LEO: Literacy Education Online Chronological Resumes

When designing your resume, you'll want to spend some time deciding on the format that presents your background most favorably. Chronological resumes, most frequently used in the past, are the most conservative type of resume. They're the sort of resume frequently used for more traditional firms, and they are required for government positions.

In general, chronological resumes organize work experience chronologically, beginning with the most recent job and working backwards to the least recent job. For example, one section of a chronological resume might look like the following:

If you're thinking about using a chronological resume, consider the following:

• A chronological resume is appropriate if . . .
  • you're applying for a position with a conservative firm.

  • your most recent job or jobs are similar to the position you're applying for.

  • your work history isn't spotty -- with embarrassing "holes" which you'd need to explain: chronological organization will emphasize any gaps in your work history.

  • you have a strong, continuing work history -- with progressively more responsible positions -- related directly to the career direction you're pursuing.

• A chronological resume is challenging because . . .
  • dates tend to dominate the resume.

  • dates are emphasized; thus, an original layout that downplays dates is difficult to design. Remember, dates do not sell your skills.

  • it's hard to highlight significant aspects of a work history.

Two complete examples of chronological resumes are available:

1. A good example of a chronological resume documenting an engineering major who is still in school and who has had two strong industry internships

2. A good example of a chronological resume documenting an accounting major who is still in school and who has gained technical skills through work experience

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