section allows for or would not bring out adequately.   • Objective • Summary • Accomplishments • Experience • Education • References  

5 Housekeeping rules that apply to all formats

  1. Make sure you put all your contact details on every page, make it easy for the employer to call you up for an interview.   2. You have to put exact dates against every employment and education. If you don’t it will look slightly dodgy and you have to be prepared for a lack-of-dates grilling.   3. All education and qualifications should be listed. The fact that you majored in art history doesn’t mean you can’t apply for a Java consultant job ; it means you are trainable and can learn anything.   4. The layout should be pleasing on the eye and never distracting, allow for enough white space in between your text, boxes and bullet points.   5. Make it a habit to use a spel cheker, as your intended audience will swiftly delete a resume that contains typos.

  Great, so which format do I use again?  

If you can, go with the chronological as it’s everyone’s favorite. If you are shifting careers and possibly have transferable skills, go combined. If you have a short career or big holes in your experience, go functional.   Applying across state borders? Check out 3 Tips for Sending Your Resume to Another State .   Which format do you use and are you getting interviews?

• Post author By Jörgen Sundberg

The more resumes you look at, the more confused you can get especially since there are so many different formats to choose from. Most people don’t realize that the format is one of the most important choices when writing a winning resume. Get this wrong and you could effectively be hiding your own career highlights from the reader.

The bad news is that you only get about 10 seconds attention from the person screening your resume so you best make a good first impression. The good news is that I have narrowed it down to only three formats worth considering. Here they are, complete with reasons why you should choose them and in what order the content should be in your resume.

Chronological format:

The chronological resume is the most used out there, it’s the employer’s favorite as it is very easy to read and it’s hard to hide anything in it. It works brilliantly when you have stayed consistent in your career. As long as the job you are applying for is in the same field, the full chronology will be relevant to the reader and therefore the focus is on your experience.

Your employment history is actually in reverse chronological order and your current position will be at the top of the list. The chronological resume doesn’t work well when you have gaps or when you have shifted industries often, as it will expose your weak points.

Functional format:

The functional format should be used when you want to draw attention away from your work experience due to job hopping, a very long career, a very short career, long gaps, re-entering the job market and so forth. The functional resume focuses on what you can do, what your achievements are and your core competence.

This format is used by graduates, people seeking to change their career completely and anyone with employment gaps that don’t add any value to their experience. If you are looking to change industries, make sure to focus on transferable skills such as sales or people management. A word of warning; employers are known to raise their eyebrows when they see a functional resume so only use this format if you absolutely have to.

• Accomplishments
• Capabilities
• Employment History

The combination format is exactly what it sounds like; it combines the chronological and functional formats to give you the best of both worlds. It allows you to use the tasty features from the functional resume but you can still fly in under the radar in the eye of the reader.

Examples of people that can benefit from this would be someone wanting to change careers and has some relevant skills for the new field. It can also be useful when someone wants to pack more skills in than the work experience section allows for or would not bring out adequately.

5 housekeeping rules that apply to all formats:

• Make sure you put all your contact details on every page, make it easy for the employer to call you up for an interview.
• You have to put exact dates against every employment and education. If you don’t it will look slightly dodgy and you have to be prepared for a lack-of-dates grilling.
• All education and qualifications should be listed. The fact that you majored in art history doesn’t mean you can’t apply for a Java consultant job; it means you are trainable and can learn anything.
• The layout should be pleasing on the eye and never distracting, allow for enough white space in between your text, boxes and bullet points.
• Make it a habit to use a spel cheker [sic], as your intended audience will swiftly delete a resume that contains typos.

Great, so which format do I use again?

If you can, go with the chronological as it’s everyone’s favorite. If you are shifting careers and possibly have transferable skills, go combined. If you have a short career or big holes in your experience, go functional.

Which format do you use and are you getting interviews? Let us know in the comments below!

RELATED: What Is the Best Resume Font, Size and Format?

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• Tags chronological , combined , format , functional , Resume & CV Writing , Resumes

By Jörgen Sundberg

Founder of Undercover Recruiter & CEO of Link Humans , home of The Employer Brand Index .

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

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

Here’s what you’re going to learn:

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

Definition: What is a Chronological Resume?

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

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

What is Reverse Chronological Order?

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

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

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

Chronological Resume Example:

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

Work Experience

IBM (2019-Present) Senior Product Manager

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

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

Microsoft (2016-2019) Product Manager

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

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

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

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

Should Your Resume Be Chronological?

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

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

Why do Recruiters Prefer Chronological Resumes?

Functional resumes are confusing and difficult to gather info from.

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

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

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

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

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

The Best Resume Format for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS)

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

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

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

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

When is a Chronological Resume Not Advantageous?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How Do You Write a Chronological Resume?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

This article has resume bullet examples to help you.

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

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

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

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

5. Add metrics and data when possible .

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

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

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

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

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

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

Which sounds more impressive…

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

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

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

6. Add other necessary resume sections .

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

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

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

7. Consider adding optional sections .

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

About the Author

Read more articles by Biron Clark

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Resume 101: The Correct Order for Resume Sections

Everything you need to know about how to organize your resume, including the right order for jobs and sections of your resume.

9 months ago   •   6 min read

When writing a resume, it can be difficult to know where to begin. Should you put your education or work experience first? What about skills? And why does it even matter, as long as all the necessary information is on there somewhere?

We’ll give you simple answers to all those questions below — but let’s start with that last one.

Why resume order matters in 2024

Putting things in the right order on your resume isn’t just a matter of convention — it serves a few practical purposes, too. The order of sections on your resume impacts:

• Readability. Putting things where recruiters expect to find them means they’ll be able to get more information from your resume quickly — which means you’re more likely to stay in the running past an initial resume screen.
• Applicant Tracking Systems. Most companies now use some form of ATS, which has affected best practices for resume writing. Ordering your sections in a simple, straightforward manner is the best way to keep it ATS-compatible.
• First impressions. Like it or not, some resume conventions do matter, and this is one of them. Using a standard resume section order shows that you understand professional norms.

The easiest way to make sure everything on your resume is in the right order is to run it through a free resume checker. Score My Resume can provide instant feedback on resume section order as well as overall style and brevity.

The best order for work experience on your resume

Speaking of resume conventions, you may have heard about different chronological vs hybrid vs functional vs skills-based resumes. While a lot of different resume gimmicks have come and gone over the years, the truth is still that reverse chronological order is the best resume format.

This means you should list your most recent job at the top of your work experience section , followed by any previous jobs from newest to oldest. There are a lot of reasons for this (like the ones listed above - readability, ATS, and first impressions), but the most important one is that the recency of your experience directly affects how relevant it is, and the most relevant information should always go at the top of your resume.

How to organize your resume sections

Now that that’s covered — what order should your resume sections be in? This depends a bit on where you are in your career, but in general, you should expect to list your work experience first, followed by your education, skills, and other information.

Here’s an example of a well-organized resume that works for just about any job seeker:

You can download this template — or browse 350+ others — at our ATS resume templates page.

For most job seekers

In most cases, the correct order of resume section is:

• Contact information . Always start with your name, phone number, and email address so hiring managers know who the resume belongs to and how to get in touch with you if they want to move you forward.
• Resume summary . A summary statement provides a quick snapshot of your professional identity, key accomplishments, and career objectives.
• Work experience . This is the core of your resume and should be prominently located. A clearly formatted work experience section (see above) allows hiring managers to quickly review your past experience and relevant accomplishments.
• Education . This should still be on your resume even if you’re not a recent graduate, but below your work experience —you can even remove the dates if you graduated 8+ years ago.
• Skills and certifications . This should be a short section at the bottom of your resume. It can include specific hard skills, professional certifications , and other information like personal projects and volunteer work .

This is the most standard resume section order, which means it’s just as appropriate for recent grads as for 20-year industry veterans. That said, if you want a little more customization in your resume, here’s how to optimize it for different stages of your career.

For recent graduates

The best order for recent grads is only slightly different — in this case, you should put your education at the top. Your resume should look something like:

• Contact information.
• Education . If you’re still in school or only graduated recently, your education is probably your strongest asset, so make sure to showcase it upfront.
• Work Experience . This can also include part-time jobs, internships, volunteer work, or work study.
• Activities . If you have a lot of awards or extracurriculars , consider creating a separate section where you can highlight soft skills like teamwork and leadership .
• Skills . If you’re not sure what skills you should be highlighting, try searching for your desired role or industry in our skills and keywords database .

Want more options? Here are 50+ entry-level resume templates to get you started.

For career changers

Career change resumes can differ in a few ways, but the main one is that you might want to split your work experience into two sections. Here’s how that might look:

• Contact information .
• Resume summary . This is your chance to provide some context for why you’re changing careers and why your background is a good fit — even if it doesn’t appear that way at first glance.
• Skills . Usually, these should go at the end of your resume, but by moving them up you can show hiring managers that you have the necessary background for the role.
• Relevant experience . It’s always better to put more relevant experience first, even if it’s a little older.
• Additional experience . Here’s where you can list any other recent jobs that aren’t directly relevant to your new career path.
• Education . You should still list your qualifications even if they’re not in the same field.

For even more advice on how to make a successful career change, check out the career change tag on our blog .

For senior-level candidates

If you’re applying for higher-level roles, including management or C-suite positions, it stands to reason that your resume should go into a little more detail. Here’s how to structure that:

• Resume summary . If you’ve had to cut down your work experience, this is also a good place to put career highlights, even if they’re a little older.
• Work experience. This can go back a little further than the usual 10-15 years if you’re applying for more senior roles and should showcase professional advancement.
• Professional organizations and community involvement. For higher-level roles, it’s a good idea to include anything that establishes you as a leader in your field, like board membership or involvement with professional organizations in your industry.
• Education . No matter how long ago it was, your educational qualifications should stay on your resume (but it’s okay to remove the dates).
• Skills and certifications. Another key difference is that your resume can be a little longer if you’re applying for senior or executive positions — think two pages instead of one. For more insights, head over to our definitive guide on how to write an executive resume .

If I switch the order on my resume, will it look like I'm hiding something?

Indeed, it can. If your resume is not organized in a straightforward way, it could give employers the impression that you're attempting to obscure certain aspects of your career history.

Can a poorly ordered resume hurt my chances of getting a job?

Unfortunately, yes. A resume that's confusing or disorganized can make recruiters' jobs more difficult, increasing the likelihood that yours might be put aside. Keep it clear, concise, and well-ordered to show you're the organized professional they need.

Does the order of a resume differ depending on the type of job I'm applying for?

Absolutely! Your resume should be a living document that changes based on the role you're aiming for. Applying for a tech job? Highlight your related skills and projects up top. Going for a management position? Make sure your leadership experiences take center stage. Keep the job description handy when you're deciding on your resume's order.

Are there cultural or regional differences in preferred resume order that I should be aware of?

Good catch! Yes, different countries have different conventions. For example, some countries prefer personal details like age and marital status at the top of a resume (though that's typically not the case in the U.S.). Always research resume norms for the country where you're applying.

Does the order of a resume differ for entry-level versus senior-level roles?

It does. For entry-level roles, your educational achievements might take prime real estate on your resume. For senior-level roles, a detailed account of your professional trajectory becomes more important. The golden rule? Highlight what's most relevant and impressive based on where you're at in your career.

Where should I place my personal projects, volunteer work, or other non-traditional experiences on my resume?

These can be a valuable part of your resume, especially if they showcase relevant skills or experiences. Typically, they can go in a section towards the bottom of your resume, after your formal work experience and education. However, if these activities are particularly relevant to the job you're applying for, you might decide to position them more prominently.

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When to Use a Chronological Resume and How to Write One

A chronological resume may seem the obvious choice. After all, what other types of resumes are there? Actually, there are two other resume formats: functional and hybrid (sometimes called a combination resume). Which format is best for your job search depends on your circumstances and where you are in your career.

This article will explain what a chronological resume is and how it differs from functional and hybrid resumes. We will tell you who should use this format and why, and how to structure and write this type of resume. Lastly, we provide resume samples.

• What Is a Chronological Resume?

A chronological resume is one that emphasizes a job seeker's work experience, whereas hybrid or functional resumes emphasize a job candidate’s skills.  

The goal of a chronological resume is to show career progression. For example, each change in job would ideally show increasing responsibilities. An employer is more likely to hire someone who has a proven history of successfully taking on additional challenges.

The goal of a functional or combination resume is to highlight the job candidate's current skills either because these are critical to the job or because the candidate has other reasons not to emphasize their work history—more on that later.

All of the resume templates shown here are chronological resume templates. Note that the work history section is presented before the skills section. In the work history section, the most recent employer should be listed first under the heading.

• The  Chronological Resume Sections

The basic components of a chronological resume are the following:

Contact information

Summary statement/objective statement

Work history with the most recent position first

Awards/certifications/presentations/publications

• Which Job Seekers Should Choose a Chronological Resume Format?

A reverse-chronological resume is best for job seekers who can show steady progression in their employment history. For example, have you been in the same industry for a few years? Have you progressed from an entry-level accountant to a CPA? Have you been consistently promoted as you took on additional responsibilities? Are you looking for the next step up in your career? 

If your career trajectory is an upward one, then you should definitely choose a chronological format because the reader can see that you are capable of moving to the next level.

• Which Job Seekers Should Not Choose a Chronological Resume?

If you do not have much work experience or are a recent graduate and cannot show consistent progression in your career, a functional resume might be better. A functional or hybrid resume would show off your skills without drawing attention to the fact that you don’t have years of work experience. 

Job seekers who have gaps in their resume, entry-level candidates, those seeking a career change, or those seeking internships are examples of people who should not use a chronological format. A functional resume format or a combination resume format is best along with the submission of a well-written cover letter to provide additional supporting information.

An example of a functional resume format is shown below. You can download your own copy HERE. In this case, the candidate is looking to switch careers from sales to IT. Again, note that the skills section comes before the work experience section.

• Why Use a Chronological Resume?

In general, hiring managers prefer a chronological resume format because it is the one they are most familiar with. This format clearly lays out a candidate’s job history and their roles. Also, most recruiters look for this type of resume for senior positions.

The drawback to this type of resume is that gaps in a work history are difficult to disguise. Similarly, if you are early in your career path, the recruiter may focus on the experience that you don’t have rather than the skills that you do have. 

If you are a job seeker who has been in healthcare but now wants to move into an accounting role, a chronological resume will focus on your sales history rather than the fact that you might have excellent accounting skills. Your sales history, in this case, is not what the recruiter needs to see.

• Writing a Chronological Resume

Resumes should be one page long unless you need to show an extensive history. This would be the case for someone in academia who has been involved in many years of research on a specialized subject. However, even if you are applying for a senior position, employers are usually only interested in your most recent experience.

• Contact Information

This section is standard for most resumes. If you have credentials, for example, CPA or MBA, these should appear after your name. For example,

Emma Tailor, MBA

Steven Adler, CPA

Contact information should include name, email, phone number, and social media handles, such as LinkedIn, Twitter, and a website address if you have an online portfolio. A LinkedIn url is highly recommended, most professionals have one, and employers will want to check you out on the platform. Make sure that the information on your LinkedIn page matches the information on your resume.

An address is not necessary. However, if the hiring company states that they are looking for candidates from a certain area, it would be good to put the town and state.

Expert Hint : Don’t include graphics or images on your professional resume. These should be saved for your online portfolio.

• Summary or Objective Statement

The summary appears at the top of the resume and acts like a headliner—it should be short yet include a lot of important information. Your summary should be bold and memorable. It might help to first create your resume before coming up with your summary statement because you will then be able to synthesize your most important skills and achievements into a short sentence.

Before you write the job summary, you should research the company and study the job description so that what you say matches what the company is looking for.

Here is an example of a resume objective.

“Rigorous financial analyst with 3+ years of experience in financial statements and budget forecasting. Seeking an opportunity with a large investment organization to use client-facing skills and build successful portfolios. 100% client satisfaction achieved in past positions.”

The statement contains three key components: 

a strong descriptive word (rigorous); 

years of experience (3+); 

a metric that proves the applicant’s worth (100% client satisfaction in past positions). 

Tailor this format so that it is directly relevant for each job that you apply to.

Unless you need to show decades of experience, 10+ years of experience is the most that you should offer. Unfortunately, ageism is rife in the recruiting world, and while you don’t want to downplay your level of skill, you don’t need to draw attention to your age. Employers want to know that you are as current as possible where technology and industries are concerned.

The reason why the metric is so critical is that it is measurable proof of your value to the employer.  

In all of your resume writing, it is prudent to mirror what the job description describes. For example, if the job description calls for “proven client-driven skills,” explain that you “increased the client adoption rate consistently for the past three years” in your past job. Use this presentation of measurable achievements in the work history section of your resume.

• The Work History Section

Under the work history header comes the main part of your resume where you list, in reverse chronological order, your most recent jobs, your job titles, and your accomplishments. Start with your most recent employer and work backward. Include the past two or three positions that you have held.

Use bullet points to show your accomplishments in two or five short, clear sentences. Address the skills that the job description calls for, and don’t add anything that is irrelevant.

Expert Hint : You can better tailor your resume by learning about the company through its website or even reaching out to a current employee via LinkedIn.

For each employer, give the name of the company, your position, the dates, and then explain your accomplishments. The resume examples show how to format this section.

As with the project summary, use action words rather than the passive voice, and include metrics to create more impact.

Here are some examples of bullet points. Note that each one uses a metric and an action verb.

Redesigned legacy spreadsheets resulting in 30% fewer inaccuracies and faster turnaround times.

Managed customer accounts totaling $170,000 with 100% customer satisfaction.

Led a team of five students to win third prize in Google Innovation Competition.

Redesigned company website and improved lead generation by 25%.

Use some of the wording that you find in the job description in your bullet points. For example, if the job description states "statistical analysis" as a requirement. Use the phrase "statistical analysis" somewhere in your bullet points. This will help your resume to pass the automatic screening software that looks for keywords.

• Skills Section

Any skills, professional experience, or accomplishments that you did not include in your work experience can be listed in your skills section. For some jobs, like tech jobs, skills are vital, and the reader should be able to determine your skills with a quick glance of your resume. That's why some resumes list them in a separate column. 

Your skills can be hard technical skills or soft skills, like leadership, problem-solving, conflict resolution.

Here are examples of skills to include:

Hard skills: JAVA; Python; Acrobat; Statistical analysis; Excel spreadsheets, Microsoft statistical software; Invoicing; Enterprise systems

Soft skills: Management and Communication, Leadership, Problem-solving; Conflict resolution; Critical thinking

• Education Section

The education section of the resume should include your degrees and any industry certifications that are relevant to the position. State the school where you earned your degree. If you earned honors, for example, summa cum laude or magna cum laude, this information should be included

Expert Hint : Only include a GPA if you are just starting out in your career and your GPA is 4.0 or very close to it. Remember, if you are just starting out in your career, you should not be writing a chronological resume.

Some resumes place education in a separate column along with skills and other information, such as awards. This can make a resume easier to read and more appealing. See the example at the end of the article.

• Awards/Certifications

The last section is optional, but it can be used to show off your unique achievements. It might include languages, awards, presentations, publications, or hobbies if they are relevant. Depending on what you are including here, you can use a different title such as “Achievements,” “Presentations,” or “Publications.”

• Key Points to Remember

Finally, it is critical that your resume attracts attention from potential employers for the right reasons—your stellar work history—not the wrong reasons: typos. Proofread your resume, and then have another trusted eye read it for you to catch any mistakes or odd-sounding phrases.

Follow this guide and use the quick checklist below so that your resume ends up on the top of the shortlist pile. 

Each job is not the same, so you should submit a different resume for each job.

Tailor your summary to each job.

Use keywords in your bullet points taken from the job description so applicant tracking systems do not reject your resume.

Use metrics in your previous job bullet points to show your worth.

Don’t include irrelevant information from your work history

Proofread your resume thoroughly.

Now, get ready for the interview!

• Chronological Resume Example

Here's an example of what a great chronological resume looks like. Feel free to download your own version HERE.

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• A lot of employers are not so interested in what you did 10 years ago, and any work you did 20 years ago might become questionable as to how it is still relevant to this day and age. So, keep your current work history full of information; keep your long-past work history brief and only use what is relevant and might not have been stated before. If you have 20 years of continual and progressive real estate experience, and you decide to use the chronological format for your five places of employment to date, ask yourself first how many times have you written that you negotiated contracts? If you have a lengthy career in one particular field, be mindful of repetition of duties performed. Aim for variety.
• The chronological format works well if you have had continual jobs in one or two professions. If your goal is to emphasize your transferable skills toward a career in finance but your resume only shows a history of retail and publishing, you might want to pick another format.
• Gaps in your employment
• Jobs you had that you don't want anyone to know about
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How To Write A Resume In 7 Steps (With Examples)

• How To Write A Resume
• Resume Skills Section
• Resume Objective Section
• Career Objective Section
• Resume Reference Section
• Resume Summary Section
• Resume Summary Example
• Resume Interests Section
• Address On Resume
• Relevant Work Experience
• Anticipated Graduation Date On Resume
• Education Section On Resume
• Contact Information On Resume
• Statement Of Qualifications
• How To List Publications On Resume
• Accomplishments On Resumes
• Awards On Resume
• Dean's List On Resume
• Study Abroad On Resume

Resumes are still the most important document in your job search . Generating a professional and interesting resume isn’t easy, but there is a standard set of guidelines that you can follow. As hiring managers usually only spend a short time looking over each resume, you want to make sure that yours has a reason for them to keep reading.

If you’re looking to write a resume, rewrite a resume you already have, or are just curious about resume format, then you’ve come to the right place. This article will go through the steps to writing an excellent resume, as well as offering examples for what sections of the resume should look like.

Key Takeaways:

A resume is a short document that details your professional history in a way that tailors your experience and skill set for the particular job you’re applying for.

Resumes follow a few standard formatting practices, which hiring managers and recruiters expect to see.

Highlighting your work experience, skills, and educational background with relevant keywords can help you get past applicant tracking systems and into more interviews.

How to write a resume

Writing a resume involves using the proper formatting, writing an introduction, and adding your work experience and education. Stuffing your entire professional life into a single page resume can feel overwhelming, but remember that you’re distilling the relevant parts of your professional experience in order to catch the eye of the recruiter .

Formatting your resume. To start, use a word processor such as Microsoft Word or Google docs. Standard resume formatting calls for:

1 inch margins

10-12 point font

A professional, commonly-used font

Additionally, there are three resume formats that are commonly used. Most people should stick with a chronological resume format , but the combination resume format and functional resume format can be effective for more advanced workers or those who have significant gaps in their resume.

Write a resume header . It doesn’t matter if you have the best resume in the world if the hiring manager can’t contact you. Every single resume should include the following contact information:

Your full name. First and last.

Your phone number. Use a personal phone number, and make sure your voicemail is set up properly.

Your email address. Nothing inappropriate — [email protected] is a safe choice.

Location. City, State, Zip Code is fine, but you can include your full mailing address if you think it’s appropriate.

Your social media (optional). LinkedIn is the obvious one you’d want to include, but make sure your profile looks good. If you have an online portfolio , either on a personal blog/website or on a site like Journo Portfolio , feel free to include that here as well.

Your job title. Also optional, but can be useful for applicant tracking systems.

Resume introduction. You have four options for your resume introduction: a resume objective, summary statement, resume profile, or qualifications summary. For most job-seekers, a resume summary statement is the best choice. Regardless of which resume introduction you choose, avoid first-person pronouns (I/me/my).

Resume objective. A resume objective is the goal of your resume. Since the objective of every resume is to land a job, this is not the most original or impressive opener you can have.

On the other hand, it’s a good choice for an entry-level applicant or someone who is changing career paths . This should be a 1-3 sentence summary of why you’re motivated to get the position you’re applying for.

Who should use a resume objective: Entry-level applicants, career-changers, and recent college graduates.

Resume summary. This is the best opener for most job-seekers. As the name suggests, a resume summary highlights the most salient aspects of your resume.

It should include your current position, how many years of experience you have, some of your biggest achievements, and possibly your career goals. This should be a 1-3 sentence spiel and should include some quantifiable experiences.

Who should use a resume summary: Most job seekers; anyone with quantifiable accomplishments to emphasize and a broad range of skills.

Qualifications summary. A bullet point list (4-6 points is the sweet spot) of your qualifications for the position. It’s best used by applicants going for jobs that require a fixed skill set. It’s not a great choice for entry-level applicants who lack quantifiable achievements.

You’ll notice that a qualifications summary takes up more space than a resume objective or summary, but it can actually save the hiring manager time if you provide a bunch of valuable information right off the top.

Who should use a qualifications summary: Those applying to a job with requirements for certain skills and job-seekers who have a lot of experience in their industry and/or field.

Resume profile. A resume profile is similar to a resume summary, but goes into more detail about your accomplishments at your current or former job, while also telling the reader about your career goals. Think of a resume profile as a section that pulls all the best parts of your work experience section into one place.

Who should use a resume profile: Anyone with significant accomplishments under their belt, expertise in a niche field, or applying to a job in the same industry that they have lots of experience in.

Resume headline. Resume headlines aren’t necessary, but you can include one alongside any of the four types of resume introduction listed above. A resume headline comes between your contact information and the resume introduction of your choice.

Headlines can be used by entry-level applicants and experienced job-seekers alike. The important point is that your headline should be short and to the point. Additionally, you should use title case when writing your resume headline (capitalize words as you would for a book title).

Who should use a resume headline: Any job-seeker who wants to showcase their experience or unique value right off the bat.

Work experience. Your work experience section is the place to let hiring managers know that you have relevant experience that would allow you to handle the job you’re applying for.

If you’re using the chronological resume format, your work experience section would come after your resume summary/objective. In a funcitonal reumse, it would follow your skills section. Either way, work experience should be listed in reverse-chronological order (most recent experience at the top).

When listing your work experience, you should include all of the following information:

Job title. Start by stating the position you held at the company. These are easy cue for the hiring manager to look at and determine whether your past positions would help you succeed at their company.

Company Info. Include the name of the employer, the location where you worked, and perhaps a brief description of the company, if it isn’t a well-known name.

Dates Employed: Use the mm/yyyy format if you want to be sure that most applicant tracking systems (ATS) will pick it up. Whatever format you use for dates, be consistent, or your resume will look sloppy.

Job Description. Don’t just list your job’s responsibilities; hiring managers and recruiters already have an idea of your duties based on the job title. Instead, list your most important and impressive responsibilities/achievements at the job with bullet points. Determine which of these are most relevant for your new role based on the job description.

Ideally, each bullet should be no longer than a single line. However, two lines is acceptable, if used sparingly.

Always start with a strong action verb, followed by a quantifiable achievement and a specific duty. For example: “Developed ad campaigns for clients, increasing sales by an average of 27%.” Each job title should include 3-5 bullet points.

The order that you include this information can be changed around, as long as you are consistent throughout your resume. However, the bullet points detailing your job’s achievements should always be the last item for each entry.

It’s important that you tailor your resume’s work experience section to the job you’re applying for. We recommend reading the job description carefully and highlighting the action verbs in one color and the skills, adjectives, and job-specific nouns in a different color.

Educational background. In almost all cases, your education section should come after your professional history. If you’re a recent college graduate with limited work experience, you may choose to put your educational achievements first.

Like the section on your professional history, educational experiences should come in reverse-chronological order, with your highest level of education at the top. If you have a college degree, you don’t need to add any information about your high school experience. If you didn’t finish college, it’s okay to give a list of what credits you did complete.

Each educational experience can be listed in the following format:

Degree/Program Name College/University Name Dates attended

You don’t need to add anything else, especially if your resume is already impressive enough. But if you’re struggling to fill up the page, or you feel that aspects of your educational experience will help make you a standout, you may consider also including:

Minor. If you think it rounds out your not-exactly-relevant-to-the-job major nicely.

GPA. Only if it was 3.5 or higher. Otherwise, it’s not going to do you any favors to include this.

Honors. Dean’s List, Cum Laude, etc.

Achievements. If you wrote a killer thesis/dissertation that showcases intimate knowledge relevant to the job to which you’re applying, you can include its title and a very brief description.

Extracurricular activities. Only include if they’re relevant. For example, if you’re applying for a management position and you were president of your student government.

Certifications/Licenses. If the job you’re applying for requires/likes to see certain certifications or licenses that you have, you may include them in this section as well.

Skills section. Your impressive skills should be scattered logistically throughout your professional history section, but you should also include a section solely dedicated to highlighting your skill set . Skills can be broken down into two categories:

Hard skills are skills you learn through training and indicate expertise with a technical ability or job-specific responsibility.

Soft skills are your personality traits, interpersonal abilities, and intangible qualities that make you more effective at your job.

Your resume should have a healthy mix of hard and soft skills, as both are essential to job performance. However, since soft skills are harder to prove in the context of a resume, we recommend leaning more toward hard skills. Additionally, whenever you list a soft skill, make sure that it has a correlating item in your work experience section.

For example, if you say you are skilled in collaboration, you should mention a time when a team project was a major success somewhere in your work experience section.

Optional sections. If you still have space left or there’s more you want to show off that doesn’t quite fit in any of the above sections, you may consider adding an additional section covering one or more of the below categories:

Language . Being bilingual is always impressive, and can be included on a resume for any company. Highlight this more if your position involves liaising with international distributors and/or clients. Don’t lie about your proficiency level.

It may be best to not mention it if you’re not particularly proficient speaker . Such as if you took courses in school, or haven’t really managed to gain fluency. It can end up looking like an attempt to inflate your credentials, which you want to avoid.

Volunteer experience . Always a good thing to include. It shows you’re a team player who behaves in a way that promotes the greater good, without thought of personal gain. Especially good for entry-level candidates and those applying for jobs at a non-profit. If you have gaps in your work history, you can also consider including volunteer experiences in your work history section instead.

Personal projects. A personal blog, published works, or a portfolio of your past projects are all good things to include. They show you take initiative, enjoy and take pride in your work, and that you can handle the responsibilities of the job, if relevant.

Certifications/licenses. If you didn’t include these in your education section, this is another good place to list relevant certifications or licenses that you have.

Interests . This is largely just a space filler if your resume is light in other areas. However, if your hobbies are directly related to the job that you’re applying for, it’s not a bad idea to include them. And it might draw a recruiter’s attention if you end up sharing some of the same interests as they do.

If you have several seemingly random items that are valuable, but don’t warrant creating a whole separate section for, you can also make a section called “Additional Experience.” Here you can include all of the above categories in one place. Just make sure that each item is clear and easy for readers to understand.

Resume samples

Now that we have a good idea of how to write a resume, let’s take a look at some example resumes:

Jack Pilgrim Washington , DC 14015 – (555) 444-3333 – [email protected] – www.linkedin.com/jpilgrim Resume Summary Graphic designer with 3+ years of experience creating and implementing promotional materials and social media graphics. Worked with sales and marketing teams to increase inbound calls by 23% YoY through compelling digital media. Adept at planning, managing, and prioritizing multiple deadlines at once, and thrives in fast-paced work environment. Work Experience Creative Designs | Washington, DC Lead Graphic Designer | June 2018-Present Worked with sales and marketing teams to create landing pages, sales proposals, and supporting media elements to drive sales by over $250,000 per quarter Trained, managed, and mentored team of 4 junior designers to fulfill 40+ project orders on a weekly basis Conducted UX research through surveys, usability testing, and data analysis to plan content marketing strategy, driving organic search traffic by 12% Presented proposals, results, and status updates to set of 4-7 clients, ensuring customer satisfaction at or above 95% for 3 years straight Happy Place | Alexandria, VA Junior Graphic Designer | July 2016-May 2018 Translated client needs and branding strategies into design and content strategy, increasing client retention by 22% Reduced project turnaround time by 8% by Utilizing web-based ticket system for completing and archiving finalized pieces Posted digital artwork to network IPTV using web interface to produce high-end info-graphics and other materials Happy Place | Alexandria, VA Marketing Intern | September 2015-July 2016 Assisted marketing team with data collection, analysis, and presentation using Google Analytics Drew up storyboards for new marketing campaigns alongside sales team, increasing brand awareness through social media Wrote 500-1000 word articles to pair with graphical elements on page, leading to a 40% boost in engagement on company website Education Savannah College of Art and Design | Savannah, Georgia May 2016 Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design Skills Adobe Creative Suite Typography HTML/CSS WordPress Collaboration Organization

Allison Neederly Chicago, Illinois , 60007 | (333) 222-1111 | [email protected] | www.linkedin.com/allison.neederly Resume Summary Dedicated customer service representative with 4+ years experience resolving customers’ needs in-person, online, and over the phone. Top achiever at XYZ Inc. with a 100% customer satisfaction rate for Q1 of 2020. Friendly personable, and knowledgable about company’s products and services. Relevant Skills Customer Service Responded to upwards of 200 customer queries daily with XYZ Inc., reducing the average wait time by 56% and increasing customer satisfaction rates by 13% Ability to resolve conflict and create a positive atmosphere for shopping for both new and existing customers through technical proficiency Expert product knowledge and communication skills, and experience training and mentoring new customer service staff Web Chat and Phone Skilled in 3 web chat platforms for helping online customers resolve their queries quickly and accurately Achieved fastest call resolution rate at XYZ Inc., with an average resolution time of under 5 minutes per customer Performed outbound calls for customer satisfaction surveys, as well as writing web-based surveys for 10,000+ customers Troubleshooting Detailed product knowledge allowed for customer technical issues to be resolved at rate within top 5% of all customer service associates at XYZ Inc. Created manual for step-by-step directions for troubleshooting that was implemented for team of 100+ customer service reps Positive attitude took average tech-related negative response from 1/5 stars to 4/5 stars, increasing trust in brands and services Work Experience XYZ Inc. | Philadelphia, PA Customer Service Associate New Look Global | Burlington, VT Junior Customer Service Representative L.L. Bean | Burlington, VT Sales Associate Education University of Vermont | Burlington, VT May 2012 Bachelor of Arts in Humanities

Priya Laghari New York, NY | (222) 111-0000 | [email protected] | www.priyabizdev.com Resume Profile Strategy Development: Grew John Deere’s international sales by 13% by tapping into undeserved countries in Southeast Asia Management: Oversaw a team of managers representing marketing, sales, and product teams. Streamlined collaborative, cross-functional communications through agile and scrum management system CRM: Developed, customized, and implemented new customer relationship management database for accounts totaling over $10M in value Work Experience Business Development Manager 01/2015-Present Microsoft | Redmond, WA Developed product strategies and roadmap for Google AdWords, increasing inbound traffic by 26% YoY Reduced time training on new software by 50% for new and existing employees by implement e-learning programs Spearheaded digital marketing campaign worth $1M that saw a return of 200% in first year by qualifying leads earlier in the sales funnel Regional Sales Manager 11/2012-01/2015 Big Things Inc. | St. Louis, MO Managed territory encompassing 29 regional locations with an annual revenue of approx. $55M Worked with C-level executives to plan business strategies, resulting in 20% reduction in overhead costs Increased client retention by 12% in first year by implementing a CRM approach based on account profiling and elevating levels of relationship selling Account Manager 02/2009-11/2012 Solutions Corp. | Chicago, IL Implemented and developed CRM strategic plans, increasing retention of long-term clients by 22% Maintained 50+ accounts totaling over $35M in value Generated leads through one-on-one consultation via phone inquiries, online check-ins, and meeting office walk-ins Relevant Skills CRM: Proficient with Salesforce, Zoho, and HubSpot; some experience with Keap. Used various CRM software over a decade to successfully manage customer relations and quick to adapt to new software and tools that aid in quality of customer experience. Salesmanship: Negotiated and closed over several deals worth $1M+ and skilled in upselling and cross-selling. Adept at working closely with marketing and product teams to maximize the efficiency of the sales funnel for both inbound and outbound traffic. Presentation: Represented Microsoft Northwest Region at quarterly board meetings, ensuring all stakeholders were kept abreast of new developments and opportunities. Also deliver monthly presentations to big clients and vendors to maintain positive relationship. Data analytics. Expert at integrating data from various analytics platforms, including Google, Microsoft Power BI, and SAP BusinessObjects Education Colgate University | May 2008 MBA Fordham University | May 2006 Bachelor’s Degree in Business

For more resume examples and templates:

Resume examples by job

Google docs resume template

Resume templates

Resume builder

Resume Headers Samples:

Tip : Never put your contact info in the header of your document; some applicant tracking systems might miss it.

For more on how to write a resume header:

Resume Header

Resume Titles

Resume introduction examples

Entry-Level Resume Objective.

Recent graduate with a bachelor’s in Marketing from the University of Virginia seeking an entry-level role in content marketing. Excellent copywriter with 2+ years experience editing content as a member of the UVa Writing Center.

Career Change Resume Objective.

Eager to apply 7+ years of experience with customer success management to make successful outbound B2B calls, deliver customized business solutions to new and existing customers, and provide expert product knowledge in the role of Account Manager for XYZ Inc.

Example Resume Summary Statement.

Accountant with over 8 years of experience in the medical industry. Adept at advising on management of cash deficits, reconciling departmental accounts, and creating new accounts and codes. Coordinated invoice preparation system for ABC that reduced contractor overhead by 19% YoY.

English teacher with a love of language and 6 years of experience teaching high school students. Developed new curriculum that boosted freshman reading comprehension scores by 12% and created after school book club for AP Lit class, resulting in 100% of participating students achieving a 5 on the AP Lit test.

Example Qualifications Summary.

Executive assistant with 5+ years experience helping maintain efficiency in an office of 25 employees Communicated directly with internal and external stakeholders, helping Senior Vice President manage projects worth $5M+ Proactively managed office schedules, identifying and prioritizing changes to ensure client satisfaction Recognized in a company of 500 for “Outstanding Achiever” in May 2019

Example Resume Profile.

Detail-oriented IT Specialist with 4 years of experience overseeing and improving the infrastructure of IT systems. Adept at building and running troubleshooting systems and testing services. Decreased security risk by 47% through continual optimization, while also improving the speed of client portal by 22%. Excellent communicator both internally and for client-facing discussions. Achieved 98%+ customer satisfaction ratings through weekly and monthly check-ins with accounts valued cumulatively at $500,000.

Entry-Level Resume Headline.

Bilingual College Graduate with 80 WPM Typing Speed and Tutoring Experience

Experienced Resume Headline.

Business Development Specialist with 6+ Years Experience Scaling Start-Up Tech Teams

For more on resume introductions:

Resume objective statement

Resume summary statement

Resume summary statement examples

Qualifications summary

Sample resume work experience sections

Work Experience XYZ Industries | Seattle, WA Marketing Associate | May 2019-Present Delivered weekly presentations to client-base to communicate brand messaging, increasing client retention by 11% Served as liaison between marketing and product teams, resulting in projects finishing 2 weeks early, on average Leveraged Excel skills to create and maintain spreadsheet to track consumer insights, emergent trends, and inform decisions of marketing team through competitive analysis Managed team of 5 contractors to juggle multiple priority projects simultaneously, never missing a deadline Initiated an affiliate referral program that PR team went on to turn into a revenue-generating stream valued at $30,000 annually ABC Corp | Seattle, WA Marketing Intern | September 2018-May 2019 Developed, maintained, and processed 20+ digital consent forms and distributor forms Worked collaboratively with a team of 10 marketing professionals, closely aligning our goals with the PR team Provided data analysis using Google Analytics and performed keyword research to increase blog traffic by 56% over six months Answered up to 50 customer queries by phone and email each week

For more on building the perfect resume work experience section:

Resume work experience section

First resume (no experience)

Examples Of Education Resume Sections

Graduated recently from a 4-year program.

Western Illinois University | Macomb, Illinois May 2020 Bachelor of Arts in Sociology | Minor in Psychology 3.95 GPA magna cum laude Dean’s List all semesters

Two degrees.

Fordham University | Bronx, New York April 2016 Master of Chemical Engineering Stony Brook University | Stony Brook, New York April 2014 Bachelor of Science in Chemistry

Anticipated graduation date (not yet graduated).

DePaul Univeristy | Chicago, Illinois Bachelor of Arts in History – Degree anticipated May 2021 Current GPA: 3.8

Older job seeker (graduated 10+ years ago).

University of Chicago | Chicago, Illinois Bachelor of Business Administration

High school graduate (no college degree).

Johnston High School 2016-2020 Head of Computer Club

More on crafting the perfect resume education section:

Education resume section

GPA on resume

Dean’s list

Magna cum laude

Examples Of Skills For Resume

Examples of hard skills include:

Examples of soft skills include:

Here’s more information on how to incorporate skills into your resume:

Resume skills section

Hard skills

Soft skills

Top skills for professionals

Skills-based resume

Resume writing FAQ

What is a resume?

A resume is a one to two-page document that focuses on professional experience, past achievements, education and certifications, and specific skills tailored to the job you’re applying for.

Almost every job application requires a resume, and hiring managers use them as a first impression in determining which applicants get a shot at an interview.

Whether you’re fresh out of college or have 30 years of professional experience, this guide should help craft a resume that stands out from the crowd and get you one step closer to landing your dream job.

What is the format for writing a good resume?

Most people will want to use a chronological or reverse-chronological resume format. This format is compatible with most applicant tracking systems (ATS) and is easy for employers to read. Additionally it helps highlight your experience, which helps prove your qualifications.

How far back should a resume go?

A resume should go back no further than 10 to 15 years. However, it is important that all your information is relevant. Therefore, do not include job experience that is irrelevant to your application, even if it’s fewer than 10 years old. Save that information for later discussions.

Should you personalize your resume for each job?

Yes, you should personalize your resume for each job you apply to. Many recruiters use ATS now, which will search for keywords in a resume and reject those that don’t have them. That means that the skills you choose to highlight as well as your opening, such as your resume summary, should be altered to suit each job you apply to.

You don’t need to rewrite the entire resume for each job, but it does show attention to detail and initiative to make sure that your resume is customized. It also makes it more likely that you’ll get past the first step of the process.

State of New York Department of Labor – Resumes, Cover Letters and Job Applications

Harvard University – Create a Resume/CV or Cover Letter

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Matthew Zane is the lead editor of Zippia's How To Get A Job Guides. He is a teacher, writer, and world-traveler that wants to help people at every stage of the career life cycle. He completed his masters in American Literature from Trinity College Dublin and BA in English from the University of Connecticut.

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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!

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• Resume Tips

Does Order of Jobs Matter On Your Resume?

Do you find you struggle with the work history section of your resume and how to present it in the best possible way in 2023? Are you wedded to the reverse chronological order format and reluctant to deviate from that approach even if it isn’t the most effective way of documenting your own experience? Have you searched out different formats but aren’t sure if that’s even an option? Don’t worry. You’re not alone.

The good news is that the chronological resume format is one of three resume formats you can utilize, so get ahead of the competition by choosing the best fit for your particular resume order of jobs.

Yes, you read that right; you don’t have to list your previous jobs in chronological order!

Resume Order of Jobs

As noted, the chronological order is just one format where you can showcase your resume order of jobs. There are two other ways in which to list your prior work history, using either the functional resume format or the hybrid resume format.

Let’s examine each of these three options in turn to better understand their differences. (For a more detailed explanation, check out our informative post on choosing the right resume format .)

The Chronological Order Format

Most job seekers are familiar with this option. It displays your resume order of jobs in reverse chronology, beginning with your current role or most recent position.

This provides employers with easy access with which to monitor your career path. They can see exactly where you are now, and track back to where you’ve come on your job journey.

Typically, this format includes the employer’s name, your job title, and dates of employment, as well as a description of your duties and achievements.

Always start with your most recent position at the top of your resume order of previous jobs. This is known as the reverse-chronological format , and keeps your most relevant information at the top of your resume which is easy for hiring managers to view.

For example:

ACME MANUFACTURING, Any Town, Any State

Sales Manager (2012-Present)

Managed a 30-person sales team in a $40 million industrial tool company

·       Developed sales programs that increased overall sales by 78% in the first year

·       Integrated new technologies into sales efforts, resulting in 42% growth in efficiency

You would then include similar entries for prior jobs, working backwards through your employment history. Of course, if your work history is extensive, you may want to limit it to the last 10 to 15 years, or the last three or four positions.

View 200+ more professional resume samples for all industries, along with a guide to writing resumes from our career experts.

The Functional Format

The functional format offers an alternative to the chronological order resume. It’s designed to highlight your competencies and qualifications, instead of showing your career path.

As such, the work history is generally shorter, with the resume focusing on your skills and achievement rather than your employment. This type of resume is great for those job seekers with more of a sporadic career path, or those coming back into the work space after a significant amount of time away.

Team Management --Effectively led sales and marketing teams of up to 30 team members, increasing efficiency, sales productivity, and company profitability each year. Created new sales organizational structures, incentives, and goal-setting processes that reduced turnover by 70%.

Quality Control --Implemented technology and structural systems that improved quality control metrics across the entire sales division. Resulted in an 80% reduction in dropped sales and returns.

Employee Training-- Created innovative sales training programs incorporating online learning, in-house presentations, and group discussions. Reduced personnel onboarding time by 42% and increased sales activities by 27%.

Sales Campaign Development-- Collaborated with marketing departments to create innovative sales campaigns that boosted sales activities. Directly led to quarterly sales growth ranging from 12% to 23%.

Note: you must include your employment later on in your resume, however scant it is, but you don’t have to be as detailed in your descriptions. You can generally just include the company name, job title, and dates of employment.

It’s also worth noting that some experts question the effectiveness of the functional resume.

The hybrid resume–-also known as the combination resume-–attempts to have its cake and eat it too, by combining the best of both the reverse chronological resume and the functional one! It emphasizes your skills and accomplishments, but also includes prior employment in reverse chronological order.

This type of resume is typically used by early career job seekers who have little experience, or those who’ve just left college. However, many of those candidates find the functional resume to be sufficient for their needs.

Whichever option you choose, it’s vital to remember the true purpose behind your resume--to demonstrate your suitability for the job applied for in the clearest possible manner. To achieve that, you need clarity. These tips will help ensure that your resume is as clear as possible:

Flow is everything. If your career path has progressed steadily, with obvious promotions, then that story needs to be told in a reverse chronological way in order to be understood.

Always provide a summary of your employment history. Without it, there’s little chance that an employer will consider you for the job.

A resume with employment in a chronological order is generally the easiest to create. However, you can supplement it with other sections to highlight important skills, achievements, and other qualifications.

The good news is that you don’t need to feel limited by the reverse chronological order format. Today’s employers are open to alternatives, as long as your resume order of jobs provides clear information. In most instances, though, you’re likely to find the chronological resume format the most suitable for your needs.

Recommended Reading:

Resume Formats: The 3 Best Options

Canada Resume Format: Best Tips and Examples (Updated)

Writing Your Work Experience: Samples & How to Guide

Elizabeth Openshaw, Editor & Content Writer, Elizabeth Openshaw, Editor & Content Writer

Elizabeth Openshaw is an Elite CV Consultant with over 12 years of experience based in Brighton, UK, with an English degree and an addiction to Wordle! She is a former Journalist of 17 years with the claim to fame that she interviewed three times Grand Slam winner and former World No.1 tennis player, Andy Murray, when he was just 14 years old. You can connect with her at Elizabeth Openshaw | LinkedIn .

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Should Your Resume be Written In Chronological Order?

• Written by Editorial Team
• Updated December 6, 2022

A properly formatted chronological resume can be the most important thing you do to enhance your job search. The best resume format is one that allows employers to make an easy job decision by quickly scanning your resume, looking at key skills and accomplishments from various jobs, and then picking up the phone or taking action fast.

Job seekers with well-written resumes show employers why they are good candidates for the job. But what is it about chronological order? Are you required to use a chronological resume or not?

Land More Interviews With A Professional Resume

Get a professional resume review from a certified career expert

Which format do most employers prefer for resumes?

This is a question that can often arise in the minds of job seekers. Should your resume be written in chronological order, or should it be written in r everse chronological order ? You might have heard your friends and family talking about how they know this person or that person who has written their resume backward.

So when should you structure your resume? There are two main reasons for always starting at the top and working your way down: Chronological order is more effective than reverse chronological order. It may seem counterintuitive, but when it comes to writing your resume, it’s actually better to work from the top down than from the bottom up. Here’s why:

• The order of the information on a page makes it easier for readers to understand what you’re trying to say. When you start at the bottom and work your way up, it’s easy for someone else (or even yourself) to forget what came before what.
• Reverse chronological order can make it difficult for employers to find specific jobs listed on your resume because they’re not sure which position they need help filling out first.
• Employers find it more challenging to determine your suitability for a given position when your chronological sequence is reversed. It makes it more difficult for them to compare your qualifications with the requirements of the post.

Do employers prefer chronological or functional resumes?

Chronological resumes are the most common resume format and are preferred by employers. The chronological resume lists your work experience in reverse order, starting with your most recent job and ending with your first position.

It’s a good option if you’re applying to jobs that require specific experience or skills. The format is also helpful if you have gaps in your employment history, as it allows employers to see how far back your experience goes.

If you have no experience, it’s best to use a functional resume. In contrast to a traditional resume, a functional one emphasizes your abilities and achievements. It highlights how you can perform the job duties required by the employer.

The format can also be helpful if you’ve been out of work for a long time and don’t want to highlight your lack of experience. Also, if you choose this type of resume, make sure it clearly explains how your skills and qualifications make you a good fit for the job.

What is the correct order of a resume?

Your resume should always have the most important information at the top, followed by things that are more important, and then less important. The following is the correct order of a resume:

Your contact information. Name, phone number, email address, and mailing address should always be at the top of your resume.

Personal information. Education and work histories should be listed in chronological order. One of the most crucial sections of your resume is the work experience section. It should include your job title, your previous employers’ names and addresses, and the duration of your employment there.

Reverse the order of your jobs, starting with the most recent. Add a few bullet points that describe your primary tasks and accomplishments under each one. Rather than listing every job responsibility, concentrate on those that require similar skills to the one you’re applying for. To demonstrate real results, use data and statistics.

Skills section. What sets you apart from others in your field? The skills section, also called key competencies or strengths, should list five to ten of your capabilities that are required for the position. Add your leadership abilities to this part, for instance, if the job description so specifies.

Foreign languages, computer programs, research, and problem-solving can also be on your list of qualifications. Start by focusing on your best abilities.

Experience section. What have you done that has helped you gain the skills necessary for success in this position? The experience section, also called the work history or professional background should list your job titles in reverse chronological order. Include full-time and part-time jobs, paid and volunteer positions, internships, and apprenticeships if they are relevant to the position.

List any references who can attest to your skills and experience; they may be able to provide insight into how well they know you and what they think of your abilities. Depending on the position you are applying for, resumes may also include a variety of other optional sections. Your selection will be based on what you wish to emphasize or what is most appropriate for that role.

What should a professional resume look like?

A resume is a document that lists your professional experience, education, and relevant skills. It’s often the first thing potential employers see about you. So it’s important that it not only helps you stand out from other applicants but also reflects the things you’ve done and can do well.

To get started, think about what matters to you most in a job. Do you feel like your resume should reflect your work history? Or are there some things that aren’t as important to you? It’s impossible to know exactly what such a document should look like until you’ve had some practice with it. That said, here are some general guidelines:

• Use an easy-to-read font size
• Equally spaced borders
• Standardized line spacing
• Sections with clear headings
• Sufficient space
• No photos or graphics
• Preferably, one page

Can a resume be 2 pages?

Yes, a resume can be two pages. However, it is best to keep the length of your resume to 1 or 2 pages. If you have more than 2 pages, it can be difficult for hiring managers to read the whole document.

It can also be difficult to keep the hiring manager’s attention if you have too much information on your resume. Keep in mind that a resume should only include work experience, education, and any other qualifications. These are the things relevant to the job you are applying for, not the number of pages it takes to tell your story.

If you’re applying for a position as an application developer, you may only need two or three lines about your experience in order to make your case. If you’re applying for a position as an accountant, however, you’ll want to spend more time describing your experience and qualifications—and that means more space.

Consider breaking up sections into smaller portions if you believe your resume is too long. You might need to use a little more room to help hiring managers read and grasp what you have to offer them. This will help separate out different types of information (e.g., work history) while still keeping the overall length manageable.

If you have worked in a chronological fashion, it’s important to know that this is not necessarily the best way to present your career history. Companies are becoming more interested in people with diverse backgrounds and experiences.

So if your resume doesn’t fit one of these descriptions, then it may be harder for them to see how your work experience matches their needs. If you want the job and don’t want to change anything on your resume, then consider taking courses on writing resumes or creating one from scratch.

Your resume will be reviewed by a potential employer before they decide whether to hire you. You may employ it as a sales technique to persuade a potential employer to hire you. Your chances of getting a job interview call will be reduced if it is badly organized.

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You Should Probably Be Using a Chronological Resume—Here’s What It Is and How to Make One

Author Edith Carli

Posted Apr 21, 2023

Reads 11.1K

When it comes to job hunting, having a strong resume is essential. Your resume is often the first impression you make on potential employers, and can be the deciding factor in whether or not you get an interview. One type of resume that is particularly popular is the chronological resume.

Discover Sought-After Careers with The Muse's Hot Jobs

Discovering the ideal appearance of a chronological resume, tips for building the best chronological resume template.

A chronological resume is a format that lists your work experience in reverse-chronological order , with your most recent job first. This type of resume highlights your career progression and demonstrates your growth over time. It's easy for employers to read and understand, which makes it a popular choice for job seekers .

If you're not sure how to create a chronological resume or why it's important to use one, don't worry – we've got you covered. In this article, we'll explain what a chronological resume is and why it's important, as well as provide tips on how to make one that stands out from the crowd. So whether you're just starting out in your career or looking for a change, read on for everything you need to know about creating a great chronological resume.

Are you tired of submitting a big mess of a resume and not getting any response from hiring managers? It's time to get organized and present your experience in a clear and concise way with the chronological resume format. Don't let the mumbo jumbo of other formats confuse you - with a chronological resume, simply list your work experience in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent position.

But why is this format so sought-after by employers? Because it allows them to quickly see your career progression and how you've developed your skills over time. Plus, the use of numbers blends well with this format, making it easier for hiring managers to quantify your achievements. So if you want to stand out from the crowd and discover hot jobs on The Muse, make sure to organize your resume properly with the chronological format .

The chronological resume is the most common and traditional resume format that lists your work experience in reverse order . It's easy to read, highlights your career progression, and showcases your accomplishments. Sounds good, right? But what should the ideal appearance of a chronological resume look like?

A sample chronological resume should have a clear and concise header that includes your name, contact information, and professional title. Your work experience section should be the main focus of your resume and start with your current or most recent job position first. Use bullet points to list your responsibilities and achievements for each job in reverse chronological order. Keep it simple, use action verbs, and quantify results whenever possible. With these key elements in place, you can create an impressive chronological resume that will catch the attention of potential employers.

Let's create the perfect chronological resume template by following these easy tips. Start with a clear and concise objective statement to showcase your career goals. Next, list your work experience in reverse chronological order, highlighting your accomplishments and responsibilities for each position. Use strong action verbs and quantify your achievements whenever possible. Finally, include relevant education, skills, and certifications to demonstrate your qualifications. With these tips in mind, you'll be on your way to creating a standout chronological resume that highlights your professional experience and skills.

Design is a crucial aspect of creating a reverse-chronological format resume template that catches the attention of potential employers. While a traditional design can work for those in more traditional companies, innovative industries require a modern design with icons graphics and flashy colors to make your resume pop. A well-designed resume can make all the difference when trying to stand out in a professional field.

Choosing the right font for your chronological resume is important. Stick to a classic easy-to-read font like Helvetica, Verdana, or Arial in a regular font size of 12 points. While modern fonts may seem tempting, they can cause trouble fitting all your information on one page. Avoid going too large with font size; anything above 105 points will look unprofessional and distracting.

When it comes to creating a chronological resume, choosing the right colors can make all the difference. While you want your resume to stand out, flashy colors like bright pink or neon yellow are not the way to go. Stick with classic colors like blue or green for headings and use black for your background. If you want to add some remaining color, consider using a dark red but avoid using too much of it as it can be overwhelming for the hiring manager.

Chronological resume templates pros and cons

Chronological resume templates are the most commonly used format for resumes. This is because it's the easiest format to create and recruiters prefer it because it clearly shows your work experience and career advancements in a chronological order. A chronological resume template starts with your most recent work experience, followed by your previous jobs, and ends with your education.

The chronological format draws attention to your work experience, making it a good choice for job seekers who have a solid work history. This type of resume layout works best for people who have been working for a long time or those who have had relatively few employers. The chronological resume formatting previews experience from the most recent job to the oldest one, allowing recruiters to see how you've progressed throughout your career.

However, there are also some cons to using a chronological resume template. If you're someone who has gaps in their work history or has frequently changed jobs , this may not be the best format for you. Additionally, if you're just starting out in your career and don't have much work experience yet, this format may not showcase what skills you do have. Ultimately, whether or not you choose to use a chronological resume template depends on your specific situation and what will make you stand out as a candidate.

Discover the Meaning of a Chronological Resume

A chronological resume is a resume format that prioritizes relevant professional experience by listing it in reverse chronological order. This means that your most recent job experiences are listed first, followed by earlier work experiences. It is one of the main types of common resume formats, alongside functional and combination formats.

The achievements in chronological resumes are displayed in a rich consistent professional background typically represented in the chronological format . This format is commonly used when you have a diverse background with many years of work experience, as it allows potential employers to easily see your career path and how you have progressed over time. If you're applying for a job where your proven skills and rich consistent professional experience are important to the employer, then this is the format for you.

When creating a chronological resume, it's important to pay attention to the requirements listed in the job description. By placing heavier emphasis on recent work experience that aligns with what an employer values, you can highlight what's important and ensure that potential employers quickly understand why you're a good fit for the position. The recent information helps ensures that potential employers read about your relevant work experiences first.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who should use a chronological resume.

A chronological resume is best suited for individuals with a stable work history and a clear career progression. It is suitable for those who want to highlight their experience and achievements in a traditional format.

What is a reverse chronological resume?

A reverse chronological resume is a type of resume format that lists your work experience in reverse order, with your most recent job first. This format highlights your most recent and relevant experience and is the most commonly used resume format by employers.

How do you write a chronological resume?

To write a chronological resume, start with your most recent job and work backwards. List your job title, company name, employment dates, and key responsibilities for each position.

Is a chronological resume a good fit?

A chronological resume is a good fit if you have a consistent work history with no major gaps or career changes. It presents your experience in reverse chronological order and is preferred by many employers.

Is a chronological resume better than a functional resume?

It depends on your work experience and career goals. A chronological resume is best for those with a consistent work history, while a functional resume highlights skills and achievements that may not be evident from job titles alone. Consider the job you’re applying for and tailor your resume accordingly.

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Edith Carli

Writer at CGAA

Edith Carli is a passionate and knowledgeable article author with over 10 years of experience. She has a degree in English Literature from the University of California, Berkeley and her work has been featured in reputable publications such as The Huffington Post and Slate. Her focus areas include education, technology, food culture, travel, and lifestyle with an emphasis on how to get the most out of modern life.

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