Chronological Resume

A chronological resume lists your experience and education in historical order. Present your job history with the most recent (or present) job listed first. Titles and organizations are emphasized as are duties and accomplishments.

This type of resume emphasizes continuity and career growth. It highlights the employer’s name and is an easy form for the reader to follow. The format is best used when there are long, uninterrupted periods of employment or when your career direction is clear, and your job target is directly in line with your work history.

Because information regarding employment are the dominant features on the page, it is more difficult to highlight significant facts, skills and accomplishments. Employers may look at the chronological work history pattern and miss some important achievements.

• Start with present or most recent position and work backward, with more space devoted to recent employment.
• Detail only the last four or five positions, covering the last ten years. Summarize early positions unless exceptionally relevant to the present.
• Use month and year designations when possible. If you can’t remember the months, use year designations.
• Stress the major accomplishments and responsibilities within each position that demonstrates your full competency to do the job.
• Keep your job target in mind as you describe prior positions and accomplishments. Emphasize those which are the most related to the position for which you are applying.
• Education is not included in chronological order. If you graduated within the past five years, it should go at the top of the resume. If not, place the information at the bottom of the resume.

Sample Resume

For more information, please contact Chemeketa Job Placement at 503-399-5026 or visit Building 2.

Updated October 2007 by Marketing and Student Recruitment.