Chronological resume: How and why to write one

In a sea of competitive candidates, a compelling resume can be one of many tools that sets you apart. 

A great resume matches the needs of the position while explaining who you are, and that balance can be hard to find. A job requiring specialized skills needs a resume that highlights them, and one with extensive education or certification prerequisites should put those at the forefront. And while you meet those needs, you have to explain your recent experience and what makes you unique.

Most recruiters and hiring managers want to see your most recent and relevant experience at the top of your application. If you want to learn how to make a job resume that puts recent experience first, the chronological resume is your best bet. It outlines your accomplishments and work history in a clear, logical order, placing your most recent achievements front and center.

While there are hundreds of chronological resume templates out there, it’s important to create one that matches your unique experience and career path. Here’s how to write a well-structured resume that gives potential employers a snapshot of your growth and tells them why you’re right for the job.

4 types of resumes

An eye-tracking study showed that recruiters spend an average of just seven seconds looking at a resume. In such a short span, your resume has to not only stand out but quickly communicate your suitability for the job. And the type of resume you choose can make all the difference. 

Depending on your work experience, career path, and the job you're applying for, one of these different resume formats can best showcase your qualifications:

1. Chronological resume: This type lists work history at the top, from most recent to earliest. It’s best for those with steady employment and who work in a consistent industry or field. It can also explain how you’ve grown over the years, showing title changes and promotions.
2. Functional resume: This one centers your skills, making it ideal for career changers and those with career gaps. It’s also a good choice if you aren’t sure how far back your resume should go and would rather highlight your skills instead.
3. Combination resume: A mix of chronological and functional formats, this resume type is great for professionals with transferable skills and experience. It might start with a summary, then skills, then a reverse chronological work history.
4. Targeted resume: If you’re applying for a specific job, this tailored approach ensures you include all the keywords and action verbs you need to match yourself to the description. It customizes every section to align with the job's demands and get through applicant tracking systems.

What is a chronological resume?

A chronological resume presents your work experience and history in sequential order, usually from most to least recent. It's the go-to for many job seekers because it clearly displays career progression. Employers can quickly spot your job title, years of experience, and the path you’ve taken. 

The reverse chronological resume is the most common iteration, but you could also work in chronological order, with older experiences at the top and newer ones at the bottom. Although this is an option, it’s not a good idea, especially if you’ve been working for a long time. It could prevent hiring managers and recruiters from seeing your latest achievements — the ones that best reflect your current abilities — first. If you really don’t want to do a reverse chronological resume, sorting positions by relevance is the next best thing.

Pros and cons of chronological resumes

Understanding the dos and don’ts of the chronological resume will help you write one that accurately showcases what you have to offer. But like every resume type, it has its highs and lows. 

Pros

Here are the pros of this format that might help you decide whether it’s the right structure for you:

• Clear and concise: One of the most significant advantages of the chronological resume format is its organized structure. By listing your work history in a clear order, hiring managers get a straightforward view of your career path.
• Easy to navigate: Many recruiters prefer this style because it's easy to trace an applicant's job history, years of experience, and career progression. They’re likely reading many resumes at a time, so you want to make yours as easy to navigate as possible.
• Demonstrates career stability: If you’ve steadily climbed the ladder in a particular field, this resume can spotlight your dedication. It highlights your stable work history and the upward trajectory of your career, painting you as a reliable and committed professional.

Cons

While the chronological resume format has its strong points, it’s not a one-size-fits-all. Here are some of the reasons why another type might be best for you:

• Spotlight on the gaps: If you’ve taken extended breaks between jobs, this format might draw unwanted attention to those employment gaps. While there are ways to navigate this — like mentioning any relevant activities during the hiatus — it’s something to consider.
• Not for recent graduates: If you’re just out of school and have little to no work experience, this format might make your resume look a tad barren. Other formats, like the functional resume, might serve you better, focusing on skills instead.
• Doesn’t suit career changers: When pivoting to a new industry or role, your previous experiences might not be relevant to the jobs you’re applying for. Instead, consider the combination resume, which melds the best of chronological and functional formats to emphasize your transferable skills.

Elements of a chronological resume

Presenting your qualifications in a coherent and easily digestible format captures recruiters’ attention and tells them what they need to know quickly. Here are the basic elements of this resume type:

Header

Your resume's header isn’t just a placeholder — it's your introduction. Include your name, contact information, and if relevant, a summary of your key experience and skills. Ensure this section is up-to-date and error-free so potential employers don’t end up dialing the wrong number.

Work experience section

If you’re writing a chronological resume, it’s likely because your work experience is the most important part of your background, so pay extra attention to this section. Do some self-reflection and think about which of your roles are most relevant to the role. Then, think about the skills you used in each one that also connect to the role you’re applying for. This ensures every word you write has value for the reader.

When detailing your work history, action verbs can add dynamism to your descriptions, painting a vivid picture of your professional journey. It’s also a good idea to include any metrics or key projects that exemplify your performance. 

Skills section

Below your work experience, dive deeper into some of your skills. Choose ones that relate directly to the job you’re applying for as well as some general options that demonstrate your office skills. In the digital age, proficiency in tools like Excel, Google Workspace, or other in-demand competencies is a must — especially if you’re applying for a remote position. List them and provide some context if necessary. 

Remember that no job is exclusively about your technical prowess. Soft skills, like communication and teamwork, are equally vital. These showcase your ability to collaborate and adapt in a professional setting, so list a few of your best as well.

Education section

On a chronological resume, education should go at the bottom. If you recently completed a degree that relates to your prospective job, you can put it at the top, but your work experience is usually more important. 

Your education section should be short and to the point so you have more page space for your experience section above. If relevant, mention key coursework, and if you're a recent graduate, including your GPA can be a plus.

Certifications

If you've taken the initiative to earn additional certifications, include them in their own section. Whether it's a certification in project management or coding AI, these can provide an edge in your job search and show recruiters you’re committed to professional development.

Volunteer experience

Listing volunteer experience on your resume isn’t necessary, but if you have the space, it can showcase your commitment to causes and highlight transferable skills. Whether you've managed events or spearheaded fundraising drives, it’s another facet of who you are as a potential employee. Include it if you’re reentering the workforce or passionate about your extracurriculars.

How to write a chronological resume: 6 tips

A standout chronological resume is your ticket to catching a recruiter's attention. But it’s about more than just listing your work experience. You have to organize it in an eye-catching yet professional way, make sure it’s free of errors, and emphasize the skills and experiences that make you a qualified candidate — not just for the general role, but for the specific position and company culture.

Here are some tips to help you write the best chronological resume possible:

1. Think about whether it’s right for you: A chronological resume is great if you have lots of experience in the same field that you want to highlight. But if you have career gaps or a varied list of past jobs, it might not be the best format for you. This is the time to reflect on your history and decide what recruiters and hiring managers will want to see.
2. Decide which jobs to include: Unless you’re still in the early stages of your career, including every single previous position will clutter your resume. Choose only the ones that relate best to the job you’re applying for. 
3. Tailor each entry to the job description: When applying to many jobs at once, it’s easy to use the same resume for each. But you might be missing out on opportunities to tailor your experience to the position. Read through job descriptions carefully and look for important keywords that come up often. Then, adjust your resume to fit them. If the posting says they’re looking for a team player, try including words like “collaboration,” “teamwork,” and “active listening.”
4. Pay attention to detail: Consistency in your resume’s presentation is a testament to your professionalism. Using a template is a good option if you don’t want to fuss with formatting your own sections. And proofread many times before you submit, getting a friend or close colleague to pay attention to detail for you to make sure it’s error-free.
5. Quantify your results: Clear action verbs are useful when it comes to explaining exactly what your roles and responsibilities were for previous positions. And metrics can drive those points home. If you have data on how your performance at work impacted your team or even the company as a whole, include it here. “Boosted sales by 25%” is much more impactful than “Helped with sales.”
6. Attach other documents: A survey from Glassdoor found that over half of professionals think a cover letter is redundant. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t write one, especially for positions where you want to show off your written communication skills. Your job application is about much more than just your resume, and a cover letter is the perfect opportunity to further explain your fit for the role. And don’t forget to include a portfolio or letter of recommendation if the job posting asks for it.

Chronological resume example

If you’re unsure what this type of resume might look like in practice, looking at examples can help. You could also use a resume builder to streamline the process.

Remember to add other relevant information, like important career accomplishments, office skills you’d need for the job you’re applying for, or past projects. Here’s what a chronological resume format might look like for a project manager:

Jane Doe

Project Manager

New York City

Work Experience 

Project Manager — XYZ Tech Solutions, New York City

March 2023–current

• Led multiple projects, confirming they were completed on time and within budget
• Managed a team of 20+, ensuring effective collaboration and meeting project goals
• Monitored project risks, ensuring timely mitigation and response

Assistant Project Manager — ABC Corp., New York City

September 2021–March 2023

• Assisted in the coordination of project tasks, ensuring timely delivery
• Collaborated with cross-functional teams for optimal results
• Handled budget allocations for specific project phases

Project Intern — ABC Corp., New York City

May 2021–September 2021

• Shadowed an experienced senior project manager 
• Organized files, took meeting notes, and tracked schedules across the team 
• Communicated with staff to ensure timely task completion

Education

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science — 123 University

• September 2017–May 2021
• Graduated summa cum laude

Notable Skills

• Team leadership
• Budget management
• Risk mitigation
• Cross-functional collaboration
• Stakeholder communication

Show your true value

The chronological resume format, when done right, is a powerful tool to showcase your experience and make a lasting impression. Whether you're a recent graduate or a seasoned professional, invest the time to craft your story and make your resume stand out. 

Remember, every detail counts. Your resume guides potential employers to recognize your unique value, so let it be the beacon that shines brightest.