chronological resume template word

Chronological resume

A chronological resume is probably the most common and most recognizable resume template.

What is a chronological resume?

When to use a chronological resume, chronological resume format, download a free template (word).

This is a classic resume style that features work experience first. Your jobs are listed in “reverse chronological” order, meaning your current or most recent job is listed first with the rest following in order from most recent to most distant.

If you have work experience directly related to the position you’re applying for, this is a highly recommended format. Employers like seeing what you’ve accomplished in previous positions, so it’s beneficial to highlight all of your relevant experiences and accomplishments.

If you have little to no work experience – or if your only work experience is completely unrelated to your future career – then you probably want to consider another option.

Because your work experience is the focus of a chronological resume, it should be the first section after your personal information. The only exception is if you’re currently in school, in which case your education should be listed first then your work experience.

Within work experience, your current or most recent job should be listed first. Then, any previous jobs should follow in reverse chronological order.

Additional sections like trainings, volunteer activities, or skills, are encouraged if they apply to your profile. Just remember that your resume should always be a maximum of two pages.

A free to use and direct downloadable resume template for a chronologic resume. This template was created by a certified resume expert and can be used with Microsoft Word.

Download resume-template-chronological.docx 18 KB

License Terms: The following license terms and conditions apply when you download any of our free templates:

• The templates are for a personal use only.
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Need some help writing your resume? Take a look at our guide for writing a perfect resume

As a professional recruiter, I have over 10 years of experience helping candidates find work with businesses that match their skills, personalities and goals. Here on Resume Supply, I share some of the key things I have learned over my career to help job seekers with resumes, applications and interviews.

28+ Chronological Resumes

You’ve heard – for almost a thousand times – that resumes are the most important job application documents. And, if you don’t have an eye-catching, professional file to submit to a hiring manager, it is as good as fit for the bin. You see that’s not a good thing. Here is the solution: if you have written a resume before, or you are considering writing one, go the chronological way. If you have no idea what that means, the sample resumes below should give you an idea.

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Chronological Resume Template 2024

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Free download this chronological resume template in Word format

Get this free chronological resume template and find the ideal position! To get the free format on the download link and open the file in Word . You can customize the chronological resume template doc in easy steps. Don´t forget to save the document in PDF. Download it now!

• File format:  Word (Microsoft)
• File size:  380 KB
• Ready-to-use:  fast, easy, and free

What is a Chronological Resume?

The chronological resume template highlights your work history by emphasizing your most important employment duties, accomplishments, and relevant abilities. This specific resume format allows hiring managers or recruiters to quickly review your experience and career path by placing the job history section underneath the professional overview.

Although the reverse-chronological resume format is the most popular, if you don’t have experience, are changing careers, or have a significant gap in your employment history , you should consider other formats. There are other formats that can be used in these situations to meet your requirements, such as this chronological resume template.

Tips for Making a Good Chronological Resume

Creating a compelling chronological resume is your ticket to showcasing your professional journey in a clear and organized manner. When crafting your CV, it’s crucial to consider the right sections that highlight your skills and experiences effectively. Below, we’ve outlined essential tips for choosing the right sections for your chronological resume , ensuring you present a standout document that captures the attention of potential employers.

• Clear and Concise Formatting : Use a clean and organized layout to enhance readability, and try to maintain a consistent font and font size throughout your resume.
• Relevance is Key : Tailor your resume to the specific job you’re applying for. Don´t forget to emphasize experiences and skills that align with the desired position.
• Quantify Achievements : Include quantifiable achievements to demonstrate your impact. Use numbers and percentages to highlight your contributions.
• Chronological Order : List your work experiences in reverse chronological order (most recent to oldest). This format makes it easy for employers to follow your career progression.
• Use Action Verbs : Start each bullet point with a strong action verb to convey your responsibilities. This adds dynamism to your resume and engages the reader.
• Highlight Key Skills : Dedicate a section to showcase your key skills relevant to the job. Use keywords from the job description to enhance visibility.

Recommended sections

• Contact Information
• Professional Summary or Objective
• Work Experience
• Certifications or Training

Optional sections

• Volunteer Work
• Hobbies and Interests

What is the difference between a functional and chronological resume?

Preparing your resume and wondering which format to choose ? You’re not alone! The key lies in understanding the difference between a functional and chronological resume. Here’s a simple breakdown to help you decide which style suits you best.

Chronological Resume: the timeline approach

A chronological resume is all about your work history timeline. It’s the go-to choice for many, and here’s why:

• List Your Jobs in Order: This resume lists your jobs starting from the most recent. It’s perfect for showcasing a steady employment history.
• Easy for Employers: Employers love this format as it quickly shows your career progression.
• Highlights Experience: Ideal if you have a strong work background in the same field.

However, if you have gaps in your employment or are changing careers, this might not be your best option.

Functional Resume: skills at the forefront

Enter the functional resume , a skills-based approach. It’s particularly useful in certain situations:

• Showcase Your Skills: This format highlights your skills and abilities, rather than job titles and dates.
• Great for Career Changes: Ideal if you’re switching industries or have varied work experiences.
• Covers Employment Gaps: Helps if you have gaps in your employment history or are re-entering the workforce.

While this resume type is flexible , some employers might find it less straightforward.

Which One Should You Choose?

Ultimately, your choice depends on your career path . If you’ve climbed the ladder in a single field, the chronological resume showcases this beautifully. But, if your journey includes diverse roles or significant gaps, a functional resume might present you in the best light.

Remember, the right resume format can open doors to new opportunities. So, choose wisely and tailor your resume to reflect your unique career story !

Chronological Resumes FAQs

Can i use a chronological resume if i have minimal work experience.

Absolutely. A chronological resume remains a valuable tool for individuals with limited work experience. In this scenario, focus on highlighting your relevant skills, internships, and educational achievements. While the work history section may be less extensive, emphasizing your potential and demonstrating how your skills align with the job requirements can make a strong impression on employers.

What if I want to change careers? Is a chronological resume suitable?

While the chronological resume is a widely used format, those seeking a career change might find value in exploring alternative formats. Consider using a functional or combination resume. These formats allow you to emphasize your skills, qualifications, and accomplishments without adhering strictly to a linear work history. By showcasing your transferrable skills and relevant experiences, you can present a compelling case for your suitability in the new field.

Are there any specific tips for quantifying achievements in a chronological resume?

Certainly. Quantifying achievements in your chronological resume is a powerful strategy. Whenever possible, incorporate numbers, percentages, or specific metrics to provide concrete evidence of your accomplishments. For instance, instead of stating you “improved sales,” you could specify that you “boosted sales by 20% within six months.” This level of detail not only adds credibility but also makes your achievements more impactful for potential employers, showcasing the tangible results of your contributions.

Expert resume and career advice writer

Updated February 07, 2024

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Professional resume templates for job seekers with ample work experience. Showcase your skills and qualifications. Browse our best free resume templates to give your resume the glow-up it deserves. 

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Modern Resume Templates

Modern resume templates for Microsoft Word provide stylish, crisp, fresh design elements that will help you grab a recruiter’s attention in just six seconds. The right resume template for candidates in the tech and startup industry. 

• Chronological resume templates
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Simple and Basic Resume Templates

Uncluttered editable resume template with minimal styling. Choose a time-tested basic resume design to avoid any faux pas with employers or applicant screening software. 

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Not sure which resume design works for your profession? Go with a professional resume template if you’re an experienced worker applying via email. Or download a basic resume template if the company uses an ATS — this way, your resume won’t get filtered out. 

Gunning up for a job in a creative industry or a hip startup? Try out one of the modern resume templates or a creative resume design to give your job application a unique, brandable flair. Resume templates with photos also work great! 

Or better yet, test-drive several free resume templates to see which one gets you the most positive responses! 

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The best resume templates for Microsoft Word. Our most downloaded and top-rated designs in .doc and .docx format are the ones you have seen on this page until here, so make sure to scroll back to the top if MS Word format is what you are looking for.

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How to Use Your Free Editable Resume Template 

• Select a design you fancy and download a free copy to your computer. 
• Open the template in Microsoft Word or Google Docs to personalize. 
• Fill in the blanks using your personal details. Refer to relevant resume examples for ideas and tips. 
• Review and edit your resume. Include strong verbs and adjectives to add persuasion. 
• Save and name your document: Resume – First name and Surname. 
• Create a PDF resume version to send via email. PDFs help avoid formatting issues. 

How To Write A Resume

A resume template is the best cure for the blank page syndrome. You’re halfway done — all that’s left is to fill in the blanks in the resume template and hit save. 

Select The Right Resume Format 

The 3 most popular resume formats are chronological, functional, and combination resumes. 

• Chronological resume organizes the information like LinkedIn does – from the latest position to the first one, with education, interests, and additional info listed later. It’s the most popular resume format, preferred for recruiters. Go for it unless you’re entry-level or changing careers. 
• Functional resume keeps the focus on your skills and experience, rather than employment history. It’s the go-to choice for candidates with employment gaps and those without much hands-on work experience.
• Combination resume takes the best of both worlds and allows you to spice up your “dry” employment history with some juicy details about your skill set and achievements. Startups and edgier companies may prefer this. 

Create a Compelling Summary 

A resume summary is a two-sentence statement highlighting your key qualifications, skills, and value proposition for the role. It sits in the header area, right after your name and contact details. Think of it as a teaser to a movie — you should put your most marketable skills upfront to immediately capture the hiring manager’s attention and get them interested in reading the full copy. 

Add Work History 

List your employers in reverse chronological order. Each entry should include the employment date, job title, company name, key responsibilities, and achievements listed in bullet format . Include 3 to 5 bullet points for each position. Don’t get long-winded — your resume must fit into one page. 

Include Marketable Resume Skills 

With skills-based hiring on the rise, you must demonstrate specific competencies rather than just tenure and educational credentials. Showcase your best hard and soft skills in a featured sidebar section, plus your resume summary and work experience entries.

Check the following posts for ideas:

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List Education 

Unless you are a recent graduate, don’t dwell on this section too much. Simply list all your degrees (highest to lowest), the name of your educational institution, and your graduation date. But if you’re still in college, you can also add your GPA , dean’s list , or research .  

Learn more from our ultimate guide to writing, styling, and formatting a resume . 

FAQs about Resume Templates 

Your popular Qs about our free resume templates answered. 

How can I format my resume for free?

Download a free pre-formatted resume template from Freesumes.com in your preferred format (Word or Google Docs). Open a copy in the word processing software and edit the blank sections with personal details. Click save, and you’ll have a professionally formatted resume in no time.

Is there a truly free resume builder?

Yes, Freesumes resume builder is 100% free to use. No account registration is required. Using our free generator, you can make a resume in PDF using one of the six free templates and contextual writing prompts created by expert writers.

What is the most popular resume template?

The most popular resume templates are chronological resume templates. You can find several dozen popular, professional resume templates on Freesumes in Word and Google Doc formats. Our templates have been downloaded over 4 million times! 

How to get a free resume template?

Head to freesumes.com and check our collection of 180+ fabulously free resume templates in different styles and formats. Select a design you like and click the download button to get an instant free copy in .docx format without any account registration. 

Do employers not like resume templates?

Employers don’t mind resume templates as long as they are professionally made and properly formatted. A sloppy or too vivid design, however, will make you look amateurish. Choose a simple, well-structured resume template in neutral colors, and you’ll always get a positive impression from a prospective employer. 

Is it better to make your own resume or use a template?

This totally depends on you. If you have an eye for design and know information architecture best practices, you can make a stellar resume on your own. Otherwise, you can save heaps of time by using a premade professional resume template to avoid any mishaps with layout or font selection.

• Sample Resumes

FREE 6+ Sample Chronological Resume Templates in PDF | MS Word | PSD | EPS

Applying for a job is one of the most daunting experiences in life. And at the same time, it’s also exciting. Starting a career, being a part of a reputable company, and working with other people are things worth looking forward to. But before all of that, you have to prepare a professional resume. It’s one of the necessary documents to apply for a job. A resume represents your identity as a competent individual and worker. So if you want to obtain your dream job soon, prepare your quality resume asap. Use our Sample Chronological Resume Templates to make things easier for you!

Chronological Resume Template

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A chronological resume is a specific type of resume layout or format that focuses on achievement and relevant work experiences. It’s a common resume format, which means most job applicants follow it in creating their resumes. A chronological resume is arguably the best format. That’s because it can clearly convey a summary of a person’s education, professional experience, and other important milestones. So, if you want to optimize your chances of obtaining the job you want, a chronological resume might be the thing you need.

If a chronological resume is your choice of resume format, you’ve made the right decision. Your dream job might be within reach already. Now, if you don’t have any idea what a chronological resume looks like, don’t worry. We have our Sample Chronological Templates to guide you. And, of course, we also have our quick tutorial below. Read it so that you can craft a perfect chronological resume.

Your resume should start with your name, birth date, gender, residential address, phone number, and email address. Those are an employer’s means of knowing who you are and how to contact you. Inputting your personal info shouldn’t be difficult. It’s an elementary step. But just make sure to input them accurately. That’s a golden rule.

It would help to let the employer hear your voice through your resume, so to speak. Do that by writing a brief summary about yourself. You can talk about your journey both as a college student and a professional. And you can also share your career objectives and aspirations with the employer. Just remember to keep it short. A single paragraph with five to six sentences will do.

If you want to open up more about yourself, you can do that in a resume cover letter .

Your chronological resume won’t be a chronological resume if your experience and education aren’t listed from most recent to oldest. List down all of your relevant work experience first, then followed by your educational background. In listing your work experience, start with your recent company down to your first company. And for your educational background, follow the same procedure; start with your college education down to your elementary education.

If you’re an entry-level applicant without any professional experience yet, just focus on your education as your selling point. Be honest with your resume. Don’t falsify your experience just to increase your chances of getting the job. It does more harm than good. According to an article from The Motley Fool , 75% of HR managers have detected false information in a resume.

Employers will also look for your skills. That said, make sure enumerate them in your resume as well. In doing so, you have to prioritize your technical skills—skills that are mandatory for the job. Add your soft skills after you’ve listed your technical skills.

A chronological resume is the resume format that employers prefer. That’s because it’s easier to get a clear overview of an applicant’s background in a chronological resume.

It’s not necessary for a resume to have two pages. One-page resumes will do just fine. A two-page resume is only necessary if an applicant has illustrious professional experience with lots of achievements.

Here’s a list of common resume red flags that you must avoid:

• Disorganized and incohesive information
• Glaring typos and grammatical errors
• Lengthy sentences and paragraphs
• Evident job-hopping tendencies in the experience

Your chronological resume is just a simple piece of paper with information about yourself. But, it’s one of your keys to open countless doors of career opportunities. Be the first applicant to capitalize on such opportunities! Download our Sample Chronological Resume Templates now and go get your dream job.

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Chronological Resume

This type of resume works well for job seekers with a strong, solid work history, had no time-gaps, and have not had numerous job changes. It is also suitable if you are looking for the same type of job or if you are looking a job in company that has the same business with your current company.

This is a word template that you can use to write your resume. There several styles available to be chosen. Eventhough there are several samples available in many sites in internet, you should start your resume using your own words. But, make sure you write in one page or maximum in two pages. You can change the font style and background colors of these templates. Goodluck.

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Chronological Resume Template

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Free Microsoft Word resume template with modern design for your next job opportunity. It will emphasizes your experience by showing your jobs in chronological order.

Feel free to change the color scheme and fonts in the Design tab of the ribbon. Big thanks to Microsoft for providing us with this template.

• Modern style design
• Simple design
• Letter paper size
• DOC file format
• Print Ready
• Documentation ready

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