Chronological resumes, also known as reverse chronological resume templates, are the most common and widely used resume formats. They display your work experience in a clear, chronological order.
They are easy to read for hiring managers and recruiters. However, they can be problematic if you have frequent job changes. In these cases, a functional resume might be more suitable.
1. They are easy to read
It’s easy to read: A well-formatted chronological resume template is easily scannable by both humans and ATS (automated tracking systems). The format emphasizes your experience by listing your most recent job first, with the previous jobs listed in reverse order. From chronological to functional formats, you can search for tips on resume examples.
Hiring managers can easily connect your experience to the job opening they’re looking to fill. This gives them a better idea of how you would perform if hired for the role.
If you are applying for a career change where the new position is higher up in the industry, a chronological resume template will help show your progression. This is especially important if you have a long employment history with no major gaps.
However, if you are new to the workforce or have numerous work gaps, a functional or combination resume template may be a better choice. These types of resume templates focus on skills and other activities, rather than a linear list of positions.
2. They are easy to customize
One of the most important things to keep in mind when constructing your resume is making sure it’s easy on both human eyes and applicant tracking systems. Chronological resume templates are generally designed to be extra skim-friendly by straightforwardly arranging sections and using readable fonts.
A typical chronological resume template will start with your name, followed by your job title and company names in reverse chronological order. Next comes the work experience section, which should include your responsibilities and accomplishments in each role. It’s also a good idea to list any volunteer work you’ve done in this section, especially if it’s relevant to the job you’re applying for.
Finally, the education section should go in reverse chronological order and include all of your degrees. Be sure to include the school, field of study and year of graduation for each. You might want to skip the summary/profile section if you have a strong enough work history.
3. They are easy to edit
Hiring managers may see hundreds of resumes a day, so yours needs to stand out. The best way to do that is by using a chronological format. This style prioritizes work experience and highlights career progression. It also makes it easier for recruiters to scan and read your resume. It is the preferred style for people with extensive work experience and for those who have a clear career path without gaps in their jobs.
A chronological resume starts with your name and professional title at the top of the page. Then it lists your job experience in reverse chronological order. For each position, you should include the responsibilities and accomplishments you had in that role.
The next section is your education. You should list your highest level of education first, followed by your certifications and training. You can also choose to put your skills section above your education section if you want to emphasize your abilities more.
4. They are easy to print
The header section is at the top of your resume and should include your name, email address, phone number, city and state, and your professional website or LinkedIn profile. Depending on your style, you can use a larger font size, bold text, or all capital letters to make this information stand out.
Next, the work experience section should follow. You should list your most recent job first, followed by the previous jobs you held in reverse chronological order. Include a brief description of each position, including your responsibilities and accomplishments. You should also include a brief education section that lists your highest level of education and any relevant certifications or training programs you may have completed.
A chronological resume is a great choice for candidates with a consistent career trajectory who want to highlight their progression. However, if you have frequent job changes or significant gaps in your employment history, other resume formats may be a better fit for your situation.
