what's a chronological resume

Chronological Resume - Writing Guide With 5 Free Templates

The chronological resume - also known as the “reverse chronological resume” - is the most popular resume format out there.

Particularly advisable for those with rich work history, the chronological resume prioritizes and lists your work experience and achievements from most to least recent.

This article is here to teach you all there is to know about creating a chronological resume.

• What is a Chronological Resume? 

Chronological Resume Structure 

• When to Use a Chronological Resume Format? 
• 4 Free Chronological Resume Templates
• How to Create a Chronological Resume - Step by Step
• 9+ Chronological Resume Examples for All Industries

What is a Chronological Resume?

A chronological resume lists your work experiences and achievements starting from the current or most recent one, and following up with previous jobs below.

For this exact reason, the chronological resume is the perfect choice for job-seekers who have plenty of experience and achievements to list on their resume .  

What’s most important, studies point to the chronological resume being a favorite among recruiters, too.

Why? Well, because you are applying for a job, so work experience in your resume will be the first thing a recruiter looks out for.

But worry not, you can structure your resume in a chronological format even as a recent graduate too. Or, you can opt for other popular formats fitter to your profile.

But first, let’s go through the basics. 

The chronological resume follows a straightforward structure. The only thing to keep in mind is that your current or most recent experience - be it professional or educational - comes first.

The second most recent will follow, and so on.

Here are the main and most popular sections for the chronological resume structure:

• Contact information
• Professional title and resume summary/objective
• Work experience and achievements
• Education section
• Your top soft/hard skills
• Include optional sections (languages, certificates, volunteer experience, etc)

If you’re a recent college graduate and want to build your resume in the chronological structure format, you still can.

All you have to do is rearrange the order of your resume sections so that the education resume section comes first.

Here, too, make sure that your education entries are listed from the most to least recent, and you’re good to go!

If reading this is already looking too complicated and time-consuming, try out the Novorésumé online resume builder . Novorésumé provides 8+ free resume templates that follow the chronological resume structure. 

When to Use a Chronological Resume Format

The three main types of resume formats are the chronological, functional/skills-based one, and a combination resume format of the two. What you choose to use will depend on the type of job you are applying for and your experience level.

In the majority of cases, the obvious choice is the chronological resume. It is common, it highlights just the right sections, and job recruiters prefer it over the other formats.

Nonetheless, this doesn’t mean you should just cross the other options off your list, especially if your work experience doesn’t amount to much.

Consider these other two formats, taking into account their advantages and disadvantages as well: 

Functional Resume

• Perfect for students or recent graduates, as it highlights your skills. 
• Offers creative space for a varied portfolio 
• Difficult to pass through the ATS (Applicant Tracking System) that most companies use to scan through countless resumes they receive daily. 
• It conceals your experiences, however minor they might be. 

Combination Resume

• A great choice for job-seekers with a diverse skill-set, because it highlights both skills and experiences. 
• It can mask gaps in your employment history since you can also list your skills, so it’s the second-best option for those who lack work experience. 
• It is a really good fit only for highly specialized professionals who have a very diverse skill-set. Say, for example, that you’re applying for a role that requires expertise in 3-4 different fields, and you want to show all that in your resume - then, the combination resume really is the one for you.
• It is hard to organize. As a professional with a diverse skill-set, it might be a challenge to decide which part of your expertise to prioritize in the combination resume format.

4 Chronological Resume Templates 

Below, you will find 5 chronological resume templates out of many free resume templates. Dig right in to find the best match for you. 

#1. Creative Chronological Resume Template 

#2: Modern Chronological Resume Template 

#3: Professional Chronological Resume Template

#4: Functional Chronological Resume Template

How to Create a Chronological Resume

Now that we mentioned the traditional structure, let’s go through each section one by one to create the perfect chronological resume. 

#1: Start With a Contact Information Section 

Depending on the template you have chosen for your chronological resume, there is a possibility that your name will be directly followed by your professional title right at the top.

How do you fill up your professional title in chronological resume format? Easy. If you’re not looking to change career paths your professional title should be your current title. However, if you’re changing career paths, then choosing the combination resume mentioned above might be a better option for you.

Regarding the rest of the contact information section on your chronological resume, it should be current and lacking any typos. The mandatory elements of the information section include: 

• First and last name
• Phone number
• Email address
• LinkedIn URL (optional)

#2: Add a Resume Summary or Resume Objective

  Second in the chronological resume comes your ‘profile’ as a candidate, which is expressed through a resume summary or a resume objective .

Wondering what the difference is?

Well, the summary is a short (2-3 sentences) overview of your career so far and it is used in 90% of resumes - especially by those with two or more years of work experience. A summary is a perfect fit for the chronological resume.

On the contrary, a resume objective represents your aspirational career goal and highlights your skills, making it perfect for entry-level professionals with little work experience, or job-seekers looking to completely switch career paths. 

#3: Fill in Your Work Experience 

This is, without a doubt, the section that weighs the most when it comes to the chronological resume, so it’s vital that you get it right.

Your work experience section is there to show the recruiter what you can bring to the table through your past accomplishments and responsibilities and what the company would be gaining were they to hire you.   

Feeling pressured? Don’t. There are many practices to help your work experience section stand out in the eyes of the recruiter.

If you are looking for more tips and tricks to help you take your resume to the next level, head over to our beginner’s guide on how to write a resume . 

Here are the key points you should keep in mind when it comes to the work section:

• This is the most important so we’ll be repeating it as many times as it takes: your current or latest job position should be placed on top. Then come the previous ones, all the way to your earliest job position. 
• For each entry, list your job title and position, the company and its location, as well as the dates when you were employed. 
• List your achievements and responsibilities, with a higher focus on quantifiable achievements, whenever you can. 
• Use bullet points instead of just text to express what you have achieved and what you were responsible for in every job entry. 
• Tailor the resume to the position you are applying for. For example, if you’ve had too many jobs in the past and some of them don’t relate to the field you are now applying for, then they are just taking space. Feel free to omit them.

Here’s a close-up of a work experience section in the chronological resume:   

#4: Add an Education Section

Generally, the education section comes right after work experience. 

If, however, you have just graduated college and want to create a chronological resume to start applying for jobs, the education section can replace the experience section that you’d be lacking. 

Either way, the education section should be brief but jam-packed with information that can communicate your values and skills to the recruiter.

Here’s what the education section consists of: 

• Program Name: E.g. “MA in Conflict Resolution and Peace Studies” 
• University Name: E.g. “University of Greenwich”
• Period Attended: E.g. “08/1214 - 05/2018”
• (Optional) GPA: E.g. “3.9 GPA”
• (Optional) Honors: E.g. “ Cum Laude, Magna Cum Laude, Summa Cum Laude”
• (Optional) Academic Achievements: E.g. Papers you might have published, or awards received.  
• (Optional) Minor: E.g. “Minor in Political Science”  

#5: Spice Up Your Chronological Resume With Your Skills

Needless to say, the reverse-chronological order doesn’t really apply in the skills section. 

What you can do, however, is begin by listing your hard skills and then your soft skills. 

Unsure of what this means? 

• Hard skills are measurable abilities. These can range from programming in Python language to knowing how to use Photoshop and InDesign.
• Soft skills are personal skills. They vary from attitude to flexibility, motivation and teamwork. 

Listing your skills has its own peculiarities, so don’t pay this section less attention than the ones above it, especially if you’re a recent college student. Pay attention to skills specifically required at the job ad and if you have them, make sure to include them. 

Here’s an example of how your skills section can look like:  

#6: Include Any of These Optional Sections

Last but not least, come these optional sections.  

Having them in your resume can earn you extra points and even separate you from the competitors, but only if they don’t make your resume longer than it should be (1-2 pages maximum) and if they are relevant to the job position.

Some of those sections include (but are not limited to):

• Languages : If you speak two or more languages, don’t fail to put that in your resume. To list them, simply categorize your proficiency level into native, fluent, proficient, intermediate, or basic . 
• Hobbies & Interests : They can help humanize you and show a part of your personality that work and education can’t. If
• Volunteering Experience : Studies show that volunteering experience actually raises your chances of getting hired . 
• Certification & Awards : If you have awards that make you stand out in your field or certifications from experts that are relevant to the position you are applying for, don’t hesitate to show them off!

Not sure how adding volunteering experience works? Check our article on how to list volunteer experience on your resume .  

10 Chronological Resume Examples for All Industries

Now let us walk you through a few practical examples of what the chronological resume looks like depending on the industry. 

#1. Business Chronological Resume

In the world of business, accomplishments matter. This is why in this business chronological resume , the work experience section is jam-packed with measurable information on what the employee achieved in his previous professional experiences. 

#2. Computer Science Chronological Resume

Computer science jobs are heavily based on hard skills - in addition to your previous work experiences, that is. So, make sure to include your hard skills on your computer science resume to impress recruiters. 

#3. Architect Chronological Resume 

As you can see from the example above, the sections that follow your work experience and education can be placed according to your profile. If, for example, you’ve worked on some side projects that you feel do your resume more justice than your skills, feel free to prioritize those projects.

In this article, you can find what’s expected from an architect’s resume in more detail.

#4. Nurse Chronological Resume  

Action verbs can really make an active professional like that of a nurse shine. So when you list your achievements under your experience, use strong verbs that can paint a picture of who you are and what you can do.

#5. Pharmacist Chronological Resume 

With plenty of attributes up their sleeve, the chronological format is the perfect choice for a pharmacist’s resume . 

#6. Project Manager Chronological Resume 

Project manager resumes have good chances to show industry expertise - given they hold the manager title - and highlight successful projects. Feel free to do both in your chronological resume, as shown above. 

#7. Web Developer Chronological Resume

As you can see in the example, the candidate has chosen to place his courses and training above his education. When you have followed courses or have been trained in the exact field of work where you’re applying, it makes sense to rank the field-specific courses and training higher than your university education. 

This article has more information on how to perfect your Web Developer Resume .

#8. Teacher Chronological Resume 

This is another “special” example of a chronological resume. Right after the experience section, the candidate has listed their volunteering experience. Not normally the case, it makes sense here because the volunteering experience has been as a tutor - which is pretty much the same thing as a teacher in the teacher resume . 

In cases when your volunteering experience is directly connected to the job you are applying for, feel free to list it under professional experience as well. 

#9. Bar Manager Chronological Resume 

For more info on how to update your own bar manager chronological resume for 2024, this is the article for you. 

#10. Human Resources Chronological Resume

The example says it all: the chronological resume does wonders showing the peak of your work experience first, and then going back to your professional history and skills. This article on the HR chronological resume has more tips on how to perfect it.

Discover More Resume Templates

• Combination Resume Templates
• Creative Resume Templates
• Functional Resume Templates
• Minimalistic Resume Templates
• High School Resume Templates
• One Page Resume Templates
• 2 Page Resume Templates
• Google Docs Resume Templates
• Word Resume Templates

Key Takeaways 

And that’s a wrap! 

Let’s do a quick recap of the main points covered in this article: 

• The chronological resume - or reverse chronological - is a top choice among candidates with years of professional experience and a favorite among recruiters.
• The chronological resume focuses on your work experience, starting your current or most recent one, and following up with the rest - from most to least recent.
• Recent college graduates that want to use this format can - simply replace the work section with the education section, following the same reverse-chronological order.
• Save time and energy building the reverse chronological resume from scratch by using online resume builders , such as the one Novorésumé offers.   

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Chronological Resume: The Best Format? (And How to Write It)

By Biron Clark

Published: December 4, 2023

Biron Clark

Writer & Career Coach

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

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What Is a Chronological Resume?

Definition and Examples

Chronological Resume Example

The benefits of a chronological resume, when to use a chronological resume, when not to use a chronological resume, getting started, formatting your resume, resume examples.

Lara Antal / The Balance

A chronological resume is one of the most common resume formats and there's a good reason for it: Employers tend to prefer it because it's straightforward and easy to scan.

If you’ve never created a resume before, and you’re sitting down to build one from scratch, you probably have a chronological resume in mind. And while that might be the best choice for you, it’s worth learning what chronological resumes do well—and how to properly format one so that you can use this resume type to best advantage.

A chronological resume lists your work history in order of date, with the most recent position at the top. It might include a resume objective or career summary before the list of work experiences.

It’s important to get the facts straight when you’re listing your work experience so that the employer won’t think that you’re lying on your resume should they decide to do a background check .

Make sure that the dates, job titles, salary history (if included), etc. are accurate before you submit your resume and application.

Education, certifications, and special skills follow work experience in this style of resume.

The chronological resume is one of the most commonly used styles, and its familiarity alone makes the information easier to absorb. Ideally, it shows the progression of a career clearly.

It can be easier to compile, too, since its orientation toward dates helps you to nail down the details of your own job history.

As it emphasizes work history, the chronological resume is most effective for candidates with solid experience in the field. By showcasing your work history front and center, you immediately show the employer that you have related experience and skills.

Although many employers prefer a chronological resume, there are times when it’s not the right choice. A few examples:

• When you’re just beginning your career: The chronological resume format will not work well if you are new to the workforce. You may have all the skills required and applicable experience outside the realm of paid work, such as volunteering and internships. But if you choose a chronological resume, the hiring manager will only see your lack of paid work experience, not your abilities. In this case, a functional resume , which emphasizes skills over linear job experience, will help you make your case.
• When you’re changing careers: Many employers will put your resume in the “no” pile if they see that you do not have directly relevant work experience. Choose another style, such as a functional resume that focuses on your skills and experience or a combination resume , which lists both your skills and your work history.
• When you have gaps in your work history: Maybe you’ve been unemployed for a long period of time, or have taken time out of the workforce to care for young children or ailing family members. Regardless of why you’ve been out of the workforce , choosing a format that displays what you can do, rather than your work history, will help you make the best impression.
• When you’ve frequently changed jobs: Employee loyalty is a thing of the past, and for good reason: very few employers keep workers for the whole of their careers anymore. However, too many job changes can look bad to hiring managers, who don’t want to invest time and money training an employee who’s going to jump ship. If you have a history of job hopping , a chronological resume probably isn’t the best fit.

Consider using a template to help you create your resume. Templates give you a ready-made layout and guide you through the process of filling it out.

Resume examples can help you see what kind of content you should include in your document, and how you should write and format it.

Chronological Resume Sample

Jane Applicant 999 Chugalug Way Wheaton, MA 60187 Cell: (123) 555-1234 jane.applicant@email.com

CAREER OBJECTIVE

Administrative coordinator seeks management position with a top corporation that will allow her to utilize her organizational and leadership skills while coordinating workflow and overseeing company logistics.

CORE QUALIFICATIONS

• Highly organized individual able to handle and oversee multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Experience scheduling employee training classes, staff meetings, and office relocations.
• Have accurately managed a multimillion-dollar budget.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Administrative Coordinator , Mannix Services, Naperville, IL December 2018- Present

Responsible for analysis of monthly, weekly, and daily sales reports.

• Achieved 100 percent accuracy for the past two years.
• Responsible for scheduling training classes, seminars, and conferences.

Administrative Secretary, Minnesota Life Insurance, Barrington, IL June 2016 - December 2018

Oversaw research and design of sales and training presentations, requiring fluency in PowerPoint, SlideShare, and Prezi.

• Responsible for scheduling a three-person training staff.

Facilities Assistant , SBC Warburg Dillon Reed, Chicago, IL May 2014 - June 2016

Responsible for balancing a $7 million facilities budget.

• Scheduled maintenance calls, staff meetings, office relocations, and construction projects.

General Manager , KSMR Radio 92.5 AM/94.3 FM, Winona, MN May 2002 - May 2014

In charge of a 36-member staff, as well as a 7-member management team, with duties that included disciplinary actions, budgeting, special requests, program scheduling, and hiring.

• Chaired a committee that received a grant for increasing station amenities.

Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations St. Mary’s University of Minnesota, Winona, MN

Review resume samples for a variety of occupations and get downloadable templates you can use to write your own resume.

Chronological Resume Writing Guide

Get the best out of the standard resume format

Certified Professional Resume Writer

Wondering how to order your resume? 

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

We’ve got you covered. 

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

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

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

What is a Chronological Resume?

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

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

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

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

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

Pros and Cons of the Chronological Resume

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

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

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

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

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

Tips for Writing the Chronological Resume

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

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

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

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

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

Chronological Resume Templates

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

Here are some ways templates can help:

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

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

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How To Write A Chronological Resume

Table Of Contents

What is a chronological resume, benefits of using a chronological resume, when to use a chronological resume, summary or objective, employment history, chronological resume sample, frequently asked questions , what is the difference between a chronological resume and a functional resume, what is chronological order, what is a reverse chronological resume format, what are the five types of resumes , the bottom line.

One of the most common types of resumes used today is a chronological resume. If you’ve ever created a resume before, chances are it was a chronological resume. The straightforward resume format is easy to scan quickly and highlights your most recent work history.

This guide walks through how to create a chronological resume, why it’s beneficial, and when you should use one. If you want to perfect your resume, consider using a resume writing service to help you stand out from the crowd.

A chronological resume is a resume format that lists information in chronological order, starting with your most recent work experience and other information. Chronological resumes work well because they allow employers to quickly view your most recent experiences, which are often the most relevant.

There are several benefits to using a chronological resume when applying for jobs . Here are a few benefits of using a chronological resume format:

• It’s one of the most common types, so recruiters and HR professionals are familiar with it and can scan it quickly.
• Chronological resumes can also display a timeline of progression if you’ve been able to move up the ladder in your career without significant employment gaps .
• It may be easier to recall older career and education experiences when listing information reverse chronologically.

Using a chronological resume is a smart idea for showing a natural progression of relevant work and other experiences and accomplishments. It’s also the ideal resume format if you have a longer work history. If your work is in the same field or another relevant field, a chronological resume will showcase your experience.

This type of resume isn’t ideal if you have gaps in your work experience or change jobs often. A chronological resume will only bring attention to those gaps and potentially raise questions and red flags with recruiters and hiring managers. It’s also not the best format for job seekers just starting their career since it will highlight your lack of experience.

Formatting a chronological resume is relatively easy. Take time to gather information, including work history dates before you sit down to create your resume. Some of the sections may vary depending on your focus or career field, but typically a chronological resume is structured the following way:

• Summary or objective
• Employment history

Here’s a brief overview of what to include in each section of a chronological resume.

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Your resume header should include personal information like your name, address, email, and phone number.

A resume summary appears towards the top of your resume and meant to grab the attention of whoever is reading your resume. Consider it as a quick 3-4 sentences showcasing your career highlights and accomplishments. It can also include mentions of your strongest skills.

You can also use this area to speak on your career objective. If you go this route, tying the objective to career experiences can be a compelling way to get the attention of a hiring manager.

This is where you’ll list your employment history, starting with your current or most recent job and working backward. You can either list your job title first or the company name, but make sure to include both at the beginning of each job listed. Then, list your employment start and end dates, including the month and year if possible, like this:

• June 2016 - Present
• October 2011 - May 2016

Follow this with bullet points describing the work that you perform or any achievements from your employment. Find ways to incorporate numbers, which give context to your achievements. For example, if you were a sales manager, you could say that sales revenue increased 23% in the district under your leadership.

The education section is where you would list any formal education experience, starting with the highest degree you’ve received first and working backward. List the college or university name and location (city, state), the years that you attended, and the degree earned, including your major. You can also list any certifications that you’ve earned that are relevant to your career field.

You can also include a skills section on your chronological resume, but it might not be necessary depending on your career field. If there are specific hard skills required for the position, you should include them here. You can also list any soft skills that are relevant to the position you are applying for within the company.

A chronological resume is a resume with career and educational experience formatted in reverse chronological order from the most recent to the oldest. It’s geared towards individuals with a lengthy, consistent employment history. A functional resume primarily focuses on your skills and expertise over your employment history.

Chronological order is the order in which events occur, from first to last. A chronological resume uses reverse chronological order to list work and education experiences.

A chronological resume is actually written in reverse chronological order. The employment history and education sections of the resume include your experiences from the most recent to the oldest.

The five primary types of resumes are chronological resume, functional resume, combination resume, mini resume, and targeted resume.

Choosing the right resume format could be the difference between landing job interviews (and ultimately a job) and ending up at the bottom of the stack of potential candidates. Use the formatting above to start creating a chronological resume if it makes sense for your situation. If you need help creating a resume, the best resume writing services can take the information you provide and transform it into a scannable format guaranteed to catch the attention of potential employers.

Kevin Payne

Kevin Payne is a career, personal finance and travel writer. He is a regular contributor to Forbes Advisor, The Ascent and Bankrate. Kevin tackles tech, entrepreneurship and side hustle topics for Careercloud. He lives in Cleveland, Ohio with his wife and four kids.

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Microsoft Software Engineer Resume for 2024 [Example & Template]

Home Blog Web Development Microsoft Software Engineer Resume for 2024 [Example & Template]

The demand for software engineers has been high in the past decade. This means that plenty of opportunities are available for professionals with efficient skills. As someone who specializes in software engineering, I think you need to create the best resume before you can apply for these job roles. This is especially relevant when applying to globally renowned technology companies like Microsoft. But I will tell you this: just because you know how to build server-side applications or develop cloud solutions does not mean you will be considered for interviews with such tech giants. That is why you must create a Microsoft software engineer resume that meets the needs of the company. In this guide, I will provide detailed tips and tricks for creating a standout resume. I will also highlight how to draft a Microsoft software engineer cover letter to complement your application.

You may also check these Software Engineering courses for beginners to grab job opportunities.

Resume Format - Microsoft Software Engineer

The Microsoft software engineer resume format should stand out among the crowd when you apply for a job position. That is why I have curated some key points that you must remember when preparing a resume for a Microsoft software engineer .

A. Create a Solid Microsoft Software Engineer Resume Structure/Template

Let me start by suggesting some critical sections that you must add to your Microsoft software engineer CV. These include

• A header with contact details
• Portfolio or essential social media profiles
• An experience section
• Your technical and social abilities
• An education and certificate section

Here is a sample Microsoft software engineer resume structure that can help you draft your document.

I have attached another Microsoft software engineer resume template in PDF format so you can understand how to create a Microsoft software engineer resume.

B. Work Experience Section

The work experience section is the most important part of a Microsoft software engineer resume. I have curated the things to keep in mind when working on the work experience section.

• Your work experience should always be in reverse chronological order.
• Every entry should include your job title, the start and end dates, company name, and location.
• Be sure to list accomplishments and job duties.
• Use numbers and metrics to make your accomplishments stand out, if necessary.

Here is an example of a work experience sample.

What if You Don’t Have Work Experience?

I recommend adding any skills in the job application you may have picked up during your days at an educational institute or as an intern in some organization. You can also highlight your documentation, like a Web Development certificate .

Here is a sample fresher Microsoft software engineer resume for your reference.

C. Contact Information

Make sure you are listing the following must-include information in your contact information on the Microsoft software engineer resume:

• Phone Number
• Email Address

D. Add Your Education

What you include in the education section of your Microsoft software engineer resume is based on several things. It usually depends on whether you are applying for an entry-level software engineering role or a more senior role.

The following image is the best example.

E. Include Microsoft Software Engineer Skills Tailored to the Job

A software engineer has multiple roles, which is why I advise adding some important skills according to your job. These include:

• Experience in Programming Languages
• System Design and Algorithmic Skills
• Cloud Computing
• Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Skills

F. Summary or Objective

Adding a sentence or two of summary or objective to the Microsoft software engineer resume is important. It enables the hiring managers to get a quick glimpse of the candidate.

Here is a sample:

G. Use Action Words to Strengthen Your Resume

Action words or verbs always help bring your resume to life by painting a picture for the hiring committee and affirming your skills.

Here are some action verb examples:

H. Add Extra Sections to Your Resume

Extra sections can always help you stand out among other candidates. This usually includes adding:

• Awards and Certification: These help showcase all your professional achievements.
• Languages: Proficiency in multiple languages showcases your versatility across various regions.
• Interests & Hobbies: They provide a glimpse into your personality. This further contributes to an efficient and engaging profile.

I. Write a Microsoft Software Engineer Cover Letter

A cover letter serves as a complement to your resume. It helps you to showcase your skills, knowledge, and your personality as a candidate. I have included a sample cover letter for your reference.

Best Practices to Make Your Resume Easy to Scan

Your Microsoft software engineer resume should not only be simple and straightforward but also ATS-friendly. To ensure your resume is easily scannable across all organizations, including Microsoft, I have listed the best practices in the form of do’s and don’ts below:

Microsoft Software Engineer Resume Example/Sample

A Microsoft software developer plays a crucial role in shaping technologies across organizations, with their contributions often impacting the functionality and user experience of various products and services. Now, let me provide you with some samples of Microsoft software developer resumes based on different levels of expertise.

Your career in software engineering will start by enrolling yourself as an intern across different organizations, including Microsoft.

Download this Software Engineer intern resume PDF link for your reference.

1. Entry-Level Resume

Even with limited experience as a fresh professional entering the software development field, you can still draft a perfect, fresher Microsoft software engineer resume that grabs the attention of the hiring committee. The best part is that you can apply to different roles as an entry-level software engineer across organizations, including Microsoft.

Meanwhile, I have curated this entry-level resume PDF link that you can check to prepare your CV accordingly.

2. Senior Software Developer Resume

A senior software developer's resume is unique and utterly different from the one you draft as an intern or an entry-level professional. You must highlight your educational qualifications, experience, and projects in detail when writing a senior software developer resume.

Here is a sample senior software engineer resume PDF link for your reference.

Top 10 Skills for a Microsoft Software Engineer Resume

Check out these top 10 skills you can add to your Microsoft software engineer resume:

• Communication: This can help in receiving all kinds of information and discussing issues openly.
• Adaptability: It can help you adapt to new methods and techniques.
• Troubleshooting: These capabilities can help identify problems in systems. This helps in developing appropriate resolution mechanisms.
• Collaboration:  You have to interact with other professionals and help them do their job as a software engineer working at Microsoft.
• Empathy: It showcases your ability to sympathize with other people. This can help you comprehend other individual's emotions and feelings.
• Programming Languages: You must know languages that act as a communication method between several software elements. These, in turn, allow an application to function efficiently.
• Object-oriented Programming: This popular software engineering approach is for large applications. Most of them have several functions and methods.
• Testing and Debugging:  You must know these two procedures that always help ensure that a particular software application performs its duties.
• Database Knowledge: You should have extensive knowledge of databases as a software engineer. These databases help explore, collect, and extract data across different systems.
• Source Control: This process includes managing changes to codes. The process is important for testing and debugging software development tools .

The field of software engineering is evolving, and the demand for these professionals is increasing across different sectors. Microsoft, being a tech giant, frequently has requirements for such professionals at senior or entry-level positions. However, as mentioned earlier, drafting a Microsoft software engineer resume is not everyone’s cup of tea. That is why you can take reference from the samples and example templates that I have added in this article to draft a fresh resume that will grab the attention of the management.

Now, what else do you need apart from a well-written resume? My answer would be relevant certifications that help you gain more skills as a software engineer. I recommend KnowledgeHut's Software Engineering courses for beginners . These courses can assist you when starting your career in software engineering and development.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Several certifications can prove useful for your Microsoft software engineer resume. Certifications are typically based on your specific field of work, credentials, and job opportunities. However, some of the more common ones you can include in your CV are a Web Development certificate and other documents related to software engineering or development courses.

Include jobs that equal or exceed your work experience as a software engineer. Each of your projects should demonstrate new skills or knowledge in a specific technical or soft skill area. However, under ‘work experience,’ avoid repeating skills or experiences you have already listed.

A bachelor's degree in computer science or a related field can add to your qualification in the Microsoft software engineer resume. For specific job opportunities, the tech giant's hiring committee may also require a master's degree. Ensure that you have programming skills and knowledge of various programming languages and that you have a formal education.

Sachin Bhatnagar

With 20+ yrs of industry experience in media, entertainment and web tech, Sachin brings expertise in hands-on training and developing forward-thinking, industry-centric curricula. 30k+ students have enrolled in his tech courses.

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