what is a reverse chronological resume

Reverse-Chronological Resume: What It Is & How to Make One (+ Examples)

3 Key Takeaways:

• Understand the nuances of reverse chronological resumes and how they differ from other resume types
• Identify situations where a chronological resume can improve your chances of landing your dream job.
• Learn how to build a reverse chronological resume in minutes with Teal’s Resume Builder .

Imagine you’re a recruiter facing a stack of resumes. Each one demands attention, but time is limited. 

As a hiring manager, what catches your eye? The answer often lies in the reverse chronological resume. Its clarity and structured layout immediately highlight a candidate’s most recent and relevant experiences. 

In this guide, you’ll learn why the reverse chronological resume is a popular resume format among job seekers, how to structure it for optimal impact, and how Teal's AI Resume Builder can streamline creating a resume that stands out in a competitive job market.

What is a reverse chronological resume?

A reverse chronological resume is a format that organizes your work history by recency—starting with the most recent position at the top and then proceeding backward in time. 

This approach effectively showcases how your roles, responsibilities, and achievements have evolved, offering a clear and linear view of your professional journey.

What’s the right structure for a reverse chronological resume?

A reverse chronological resume typically includes:

• Contact information : Your name, phone number, email, and professional profile links, like LinkedIn.
• Professional summary : A brief highlight reel of your career and key skills.
• Work experience : Your roles with job title, listed from most recent to oldest, focusing on achievements in each position.
• Education : Academic qualifications, also in reverse chronological order.
• Skills : The most relevant skills to the job you’re targeting, prioritizing hard skills where possible.

Each section should build upon the others to create a comprehensive picture of your professional identity. 

The goal is to weave your individual experiences into a narrative that showcases not just where you've been but where you're capable of going. Tailor your resume to the job you're targeting, ensuring that it highlights the experiences and skills most relevant to the position.

Feeling overwhelmed? Consider leveraging Teal’s Resume Builder to drag and drop sections around as needed for each application requirement.

Benefits of a reverse chronological resume

Using a reverse chronological resume offers several advantages:

Highlights career progression

A reverse chronological resume vividly illustrates your professional growth, showcasing your career trajectory from junior roles to more advanced positions. 

For example, it can effectively display a progression from junior to senior analysts, highlighting the expansion of responsibilities and skills over time.

Puts recent experience front and center

This format ensures your most recent job, typically the most relevant to your current job search, is showcased prominently. For instance, if your latest role involved project management, this will be immediately evident.

Familiar to recruiters

Being a widely recognized format, it simplifies the review process for the hiring manager. 

Recruiters accustomed to this format can quickly identify key elements of your career path, such as job titles, companies, and tenure durations, making it easier to assess your suitability.

Demonstrates stability

The reverse chronological resume can highlight consistent employment and upward career movement, qualities highly valued by employers. For instance, you can demonstrate a steady climb within a single company or industry—whether it was a corporate ladder or not— indicating loyalty and commitment.

Aligns with contemporary hiring practices

Starting with your most recent job, the reverse chronological resume aligns seamlessly with modern hiring practices, emphasizing current skills and experiences. This format is particularly effective for those with a straightforward career path in a specific field or industry.

Selecting the right resume format is a pivotal step in your job search. The reverse chronological resume, a popular choice, can be particularly effective under the right circumstances.

Deciding when to use a reverse chronological resume

The reverse chronological resume format is most effective for those with a clear and steady progression in their career, particularly within the same field. 

This format is your go-to choice if your recent job experiences align closely with your target position. It allows you to present a consistent employment record, emphasizing your career stability and upward trajectory.

Contrasting functional with combination resumes

In contrast to functional resume format, which focuses on relevant skills irrespective of where and when they were acquired, reverse chronological resumes spotlight your work journey. This format differs from combination resumes , which merge skills and experience. 

Opt for the reverse chronological format if you have a strong work history with minimal gaps and your recent roles are pertinent to your current job aspirations.

Still can't decide which to use? Read this functional vs chronological resume guide for more insight on which one to use when.

Ideal scenarios for a reverse chronological resume

This resume format excels in various situations:

• Consistent work history : Ideal for showcasing a steady employment history in the same field, highlighting your commitment and depth of experience.
• Career advancement : If you’ve climbed the ladder in a particular sector, this format demonstrates your professional growth.
• Traditional fields : Sectors like finance and law often favor this conventional format.
• Recent graduates : Highlight internships or roles during your studies, especially if they are the most relevant to your job hunt.

However, a functional or combination resume might be more suitable if you're shifting careers, have significant employment gaps, or your most relevant experiences are not recent. 

These formats provide the flexibility to emphasize skills and experiences most relevant to your targeted job.

Crafting your resume: A step-by-step guide

Here, you’ll learn how to write each section of your reverse chronological resume:

1) Contact information

Begin with the basics: your name, phone number, email, and LinkedIn profile. This information should be at the top, making it straightforward for potential employers to contact you.

Keep it simple and professional. That old email address from highschool, “ [email protected] ,” won’t cut it here (rad as it is). 

2) Target title

Just below your contact details, specify the job title you're aiming for. This sets a clear direction for your application and shows focus.

Be sure to tailor this title to each job application, reflecting the specific role you're pursuing.

3) Professional summary

Craft a resume summary that showcases your career highlights and key skills. This is your opportunity to shine and make a strong first impression, so highlight what sets you apart and how your skills align with the job you're applying for.

Try to underscore your unique strengths and how they meet the job requirements. Be engaging and concise.

4) Work experience

List your work history in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent job. Focus on achievements and responsibilities that resonate with the role you’re targeting. 

Use bullet points for clarity and provide quantifiable evidence of your impact where possible. 

5) Education

Detail your educational background, leading with your highest degree and spotlighting relevant coursework. This section should demonstrate your academic foundation and how it supports your career goals.

6) Certifications

Include any certifications that are relevant to the industry and job you’re applying for. These can add weight to your qualifications and show your commitment to professional development.

Tailor this section to the job description. Highlight both hard and soft skills that are pertinent to the role, demonstrating how your abilities align with the position's needs.

8) Optional sections

If applicable, add sections like projects, awards, volunteer work, or publications. These can provide a fuller picture of your capabilities and interests, distinguishing you as a well-rounded candidate.

Effective formatting for a reverse chronological resume

Formatting is crucial in crafting a resume that communicates your qualifications and catches the eye. 

Consistency and visual appeal are key:

• Font : Choose a professional font and use it consistently throughout your resume.
• Color : Opt for a dark, legible primary color like black for the main text, using subtle highlights (bold, italics, etc) for headings or your name to add visual interest and show hierarchy.
• Margins : Maintain standard margins to give your resume a balanced, clean look.
• Date formatting : Keep date formatting uniform across all sections to ensure cohesiveness.

Teal’s advanced formatting capabilities help you create a resume that stands out in both content and design. With Teal, you can:

• Adjust layouts : Tailor the layout to ensure it best showcases your information, be it your work history, skills, or achievements.
• Design elements : Select from a range of design elements to give your resume a distinctive and professional visual appeal.
• Preview and edit : Benefit from the ability to instantly preview how your edits will appear in the final document, allowing for real-time adjustments and improvements.

Teal's AI Resume Builder offers a range of customization options, including various reverse-chronological resume templates , making your resume not only professional but also reflective of your unique career path.

Reverse chronological resume examples

Project manager resume.

This example of a chronological resume for a Project Manager effectively incorporates several key elements highlighted in the blog post, making it a strong representation of the reverse chronological format.

Here's why this resume example stands out:

• Highlights career progression : The resume showcases the candidate's career growth, starting from an assistant project manager and evolving into a senior project manager role. 
• Puts recent experience front and center : The candidate's most recent and relevant role as a senior project manager at Tech Solutions Inc. is listed first. 
• Demonstrates stability : The resume reflects a steady climb within the project management field, indicating the candidate's loyalty and commitment. 
• Tailored to the job : The resume is customized to reflect the project management role, with a professional summary and skills section that aligns with the position's specific requirements.
• Clear and structured layout : The resume's format, with its clear headings and bullet points for easy readability, follows the blog post's guidance on maintaining clarity and structure. 
• Use of quantifiable achievements : In the work experience section, achievements are quantified (e.g., "completing it ahead of schedule and 10% under budget").

By incorporating these elements, the resume presents a compelling and cohesive narrative of the candidate's professional journey, making it an excellent example of a reverse chronological resume.

New graduate resume

This example of a reverse chronological resume for a recent graduate is effective for several reasons:

• Focus on education and relevant coursework : For a new graduate, academic achievements are crucial. This resume places the education section prominently, highlighting the candidate's degree, GPA, and relevant coursework. This approach is ideal for recent graduates whose education is their main qualification.
• Project experience showcases applicable skills : Recognizing the lack of extensive professional experience, the resume includes a project experience section. This part, listed in reverse chronological order, demonstrates the candidate's practical skills and ability to apply academic knowledge in real-world scenarios.
• Internship experience for professional exposure : The inclusion of a software development internship is strategically important. It shows the candidate's exposure to a professional environment, providing a glimpse into their work ethic and ability to adapt to workplace settings.
• Skills section tailored to the job : The resume features a skills section that aligns with the requirements of an entry-level software engineering role. 
• Clear and structured layout : The resume maintains a clear and structured layout , essential for easy scanning by employers. Each section follows a logical order, focusing on the most recent experiences first,a key aspect of the reverse chronological format.

IT representative resume

This resume is a strong example of a reverse chronological resume for an IT representative for the following reasons:

• Recent and relevant work experience is highlighted : The resume starts with the candidate's most recent job as an IT support specialist and works backward. This approach aligns with the reverse chronological format, immediately drawing attention to the candidate's current skills and responsibilities.
• Quantifiable achievements in each role : In each position listed, the candidate includes specific achievements with quantifiable results, such as "enhancing system security by 30%" and "achieving a 95% customer success rate." 
• Relevant skills and certifications are prominently featured : The skills and certifications sections are tailored to the IT representative role, highlighting relevant qualifications like CompTIA A+, Azure Fundamentals, and CCNA. This customization makes the resume more attractive to potential employers in the IT industry.
• Clear and structured layout : The resume maintains a clear and structured layout, essential for easy scanning. Each section follows a logical order, focusing on the most recent experiences first.

Each reverse chronological resume example above was created in minutes with Teal’s AI Resume Builder.

Sign up and get started to begin building your reverse chronological resume today.

Enhancing your reverse chronological resume: Key strategies

Creating a resume that captures the attention of potential employers involves several key strategies:

Lead with a compelling professional summary

Your resume's opening is crucial. Write a brief yet powerful summary that encapsulates your career achievements and skills that are pertinent to the role you're targeting. This section should act as a personal pitch, setting the tone for the rest of your resume.

Emphasize achievements over routine responsibilities

When detailing your professional history, focus on significant achievements rather than day-to-day tasks. Incorporate quantifiable data, such as percentages or financial metrics, to substantiate your accomplishments, making them more tangible and impactful to the reader.

Tailor each application

Customize your resume for each job application. This means integrating keywords from the job description to effectively pass through Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and align your skills and experiences with the specific requirements of the role.

Remember conciseness and clarity

Aim to keep your resume concise, ideally within a single page. This doesn't mean omitting important information, but rather being selective and succinct in what you choose to include.

Proofread (then do it again)

Avoid spelling or grammatical errors, as they can significantly detract from your qualification. Carefully proofread your resume multiple times, or consider using a grammar-checking tool to ensure accuracy.

Wrapping up: Writing your career narrative

Your resume is more than a document; it's a narrative of your professional journey, showcasing your career progression and potential.

The reverse chronological format effectively tells this story, but personalizing it to your unique experiences and goals is key.

Teal's Resume Builder is a helpful tool for this process. 

It's designed to help you create a resume that resonates with your individuality and aligns with your career aspirations. The platform's formatting tools and intuitive interface make your resume comprehensive and visually appealing. 

Additional features Teal’s Resume Builder offers include:

• AI-powered writing suggestions : Get tailored recommendations to enhance your resume’s content.
• Customizable templates : Choose from various styles to best represent your professional image.
• Drag-and-drop editing : Easily modify, add, or rearrange sections on your resume.
• Real-time previews : View immediate changes to your resume as you edit.
• Job application tracker : Organize and monitor your job applications from one place.
• Cover letter generator : Use AI to instantly tailor your cover letter, to the job you want.
• Career resources and tips : Access a library of resources for your job search and career growth.

Ready to create a resume reflecting your professional journey and aspirations? 

Sign up for Teal today and take the first step toward a more impactful and personalized job application process.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the ideal length for a chronological resume.

The optimal length for a chronological resume is typically one to two pages, depending on your professional experience. Aim for brevity and relevance to ensure your resume is impactful without being overly lengthy.

Should I include volunteer work or projects in my chronological resume?

Absolutely! Including volunteer work or relevant projects in your chronological resume can support your case, especially if these experiences showcase skills or experiences pertinent to the job. Include them in the additional sections of your resume.

Is a chronological resume suitable for employment gaps?

Yes, a chronological resume can still be effective even with employment gaps. Be prepared to discuss these gaps during interviews and address them proactively in your cover letter.

What are the differences between reverse chronological and chronological resumes?

Reverse chronological and chronological resumes both start with your most recent job. The reverse chronological resume places greater emphasis on your work history, making it ideal for those with a steady employment record.

How can I make my chronological resume stand out?

To make your chronological resume stand out, focus on your achievements and their measurable impact. Use action verbs and quantify your successes to demonstrate your impact in previous roles. Also, ensure your resume is clear and professionally formatted.

Nathan Thompson

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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

What is a Resume? It's Much More Than You Think

Resume Builders Versus Resume Writing Services: Which Should You Choose?

Related Articles:

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Resume Spelling and Accent Explained

Guide to Writing a Great Resume with No Work Experience

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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.

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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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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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How to Decide On Using A Reverse Chronological Resume

In This Guide:

Provides a clear narrative of your career, lines up with expectations, big names play in your favor, gaps in your resume become more noticeable, harder to navigate through different sectors, not optimal for starting out.

The reverse chronological resume is the most common resume format out there, but is it impactful?

Today’s hiring landscape requires you to not only provide recruiters with information, but to package it in a way where they remember. Especially when there’s a tsunami of applicants that arrive at their desks.

Everyone is reduced to a piece of paper when it comes to your resume, so how can you make your piece of paper as effective as possible?

See the benefits of the reverse-chronological resume and examples of how others have used it in their job application process below.

BUILD MY RESUME LIKE THIS

What is the reverse chronological resume format?

The name itself is self-explanatory. The reverse-chronological resume describes your work experience in reverse-chronological order. This means describing your most recent job first and moving backward in time for every subsequent position.

The format comes with a general expectation of flow. It starts with your resume header coming first. Then, it’s accompanied by a personal summary , your experience, your skills, and then any other subsequent section. While this is the convention, it’s certainly not the law. You can keep the spirit of a reverse-chronological resume without sticking to a restricting structure.

Mostly, the structure is used in the functional skills-based resume format when listing out the relevant skills and experience.

(Tip: Read our full guide about resume sections to confidently optimize a stronger resume that’s more likely to attract job recruiters!)

what are the benefits of using a reverse chronological resume?

Inconsistencies in someone’s career history is one of the first red flags recruiters will notice. Especially when recruiters devote just 6 seconds for initial screenings which can cause your resume to be overlooked.

The recruiter is interested in the story of your career – including what brought you to this current position. This can play into your culture fit and your impact on the team dynamics within the organization.

Check out the example below:

When Jonathan was getting his job at HEB (one of the largest grocery retailers in Texas), he used the reverse-chronological order with Enhancv’s resume builder to highlight his journey into operations from data analytics. Because of this, job recruiters were able to estimate his skill level and recognize his commitment to the area.

Sometimes the traditional route is best. This can come into play when applying to large organizations with standardized application forms or those who rely on Automated Tracking Systems (ATS).

With the reverse-chronological resume being most common, it’s easily analyzed by the ATS and gives the recruiter exactly what they’re looking for. The recruiter can straightforwardly identify what you’ve worked on most recently and quickly assess how that experience compares to what you’ll be doing.

As the saying goes, “ you’re only as good as your last performance”.

One of the advantages of using this format is that it provides emphasis on the organizations you’ve worked at previously. If you’ve worked with some heavy-hitters in your industry, this can create a great impression on the recruiter which separates you from the crowd.

What have you got to lose when it comes to using a reverse chronological resume?

“Do they still possess the same skills they had X years ago?” “Will they be able to adapt to the current market?”

This is just two of many possible questions the recruiter might not even spend the time getting an answer on.

Any resume that relies on your chronological timeline, the gaps in your career become more apparent. Usually when you’re presenting your most recent job first, it can be a red flag for the recruiter that your most recent job was several years ago.

(Tip: One way to overcome this difficulty is to describe other projects or skills you’ve built up between the present and your most recent experience. Oriol highlighted courses in business management in his business analyst resume. )

Let’s say you have experience in both music and marketing. You’ve spent the last five years pursuing jobs in music, but now you’re looking for a new job in marketing.

In this case, it might make sense to use a reverse-chronological resume format. However, sticking to this structure could make your experience seem irrelevant. This makes it even harder for you, especially when you’re trying to move through the different areas that you’re skilled in.

With prior experience being the crux of this resume format, it’s going to be difficult to write your first resume with the reverse-chronological guide. For this reason, this format may not be suitable for those starting their first job or applying for volunteer positions for the first time.

Is the reverse chronological resume format right for you?"?

There are five ideal situations for when you should use the reverse chronological resume format. Keep in mind that these do not apply to every job seeker – everyone is at different stages in their career. So, one determining factor is that it depends on where you’re currently at.

See below for who and when the reverse chronological resume format is most ideal:

• You don’t have much professional experience in the workforce or have gaps in your employment timeline
• You’re still a student or a fresh graduate that came out of education (see how you can make your first job resume here )
• You’ve had several temporary jobs, or haven’t been employed for over a year
• You’re looking to change into a new industry or completely new/different career
• You don’t fully meet and fit in all of the job recruiter’s expectations or requirements

Chronological or reverse chronological resumes?

If you’re someone who has inconsistencies in your career timeline and work history, it’s best if you kept to using a reverse chronological format. Whereas, if there’s not many gaps in your career history, then it would make more sense if you used the chronological resume format.

Generally, chronological resumes are preferred because it makes it clear there are no vulnerabilities behind your corporational profession. Your experiences are labelled and described in full transparency, which puts you at an advantage for the job application process when your resume is being scanned.

But, if you’re going to use a reverse-chronological resume format, one good resume structure you should take advantage of are functional skill-based resumes and combination resumes. This way, you can showcase your skills that demonstrate why and how you’re more than capable of getting the job done at a good standard.

The truth about reverse chronological resumes

While this format is great for organizing your experience (assuming you have any), it’s arguably an outdated system.

Reverse-chronological resumes are far from one-size-fits-all. In reality, your resume should be tailored to the position you’re applying to. This may mean describing a less recent job first on your resume as it’s the most recent job relevant to the position you’re applying to.

Using Enhancv’s resume creator, you can describe your previous experience in modular segments that can be moved as pieces to any place on your resume. This makes positioning easily streamlined, so you don’t have to worry too much.

Overall, you’ll benefit from organizing your resume by relevance and impact, not by date.

Do you have a reverse chronological resume prepared yourself? It’s always good to have different resumes ready at hand in case anything unexpected happens that can lead to gaps in your career.

If you’re unsure about how to build or optimize your resume effectively, check out the 530+ resume examples here. Find your job title, and see proven resumes that got others hired for your exact role.

Do you use a chronological resume format or a reverse-chronological resume format? Which one do you find has a higher response rate? Let me know in the comments below!

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Reverse Chronological Resume: Tips & Examples

There are three main resume formats, but reverse chronological is by far the most popular as well as the most effective layout for the majority of job seekers. This article will cover when to use a reverse chronological resume and how to create an effective one.

What Is a Reverse Chronological Resume?

In many countries around the world, reverse chronological resumes are considered standard. The format is sometimes referred to simply as a chronological resume, although ‘reverse chronological’ is more accurate since past positions are typically listed starting with your current or most recent job at the top and working backwards in time from there.

A reverse chronological resume prioritizes your previous work experience which makes it the preferred format for most recruiters, who generally look first for your past positions. However, if you don’t have a wealth of work experience, you may wish to use a different resume format to highlight your skills and abilities as outlined in the next section.

The reverse chronological format will also make any gaps in your work history immediately apparent to employers, but taking time away from work is no longer the red flag it once was and you can easily frame the gap in a positive light by simply including a short explanation and/or highlighting skills that you gained during that period.

Reverse chronological resumes are also the easiest for applicant tracking systems ( ATS ) to scan. ATSs are automated computer programs that scan each resume that is submitted to a company, evaluating each one on the basis of how well it matches up to keywords that the employer has inputted regarding their desired experience and skills in a candidate.

Other Resume Formats

The two other main resume formats are functional resumes and combination resumes.

A functional resume showcases your skills over your past experience, which can be beneficial for freelancers, those in creative industries, and those who have gaps in their work history or little to no work history to mention. However, a functional resume can be more difficult for hiring managers to scan and it can present some red flags that you might be intentionally concealing your work experience or lack thereof.

A combination resume includes elements of both reverse chronological and functional resumes, which allows you to highlight your skills as well as your experience while also glossing over gaps in your employment. But, a combination resume can be difficult to format effectively and is best used only when applying to highly specialized positions.

When To Use a Reverse Chronological Resume

A reverse chronological resume is a great choice if you have at least a few years of professional work experience, but the format is very versatile.

In an ideal scenario where you have several years of experience in one industry and are applying for another position in the same field, a reverse chronological resume will clearly demonstrate your career progression.

However, you can still reap the benefits of a reverse chronological resume even if you don’t have much work experience, such as if you are a student or a recent graduate. In that case, you can place your education section above your work experience section and still list everything in reverse chronological order. You can include internships, volunteer work, and so forth in your work experience section.

Again, if you are concerned about a reverse chronological resume exposing gaps in your work history, it is now considered acceptable to include an explanation for each gap in the same format that you would list a past job. Simply list the dates and the reason for the gap. If applicable (such as if you took time off to complete a training course or certification), you can also include bullet points that outline your new skills and qualifications .

What To Include on a Reverse Chronological Resume

If you’ve decided that a reverse chronological resume makes sense for your situation, here are the key sections to include:

Resume Header

Your resume header goes at the very top of your resume and should include your full name, your phone number, your email address, your LinkedIn URL, links to your online portfolio or professional website if you have one, and your city and state (or your full mailing address if you prefer).

Resume Summary or Objective

Next, add your resume introduction section, which can either be a resume summary or a resume objective depending on your situation. If you have at least a few years of experience in the industry that you are applying for, use a summary to highlight your skills and experience. An objective statement is usually a better option if you are a student, have recently graduated, or are making a career change.

Work Experience

If you have at least a few years of work experience in your target industry, add your work experience section next. If you are still a student or you’ve recently graduated, you can place your education section above your work experience.

List your relevant work experience in reverse chronological order, starting with your current or most recent position. You don’t need to include every position that you’ve ever held, especially if you have previously worked jobs that aren’t pertinent to your current career. For example, if you worked as a lifeguard in high school or college and you are now several years out of school and applying for an engineering position, you don’t need to include that on your resume.

For each job, include your official title, the company name and location, and the dates you worked there (months and years only). Under each one, add a few bullet points that outline your skills and achievements , focusing on how well you performed in the position rather than just listing job duties and responsibilities. Quantify your accomplishments with numbers and data whenever possible.

If you have a college degree and at least a few years of professional experience, your education section can be brief, listing the university you went to, the degree you earned, and the dates you attended. There’s no need to list your high school information if you’ve already earned an Associate’s, Bachelor’s, or more advanced degree. If you have multiple degrees, list the highest one first followed by the others in reverse chronological order.

However, if you are currently in high school or college or you don’t have much professional experience, you can include your high school information. To make up for a lack of work experience, you may wish to include extra details about your education, including your GPA (if it’s above a 3.5), relevant coursework, honors and awards, and so forth.

While you should work your skills into all other sections of your resume, you can also create a dedicated section to highlight your hard and soft skills . Be sure to list only skills that are relevant to the job that you are applying for. Read the job posting carefully to identify which skills and qualities the employer is looking for, and use those keywords in your resume. Consider using resume action verbs to convey your skills more effectively.

Optional Resume Sections

If you still have room on your resume after including all of the above sections, you can add optional resume sections such as hobbies and interests, certifications , languages , volunteer experience, extracurricular activities, and so forth.

Your resume should only be a single page if you have less than ten years of experience in your industry, and no more than two pages if you have more experience than that.

Example of a Reverse Chronological Resume

Here’s an example of what a reverse chronological resume might look like:

John Sample

Salt Lake City, Utah

(111) 222-3333

[email protected]

linkedin.com/in/john.sample

Results-driven sales manager with 5+ years of experience, eager to contribute sales and management skills to ABC Company to motivate the sales team and drive exceptional revenue growth. In past roles, consistently grew sales by at least 20% year over year, managed teams of up to 20 sales associates, and increased annual revenue by $100K+.

Sales Manager, XYZ Inc., Salt Lake City, UT, August 2018-Present

• Drafted and executed quarterly marketing plans
• Managed merchandise purchasing and stocking
• Exceeded sales targets by 25% each quarter

Sales Associate, DEF Company, Salt Lake City, UT, July 2016-August 2018

• Brought in 50+ new leads each month
• Renegotiated sales contract to increase revenue each year
• Developed seasonal promotions

Oregon State University, Beaverton, OR

BA in Economics, 2016

• Collaboration
• Communication
• Interpersonal skills
• Relationship building
• Sales techniques

Bilingual English/Spanish

Key Takeaways

A reverse chronological resume is a great choice for the majority of job searchers as it will highlight your skills and experience in an easy-to-scan format that is optimized for both hiring managers and ATSs. The focal point of a reverse chronological resume is your work experience, which should be listed with your current or most recent position first, working backwards in time from there.

Not sure how to create an eye-catching reverse chronological resume? Consider using Jobseeker ’s professional resume creation tool. You can enter in your information and then easily swap between formats, styles, color schemes, and more with just a few clicks. Then download your polished resume instantly and get started applying for your dream job!

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The résumé hack to use to get recruiters' attention

• The F-method helps recruiters identify key info by structuring résumés for how they read them. 
• This approach can help job seekers because recruiters might spend only seconds looking at a résumé.
• Highlighting key skills and accomplishments up top can help hiring managers and scanning software.

Sometimes, an F can be a good thing .

Take the so-called F-method. It's a way of organizing your résumé so that a recruiter can read the most important parts across the top — like the upper portion of the letter F.

The next most essential info goes farther down with keywords or points sticking out like the arm on an F.

The idea behind the framework is to help someone looking over your résumé get to the good stuff right away. That's because recruiters might spend only seconds scanning your work history and other accomplishments, and you need to make sure you really stand out, really quickly.

"The skills section on my résumé is in that 'F.' It's in that direct line of sight," Lee Woodrow, owner and principal consultant at Bigger Fish Executive Branding , told Business Insider.

Highlighting the top information right away is all the more important in an environment where it's getting harder to get desk jobs — and where the ease of applying means recruiters are often overrun with applications.

'Buzzword bingo'

Woodrow, who's been writing résumés for others for many years, said the top of a CV built around the F-method should include essential information about the value you bring: details like who you are professionally, what area your expertise is in, and which industries you've worked in.

"It's an elevator pitch," he said. That information belongs at the top near your name, he said, so that it gets seen. "That entices the reader to read on."

It's also important, Woodrow said, to have the right words and phrases up high where a busy recruiter can see them.

"It's like buzzword bingo," he said.

This is often important when recruiters are trying to fill technical roles. They might not have a lot of background in the particulars of a job, so they might be on the hunt for phrases or words that a hiring manager has flagged.

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Setting your résumé up with the F-method can mean a break from traditional formats, such as listing your work experience in reverse chronological order, which may surprise some.

But Woodrow said floating the most important ideas to the top makes sense if, for example, your most relevant experience for a job isn't tied to your latest role. Or, in other cases, he said, a job posting might call for someone with a master's degree or a Ph.D.

"Why would you put it lower down on page two or three? You'd want it on page one somewhere — highlighting it in that area which is in the 'F,'" Woodrow said.

In any case, he said, it's important to keep the most relevant information on the first page of a résumé.

Have a few goals in mind

Woodrow said one goal for your résumé should be ensuring it can be easily read by the applicant-tracking software companies often use to sift through job applications. Another aim should be having clear section titles so the document is a breeze for a recruiter to navigate. Highlight things like relevant job experience for a role you're going for, he said.

Last, Woodrow said, a résumé needs to influence a decision-maker by giving proof of your accomplishments. He recommends including three brief examples on the first page about how you solved a problem. To do this, describe a situation, give context, and use metrics from the business, if possible, to demonstrate how you improved a situation.

It's an abbreviated version of the STAR technique , sometimes used in interviewing, and involves describing a situation or task, actions, and results.

Kyle Samuels, founder and CEO of the executive search firm Creative Talent Endeavors , told BI that using the F-method to lay out a résumé can make sense for technical roles where a recruiter needs to know you have a certain amount of experience with, say, a particular programming language or modeling.

But in other cases, where a job might be more senior, artificial intelligence tools that do a first pass on a stack of résumés might make the F idea somewhat moot because AI bots can scoop up huge volumes of information.

"It kind of feels like a poor man's AI," Samuels said, referring to the F-method.

He said that with a role like a VP of marketing, you might have several candidates who would be a great fit.

"We're not expecting to see the exact same formatting or skills or experience, and so we really pore through the résumé," Samuels said.

That's why, especially when recruiting for more senior roles, there's little substitute for reading a résumé thoroughly, he said.

"I study it like the Torah," Samuels said.

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