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A Chronological Resume Is...

The organization of the document is then structured to show employment assets gained in each situation, stepping backwards in time from the most recent entry to the oldest that is appropriate to include.

Notice, you may not need to include all 40 years of your employment history in your resume, just the last 10-15 years, as appropriate. Doing otherwise may put you at risk of age discrimination.

For example, a work experience section might list your four most recent employers. Each entry would then be subdivided into the positions held at that company.

Each of these position descriptions would indicate your

• job title
• core responsibilities
• span of supervision
• budgetary controls and, hopefully
• major accomplishments

within each position, using as much quantitative data as needed to demonstrate your prowess.

Then, you would want to build your education section the same way. Begin with the most recent degree, and progress backwards through time until you have sufficiently indicated your educational qualifications for this position you seek.

Below, find the circumstances that release the power of this document format in the hands of a potential employer.

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A Chronological Resume Works Best When...

Because of this structure, there are certain circumstances when this format can showcase your best employment assets. Consider using this format when:

• You have a "Successful" career path
  • You have worked for well known, industry leading companies
  • Your job titles have been impressive
  • Your work history shows consistent growth
  • Your work history shows an appropriate amount of time in each position
  • Your work history shows steady progress toward your stated career goals
  • Your number of years of experience are appropriate for the position you seek
  • Your work history shows no employment gaps
  • Your work history shows consistency, with no "job hopping"
• You are currently employed in the right industry
• You are seeking employment in a conservative industry
  • Banking
  • Finance
  • Education (Elementary and secondary only. In higher education use a Curriculum Vitae)
  • Law (For more seasoned attorneys, consider a Curriculum Vitae)
  • Science (For higher level positions consider a Curriculum Vitae)
  • Medicine (For Masters level and above, consider a Curriculum Vitae)
• You are seeking a position in the same field as your work history/education

While it is possible that you may meet many, but not all, of these criteria, considering this format may help you put your best foot forward for that new job you've been seeking.

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