What is a Chronological Resume

Read the following article on What is a Chronological Resume.

If you’re among the few who were blessed with a strong, solid work history, then this resume type is built just for you! Chronological resume is most appropriate and ideal for individuals with stable, solid career progression. It is also the most widely used and accepted resume format. Chronological resume is by far, the most common resume writing style and it presents, organizes and highlights your work experience around the jobs you have held and the companies you have worked for in the past.

Chronological resume format starts with your most recent position and work experience listed first. There are, however, certain things to avoid when using this resume type. Keep in mind and avoid the following

1. Do not include a long list of jobs with short term duration. This could only signify and alert the employer of your failure to commit to a particular position and company for a long period of time. Most employers prefer to hire applicants who will stay long and are loyal to the company.

2. Do not list your work history in chronological order. This might seem like you have worked in a particular field for such a long time without any advancement. This could give your employer the impression that you struggle with assignment and tasks. Always make sure to list your job history in reverse chronological order to give emphasis on what you have achieved.

People who intend to stay at the same line of work or field and want to develop their career in the same field as they have with their previous employers usually use this resume type. And many employers prefer this type of resume style as it is easier to navigate and is more readable. It is easier to spot the applicant’s skills, check for past positions held, and dates employed. Most employers find this style fact-based and easily skimmed. This can be a powerful tool to accentuate and emphasize one’s strong and solid work ethic.

Chronological resume style builds and promotes credibility through your experiences gained while showing your career advancement and achievements.

A good example of listing your job experiences in reverse chronological manner would be as follows:

2002 – Present Nestle Corporation
Planning and Logistics Director
(Supporting the management strategically and tactically, in all Planning and Logistics aspects of the supply chain)

1998 – 2002 Coca Cola Corp
Manager Quality Assurance Department
(Supervising and managing employees in the Quality Assurance Department)

1995 – 1998 Coca Cola Corp
Quality deputy in charge
(Checking and inspecting machineries and equipments)

Note that the sample also shows your career advancement for the same company. This shows your promotions and achievements while working for that company.
For job seekers who lack work credentials and have been changing careers often will most likely find this resume the most challenging to write. This resume type is built for those who’ve had a strong and solid experience and with a stable job history.