chronological order resume format

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

Read more articles by Biron Clark

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How to Use a Reverse Chronological Resume Format

10 min read · Updated on February 07, 2024

Everything you need to know about writing the most common resume format

For most professionals, a chronological resume is the best format to capture skills, experience, and achievements. That's because this resume format focuses on the employment history section, which gives plenty of space to explain the candidate's career trajectory.

The reverse-chronological resume format is also what hiring managers prefer to see , meaning that an alternate structure could even decrease your chances of landing the job. 

To keep that from happening to you, let's explore how to use a reverse-chronological resume format. You'll also find a few guiding examples that can help you to produce a perfect example of the most popular resume out there.

What is a chronological resume?

The chronological resume is a format that focuses on the employment history section where work experience is listed. The main idea is that you start with your most recent or current position and work backward through all your relevant experience of the past 10 years. 

NOTE: This structure is sometimes called the “reverse-chronological resume format.”

It's been said that past behavior is the most reliable predictor of future outcomes. Therefore, prospective employers rely on your career accomplishments to get an idea of what you can do for them. That's part of what makes the reverse-chronological resume format so popular. 

When hiring managers can quickly digest what you've done in the past, they are able to get a feel for whether you'll be the right candidate for their team. By focusing your career history on the most recent experiences and working backward for about 10 years, you provide the most up-to-date and accurate representation of what you bring to the table. 

It's critical to note that the structure of your reverse-chronological resume is important, too. How the information is laid out on the page will aid the hiring manager – who's spending mere seconds glancing at it – to easily find the information about your career history they want. 

How to structure a chronological resume

Your chronological resume will contain at least six sections with relevant headers. Here's an outline of what you should include in your chronological resume:

Contact information 

You want the hiring manager to contact you for an interview, right? Well, here's the place to make sure they have the details they need to do just that. Include your name (it doesn't have to be your full legal name – just use whatever you go by), location, phone number, and email address. You can also add links to your LinkedIn profile (if it's been properly optimized) and any online portfolios you may have

The headline grabs the reader's attention. Write a one-line blurb that contains the title of the job found in the job description, along with a couple of relevant keywords that will help you to stand out from the crowd. 

A summary or professional profile

Your professional summary is a three to five-sentence paragraph that outlines the major events of your career. Start with something that mirrors the title on the job description and match it up with the hard and soft skills you have. Throw in at least one achievement.

This is the place for a bulleted list of skills. Include 9-12 skills that you have that will show the hiring manager you have what it takes to get the job done. Use the same language and keywords you find in the job description to ensure that your resume makes it past the ATS .

Work experience or employment history

Now you've come to the nitty-gritty part of your resume – what you've done, when, and where. Keep in mind that hiring managers will look to your past accomplishments to see what you have to bring to their team. It may be tempting to dump everything you've ever done , but relevancy is critical. 

Let's take a closer look at how to write this section. 

Always list the name of the company you work for first. This is important because if you have a company where you held multiple roles, you can stack the roles to show progression. You need the following information as a sub-heading:

Employer name

Dates worked

Then, add 4-5 bullet points to discuss various aspects of your time in the position. You can focus on topics like:

Projects or tasks you completed

Skills you used

Awards and achievements

Numbers and statistics that quantify your successes

Make sure to list these entries starting with your most recent or current job and working backward, as this is a fundamental component of the reverse-chronological resume format.

For your education, you can (and should) include degrees and the colleges you've attended. However, don't forget about things like professional development classes, certifications, and licenses. Spell out acronyms and omit your graduation dates. Again, this section should be presented in reverse-chronological format. 

Additional sections like awards, hobbies, or languages

Sometimes, there are things you've done outside of the regular work day that are also important to securing a new job. You can create additional sections on your resume for things like public speaking, special projects, and awards. Just remember, if you're adding it to your reverse-chronological resume, it needs to be relevant to the hiring manager who will receive it.

Tips on when to use a reverse-chronological resume format

The chronological resume is considered the standard resume format because it suits the widest range of professionals, including people in healthcare, IT, law, HR, business, and education. It's especially useful if you've enjoyed a progressive career with advancements through promotions and new jobs.

The chronological resume is less suitable for creative or independent professions, where gig work and short-term contracts are part of the career path. In those cases, alternative resume formats like functional or hybrid models may be more suitable. 

Expert Tip: You should try to use the hybrid format instead of the functional format. There' a bit of a stigma associated with using the functional resume format .

How to use reverse-chronological resume format

Now that you know what a chronological resume is, what the outline looks like, and who should use it, let's dig into the actual writing part.

The format of your chronological resume is almost as important as the writing, because a clean and organized layout is one of the best ways to show that you're a professional and motivated candidate. 

Make sure to use bold or italics to highlight the key information within your resume, including the employment history section. 

Examples of chronological resumes

To get a sense of what goes into a great chronological resume, let's look at the employment history section for a customer service representative:

Customer Service Representative, Fort Worth, TX

August 2020 - present 

Handled customer calls and responded to queries about services, product malfunctions, promotions, and billing

Worked to address all customer concerns in a timely and effective manner

Calmly handled 200+ calls each day

Developed successful tactics to upsell products and services to customers

Piloted a feedback program that resulted in a 15% increase in branch sales

Here's an option for a Server:

Rooster Bar & Grill, Boston

Lead Server

June 2018 - August 2022

Managed a staff of 15 as the Lead Server at a high-end downtown restaurant

Achieved promotion to Lead Server six months after joining the team

Upsold wine pairing suggestions to customers, based on preferences

Memorized ingredients and allergens on a menu of 30+ dishes

Performed bartending responsibilities during holiday weekends and special events

Check out this example for a Sales Associate:

ABC Pet Shop, Durham, NC

Sales Associate 

September 2021 - present

Maintained a clean shop environment and neat product displays

Gained recognition for reliability and zero absence work record

Fed animals and made sure they had access to fresh water

Answered customer questions and referred to other departments

Helped customers find products that best fit the needs of their pet

Maintained accurate work logs and reported inconsistencies

Chronological resume template

If you're looking for a little more help creating a flawless chronological resume, here's a template that can allow you to quickly plug in your information and be assured of the right format. These are the essential sections, but you may find hobbies, memberships, or other additional sections to be necessary on your resume.

Header information

Your name & job title

Phone number

Email address

LinkedIn profile

Professional summary

Add a paragraph explaining who you are, what you do, your industry and your area of expertise. Show off your soft and hard skills and give an example of a past accomplishment to show how you can add value to a new employer. 

Employment history

Employer name and job title

Dates worked and location

Main duties and responsibilities

A key skill demonstrated

Measurable achievement #1

Measurable achievement #2

Degree name, school

Dates attended, location

Optional bullet point for GPA

Optional bullet point for leadership positions

How to adapt the reverse-chronological resume format for students

Whenever possible, first-time job seekers should aim to create a reverse-chronological resume. However, they may have to resort to an alternative if they lack experience. 

Trying to land your first job as a student or recent graduate can feel daunting, especially when you don't have much experience to show. While it may be tempting to try out another style of resume, the reverse-chronological resume format can actually be adapted to the needs of students with little effort.

If you don't have any traditional employment to show, simply rename the section “Experience.” This allows you to include any volunteer positions, hobbies, side jobs, internships, or school activities that can serve as your work history for the time being. You may also wish to move the Education section above the Experience section, as it's likely to be more relevant to your current aspirations. 

The rest of the rules of the chronological resume apply, including listing your positions from most recent to oldest and making bold section headings. Here's an example:

Eagle Scout, Boy Scouts of America

May 2022- present, Richmond

Awarded the highest honor for scouts after passing a lengthy review process

Planned and completed the final project involving new traffic patterns at deadly intersections

Reviewed accident records and worked with city officials to develop a crosswalk plan

Worked to educate the local community on safe pedestrian practices

Treasurer, National Math Honor Society, Arcs High School

September 2021 - May 2022, Richmond

Managed bookkeeping and revenue for the high school chapter of a national organization

Tracked payments and expenses and created reports for the Club Supervisor

Worked to eliminate unnecessary spending, resulting in 20% additional profit for the club

Organized four fundraisers that brought in $10,000 over the course of a year

Petsitter, Private client

June 2020 - present, Richmond area

Supervised and took care of three dogs for a neighbor during a two-week vacation

Took dogs on walks twice a day and fed them according to owner's instructions

Reported issues and behavior changes to the owner and adapted accordingly

Land your dream job

With these tips, templates, and adaptable examples, you're on your way to creating a great chronological resume, wowing the socks off a hiring manager, and landing your dream job.

Find more resume writing advice in our related articles below, or upload your resume for a free resume review from our experts!

This article was originally written by Anna Muckerman and has been updated by Marsha Hebert.

Recommended reading:

How to Check if My Resume is ATS-Friendly

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Chronological Resume Templates

Classic chronological templates are popular for a reason - they do their job. Use one of the tried-and-tested resume formats below to secure your interview.

Double Column

Chronological resume template. Education position is reversed to focus more on the experience.

Single Column

Reverse chronological resume template. Classic one-column style for chronological resumes.

Chronological timeline template. Additional line between job titles makes up for a clean and presentable resume.

Professional resume template. A sleek and straightforward design that conveys a sense of professionalism and competence.

Modern resume template. A stylish two-column design with a pop of color to stand out from the crowd.

Creative resume template. Showcase your unique personality with a custom design that speaks to your creativity.

In This Guide:

What is a chronological resume template, who should use a chronological resume, tips for building the best chronological resume template, chronological resume templates pros and cons.

Chronological resume template is the most commonly used format in resumes, and recruiters prefer them to others. A reverse chronological order resume template lists your jobs, starting with the current or most recent one at the top. It provides comprehension opportunities for hiring managers to see your experience.

Have it in mind that chronological and reverse chronological resume templates are essentially the same thing. Because they list your experience chronologically, but in a reverse way, starting with your most recent job. You can use Enhancv builder to build your chronological resume in the best way possible.

People who can get all the advantages that chronological resume templates offer are jobseekers at any professional level with a consistent work history without gaps between roles.

However, reverse chronological order can work for just about anyone looking for a job. This resume formatting is simple and professional, and you can effortlessly apply it to any resume design.

Resumes in chronological order are very convenient for students because this formatting is the easiest way to organize their limited experience.

Choosing this format is easily understood by recruiters because chronological resume templates are the most popular layout hiring managers see.

A chronological resume is arranged in a way to emphasize your professional experience - your education and certifications, skills, other relevant activities, or volunteer experiences. A summary statement is optional in chronological resume formatting. Excluding the cases in which you are higher-level management or changing your current professional field.

If you think a chronological resume template is not a good fit for your case, you can try a functional or combination resume template. A functional resume is focused on your skills and abilities and lists your roles and education at the bottom.

A combination resume blends a functional resume and a chronological resume and emphasizes both your skills and experience in equal measure.

Let’s create your perfect chronological resume by following the best practices.

The reverse-chronological format resume template can be applied to any design – modern or traditional. It only depends on your professional field and the type of company you are applying to. Modern design is appropriate when you are in more creative and innovative industries and want to make your resume pop up from the rest of the applicants. Use the traditional design without icons, graphics, and flashy colors for applying for positions in more traditional companies.

The best font to use for resumes is a classic, easy-to-read font, like Times New Roman or Calibri. You can use modern fonts, which are also appropriate, like Helvetica, Verdana, Ariel, or Lato. Keep in mind that ATS systems don't mind the font as long as it's readible serif or sans-serif. The regular font size for resumes is 12 points. Larger fonts are acceptable for headings, your name, or titles of sections. If you're having trouble fitting your content on one page, you might try making your font 10.5 points, but don't go lower.

Your resume should be easy for the hiring manager to digest all your best work. Using the right font in combination with colors can help that. Use white as the background, black for the text, and the remaining color as an accent. It is advisable to use for the third color some shades of blue, green, or dark red. Avoid too flashy colors.

Select the best layout

Your resume should always begin with your full, searchable name. Your name should be the biggest thing on the page. Recruiters are spending a few seconds on your resume, they should know whose it is. Show your location, there is no need to put your full home address, but recruiters expect to see your city and state. Add your contact information like your phone number and professional and easy-to-read e-mail address.

As we mentioned before, for the Chronological resume template, you can skip the summary statement section . It can be a plus to add one or two sentences about who you are as a professional and what is your experience.

Your work experience section on the Chronological resume template is the most important one. You should include responsibilities and accomplishments for each job you’ve held. If you want your resume to stand out more, you can organize your experience in two separate sections. The first one, under the header “Relevant work experience” to a specific job you are applying for, and the second section is Work Experience.

Right after your work experience section, you should list your education in reverse chronological order first on the list you should add your academic degrees, following your training and certifications . Do not list your high school diploma once you have attended college unless relevant to your professional field.

You can list your achievements on a chronological resume template in your work experience section. If you can additionally emphasize your achievements, you can lay them out in a separate section. People who don’t have much work experience can use achievements in education, volunteering, or project sections. When you list achievements, make sure they include the time frame, scale, and results.

You can design your Chronological resume template in two columns to fit all information on one page. Recurred prefer one-page resumes because they are easy to scan for the key points they are looking for in a candidate.

• The chronological format is the most commonly used, and most recruiters prefer them. This resume format draws attention to your work experience and career advancements.
• A chronological resume template is the easiest format to read for ATSs because emphasizes your work experience by putting it on top of the page.
• This resume layout works for anyone looking for any kind of job, and it is student-friendly.
• Chronological format is not recommended for people with gaps in their work history.
• This format is not a good choice if you are applying for a position in a field in which you don’t have previews experience.
• If you are just starting your career, chronological resume formatting will emphasize your lack of experience.

Frequently asked questions about chronological resume templates

Is the chronological resume best, what is the difference between a chronological and functional resume, why do most employers prefer chronological resumes to functional resumes, how far back should a resume go.

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Chronological Resume Example (With Writing Tips)

When to Use a Chronological Resume

When to use a different resume format, what to include in a chronological resume, tips for writing a chronological resume, how to format a chronological resume, chronological resume example, frequently asked questions (faqs).

What is a chronological resume, and when should you use one? A chronological resume lists your work history in reverse chronological order. That is, the top of your resume lists your most recent job first. Your previous role is directly below that, and so on. 

This type of resume affords you the opportunity to give pride of place to your most recent and outstanding talents, skills, and expertise, ensuring that a hiring manager will be interested enough to read through your entire resume.

Review information on when to use a chronological resume, when to choose a different format, what to include, writing and formatting tips, and examples.

Key Takeaways

• Chronological resumes are a good fit for most job seekers. If you have a limited job history, employment gaps, or did some job hopping, consider using a different format. 
• Include the standard sections—contact information, education, and experience—in your resume and consider adding optional sections like a profile.  
• Pay attention to your word choices and formatting. Your resume should be easy to scan through, as well as be full of details that match the job description and play up your most relevant qualifications. 

Chronological resumes  are the most commonly used format, and for good reason. Most employers prefer candidates who have current or very recent experience in their career fields. Plus, it's the easiest option to create.  

The more experienced a potential new employee is, the less likely it will be that the employer will have to spend time and money to train them after they’re hired.

If you have a straightforward work history—one where you have work experience in the job area you are targeting, with few significant unemployment gaps—then a chronological resume is the way to go.

While it’s fine to include several job descriptions in your “Professional Experience” section, you don't need to present more than 10 years of employment in the work history section of a resume. Doing so may result in your application being screened out by employers guilty of ageism.

While most candidates will opt for the chronological resume format, it's not always the best choice. Consider a non-chronological  functional resume  or a  combination resume  format if you: 

• Have done a lot of job-hopping
• Have employment gaps
• Do not have a work history
• You're working in a different field than the one you're currently targeting 

These alternate resume formats allow you to place your most relevant experience at the top of the document, even if the role isn't the most recent one. 

Take a look at the sections you'll include in a chronological resume: 

• Contact information:  This is where you'll inform potential employers how to reach you. This should go on the very top of the page—along with your phone number, email, and address. This section also includes your name in a bigger font size. 
• Experience:  This is generally the heart of your resume, where you share your previous work experience. In a chronological resume, this is listed in order from most to least recent. 
• Education:  In this section, you'll list your education background, along with any certifications, professional development, and academic accomplishments. 
• Skills:  Here, you'll highlight your hard skills, such as computer skills and language skills.  

You can also choose to include an objective statement, resume profile, or career summary on your resume. These optional sections generally summarize your skills and experience. In the case of an objective statement, you also call out your employment goals.

As you're writing your resume, keep these tips in mind: 

• Create top-notch job descriptions:  As you describe your previous jobs, look for ways to  make them sound impressive . Try adding numbers and incorporating  action verbs . Don't limit yourself by simply listing out day-to-day responsibilities. Instead, look for ways to highlight your achievements. 
• Avoid "I" and "me":  It's customary to write resumes in the third person. So, in a job description, instead of saying "I managed a team of five people," you'd simply say, "Managed a team of five people." 
• Match your qualifications to the job :  Employers are most interested in your relevant qualifications. That is, it's lovely if you're skilled at accounting best practices, but if you're being hired for marketing, that may not be very meaningful to your hiring manager. Look for ways to showcase skills that are mentioned in the job ad and are needed in the role at hand. 
• Carefully eliminate all typos and errors:  Having a typo makes your resume appear unprofessional. It also reflects poorly on you, as well as potentially makes you appear sloppy and poor at handling details. Read through your resume carefully to catch—and remove—errors and typos. 
• Include relevant keywords:  Both hiring managers and automated tracking systems (ATS) look for  keywords in resumes . Including them in the document can help you increase your chances of landing a job interview. 

A resume is a formal document, with fairly set guidelines for how it should look. If your resume looks different from the usual format, you should have a very good reason. For instance, a design-focused role might offer more freedom to deviate from the norm. Here are some formatting strategies to keep in mind: 

• Consider using a template:   Resume templates , which are available through word processing software such as Google Docs and Microsoft Word, can help you cut down on the labor to create the document. A template can be a very helpful starting point as you create or update your resume. 
• Choose a readable font:  Make sure to choose a standard font (think: Times New Roman or Arial) that's easy to read. Don't make the size too small because you're looking to include lots of information on a single page. 
• Make sure it's easy to read on the screen and when printed out:  Few people want to read a document with cramped margins and a tiny font. Try to make your resume easy to scan by using bullet points, strategically bolded text, and incorporating plenty of white space. 

This is an example of a chronological resume.  Download the chronological resume template  (compatible with Google Docs and Word Online) or see below for a text version of the resume.

The Balance

Chronological Resume Example (Text Version)

James Applicant Edmond, OR 555-555-1212 james.applicant@email.com

Energetic and motivating leader with a proven ability to effectively manage both staff and long and short-term projects. A self-starter and strong independent worker who excels at analyzing products and procedures in order to generate new ideas that improve efficiency and production quality.

  PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

COMFORT, INC., Edmond, OR MANAGER (2018-Present) Manage daily operations of a $1 million foam insulation company.

• Train and supervise work crews in more efficient product installation techniques resulting in reduced material waste by 20% and labor hours by 43%.
• Instrumental in developing sales team’s knowledge in the areas of building science and energy conservation in order to provide customers with the information to successfully plan for, and utilize, spray foam insulation.

MILITARY BASE. Edmond, OR DATA NETWORK MANAGER (2016-2018) Managed command and control data network used to generate video representation of geographic area surrounding the ship. The team consisted of 38 individuals from four departments.

• Production Control Officer - Coordinated the efforts of 135 personnel utilizing 37,000 man hours. Completed 520 jobs totaling over $4 million during a 13-month refurbishment period.
• Assistant Command Duty Officer - Directed daily routine utilizing a duty section of 600 personnel from 12 different departments.

MILITARY BASE. Edmond, OR INSTRUCTOR PILOT (2012–2016)               Administered, coordinated, and supervised flight and academic training for the United States flight training program that encompassed over 200 instructors and 600 students in five units.

• Coordinated and supervised four Flight Commanders to ensure that pilot completion rates met quarterly and annual goals.
• Managed and scheduled 11 instructor pilots and 38 flight students to complete primary and intermediate level flight training.

EDUCATION AND TRAINING

• AUBURN UNIVERSITY, MBA in Finance, 2021
• UNIVERSITY OF COSTA RICA , Bachelor of Arts in Business Economics, 2012
• Aviator - Advanced Flight Training, United States Flight Patrol

In what order should work history be listed on a resume?

In a chronological resume, which is the most common format, work history is listed in reverse chronological order. Your current or most recent job is listed first, followed by your other jobs in descending order. Your oldest job is listed last.

What is the difference between a chronological and a functional resume?

A chronological resume focuses on your employment history, while a functional resume highlights your skills and qualifications for a job. A combination resume includes your top qualifications plus your chronological work history.

CareerOneStop. “ Resume Styles ."

 CareerOneStop. “ Select the Best Resume Format .”

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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.

a year 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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How to Write Your Resume in Reverse-Chronological Order

When setting out to write the perfect resume, choosing a format is an important decision. Reverse-chronological resumes are the standard format, so knowing how to craft one is key! This guide will teach you how to write the best reverse chronological resumes.

What is a Reverse-Chronological Resume?

A reverse-chronological resume is a format focused on relevant work experience.

It is called reverse-chronological because it lists your most recent job first.

All other jobs are then listed from most recent to least recent.

3 key factors help strengthen this type of resume:

• ‍ Relevancy: It is important to emphasize the relevance of your previous jobs. The more relevant your previous work experiences are to the job you’re applying for, the better.   ‍
• Recency: This format will place your most recent job first in the work experience section. More recent jobs will help an employer see the skills and experience you have gained in the past 1 to 5 years. ‍
• Longevity: Job applicants may have held previous positions for long periods. In this case, emphasizing that longevity is crucial. It helps show employers your ability to commit to a company and position.

Put simply, this resume format is a showcase of your professional experience.

The work experience section will generally be the largest.

Beautiful resume templates to land your dream job

‍ Why and When Do You Write a Reverse-Chronological Order?

Typically, you will want to use the reverse-chronological format as often as possible.

Using this type of resume will automatically give you an advantage.

This is due to the format being highly recognizable by hiring managers.  

Reverse-chronological resumes are the standard expected by most employers.

This format is easy to follow and clearly demonstrates a candidate’s experience.

This resume format is especially good to use when applying to entry- to mid-level positions.

The reverse-chronological resume gives you the best opportunity to showcase your experience and accomplishments.

If you do not have much relevant or recent work experience, you may want to consider an alternative format.

Are There Alternatives to Reverse-Chronological Resumes?

When it comes to resumes, there are 3 main formats:

• ‍ Reverse-Chronological: A resume focused mainly on work experience. ‍
• Functional: A resume focused on skills, volunteer work, and education. ‍
• Combination/Hybrid: A resume that combines elements of both the reverse-chronological and functional. This format does not place an overwhelming emphasis on any single section.

Choosing between these 3 depends on what experience you have to show.

The following situations may call for the use of a functional or combination resume:

• When a person is returning to work after time away
• If a candidate is still in school or is a recent graduate
• If a professional has decided to change career or industries

Though employers expect to see reverse-chronological resumes, the other two can be just as effective.

It’s all about keeping the format and design simple and easy to follow.

Are you feeling totally lost on which resume format to use? Read our guide on How to Choose the Correct Resume Format in 2024 (with Examples) to learn more!

What are the Main Sections of This Resume Layout

There are four main sections of the reverse-chronological resume:

• Your Name and Contact Information
• Your Work Experience
• Your Education
• Your Skills

The work experience section is often the most prominent on the reverse-chronological resume.

However, the other sections matter as well.

We will go over each of these four main sections to help you understand how to best format your resume.

1. Name and Contact Information

The header of any resume should contain the applicant’s personal information.

This includes:

• Your job title
• Your location
• Your phone number
• Your professional email address

This header will not take up a lot of space on the resume.

Yet, it will be the first thing the employer sees.

Make sure to enlarge and bold your font to help your name stand out.

There are two main formatting options for the header: left-aligned or center-aligned.

A left-aligned resume will have all the information aligned to the left side of the page.

This will include the header and name.

A center-aligned resume will align down the middle of the page.

This can help the name and header to stand out.

However, a center alignment is not often suggested for the remaining sections.

If this is the alignment you choose, only use it on the header.

Here is an example of a header on a reverse-chronological resume:

John Doe, Atlanta, GA Technical Analyst [email protected], 123-456-789

Why It’s Incorrect: In this example, the information is not well-organized and the name doesn’t stand out.

It is best to make the name bigger than the rest of the text.

Bolding and italics can be used to provide better visual organization to the information.

Additionally, the person used an unprofessional email.

This can be a major turn-off to employers.

John Doe Technical Analyst in Atlanta, GA (123) 456-789 | [email protected]

ProTip: Whenever you need to create a professional email, it is best to make one through Gmail. This gives you access to lots of sharing and networking tools. Plus, the Google Workspace is used by many companies!

2. Work Experience

As we have covered, there are 3 main factors to consider when writing your work experience section:

Sometimes candidates will have a lot of work experience, but none that is directly relevant to the new job.

In this case, it is essential to think of ways to tie in your job descriptions to the skills needed for the one you are applying to.

When writing your job descriptions, you should ideally include three bullet points.

These should be short and simple sentences that use action verbs.

If you have quantifiable achievements, these may be included as one of the bullet points.

Here is an example of a work experience section on a reverse-chronological resume:

In this example, the applicant is applying for a job as an office manager at a major firm.

Work Experience Administrative Assistant , Johnson Law Firm June 2019 – May 2021 · Helped to lower overall operational costs · Managed and created schedules · Handled the bookkeeping Bartender , Stir Charlotte, NC | August 2016 – May 2019 · Provided thorough customer service · Helped customers with complaints · Worked alongside a team of 20 servers

Why It’s Incorrect: In this example, the applicant does not provide detailed descriptions and uses weak action verbs. There are no quantifiable achievements or captivating details. Plus, the bartending job is not tailored to show transferable skills.

Work Experience Administrative Assistant , Johnson Law Firm Charlotte, NC | June 2019 – May 2021 ‍ · Reduced operational costs by 15 percent by scouting new supply source · Managed the travel arrangements and schedules of the top 5 associates · Optimized the virtual bookkeeping system to be more efficient Bartender , Stir Charlotte, NC | August 2016 – May 2019 ‍ · Multitasked by crafting drinks, taking orders, and closing tabs simultaneously · Settled customer complaints with patience and compassion · Delegated side work tasks amongst the serving staff

In this corrected example, the most recent and relevant job has much better descriptions. For the bartending job, the descriptions have been altered to show skills that are useful in an office setting.

For more ideas on more compelling language to use on your resume, take a look at our list of 350+ Action Verbs to Make Your Resume More Effective in 2024 .

‍ 3. Education

The education section of a reverse-chronological resume does not need to be very extensive.

In alternative resume formats, such as the functional resume, education may be more emphasized.

For the reverse-chronological resume, there are only 5 key pieces of information to include:

• Your University, College, or School
• Your Highest Degree of Education (Bachelor’s, high school diploma, GED, etc.)
• Your Date of Graduation
• The Location of the School
• Your Area of Study

In some cases, it may be beneficial to include relevant academic experiences or achievements.

As for listing your GPA, it is recommended to only do so when specifically requested by the employer.

Here is an example of an education section on a reverse-chronological resume:

Education The University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida · Graduated May 2018 · Studied Mass Communications and Business · GPA 3.7

Why It’s Incorrect: This example is fairly disorganized and lacks visual flow. It includes unnecessary information, such as GPA. Plus, it does not list the actual degree earned.

Education The University of Central Florida Orlando, Florida · Earned a Bachelor’s of Business Administration in 2018 · Double-majored in mass communications and business · Received letter of recommendation from the Dean

Keep your education section short and sweet on a reverse-chronological resume.

If you are applying to jobs in the realms of science or academia, you will need to expand your education section.

This will likely require you to write a Curriculum Vitae instead of a resume. 

Check out our article on What is the Difference Between a CV and a Resume in 2024 ?

Your skills section is similar to your education section in that it should be short and simple.

Ideally, you should aim to list around 6 skills on your resume.

These should include a mix of both hard and soft skills.

Hard skills are those that require technical knowledge, such as how to use a programming language.

Soft skills are more abstract and emotion-based, such as communication and teamwork.

By including both types of skills, you provide employers with a more well-rounded view of your talents.

Plus, the skills section can be a great place to plug in keywords found throughout the job application and description.

Here are some common examples of hard skills:

• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Powerpoint, etc.)
• Google Workspace (Gmail, Drive, Docs, etc.)
• Computer Programming
• Typing Speed
• Cloud Computing
• Project Management

Here are some common examples of soft skills:

• Communication
• Multi-Tasking
• Adaptability
• Conflict Resolution

Additional Sections to Consider Adding to Your Resume

There are, of course, extra sections you can consider adding to your resume.

These include:

• ‍ Resume Objective or Summary: A short statement on your professional experience and goals. ‍
• Certifications or Extra Training: Certifications earned through training programs, such as coding courses or First Aid. ‍
• Awards and Achievements: Quantifiable achievements or awards, such as Employee of the Month or Best Salesperson. ‍
• Unpaid Experience: Unpaid internships or volunteer work. ‍
• Languages: A list of languages the applicant can speak, read, or write fluently. ‍
• Interests: Listing hobbies and interests is especially good for resumes lacking broad work experience sections. Interests can be points of conversation for an employer to bring up in an interview.

When including additional sections on a reverse-chronological resume, be mindful of the formatting.

You want the work experience section to remain the focal point.

You also want to keep a good visual flow by not cramming too much information onto one page.

Pro Tip: In a reverse-chronological resume, your work experience section is the most important. Be sure to take your time writing this section and tailoring it for the job.

How Do You Format a Reverse-Chronological Resume?

When formatting your reverse-chronological resume, keep in mind the following 5 elements:

• ‍ Length: Ideally, your resume should fill up one page. This page should have 1-inch margins on all sides. ‍
• Bullet Points: Use bullet points under your headers to create descriptions. This makes your information easier to read and skim over for employers. ‍
• Headings: Use bold and enlarged fonts to create your section headings, such as Work Experience and Education. ‍
• Sidebars: Your work experience should take up the most space on the resume. Creating a sidebar for your education and skills will leave more room for work experience. ‍
• Fonts: Use simple and easy-to-read fonts, such as Times New Roman and Arial. Keep headings between 14 – 18 point size and bullet points between 11 – 12 point size.

Need more help organizing your resume? Check out our post on How to Organize Your Resume with Resume Layout Examples in 2024 .

What are Things to Highlight in a Reverse-Chronological Order

With the reverse-chronological resume, work experience is king.

Any accomplishments related to your work experience are the most important information to highlight.

This can include:

• Professional or business-related projects
• Relevant awards and achievements
• Career advancements or promotions

Promotions are particularly important for a reverse-chronological resume.

They help to show a candidate’s commitment, longevity, and work ethic at a company.

For more advice on highlighting promotions, take a look at our guide on How to Show Your Job Promotions on a Resume in 2024.

Final Takeaways            

Now that you have a better understanding of the reverse-chronological format, writing your resume will be simple.

Remember these 5 key takeaways when writing a reverse chronological resume:

• The work experience section is the most important in this format. Focus a good amount of time on tailoring this section for the job you are applying to.
• Always use a professional email. Your email is one of the first things employers see. Using an unprofessional email can get your resume thrown out regardless of how well it’s formatted.
• Use your work descriptions to emphasize quantifiable achievements. This is also where you can highlight promotions, projects, or other work-related accomplishments.
• Don’t overstuff your resume with sections. Allow the work experience section to be the main jewel with the other sections serving as accessories.
• Use Bolding, Font Size, and Italics to help specific parts of your resume stand out.

While you’re here, don’t miss out on reading our extensive collection of FREE guides ! Easy Resume offers many resume-building resources.

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Reverse Chronological Order in a Resume

Here’s the thing. As a job seeker, the more your resume stands out, the better your chances of landing the job. And, as research shows, 92 percent of recruiters regard previous work experience as the leading hiring factor . That’s why listing your qualifications and work experience in reverse chronological order is the recruiter’s favorite approach to resume writing.

Want to know more about what a reverse chronological order resume is and when to use it? Keep reading, and you’ll find out.

Table of Contents

What Is Reverse Chronological Order?

Reverse chronological order describes events starting with the most recent and moves backwards in time . For resumes, it means highlighting your most recent job and qualifications first and listing your first job last.

The same goes for education, where the highest education level comes first followed by other schooling details.

Just like with other resume formats, a reverse chronological order resume follows certain rules. For starters, you must quantify your qualifications and list key achievements. Moreover, you need to be concise and use the best font for a resume for faster readability.

This resume format focuses on your work history and professional achievements and is the standard expected by most employers.

The reverse chronological order resume has three key parts:

• Relevancy : The format emphasizes to recruiters the relevance of your experience and job titles to determine if you’re a good fit for the advertised position.
• Recency : Since it lists your most recent job first, recruiters can easily see what experiences you’ve gained in the last five years.
• Longevity : The format makes it easy for employers to see how long you held previous positions. It shows your ability to commit and stay loyal to a company.

Reverse Chronological Resume Example

Here’s a sample resume written in reverse chronological order:

Why Is Reverse Chronological Order the Most Popular Resume Format?

This ordering system is considered the traditional resume format in all industries and professions. For that reason, recruiters and employers are more familiar with it, which makes it easier for them to analyze.

In addition, it seems logical to scan an applicant’s details starting with the current or recent job position and education history. For job seekers, the format makes it easy for them to highlight a consistent career path.

This can prove useful for those applying for a similar position as their previous job.

It Underscores Continuity

One of the top advantages of using reverse chronological order is that it links all your employment dates. A recruiter can immediately see a clear view of your career path, neatly organized in succession.

It also provides an effective way for job seekers to demonstrate their professional growth to potential employers.

Easy to Skim

A reverse chronological order requires that you format your resume in a certain order. You must start with your most recent job, followed by the one before it, and so on.

Additionally, you must provide your position, the company’s name, and the dates worked for each entry list. It’s this order that makes it easy to skim.

Easy for ATSs to Scan

Did you know that over 98 percent of Fortune 500 companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) in their hiring process? Normally, when there’s a corporate job opening, hundreds of applicants submit their resumes to try their luck.

This would make the work of recruiters an uphill task trying to sort through all those applications. ATS scans and scores these resumes to make it easier for recruiters to find those that meet the most important criteria defined in the job offer.

In other words, an applicant who uses this format stands a better chance of being picked compared to those who use a different format.

The Best Time to Use a Reverse Chronological Order Resume

The reverse chronological resume is ideal for job seekers who want recruiters to see the most relevant and important details about their work history . On top of that, this resume can be useful when:

• You have several years of work experience.
• You want to emphasize a consistent career growth and development, preferably in one industry, and each role you’ve held was more senior than the last.
• You want to apply for a similar field or job post to most of your work history.
• The name of your former employer is significant to your prospective employer.

When You Shouldn’t Use a Reverse Chronological Resume

With that in mind, there are times when a reverse chronological resume isn’t the best format to use. Here are instances when its wisest to consider a different type of resume:

• If you have multiple gaps in your employment history, the format calls attention to these interludes. Unless you have valid explanations, it’s wise to consider either the functional or combined resume formats.
• This format makes it difficult to spot your skills unless you’ve listed them in your most recent job.
• The format won’t favor you if you want to change careers . The employer will not see the relevance of your qualifications if you’re targeting a different position.
• Likewise, you’d want to consider other resume formats if you have heavily varied work experience .

Reverse Chronological Resume Writing Tips and Example

Now that you have a clear understanding of what a reverse chronological resume is, when to use it and when to avoid it, what’s next?

The juicy part – how to write your resume in reverse chronological order.

First things first: the layout

According to research by The Ladders , recruiters are most likely to notice resumes with the following characters:

• Clear and simple logical layouts
• Layouts that have bold job titles supported by bulleted lists of achievements
• An overview at the top
• Clear, eligible fonts

Typically, the reverse chronological resume comprises the following main sections

• Name, job title, and contact information
• Resume objective/summary
• Work history or experience
• Education history
• Skills and strengths
• Additional sections

Let’s take a detailed look at how you can make each section of your reverse chronological resume shine:

Name, Job Title, and Contact Information

This section might seem like a no-brainer, but you must be careful how you approach it. This is the header of your resume and will be the first thing employers see. So, you’d want to make sure it’s crafted correctly.

The details of this section include:

• Your job title
• Your location
• Your email address
• Links to your portfolio, blog, or social media profiles

Here’s a good example :

Gladys Dawson Nurse in Atlanta, GA (123) 456-899 | gdawson @ gmail.com www.linkedin.com/in/gladys-dawson

Resume Objective/Summary

This is the first section of your resume that captures, in summary, what you can offer if hired. It focuses on previous experience (relevant to the position) and applies to candidates who have worked for at least two years. Use this section to highlight your skills and strengths.

We recommend to use some modern solutions to save some time: use AI resume builder to write autogenerated objective and summary for your profession.

Work History or Experience

In this section, you want to be as precise and accurate as possible. False or erroneous information is something employers don’t tolerate. This is just one of many resume mistakes that can be instant deal breakers for employers.

Here are tips to make the most of your professional experience in a resume:

• Start with the most recent position at the top and follow it up with the previous one. After all, you’re following a reverse chronological order.
• Indicate the dates worked, the company’s name, and the job title for each position listed. If necessary, add the company’s location.
• Make your work scannable by including at least three bullet points . They should be short and simple sentences describing your responsibilities and any quantifiable achievements. Start each bullet point with strong action words, such as achieved, boosted, delegated, etc.
• Create a special subsection for key achievements .
• Demonstrate only the experience that’s relevant to the position you’re applying for.

Read more about how to write good resume bullet points .

Education History

If you don’t have much experience for the job position but have the qualifications to show for it, you can start with the education section. Follow this up with the work experience section.

Otherwise, the reverse chronological resume favors the experience section more than any other element. If you have years of work experience and want to highlight all of them, the education section doesn’t have to be extensive.

With this format, you only need to include five key pieces of information . These are:

• University, College, or School
• Your highest level of education
• Year of graduation
• The school’s location
• Area of specialization (study)

You can include any relevant academic achievements or experiences that you feel are beneficial to the job position.

Employers will be interested to see the skills you’re good at. Consider listing around six skills , making them short and simple. More importantly, the skills should be relevant to the position you’re applying for.

You should list both hard and soft skills . Hard skills comprise those that require technical or job-related knowledge, for example, coding and analytical skills.

Soft skills can be personal qualities or traits that help you get along with others. They are commonly known as “people skills.”

A CareerBuilder survey shows that 62 percent of job descriptions list management and leadership as desired soft skills. Others include interpersonal skills and innovation and creativity skills.

Additional Sections

There’s nothing wrong with wanting to earn extra points from a potential employer. The additional sections of a resume allow you to emphasize other relevant facts that make you stand out from the crowd.

Just remember to be mindful of the formatting. You don’t want to draw attention away from the work experience section. Another thing to keep in mind is to only add parts that will boost your chances of employment.

Here are some ideas:

• Certifications or extra training, such as dropshipping or digital marketing courses
• Unpaid experiences, like volunteer work
• Awards and achievements, e.g., Employee of the Month Award
• Languages. List languages you can write and speak proficiently
• Interests and hobbies

Avoid cramming too much information into this section. You want to ensure a good visual flow of information that’s scannable.

What Are the Top Resume Formats?

Applying for jobs is no mean easy. To come out on top, you must be creative and pick the right resume format based on the job you’re applying for.

Generally, there are three main resume formats :

• Reverse-chronological : As we mentioned earlier, the reverse chronological resume format is the most popular. It lists your work history in reverse order, starting with your current or most recent job at the top.
• Functional (Skill-based) : This format focuses more on relevant skills than work experience. It highlights what you’re good at (skills and abilities) and takes the pressure off of your employment history. It’s ideal for graduates who have the skills necessary for the job but not much work experience.
• Combination (Hybrid) : This format blends the resume elements of a chronological and functional resume. It emphasizes both skills and work history.

Key Takeaways

Armed with these fundamental principles of creating a reverse chronological resume, you shouldn’t have a problem writing one yourself. Remember, stick to simple fonts, use bold text to show prominence, focus on your achievements, and do not lie or mislead recruiters.

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WTO / Human Resource / Resumes / Reverse Chronological Resume Explained (Free Templates)

Reverse Chronological Resume Explained (Free Templates)

Your resume should grab an employer’s attention when you are looking for work and make it easy for them to scan through the most important details. A reverse chronological resume is an effective way to present a candidate’s work history in a clear and concise format, making it easier for employers to assess their qualifications and make hiring decisions.

However, if you decide to use this format, you must learn how to create it correctly. This article will provide information about the following:

• What is the reverse chronological format?
• Key sections of the resume
• Pros and cons of using this resume format

What is the Reverse Chronological Resume Format?

A reverse chronological format displays your academic and professional experiences in reverse-chronological order. It indicates that the document lists all of your previous jobs in chronological order, beginning with the most recent one you held.

The last entry on the list will be your first job. This format has become very popular and is the most common type of resume people use, and people in hiring departments are used to this format.

Besides that, employers can easily see someone’s professional development or career progression, as it provides a clear timeline. This format is more contextual to the position you are applying for, which makes a great impression on recruiters.

When Should I Use this Format?

Even though you can use the chronological resume in different situations, there are some scenarios when you should choose another option.

When to use chronological resume:

• When you have many years of professional experience in different companies.
• When you have a stable career progression with a steady path.
• If you do not have gaps in your career.
• When you want to highlight your current position.

When to avoid chronological resume:

• When you have no or little work experience.
• If you want to highlight some of the earlier positions and experiences in your career.
• When you have any gaps in your work experience.

Essential Sections of a Chronological Resume

The information you add to your resume is the most critical aspect of the document, which is why this article will cover all the main sections of a resume .

You can also add additional information, but here is the structure that should be the core of your document:

Your full name and current job title

The first part of any document is the header, which should include your full name and current job title. Although there are many differing opinions on the subject, writing the title of the position you are applying for will only make you appear overconfident.

Contact information 

You must add basic contact information underneath the heading, including an address, email, phone number, or social media links. Ensure all the information is professional and current so that the hiring manager can easily contact you and discuss the position. 

Personal statement

The personal statement is an introduction that gives recruiters a glimpse into your best qualities and suitability for the job opening. A personal statement can either be a summary or an objective statement. A resume summary showcases previous experience, making it great for people with at least two years of experience. On the other hand, a resume objective focuses on skills, making it ideal for people without work experience.  

Work experience section

This section is the core of a chronological resume . It should contain detailed information about the positions you held in a structured and chronological manner.

Here are some of the rules you should follow when writing about your work experience :

• Only include professional experience relevant to the position you are applying for.
• Start with your latest (current) position and continue by listing your previous positions in reverse chronological order.
• Include the job title, company name, dates of employment, and other relevant information for each position.
• Make the section easy to read and use bullet points. Use an average of five bullets per position.
• Include action verbs in your bullet points, like managed, organized, led, aligned, hired, cultivated, directed, etc.
• Focus primarily on duties and achievements instead of responsibilities.
•  Demonstrate the impact of your work.

Education section

Like the work experience section, you should start with the latest educational achievements. Depending on your level of work experience, your education section can be longer or shorter.

If you have more than a couple of years of work experience, list only essential information, like:

• Information about the subject you majored in
• Year of graduation
• Name of Universities

In case you do not have two or more years of experience, you can include more information, such as:

• The minor you studied
• Student exchange programs attended
• College honors

Skills section

Every type of resume needs to include your skills. You can list them by relevance or alphabetically; both options are good. Naturally, all the skills you list should be relevant to the position.

Make a list of your soft and hard skills. Take the time to read the job description to see what the employer is looking for. Then you must compare your list of skills with the skills required by the employer in the job description. It is essential to include all the skills required in the job description. 

Additional sections

You can extend your resume to an additional page if you need more space for additional sections to highlight the unique value you can offer, but it is best to keep it concise. Additional areas supplement your experience and skills section and are especially useful if you do not have much work experience .

However, you should not add any additional information if it does not help the recruiter determine whether you are a suitable candidate for the position. Here are some of the things you can mention:

• Volunteering experience
• Research experience
• Publications
• Certifications and licenses

Reverse Chronological Resume Structure

[Full name]

[Current position]

Phone number: [insert information]

Email: [insert information]

Social media links: [insert information]

Resume profile

A forward-thinking (job title) with a strategic approach and result-based mindset with 5+ years of experience in the field. I am eager to join (company name) and help inspire and lead the sales team into new markets and impress your customers.

I have exceeded sales goals by over 15% at my current position while managing a team of a dozen associates, leading to a $125K revenue increase.

Employment History

[Job position] [start of employment – end of employment] [Company name] [city name and state]

 Insert duties and responsibilities.

Insert duties and responsibilities.

Key achievements:

Insert key achievements.

[Degree name] [Field of study] [Graduation year(optional)] [University name]

Courses (optional):

Insert most relevant courses.

Academic achievements (optional):

Insert achievements for [specific degree].

Extracurricular activities (optional):

Insert extracurricular activities you participated in during this time.

Awards (optional):

Insert noticeable awards [name of the award] [given by] [date].

 Insert noticeable awards [name of the award] [given by] [date].

Hard skills:

Insert relevant skills.

Soft skills:

Interests (additional section)

Insert interest.

 Insert interest.

Publications (additional section)

Insert relevant publications.

Free Templates

Given below are reverse chronological resume templates:

Pros and Cons of Using a Reverse Chronological Format Pros

Even though the reverse chronological resume format offers many benefits, this option has some downsides. Learning when to avoid using this option and when it will get the desired results is essential.

Here is what you need to know:

The pros include:

Provides a straightforward narrative of your career 

This is one of the main benefits of using a reverse chronological format. By listing your work experience in reverse chronological order (i.e., starting with your most recent job and working backward), you create a clear and easy-to-follow narrative of your career progression over time. This can be particularly useful for employers who are looking for candidates with a specific level of experience or who want to see how your skills and responsibilities have evolved.

Conforms to expectations 

Recruiters expect to see this kind of resume format, and they know what to look for and where to look. But, at the same time, it is a great option when applying to large organizations that use automated tracking systems for job applications or standardized application forms.

Emphasizes well-known companies 

This resume format highlights the companies you worked for in the past. If you have worked for some of the most-established brands, this format can prevent that from going unnoticed by recruiters.

The cons include:

Shows the gaps in your work history

The reverse chronological format instantly shows if you have not worked for a year or two. In other words, recruiters can see that you have gaps in your career, which might be concerning for them. Also, it highlights the duration of employment at each job, making it easy for the employer to see how long you worked at each position. If you have had many short-term jobs, it may raise questions about your stability and job commitment.

Not suitable if you are switching careers

A chronological resume typically emphasizes your most recent work experience, which can be a disadvantage if you have not worked in a particular field for an extended period.

If you have marketing experience but your most recent marketing job was seven years ago, recruiters might not notice this on your resume or might not consider it relevant. This could potentially weaken your chances of being considered for a job in that field.

Not perfect for entry-level candidates

These kinds of resumes are designed to highlight your prior experience , but people who are new to the job market do not have any work experience, and as such, this format is not useful for them.  

Since a reverse chronological resume is the most common format, having one ready is always a good idea. In addition, chances are high that your next job application will require this kind of resume.  At the same time, it is important to keep your resume updated and incorporate any recent awards or achievements.   Hopefully, this post has helped you understand how to create an effective document. Make sure to download our template so that you can easily create a perfect resume.  

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Guide: How to Write a UX Designer Resume

• Written by Karin Kelley
• Updated on June 24, 2024

Creating a compelling UX designer resume is critical for professionals in user experience design. Whether you’re a seasoned designer or just starting out, your resume serves as your personal showcase, highlighting your skills, experience, and unique approach to UX design. In this blog, we’ll guide you through crafting a resume that stands out and effectively communicates your value to potential employers. We’ll also share a UI/UX design bootcamp that helps professionals gain the required skills for a UX design career.

Importance of a Solid UX Designer Resume

A solid UX designer resume does more than list your past job experiences and skills—it tells a compelling story of your professional journey. For UX designers whose work revolves around creating satisfying user experiences, the resume must reflect a deep understanding of user needs and design aesthetics. It’s your first interaction with a potential employer, and just like any product you design, your resume must effectively address the user’s (employer’s) needs. This document is often employers’ first impression of you, so it needs to be polished, professional, and reflective of your capabilities.

Also Read: How to Design a User-Friendly Interface?

UX Designer Resume Template

When structuring your UX designer resume, it’s crucial to present information in a clear and logical order. Here’s a simple guide to help you structure your resume effectively:

Start with a header with your name, professional title (UX Designer), and contact information such as phone number, email, and LinkedIn profile. If you have a professional website or portfolio, include that as well.

Professional Summary or Objective

This section should concisely summarize your UX design expertise, major achievements, and the unique value you can bring to a potential employer. Tailor this section to mirror the needs and language of the job you’re applying for.

Highlight technical and soft skills relevant to UX design. Include proficiencies in design software (like Adobe XD, Sketch, Figma), understanding of UX principles, project management tools (such as Jira or Trello), and any coding skills, if applicable. Soft skills like communication, teamwork, and problem-solving should also be listed.

Professional Experience

List your work experience in reverse chronological order. For each job, include your title, the company’s name, location, and the dates you were employed. Under each role, add bullet points that describe your responsibilities and achievements. Use action words and quantify your results to demonstrate your impact.

Include your educational background, focusing on relevant degrees or certifications. If you have attended workshops or seminars that add value to your UX career, mention those.

Additional Sections

Depending on your experience and the job you’re applying for, you may want to include additional sections related to UX design, such as publications, conferences, workshops, or personal projects.

Also Read: A Guide to Improving and Measuring User Experience

Tips for Writing Your UX Designer Resume

Here are some targeted tips to help you make your UX design resume as effective as possible:

• Tailor Your Resume: Make sure your resume speaks directly to the job description. Highlight skills and experiences that align closely with what the job requires.
• Use a Clean Layout: Since design is at the heart of your work, ensure your resume has a clean, professional layout. Use headings, bullet points, and adequate spacing to improve readability.
• Focus on Achievements: Instead of just listing tasks, focus on what you accomplished in those tasks. Use metrics where possible, e.g., “Improved user session time by 15% through intuitive layout redesigns.”
• Include a Portfolio Link: Your portfolio is where you can show rather than tell. Make sure to include a link to your portfolio on your resume.
• Optimize for Keywords: Use keywords like “UX designer skills” and “UX design tools” throughout your resume to optimize it for applicant tracking systems (ATS).
• Proofread: Grammatical errors or typos can hurt your credibility as a UX designer. Proofread your resume multiple times or have a friend review it.

Wrapping Up

Your UX designer resume is a key tool in your job search arsenal. It needs to be clear and concise and, above all, demonstrate the effectiveness of your UX design skills through well-chosen words and layout. By following this guide and utilizing the provided tips, you can craft a resume that passes through ATS filters and gets noticed by hiring managers. Remember, a well-designed resume reflects your professionalism and attention to detail—qualities every UX designer must have.

Also Read: UI/UX Designer Salary: What Can You Expect in 2024?

Get the Skills You Need for a Successful UX Design Career

Today, end users have little patience for a poor user experience. That’s why qualified UX designers are in high demand in every industry. Consider enrolling in a comprehensive online UI/UX design program to gain the latest skills in this field. This bootcamp provides an immersive and practical learning experience through live online classes, hands-on projects, masterclasses led by industry experts, training on the top tools, and more. Completing a program like this will only enhance your UX designer resume!

You might also like to read:

How to Become a UI UX Designer: A Comprehensive Guide

UI UX Designer Career Path: A Comprehensive Guide

All About UI UX Design Principles

Accessibility in UX Design: A Definitive Guide

Career Prep: Linux Interview Questions for UI/UX Design Professionals

UI UX Bootcamp

• Learning Format:

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• Resume & CV

20+ Free Nursing Resume Templates (Examples to Download for 2024)

A successful job search strategy helps you find and land your dream nursing job. You'll need to create a resume and cover letter that gets you interviews. Let's look at some nursing resume examples that you can download and use.

Clean Nurse Resume Pro (premium nursing template) from Envato Elements

Work smart by using a pre-built resume template. You have options between free and premium templates to pick from. Browse through all available options and download one that fits your needs. 

We'll start by checking out 2024's collection of top sample nursing resume templates from Envato Elements. Then we'll explore 20 free nursing resume templates found online. 

Find the Best Nursing Resume Templates on Envato Elements for 2024 (Unlimited Use)

Thanks to Envato Elements, lack of time or skill is no longer an obstacle for many. Active membership is an investment that enables you to improve your creative projects effortlessly. Download a premium nursing template and other files without limits.

Unlock access to millions of creative assets on Envato Elements—all for a low fixed monthly fee. 

Use any premium resume templates from Envato Elements for your job application

Get access to premium files like:

• print, graphics, web, and presentation templates,
• video, music, audio, and photo files,
• 3D objects, fonts, codes, and so much more.

Premium resume templates are modern, creative, well-layered, and most importantly, impressive. Customization is minimal, and in most cases, all you have to do is add your content. Free nursing resume templates fall short and make it risky to use. 

5 Best Premium Nursing Resume Templates for 2024 

Here are five best nursing resume examples from Envato Elements: 

1. Registered Nurses CV Resume Template

This file comes with a single-page resume and cover letter template. It's professionally designed and is a modern minimalistic document. Easily edit the content, add your photo, and you're all set to send out your application. 

2. Nurse Resume & Cover Letter Template

This professional document is well-layered and clearly labeled. This premium template is convenient to work with and provides the best possible results. Download and edit this template in Adobe Illustrator today.

3. Nursing CV Template

Here's a black and white template. The sections on the resume are divided creatively and have a modern feel. The design is simple yet uses typographic hierarchy to direct readers to relevant information. 

4. CV Resume Word Template

The CV Resume Word Template can be used for any job that you want to apply to. It comes with a matching cover letter that looks professional. In addition, this nurse resume download can be edited in Microsoft Word and Adobe Illustrator. The design is modern and minimal, which makes it versatile.

5. Minimalist Resume

This minimal nurse resume download comes with Adobe Photoshop and Microsoft Word versions. It features an achievements and skills section where you can show your accomplishments. Plus, there's a QR code in the contact section to link to a website or social media.

20 Top Free Nursing Resume CV Template Examples to Download (2024)

Before we explore the 20 best free nursing resume templates found on the internet, let's look at Envato's free offerings. Download and use any of these premium files for free. It's an opportunity for you to experience premium before signing up.

Envato Elements offers free monthly files . 

The file you want to try isn't in this month's collection? As these selections are refreshed monthly, you may be in luck next month. 

Here's the offer:

• Twelve unique monthly files from Envato Elements are on offer: audio, graphics, video, web, etc. To get your hands on these monthly premium freebies, all you have to do is create a free account. 

Let's move on and check out 20 top free sample nursing resume templates found online. These files are available for anyone to use. 

1. Free Nurse Resume Template

This is an MS Word sample nursing resume template. The layout is simple and is in black and white. 

2. Free Dental Assistant Resume Template

This template was designed for a clerical position at a clinic or hospital. A nurse can easily customize this template to apply for registered nurse positions. 

3. Free Nursing Resume Example

This nurse resume template free download includes all important sections a nurse's resume should. But the layout is simple and may not grab attention.

4. Free RN Resume Template

This resume is simple and easy to use. It comes in PDF but can be edited in MS Word.

5. New Grad Nursing Resume Template

This template is designed for a newly graduated nurse with a few years of clinical experience done during studies. It comes in black and white. 

6. Nursing Resume Objective Template

There is a clear division between each section in this template. But the design does look a bit dated and not creative. 

7. Free RN Resume Template for Microsoft Word

This resume template includes career objectives, skills and achievements, education and qualifications, project work, computer skills, work experience, other achievements, interests, and references. 

8. Free Registered Nurse Resume Template

This single-page MS Word resume template is free for anyone to use. It's a simple text-only layout.

9. Amy - Free Sample Nursing Resume Template

This resume is divided into four sections: career objective, experience, education, and licenses. Work within the provided sections to keep the resume as a single-page document. 

10. Free Nursing Resume Example

This resume example is very wordy. This document serves well as a content example for a nursing resume. 

11. Gray - Free RN Resume Template

This free RN resume template has a dark gray header and footer section. The body of the page is also split into two sections. This color sectioning is neat and a step up from other free sample nursing resume templates.

12. Red - Free Nursing Resume Example

The text on this template is black, but critical information like contact details are in red. You can highlight other texts by turning them red too. 

13. Blue - Free Nursing Resume Template

In this template, sections are divided by blue lines. Section headers are in blue too. 

14. Free RN Resume Template - Google Docs

This is a free resume and cover letter set template for any registered nurse to use. You can edit or customize these templates of Google Docs.

15. Free Medical CV Template

Here's a Google Docs template you can use to apply for any medical-related jobs. Highlights are in blue. 

16. Amazing - Free Medical Resume Template

This is a two-paged resume Google Docs template. Texts are in light blue, and highlights are in red.

17. Free Nurse Resume Modern Template

Here's a two-paged, black and white resume template. Sections are divided by lines. 

18. Free Nurse Resume Traditional

This template comes in PDF but can be edited on MS Word. It's a traditional format that can come off looking dated. 

19. RN - Free Nursing Resume Template

This is a single-page registered nurse resume template for free. Easily edit this template on MS Word or Google Docs. 

20. Free Registered Nurse Resume Template

Here's a four-page resume template that thoroughly covers all sections with a few examples. Bold texts are used to highlight titles and essential information. 

How to Customize a Nurse Resume in Microsoft Word

After you’ve chosen a free resume template for nurses or a premium template, you’ll want to customize it.

In this tutorial, the Resume Word from Envato Elements is used. Because this template has a simple design, you can use it for any job you apply to.

Let's get started:

1. Add Your Information

When you open your nurse resume download template, you’ll notice that it's already filled out. This is to show you where information is supposed to go.

To replace the text that comes with your template, first highlight the text you want to replace. Next, press the Delete button on your keyboard.

2. Customize the Font

If you don’t like the font on your template, you can change it easily.

• Highlight the text that you want to change the font of.
• Click on the Home tab above the toolbar. You’ll see a font field with the current font in the home tab.
• Click on the arrow in this field. When you click on this arrow, a menu drops down. From this menu, choose the font that you want to use.

To change the font size, there's a Font Size field next to the Font menu field. Click on the arrow in the field to access the font size menu. Then, choose the right font for you from the menu.

3. Customize the Colors

Some companies require a plain resume, while others want you to show your creativity or personality. If you want to show your personality in a fun way without going over the top, then adding color by changing the background is the easiest way.

• Click on the white space in your resume.
• Click on the Design tab.
• You'll see a Page Color button in the toolbar under the design tab. Click the arrow next to that button.
• When you click on this button, a color menu appears. Choose the color of your choice.

4. Add an Image

Some resumes require a headshot. If you’re applying to a job that does require one, you need to know how to add the image to your resume.

After choosing your image and knowing where the file is located, click on the Insert tab.

Next, click on the Pictures button in the toolbar. When you click on this button, a menu appears. Choose the right option depending on where your image file is located. Adjust the image as needed.

5. Save as a PDF

Some companies would prefer if you sent them a PDF version of your resume. This is also good information if you need to email your resume.

• To save your resume as a PDF, click on the File option on the toolbar at the top of your screen. When you click on this option, a menu appears.
• Choose the Save As… option. When you click Save As , a window appears. In that window, there's a File Format: field. Click on the arrow in that field.
• When you click on the arrow, a menu drops down. Click the PDF option.
• Once the option is selected, click on the blue Save button at the bottom of the window.

5 Quick Tips To Make Great Nursing Resumes in 2024

Do you need to create an impressive nursing resume, and are you unsure how to go about it? Here are five quick tips for setting you on the right path for this job application: 

1. Add Better Keywords and Phrases

Increase the chances of getting called for an interview by adding relevant keywords and phrases to your CV. Recruiters use Applicant Tracking System (ATS) software or manually screen applications to assess applicants' compatibility to the position. Learn more about the importance of keywords for resumes with this guide:

2. Highlights and Section Dividers

There are many ways to highlight and show clear division of sections. But some approaches like lines and bold fonts can look dated. While dividing by background colors can look clean and modern.

Medical-Themed Resume (premium template) from Envato Elements, uses colors to creatively divide sections

Keep this in mind while selecting your template and be sure to go with a template that creatively separates sections. A well-designed resume grabs attention, is easy to read, and directs your eyes to vital information. 

3. Provide References Upon Request

Licenses and Certification is included instead of References on the premium Medical CV Resume & Cover Letter (Envato Elements)

Leave out the references from your resume. You've got limited space to work with, and you can provide the references upon request. The goal, for now, is to include as much information (with keywords) to get an interview. 

4. Go Visual With Infographics

Medical Resume (premium example) uses simple graphics and icons to visualize some texts

Visuals grab attention more than texts. Turn timelines, skills, or software knowledge into graphics. Icons are also a great way to add more color to your resume.  

5. Stand Out With a Personal Brand Statement

Consider adding a personal brand statement to your CV. It summarizes your current position in your career and what you can bring to the company. Check out this article to find out how you can write a great personal brand statement:

5 Resume Design Trends

It'll help your job search if your resume looks current. Here are some top resume design trends to incorporate into your resume:

1. List Your Skills

Skills are an essential section that shows your potential employer what you have that they need at a glance. There are two different skills that you can add to your resume. They are:

• Hard skills . These are gained through education or work experiences.
• Soft skills . These are skills that relate to how you work and interact with others. (For example, communication, teamwork, and Problem-solving.)

Listing your skills is a great way to show your potential employer what makes you stand out among the other applicants.

2. Choose the Right Format

There are several different types of resume formats. Not every format is best for the job that you’re applying to. Here are the three top resume formats:

• Reverse Chronological Format . This format is the most common among traditional career paths. The format lists your work history in reverse chronological order, with your current job first and ending with your first job.
• Functional Format . This is a great choice for someone applying to a niche career, looking to change careers, or without work experience. In this format, you list skills and experience relevant to the job you’re applying to rather than your work history.
• Combination Format . This format will work well for you if you have a diverse work history. This format combines reverse chronological and functional formats.

When choosing which format works for you, consider the job you're applying for and your career field.

3. Include Your Social Media

Your online presence can help your job hunt. Most employers would prefer if you at least have a LinkedIn profile that you can link to on your resume. LinkedIn is a great tool where you can expand your resume. It’s created specifically for job hunters. If you have a creative job, you should link to your website with your portfolio. Before applying for a job, make sure to check all of your social media. Make sure it doesn’t have anything you don’t want potential employers to see.

4. List Your Accomplishments

Instead of just listing job titles, it's more impressive to list your accomplishments. Did you win an award in your career? Add it to the resume.

Did you finish a high number of projects? Add it to your resume. This shows your future employer that you don’t just know how to do your job but that you’re good at your job. Adding your accomplishments can impress the hiring manager and lead to a higher chance of being hired.

Subtle pops of color can make your resume stand out among boring black-and-white resumes. Before adding a pop of color, consider the job you’re applying for. For example, a resume with a hot pink background can look unprofessional if you are applying to be a lawyer. Instead, some resumes have colorful objects that highlight essential information on your resume. This is a great way to add color because you highlight important information without distracting the reader.

Discover More Top Resume Template Designs

Are you interested in exploring some top multipurpose resume templates? Here are three top collections for you to start with. 

Learn More About Making Great Resumes in 2024

Put your best foot forward with the help of an impressive registered nurse resume. Are you new at creating resumes and could use some guidance?

Pin this Ultimate Guide to Building a Resume to your browser. It serves as a quick reference with loads of tips to help you land that dream job. 

Here are three sample how-to tutorials: 

Download a Premium Top Registered Nurse Resume Template Today!

A job application process can feel daunting at times. And not getting called for an interview you wanted is highly frustrating too. Increase your chances of getting interviews by submitting a well-prepared resume that best represents you. 

Envato Elements' premium nursing resume templates get you on the right path to creating an impressive resume that'll stand out from the competition. With an active Envato Elements subscription, you'll take all your other creative projects to new heights too. It's time to work smart! 

Get the best nurse resume templates from Envato Elements! Subscribe to download now!

Editorial Note: This post has been updated with contributions from Sarah Joy . Sarah is a freelance instructor for Envato Tuts+.