Chronological Resume Format

Is the Chronological Format Right for You?

The Chronological Resume Format is the traditional layout and continues to be the most widely used. The employment and education information are presented in reverse chronological order.

Job seekers like it because it is easy to write. The information is presented beginning with the most recent and working backwards.

Hiring Managers prefer the traditional layout,
It is the form they are most familiar with.

You cannot go wrong with the traditional choice. It does tend to favor people who have a logical progression of work experience in one industry. One drawback is the lack of flexibility, making it difficult to be creative and stand out from other applicants.

When to use the Chronological Format:

• If you have progressive work experience
• If you have worked for companies recognized as industry leaders
• If you have attended a college or university
• If your experience is in the same industry sector
• If you have no gaps in employment
• If you have not changed jobs frequently

Advantages:

• It is the easiest to write
• It is the traditional resume format
• It is the preferred format of employers
• It highlights progressive job experience
• It emphasizes prominent corporate and educational organizations

Disadvantages:

• It calls attention to gaps in employment
• It emphasizes frequent job changes
• It may show a lack of progressive positions of responsibility

Finished with Chronological Resume Format, return to the Resume Formats page