How to Write a Chronological Resume (With Examples)

In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know about chronological resumes and provide the template, examples, and tips you need to get started.

What is a chronological resume format?

A chronological resume is a standard resume format that lists your work history in reverse-chronological order, starting with your most recent job listed at the top and each previous position in descending order.

The chronological resume continues to be the most popular format because it works for people with any experience level and presents your qualifications in a logical, time-ordered fashion that’s easy for a hiring manager to read.

This is what a chronological resume layout looks like:

Learn how to write a resume that follows the chronological format:

1. List your contact information

Include the following four pieces of information in your resume header so that the hiring manager knows how to reach you:

• First and last name
• Email address
• Phone number
• City and state (optional)
• LinkedIn profile (optional)

2. Open with a strong resume introduction

One of the best ways to get employers’ attention is by starting your resume with a convincing introduction that makes them want to read the rest of your resume more closely.

If you’re an entry-level candidate, write a resume objective that emphasizes your transferable skills and professional goals.

If you’ve got a few years of experience already, opt for a resume summary instead and highlight your past professional accomplishments.

3. Write your work experience in reverse-chronological order

Work experience is the core of a chronological resume, so you should spend the most time writing this section.

List each relevant job you’ve held in reverse-chronological order, with your most recent position at the top. Under each position, write three to five bullet points outlining your greatest achievements from the role. Use the present tense for your current position and the past tense for previous job titles.

Remember to quantify your achievements so that hiring managers can better understand how you contributed in past roles and start each bullet point with an action verb to make your work experience more engaging to read.

Here’s an example of a work experience section on a chronological resume that uses hard numbers and action verbs:

4. Add a brief education section

For most candidates, the education section will be short and simple, including only the following three pieces of information:

• University name and location
• Degree or certification name
• Graduation date

Here’s what an education section looks like in practice:

5. List your skills

No chronological resume is complete without a skills section. Here, you’ll need to list any hard skills you want employers to know about.

However, remember to keep your skills section clear and concise, only including skills that are directly relevant to the job you’re applying to.

If you’re not sure which skills to include, look at the position’s job description. Usually, employers spell out the exact qualifications they’re looking for in the “Responsibilities” section of their listing.

Here’s an example real estate agent’s skills section on a chronological resume:

Chronological resume templates

Here are three chronological resume templates you can edit in our resume builder:

1. Opulence

The Opulence template is simple and suitable for any industry:

Use This Template

2. Magnate

This chronological resume template follows a two-column layout, giving you more space for your experience section:

Use This Template

3. Milano

If you’re applying for a job in a field where it’s common to include a photo on your resume, like entertainment, you can use the Milano template:

Use This Template

Chronological resume examples

Want to see this format in action? Here are three examples of chronological resumes you can download and use for reference:

1. Financial advisor

Here’s a financial advisor resume that uses the chronological format:

Download This Free Example

2. Retail sales associate

This retail sales associate resume features a side bar including the candidate’s contact information, education, and skills, with a chronologically ordered professional experience section.

Download This Free Example

3. Data analyst

This resume from a data analyst puts heavy emphasis on the work experience and education sections, which both list details in reverse-chronological order.

Download This Free Example

Want to see some more examples? View our resume examples from your industry to see how yours should look.

Frequently asked questions about writing a chronological resume

Check out our answers to some of the most common questions below.

Do employers prefer to read chronological resumes?

Yes, employers typically prefer chronological resumes because they provide a clear, easy-to-follow timeline of your work history.

This format best highlights career progression, showcasing your most recent and relevant experience at the top. It allows employers to quickly assess how your skills have evolved over time.

When should you use a chronological resume?

The vast majority of job seekers should use a chronological resume, as it’s suitable for any experience level and is what hiring managers are most accustomed to looking at.

Chronological resumes are perfect for highlighting career progression and are particularly advantageous when your work history aligns with the job you’re applying for, showing a logical advancement of skills and responsibilities over time.

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

Chronological and functional resumes differ in their structure and focus.

A chronological resume emphasizes your work history, listing experiences in reverse-chronological order, while a functional resume focuses on your skills and qualifications, grouping them by function instead of presenting a chronological timeline.

Functional resumes can be useful for job seekers with employment gaps, frequent job changes, or any other resume red flags that can be minimized by using a functional resume.

When is a chronological resume not advantageous?

A chronological resume format may not be advantageous if you have significant gaps in your work history or have frequently changed jobs. In these cases, consider using a functional resume (skills-based resume) or the hybrid combination format.