Chronological Resume - Writing Guide with Examples & Template

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.

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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 in 2025 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, as our expert CPRW, Eva Chan, explains:

Here’s what a chronological resume format looks like:

How to write a chronological resume

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.

You can choose either a resume objective or a summary.

Resume objective

Resume objectives are typically for candidates just starting their careers. You’ll need to list any relevant qualifications and end with a statement about your career goals or what you hope to contribute in your next role.

Here’s an example of a nursing resume objective on a chronological resume:

Compassionate nursing graduate with a BSN looking to start a career in pediatric care. Passionate about creating a comforting environment for young patients and their families during challenging times. Seeking an opportunity to apply evidence-based practices and grow into a pediatric nursing specialist.

Resume summary

On the other hand, a resume summary is typically meant for candidates with several years of experience, and acts as a highlight reel for your career achievements. In a few sentences, it provides a quick overview of your relevant qualifications and most valuable skills.

Here’s an example of a resume summary for an administrative assistant on a chronological resume:

Efficient administrative assistant with 5+ years of experience supporting C-level executives in fast-paced corporate environments. Adept at managing complex schedules, coordinating international travel, and streamlining office operations. Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and various CRM systems.

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 primary duties and responsibilities. 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 or soft 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 template

To ensure you order your chronological resume correctly, here’s a resume template you can copy and paste into Google Docs or Microsoft Word and fill in with your information:

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 a 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

Frequently asked questions about chronological resumes

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

Should resumes be in chronological order or reverse?

Resumes should list experience starting with your current or most recent position, working backwards through your professional history.

Technically, this is called reverse-chronological order. However, when people refer to “chronological” or “reverse-chronological” resumes, they mean the same thing.

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.