|LEO: Literacy Education Online|
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:
|Engineering Co-op, Bell Helicopter Textron, Fort Worth, Texas|
Summer 1998, Rotor Dynamics Group
- Used flight dynamics simulation computer programs such as DNAWO6 (Myklestad), C81, and DNAWO1/02
- Evaluated rotors, rotor-fuselage combinations, and test stands using data from simulation programs
Summer 1997, Research Design Group
- Drafted rotor parts for research and flight test programs
- Designed simple parts, such as tail rotor balance fixture
Summer 1996, Materials and Methods Lab
- Tested composite specimens to verify materials specification
- Fabricated composite structures for research programs
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:
- A good example of a chronological resume documenting an engineering major who is still in school and who has had two strong industry internships
- 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
More Resume Tips
© 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999 The Write Place
This page was written by Judith Kilborn and Sharon Cogdill for the Write Place, St. Cloud State University, St. Cloud, Minnesota, and may be copied for educational purposes only. If you copy this document, please include our copyright notice and the name of the writer; if you revise it, please add your name to the list of writers.
Last update: 5 October 1999