Writing a Chronological Resume
Chronological Resume Style
This style describes work and internships with expressive phrases for each experience. It primarily highlights work and education.
Strengths:
- Easy to organize, write, and read.
- Familiar to most employers.
- Forms clear picture of where you’ve worked and your accomplishments.
- Reflects straightforward, continuous growth and development.
Weaknesses:
- Limited experience, any gaps in employment, or other weak areas may be evident.
- Lack of related or professional experience is emphasized.
Content for a Chronological Resume
Name
Street Address
City, State, Zip Code
Telephone Number
E-mail
(include permanent and present information if a college student)
OBJECTIVE
Your objective is a one-sentence statement of what you intend to do for the employer. Focus on a career area, level of responsibility, and skills. The objective should be the focal point to which all other elements in the resume relate.
EDUCATION
List post-secondary education in reverse chronological order. Juniors and Seniors should not include high school. Include degree(s), highlights, and special training/courses. Degree(s) should include the month and year received, college, location, major(s), minor(s), or emphases. Grade point average and/or percentage of college education expenses that you paid can also be included here.
EXPERIENCE/EMPLOYMENT
List in reverse chronological order your position, employer, city, state, and dates (most recent experiences first). Include paid and non-paid experiences—employment, internships, and volunteer work. Use short phrases to describe your skills, responsibilities, accomplishments, and contributions—especially those related to your objective. A variety of strong action verbs can be employed to enhance this portion of your resume.
OTHER POSSIBLE CATEGORIES
Leadership/Activities
Languages
Honors/Awards
Summary of Qualifications
Professional Affiliations
Volunteer Experience
Sample Chronological Resume (.doc)