The chronological resume

The chronological resume format is the most common and most effective one out there. Hiring managers are tuned to reading chronological resumes and ATSs can parse them very well. Moreover, they present all the latest information first to a reader.

The chronological resume format is the most ideal when it comes to framing the skills, experience, and achievements of a candidate very effectively. This resume format is designed to give importance to the career summary of an applicant. The work experience section mentions a majority of keywords on a resume.

Since hiring managers and ATSs are familiar the most with chronological resumes, sending in a resume with a different format might actually reduce your chances of getting hired.

What is a chronological resume?

A chronological resume format is a format that gives the highest importance to the career summary of a candidate. This resume format revolves around mentioning the work experience of an applicant, starting with the most recent or current position, and progressing backward from there. The work experience usually spans the latest 10 years of a candidate’s professional life. This resume format is more commonly known as the “reverse chronological resume.”

Why is the chronological resume so popular?

This resume has become the standard resume format among professionals because it is applicable in almost every industry, for all kinds of positions. Logically, this is the only choice available for most candidates since it represents the career trajectory of an individual through new jobs, promotions, and career advancement. The chronological resume is widely used by professionals in the healthcare, IT, law, HR, business, education sectors, and more.

When not to use a chronological resume?

Although the chronological resume is the gold standard among a majority of professionals, it might not be suitable for everyone. You should forego a chronological resume format if you are working in a creative or independent profession. Individuals who rely on gig work and short-term contracts do better with alternative resume formats like functional or hybrid formats. If you are a first-time job seeker lacing experience, it is wise to opt for a different option rather than a chronological resume.

The sections of a chronological resume

Just like any other resume format, the chronological resume carries the resume sections:

• A header with your name and contact details
• A summary or personal statement
• Work experience or employment history
• Education
• Skills
• Additional sections like awards, hobbies, or languages

Writing the employment history section of a chronological resume

Since the career summary is considered to be the most important section of a chronological resume, we will discuss it in detail. The professional history section of a chronological resume starts with the main heading: “Work Experience.” Each entry under the section describes a position held by the applicant and mentions the following:

• Job title
• Name of the company
• Location
• Dates worked
• Achievements

The achievements are listed as 4 or 6 bullet points under each entry. You can describe the experience you gained at a particular job by mentioning things such as:

• Duties and responsibilities
• Skills
• Awards and achievements
• Numbers and statistics that quantify your successes