How to Write a Chronological Resume | Definition and Examples

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A well-written resume contributes to assisting you to land your dream job. Make your resume as outstanding as possible in order for hiring managers to obtain as much as they can from it. The chronological resume when written well will help you make a remarkable first impression. This article explains the elements of a chronological resume and offers a step-by-step guide to writing and formatting a chronological resume.

What is a chronological resume?

A chronological resume is a type of resume where you list your work history in a chronological format with your current or most recent job appearing first, and the rest following in descending order. Because of this resume format, the chronological resume is also known as the reverse-chronological resume.

The reason why most employers prefer chronological resumes to functional or combination resumes is because it is a basic, easy-to-follow layout. In this regard, hiring managers easily identify the positions you have held and the duration you have held them.

When to use a chronological resume

Although chronological resumes stand out to recruiters and hiring managers, this type of resume mostly suits candidates with rich work histories. (If you are fresh to the workforce or have not been employed for a considerable time, a combination or functional resume is highly recommended.) 

The following scenarios give examples of when a chronological resume can be most practical to use:

  • Your work history indicates progressive practice within the same field, and you are still searching for a position in the same field. The chronological resume here highlights to employers that you are already working in your preferred field. Additionally, it shows that your skills are current, an aspect that increases your chances over competing candidates.
  • You have served in reputable companies. Working for acknowledged employers is an added bonus to your work history as it reveals the credibility of your experience. In this regard, employers perceive you as a great asset.
  • You are a recent graduate, and you possess some experience in the position you are applying for. The fact that you are a recent graduate might be discouraging to some employers. However, listing your experiences in the position notifies the potential employers of your expertise in the field.
  • You are seeking a senior executive position. It is easy for a recruiter to track your career progress with a chronological resume. This type of resume underlines your skills and accomplishments, which is something most employers are eager about when hiring rising stars.

How to write a winning chronological resume

You can follow these steps to write a chronological resume:

1. First, include contact information in your chronological resume

Include your personal information. The following items should be included:

  • Full name
  • Address
  • Telephone number
  • Email address

You may present your personal details as shown below:

     Example:

Grace Hathaway
123 Spruce Avenue
Boston, MA 78965
617-123-5670
Gracehathaway@gmail.com

2. Second, include an objective in your resume

This section displays the opportunity where you can give a brief summary of your career objectives. 

A short and precise example may be: ‘To obtain a challenging intensive care unit position that focuses on pediatrics.’

3. Third, include work experience in your resume, beginning with your most recent position

List all the companies you have worked for. Begin with your most recent position to your very first position. Indicate the duration and dates you were working for each specific employer. Be sure to use bullet points when listing your duties and responsibilities under each position. Bullets make it easy for the hiring manager to follow your resume. It is an added advantage if you try to begin each bullet point with action words, such a ‘built,’ ‘organized’ or ‘consulted.’

The following is an example of how your ‘Work Experience’ section might look:

WORK EXPERIENCE

Pediatric Care Nurse, October 2009–Present

Boston Children Hospital, Boston, MA

Duties and Responsibilities

  • Evaluating necessary patient care
  • Helping in pediatric surgeries
  • Giving comprehensive care to children in the intensive care unit
  • Requesting for additional examinations as needed

Practical Nurse, May 2005–August 2009

Marian Manor Nursing Home, Boston, MA

Duties and Responsibilities

  • Performed basic bedside care
  • Helped patients with personal hygiene, dressing and bathing 
  • Monitored patients and reported any serious reactions to treatment

4. Fourth, include your education background in your resume

Similar to work experience, begin with your highest degree and move backward. List all educational institutions you have attended and the degrees or diplomas you have obtained from them. 

A common mistake made by most people is the mentioning of all educational facilities, including elementary. Mentioning a high school diploma is usually not necessary when continued education such as college or trade school is listed.

Your education section might look like this:

EDUCATION

Bachelor of Science in Nursing, June 2010

Northeastern University, Boston, MA

Practical Nursing Diploma, May 2004

Emerson College, Boston, MA

5. Fifth, include any relevant volunteer experience in your resume

Document any type of organizations you have worked with, especially in volunteer programs. This is an optional section of your resume but may act in your favor.

Below is a way you may include a volunteering experience in your chronological resume:

VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE

Volunteer, Fall 2015–Present

Friends for the Homeless, Boston, MA

  • Coordinated and managed workgroups that built 20 homes for low-income families and the homeless
  • Planned and launched an initiative that collected donations of gently used furniture and other household items to place in the built homes
  • Led the preparation of Labor Day parade float to increase community awareness of the organization

6. Sixth, include your references in your resume

It is recommended to state that references are available upon request.

A good example of a credible reference might look like this:

REFERENCE

Dr. Smith Brown
30 Memorial Drive, Avon MA 3467  
857-568-2378
Brownsmith@hotmail.com