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How to Use a Reverse Chronological Resume Format

10 min read · Updated on February 07, 2024

Everything you need to know about writing the most common resume format

For most professionals, a chronological resume is the best format to capture skills, experience, and achievements. That's because this resume format focuses on the employment history section, which gives plenty of space to explain the candidate's career trajectory.

The reverse-chronological resume format is also what hiring managers prefer to see , meaning that an alternate structure could even decrease your chances of landing the job. 

To keep that from happening to you, let's explore how to use a reverse-chronological resume format. You'll also find a few guiding examples that can help you to produce a perfect example of the most popular resume out there.

What is a chronological resume?

The chronological resume is a format that focuses on the employment history section where work experience is listed. The main idea is that you start with your most recent or current position and work backward through all your relevant experience of the past 10 years. 

NOTE: This structure is sometimes called the “reverse-chronological resume format.”

It's been said that past behavior is the most reliable predictor of future outcomes. Therefore, prospective employers rely on your career accomplishments to get an idea of what you can do for them. That's part of what makes the reverse-chronological resume format so popular. 

When hiring managers can quickly digest what you've done in the past, they are able to get a feel for whether you'll be the right candidate for their team. By focusing your career history on the most recent experiences and working backward for about 10 years, you provide the most up-to-date and accurate representation of what you bring to the table. 

It's critical to note that the structure of your reverse-chronological resume is important, too. How the information is laid out on the page will aid the hiring manager – who's spending mere seconds glancing at it – to easily find the information about your career history they want. 

How to structure a chronological resume

Your chronological resume will contain at least six sections with relevant headers. Here's an outline of what you should include in your chronological resume:

Contact information 

You want the hiring manager to contact you for an interview, right? Well, here's the place to make sure they have the details they need to do just that. Include your name (it doesn't have to be your full legal name – just use whatever you go by), location, phone number, and email address. You can also add links to your LinkedIn profile (if it's been properly optimized) and any online portfolios you may have

The headline grabs the reader's attention. Write a one-line blurb that contains the title of the job found in the job description, along with a couple of relevant keywords that will help you to stand out from the crowd. 

A summary or professional profile

Your professional summary is a three to five-sentence paragraph that outlines the major events of your career. Start with something that mirrors the title on the job description and match it up with the hard and soft skills you have. Throw in at least one achievement.

This is the place for a bulleted list of skills. Include 9-12 skills that you have that will show the hiring manager you have what it takes to get the job done. Use the same language and keywords you find in the job description to ensure that your resume makes it past the ATS .

Work experience or employment history

Now you've come to the nitty-gritty part of your resume – what you've done, when, and where. Keep in mind that hiring managers will look to your past accomplishments to see what you have to bring to their team. It may be tempting to dump everything you've ever done , but relevancy is critical. 

Let's take a closer look at how to write this section. 

Always list the name of the company you work for first. This is important because if you have a company where you held multiple roles, you can stack the roles to show progression. You need the following information as a sub-heading:

Employer name

Dates worked

Then, add 4-5 bullet points to discuss various aspects of your time in the position. You can focus on topics like:

Projects or tasks you completed

Skills you used

Awards and achievements

Numbers and statistics that quantify your successes

Make sure to list these entries starting with your most recent or current job and working backward, as this is a fundamental component of the reverse-chronological resume format.

For your education, you can (and should) include degrees and the colleges you've attended. However, don't forget about things like professional development classes, certifications, and licenses. Spell out acronyms and omit your graduation dates. Again, this section should be presented in reverse-chronological format. 

Additional sections like awards, hobbies, or languages

Sometimes, there are things you've done outside of the regular work day that are also important to securing a new job. You can create additional sections on your resume for things like public speaking, special projects, and awards. Just remember, if you're adding it to your reverse-chronological resume, it needs to be relevant to the hiring manager who will receive it.

Tips on when to use a reverse-chronological resume format

The chronological resume is considered the standard resume format because it suits the widest range of professionals, including people in healthcare, IT, law, HR, business, and education. It's especially useful if you've enjoyed a progressive career with advancements through promotions and new jobs.

The chronological resume is less suitable for creative or independent professions, where gig work and short-term contracts are part of the career path. In those cases, alternative resume formats like functional or hybrid models may be more suitable. 

Expert Tip: You should try to use the hybrid format instead of the functional format. There' a bit of a stigma associated with using the functional resume format .

How to use reverse-chronological resume format

Now that you know what a chronological resume is, what the outline looks like, and who should use it, let's dig into the actual writing part.

The format of your chronological resume is almost as important as the writing, because a clean and organized layout is one of the best ways to show that you're a professional and motivated candidate. 

Make sure to use bold or italics to highlight the key information within your resume, including the employment history section. 

Examples of chronological resumes

To get a sense of what goes into a great chronological resume, let's look at the employment history section for a customer service representative:

Customer Service Representative, Fort Worth, TX

August 2020 - present 

Handled customer calls and responded to queries about services, product malfunctions, promotions, and billing

Worked to address all customer concerns in a timely and effective manner

Calmly handled 200+ calls each day

Developed successful tactics to upsell products and services to customers

Piloted a feedback program that resulted in a 15% increase in branch sales

Here's an option for a Server:

Rooster Bar & Grill, Boston

Lead Server

June 2018 - August 2022

Managed a staff of 15 as the Lead Server at a high-end downtown restaurant

Achieved promotion to Lead Server six months after joining the team

Upsold wine pairing suggestions to customers, based on preferences

Memorized ingredients and allergens on a menu of 30+ dishes

Performed bartending responsibilities during holiday weekends and special events

Check out this example for a Sales Associate:

ABC Pet Shop, Durham, NC

Sales Associate 

September 2021 - present

Maintained a clean shop environment and neat product displays

Gained recognition for reliability and zero absence work record

Fed animals and made sure they had access to fresh water

Answered customer questions and referred to other departments

Helped customers find products that best fit the needs of their pet

Maintained accurate work logs and reported inconsistencies

Chronological resume template

If you're looking for a little more help creating a flawless chronological resume, here's a template that can allow you to quickly plug in your information and be assured of the right format. These are the essential sections, but you may find hobbies, memberships, or other additional sections to be necessary on your resume.

Header information

Your name & job title

Phone number

Email address

LinkedIn profile

Professional summary

Add a paragraph explaining who you are, what you do, your industry and your area of expertise. Show off your soft and hard skills and give an example of a past accomplishment to show how you can add value to a new employer. 

Employment history

Employer name and job title

Dates worked and location

Main duties and responsibilities

A key skill demonstrated

Measurable achievement #1

Measurable achievement #2

Degree name, school

Dates attended, location

Optional bullet point for GPA

Optional bullet point for leadership positions

How to adapt the reverse-chronological resume format for students

Whenever possible, first-time job seekers should aim to create a reverse-chronological resume. However, they may have to resort to an alternative if they lack experience. 

Trying to land your first job as a student or recent graduate can feel daunting, especially when you don't have much experience to show. While it may be tempting to try out another style of resume, the reverse-chronological resume format can actually be adapted to the needs of students with little effort.

If you don't have any traditional employment to show, simply rename the section “Experience.” This allows you to include any volunteer positions, hobbies, side jobs, internships, or school activities that can serve as your work history for the time being. You may also wish to move the Education section above the Experience section, as it's likely to be more relevant to your current aspirations. 

The rest of the rules of the chronological resume apply, including listing your positions from most recent to oldest and making bold section headings. Here's an example:

Eagle Scout, Boy Scouts of America

May 2022- present, Richmond

Awarded the highest honor for scouts after passing a lengthy review process

Planned and completed the final project involving new traffic patterns at deadly intersections

Reviewed accident records and worked with city officials to develop a crosswalk plan

Worked to educate the local community on safe pedestrian practices

Treasurer, National Math Honor Society, Arcs High School

September 2021 - May 2022, Richmond

Managed bookkeeping and revenue for the high school chapter of a national organization

Tracked payments and expenses and created reports for the Club Supervisor

Worked to eliminate unnecessary spending, resulting in 20% additional profit for the club

Organized four fundraisers that brought in $10,000 over the course of a year

Petsitter, Private client

June 2020 - present, Richmond area

Supervised and took care of three dogs for a neighbor during a two-week vacation

Took dogs on walks twice a day and fed them according to owner's instructions

Reported issues and behavior changes to the owner and adapted accordingly

Land your dream job

With these tips, templates, and adaptable examples, you're on your way to creating a great chronological resume, wowing the socks off a hiring manager, and landing your dream job.

Find more resume writing advice in our related articles below, or upload your resume for a free resume review from our experts!

This article was originally written by Anna Muckerman and has been updated by Marsha Hebert.

Recommended reading:

How to Check if My Resume is ATS-Friendly

What is a Resume? It's Much More Than You Think

Resume Builders Versus Resume Writing Services: Which Should You Choose?

Related Articles:

How to Maximize Your Resume Action Words to Wow the Employer

Resume Spelling and Accent Explained

Guide to Writing a Great Resume with No Work Experience

See how your resume stacks up.

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Chronological Resume - Writing Guide With 5 Free Templates

The chronological resume - also known as the “reverse chronological resume” - is the most popular resume format out there.

Particularly advisable for those with rich work history, the chronological resume prioritizes and lists your work experience and achievements from most to least recent.

This article is here to teach you all there is to know about creating a chronological resume.

• What is a Chronological Resume? 

Chronological Resume Structure 

• When to Use a Chronological Resume Format? 
• 4 Free Chronological Resume Templates
• How to Create a Chronological Resume - Step by Step
• 9+ Chronological Resume Examples for All Industries

What is a Chronological Resume?

A chronological resume lists your work experiences and achievements starting from the current or most recent one, and following up with previous jobs below.

For this exact reason, the chronological resume is the perfect choice for job-seekers who have plenty of experience and achievements to list on their resume .  

What’s most important, studies point to the chronological resume being a favorite among recruiters, too.

Why? Well, because you are applying for a job, so work experience in your resume will be the first thing a recruiter looks out for.

But worry not, you can structure your resume in a chronological format even as a recent graduate too. Or, you can opt for other popular formats fitter to your profile.

But first, let’s go through the basics. 

The chronological resume follows a straightforward structure. The only thing to keep in mind is that your current or most recent experience - be it professional or educational - comes first.

The second most recent will follow, and so on.

Here are the main and most popular sections for the chronological resume structure:

• Contact information
• Professional title and resume summary/objective
• Work experience and achievements
• Education section
• Your top soft/hard skills
• Include optional sections (languages, certificates, volunteer experience, etc)

If you’re a recent college graduate and want to build your resume in the chronological structure format, you still can.

All you have to do is rearrange the order of your resume sections so that the education resume section comes first.

Here, too, make sure that your education entries are listed from the most to least recent, and you’re good to go!

If reading this is already looking too complicated and time-consuming, try out the Novorésumé online resume builder . Novorésumé provides 8+ free resume templates that follow the chronological resume structure. 

When to Use a Chronological Resume Format

The three main types of resume formats are the chronological, functional/skills-based one, and a combination resume format of the two. What you choose to use will depend on the type of job you are applying for and your experience level.

In the majority of cases, the obvious choice is the chronological resume. It is common, it highlights just the right sections, and job recruiters prefer it over the other formats.

Nonetheless, this doesn’t mean you should just cross the other options off your list, especially if your work experience doesn’t amount to much.

Consider these other two formats, taking into account their advantages and disadvantages as well: 

Functional Resume

• Perfect for students or recent graduates, as it highlights your skills. 
• Offers creative space for a varied portfolio 
• Difficult to pass through the ATS (Applicant Tracking System) that most companies use to scan through countless resumes they receive daily. 
• It conceals your experiences, however minor they might be. 

Combination Resume

• A great choice for job-seekers with a diverse skill-set, because it highlights both skills and experiences. 
• It can mask gaps in your employment history since you can also list your skills, so it’s the second-best option for those who lack work experience. 
• It is a really good fit only for highly specialized professionals who have a very diverse skill-set. Say, for example, that you’re applying for a role that requires expertise in 3-4 different fields, and you want to show all that in your resume - then, the combination resume really is the one for you.
• It is hard to organize. As a professional with a diverse skill-set, it might be a challenge to decide which part of your expertise to prioritize in the combination resume format.

4 Chronological Resume Templates 

Below, you will find 5 chronological resume templates out of many free resume templates. Dig right in to find the best match for you. 

#1. Creative Chronological Resume Template 

#2: Modern Chronological Resume Template 

#3: Professional Chronological Resume Template

#4: Functional Chronological Resume Template

How to Create a Chronological Resume

Now that we mentioned the traditional structure, let’s go through each section one by one to create the perfect chronological resume. 

#1: Start With a Contact Information Section 

Depending on the template you have chosen for your chronological resume, there is a possibility that your name will be directly followed by your professional title right at the top.

How do you fill up your professional title in chronological resume format? Easy. If you’re not looking to change career paths your professional title should be your current title. However, if you’re changing career paths, then choosing the combination resume mentioned above might be a better option for you.

Regarding the rest of the contact information section on your chronological resume, it should be current and lacking any typos. The mandatory elements of the information section include: 

• First and last name
• Phone number
• Email address
• LinkedIn URL (optional)

#2: Add a Resume Summary or Resume Objective

  Second in the chronological resume comes your ‘profile’ as a candidate, which is expressed through a resume summary or a resume objective .

Wondering what the difference is?

Well, the summary is a short (2-3 sentences) overview of your career so far and it is used in 90% of resumes - especially by those with two or more years of work experience. A summary is a perfect fit for the chronological resume.

On the contrary, a resume objective represents your aspirational career goal and highlights your skills, making it perfect for entry-level professionals with little work experience, or job-seekers looking to completely switch career paths. 

#3: Fill in Your Work Experience 

This is, without a doubt, the section that weighs the most when it comes to the chronological resume, so it’s vital that you get it right.

Your work experience section is there to show the recruiter what you can bring to the table through your past accomplishments and responsibilities and what the company would be gaining were they to hire you.   

Feeling pressured? Don’t. There are many practices to help your work experience section stand out in the eyes of the recruiter.

If you are looking for more tips and tricks to help you take your resume to the next level, head over to our beginner’s guide on how to write a resume . 

Here are the key points you should keep in mind when it comes to the work section:

• This is the most important so we’ll be repeating it as many times as it takes: your current or latest job position should be placed on top. Then come the previous ones, all the way to your earliest job position. 
• For each entry, list your job title and position, the company and its location, as well as the dates when you were employed. 
• List your achievements and responsibilities, with a higher focus on quantifiable achievements, whenever you can. 
• Use bullet points instead of just text to express what you have achieved and what you were responsible for in every job entry. 
• Tailor the resume to the position you are applying for. For example, if you’ve had too many jobs in the past and some of them don’t relate to the field you are now applying for, then they are just taking space. Feel free to omit them.

Here’s a close-up of a work experience section in the chronological resume:   

#4: Add an Education Section

Generally, the education section comes right after work experience. 

If, however, you have just graduated college and want to create a chronological resume to start applying for jobs, the education section can replace the experience section that you’d be lacking. 

Either way, the education section should be brief but jam-packed with information that can communicate your values and skills to the recruiter.

Here’s what the education section consists of: 

• Program Name: E.g. “MA in Conflict Resolution and Peace Studies” 
• University Name: E.g. “University of Greenwich”
• Period Attended: E.g. “08/1214 - 05/2018”
• (Optional) GPA: E.g. “3.9 GPA”
• (Optional) Honors: E.g. “ Cum Laude, Magna Cum Laude, Summa Cum Laude”
• (Optional) Academic Achievements: E.g. Papers you might have published, or awards received.  
• (Optional) Minor: E.g. “Minor in Political Science”  

#5: Spice Up Your Chronological Resume With Your Skills

Needless to say, the reverse-chronological order doesn’t really apply in the skills section. 

What you can do, however, is begin by listing your hard skills and then your soft skills. 

Unsure of what this means? 

• Hard skills are measurable abilities. These can range from programming in Python language to knowing how to use Photoshop and InDesign.
• Soft skills are personal skills. They vary from attitude to flexibility, motivation and teamwork. 

Listing your skills has its own peculiarities, so don’t pay this section less attention than the ones above it, especially if you’re a recent college student. Pay attention to skills specifically required at the job ad and if you have them, make sure to include them. 

Here’s an example of how your skills section can look like:  

#6: Include Any of These Optional Sections

Last but not least, come these optional sections.  

Having them in your resume can earn you extra points and even separate you from the competitors, but only if they don’t make your resume longer than it should be (1-2 pages maximum) and if they are relevant to the job position.

Some of those sections include (but are not limited to):

• Languages : If you speak two or more languages, don’t fail to put that in your resume. To list them, simply categorize your proficiency level into native, fluent, proficient, intermediate, or basic . 
• Hobbies & Interests : They can help humanize you and show a part of your personality that work and education can’t. If
• Volunteering Experience : Studies show that volunteering experience actually raises your chances of getting hired . 
• Certification & Awards : If you have awards that make you stand out in your field or certifications from experts that are relevant to the position you are applying for, don’t hesitate to show them off!

Not sure how adding volunteering experience works? Check our article on how to list volunteer experience on your resume .  

10 Chronological Resume Examples for All Industries

Now let us walk you through a few practical examples of what the chronological resume looks like depending on the industry. 

#1. Business Chronological Resume

In the world of business, accomplishments matter. This is why in this business chronological resume , the work experience section is jam-packed with measurable information on what the employee achieved in his previous professional experiences. 

#2. Computer Science Chronological Resume

Computer science jobs are heavily based on hard skills - in addition to your previous work experiences, that is. So, make sure to include your hard skills on your computer science resume to impress recruiters. 

#3. Architect Chronological Resume 

As you can see from the example above, the sections that follow your work experience and education can be placed according to your profile. If, for example, you’ve worked on some side projects that you feel do your resume more justice than your skills, feel free to prioritize those projects.

In this article, you can find what’s expected from an architect’s resume in more detail.

#4. Nurse Chronological Resume  

Action verbs can really make an active professional like that of a nurse shine. So when you list your achievements under your experience, use strong verbs that can paint a picture of who you are and what you can do.

#5. Pharmacist Chronological Resume 

With plenty of attributes up their sleeve, the chronological format is the perfect choice for a pharmacist’s resume . 

#6. Project Manager Chronological Resume 

Project manager resumes have good chances to show industry expertise - given they hold the manager title - and highlight successful projects. Feel free to do both in your chronological resume, as shown above. 

#7. Web Developer Chronological Resume

As you can see in the example, the candidate has chosen to place his courses and training above his education. When you have followed courses or have been trained in the exact field of work where you’re applying, it makes sense to rank the field-specific courses and training higher than your university education. 

This article has more information on how to perfect your Web Developer Resume .

#8. Teacher Chronological Resume 

This is another “special” example of a chronological resume. Right after the experience section, the candidate has listed their volunteering experience. Not normally the case, it makes sense here because the volunteering experience has been as a tutor - which is pretty much the same thing as a teacher in the teacher resume . 

In cases when your volunteering experience is directly connected to the job you are applying for, feel free to list it under professional experience as well. 

#9. Bar Manager Chronological Resume 

For more info on how to update your own bar manager chronological resume for 2024, this is the article for you. 

#10. Human Resources Chronological Resume

The example says it all: the chronological resume does wonders showing the peak of your work experience first, and then going back to your professional history and skills. This article on the HR chronological resume has more tips on how to perfect it.

Discover More Resume Templates

• Combination Resume Templates
• Creative Resume Templates
• Functional Resume Templates
• Minimalistic Resume Templates
• High School Resume Templates
• One Page Resume Templates
• 2 Page Resume Templates
• Google Docs Resume Templates
• Word Resume Templates

Key Takeaways 

And that’s a wrap! 

Let’s do a quick recap of the main points covered in this article: 

• The chronological resume - or reverse chronological - is a top choice among candidates with years of professional experience and a favorite among recruiters.
• The chronological resume focuses on your work experience, starting your current or most recent one, and following up with the rest - from most to least recent.
• Recent college graduates that want to use this format can - simply replace the work section with the education section, following the same reverse-chronological order.
• Save time and energy building the reverse chronological resume from scratch by using online resume builders , such as the one Novorésumé offers.   

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How to Decide Whether to Use the Reverse Chronological Resume

In This Guide:

What is the reverse chronological resume format

Benefits of the reverse chronological resume

Who is the reverse chronological resume for

Is the reverse chronological resume format right for you

66 Reverse chronological resumes

Why is the reverse chronological resume format better

How to write a reverse chronological resume

What’s at stake when using a reverse chronological resume

Chronological or reverse chronological resumes

The truth about reverse chronological resumes

Reverse chronological vs functional vs combination format, key takeaways.

The reverse chronological resume is the most common resume format out there, but is it impactful?

Today’s hiring landscape requires you to not only provide recruiters with information but to package it in a way that they remember. Especially when there’s a tsunami of applicants arriving at their desks.

Everyone is reduced to a piece of paper when it comes to resumes, so how can you make yours as effective as possible?

See the benefits of the reverse-chronological resume and examples of how others have used it in their job application process below. Or explore our professionally designed  chronological resume templates  instead!

What is the reverse chronological resume format?

The reverse-chronological resume describes the most recent job first and moves backward in time for every subsequent position.

The format comes with the following general expectation of flow:

Resume header

• Personal summary
• Work experience
• Skills section
• Optional - any other relevant sections that make sense for the job you’re targeting. For example, projects, volunteering, or languages.

While this is the convention, it’s certainly not the law. You can keep the spirit of a reverse-chronological resume without sticking to a restricting structure. We’ll get into this further on in the article.

Read our full guide about resume sections  to confidently optimize a stronger resume that’s more likely to attract job recruiters!

What are the benefits of using a reverse chronological resume?

Going with a reverse chronological resume format can really boost your job application. This style has some great benefits that help show off your career growth and achievements in the best way possible. Here’s what a reverse chronological resume will help you achieve:

Provide a clear narrative of your career

Inconsistencies inyour career history are one of the first red flags recruiters will notice. Especially since recruiters spend just 6 seconds  on initial screenings, your resume can easily be overlooked.

The recruiter is interested in the story of your career  — including what brought you to this current position. This can play into your culture fit and your impact on the team dynamics within the organization.

To illustrate this, let’s see what Jonathan, one of Enhancv’s customers, wrote on his resume.

• • Logged over 1,000 incoming and outgoing food donations into the inventory database within the Logistics department.
• • Collaborated with 10+ beneficiary centers to project demand and prepare outgoing food pallets.
• • Partnered with 15 local businesses to initiate food donations and maintained relationships with current donors.
• • Compiled and analyzed performance and workload data for 50+ research centers across the country.
• • Produced fiscal year retrospective reports on trends and analyses and quarterly reporting of key performance metrics.
• • Prepared and participated in 10+ briefings for senior leadership of the Agency on performance trends.
• • Developed content and compiled a weekly electronic report distributed to over 500 employees, detailing upcoming events, deadlines, vacancy opportunities, and employee spotlights.
• • Served as confidential assistant to the Director, trusted with sensitive information, and engaged in discussions to improve team performance, streamline processes, and enhance operational efficiency of administrative service delivery.

When Jonathan was getting his job at HEB (one of the largest grocery retailers in Texas), he used the reverse-chronological order with Enhancv’s resume builder  to highlight his journey into operations from data analytics. Because of this, job recruiters were able to estimate his skill level and recognize his commitment to the area.

Line up with recruiters’ expectations

Sometimes the traditional route is best. This can come into play when applying to large organizations with standardized application forms or those who rely on Automated Tracking Systems (ATS).

With the reverse-chronological resume being the most common, it’s easily analyzed by the ATS  and gives recruiters exactly what they’re looking for. They can directly identify your most recent job and quickly assess how that experience compares to what you’ll be doing.

As the saying goes, “You’re only as good as your last performance”.

Have big names play in your favor

One of the advantages of using this format is that it emphasizes the organizations you’ve worked at previously. If you’ve worked with some heavy hitters in your industry, this can create a great impression on the hiring managers and separate you from the crowd.

• • Helped establish the Disney Cruise Line brand leading up to and including the maiden voyage of the Disney Magic.
• • Worked in partnership with Disney alliance partners (Coca-Cola, General Motors, American Express, et al) to achieve synergy as an extension of other Disney brands.
• • Selected to serve with elite Event Services division to coordinate and execute the press event for the 25th Anniversary of Walt Disney World.
• • Honored with prestigious Partners in Excellence award, internal recognition for top 2% Cast Members (employees) - the highest recognition within the Walt Disney Company.

Who is the reverse chronological resume for?

There are 4 common cases when you’d need to provide a reverse chronological overview of your experience. It’s best for:

• Professionals with a consistent work history : If you have a stable career progression, the chronological resume format highlights it, showing potential employers your growth and reliability over time.
• Individuals advancing in their career : If you're aiming for a higher position, the reverse-chronological resume style emphasizes your most recent roles and accomplishments, proving you're ready for the next step.
• Job seekers in the same industry : If you're staying within your field, this chronological format makes it simple for employers to track your career development and relevant experience.
• Students and recent graduates : If you're fresh out of school, this format showcases your latest achievements and education, making it easy for employers to see your most relevant experiences first. (Yes, even your education section entries  should be listed in reverse chronological order).

Is the reverse chronological resume format right for you?

Your best bet would be to craft a resume using one of the other two formats to make your employment gaps less obvious . For example, the hybrid resume allows you to highlight your skills rather than your career progression, providing a good workaround.

We recommend avoiding this format if you're in an entry-level role  or have mainly temporary work experience.

Just remember, whichever format you choose, list your experience, internships, education, and achievements in reverse chronological order.

Reverse chronological resume samples for 66 job titles

Below is a comprehensive list of jobs where the reverse chronological resume can best fit a candidate’s substantial experience.

Here are some job roles where this format is particularly advantageous:

• Senior executive (CEO, CFO, COO) : For senior executives, a reverse chronological resume highlights an extensive career trajectory and leadership roles. It allows you to demonstrate your experience in managing companies, driving strategic initiatives, and leading large teams.
• Medical professional (doctor, surgeon, nurse) : Medical professionals benefit from the reverse chronological format as it details their clinical experience, residency, and fellowship training. It also emphasizes your professional development and the increasing responsibility you’ve taken on over time.
• Academic (professor, research scientist ): Academics and researchers often have a long history of positions, publications, and research projects. The reverse chronological resume allows you to showcase your educational background, academic appointments, and contributions to your field in a structured manner.
• Attorney (lawyer, legal counsel) : Lawyers and legal professionals can use this format to outline their careers in the legal field, including positions held at different law firms, types of cases handled, and any significant legal victories.
• Engineer (civil, mechanical, electrical) : You can benefit from this format as it highlights your technical experience, projects completed, and roles within various companies. It provides a clear timeline of your professional development, certifications, and advancements in your engineering career.
• Sales manager : Use a reverse chronological resume to demonstrate your sales achievements, leadership roles, and the progression of responsibilities. This format is ideal for showcasing a history of meeting or exceeding sales targets and managing sales teams.
• IT manager/director : IT professionals with extensive experience can use this format to highlight their roles in managing IT infrastructure and leading technology projects. It allows employers to see your growth and contributions to previous organizations.
• Marketing director : For this role, the reverse chronological resume helps to emphasize your experience in developing and executing marketing strategies, leading teams, and career growth within the marketing domain.
• Financial analyst : You can use this format to present your career progression, from entry-level analyst roles to senior positions.
• Operations manager:  Operations managers benefit from a reverse chronological resume by detailing their roles in improving operational efficiency, managing logistics, and overseeing day-to-day operations. This format underscores your career development and achievements in optimizing business processes.

Here are the job titles by sector:

Accounting & finance

• Accountant Resume
• Financial Analyst Resume
• Auditor Resume
• Business Analyst Resume
• Business Development Resume
• Business Intelligence Resume

Creative  

• Artist Resume
• Writer Resume
• Videographer

Data science

• Data Scientist Resume
• Data Architect Resume
• Data Engineer Resume
• Designer Resume
• UX Designer Resume
• App Designer Resume

Engineering

• Engineering Resume
• Mechanical Engineer Resume
• Industrial Engineer Resume
• Product Engineer
• Automotive Engineer Resume

Executive and management roles

• Executive Resume
• IT Director Resume
• Chief Marketing Officer Resume

Foodservice and hospitality

• Chef Resume
• Restaurant Operations Manager Resume
• Hospitality Manager Resume
• Food and Beverage Manager Resume

Government and federal agencies

• Military Resume
• Government Resume
• Federal Resume

Human resources

• HR Manager Resume
• Director of Operations Resume
• HR Business Partner Resume

Information technology

• Computer Science Resume
• Information Security Engineer Resume
• Software Engineer Resume
• Web Developer Resume
• Tech Resume

Law enforcement

• Police Officer Resume
• Law Enforcement Resume
• Lawyer Resume
• Attorney Resume
• Legal Assistant Resume

Manufacturing

• Procurement Manager Resume
• Supply Chain Manager Resume
• Marketing Director Resume
• Digital Marketing Manager Resume
• Brand Manager Resume

Nursing and healthcare

• Doctor Resume
• Nurse Resume
• Psychologist Resume

Project management

• Project Manager Resume
• Product Manager Resume
• Program Manager Resume

Sales and retail

• Sales Resume
• Sales Executive Resume
• Sales Engineer Resume
• Scientist Resume
• Researcher Resume

Teaching and education

• Teacher Resume
• Teacher Assistant Resume
• School Counselor Resume

Quality assurance

• Quality Assurance Engineer Resume
• Quality Assurance Analyst
• Test Engineer Resume

Why is the reverse chronological resume format better?

The reason is relevance. On your resume, you should always prioritize experiences and skills directly related to the job you're applying for. Your most recent work experience provides a better reflection of your current qualifications than a job you did 5 years ago. The same applies to your educational progression.

By placing your latest experience at the top, you direct hiring managers’ attention to your most relevant achievements first. This allows them to quickly assess how well you’ll perform in the prospective job. Plus, this format ensures that the most pertinent and updated information is highlighted, making it easier for employers to see your fit for the role.

Always tailor your resume to the job you’re applying for . Don’t list everything that comes to mind just to fill up space. Instead, select keywords from the job description and strategically incorporate them into your resume. This will help you pass the ATS screening and make it easier for recruiters to read through your document.

You’ve probably seen a resume in reverse chronological order before—this is the most common type of resume and it's all over the internet. However, we’re here to give you some quick tips on how to craft yours step by step, along with some insider guidelines on mistakes to avoid.

The reverse chronological resume template should have the following sequence:

The top sections on a reverse chronological resume

• A clear and informative header  that doesn’t leave recruiters guessing who’s applying for what.
• A compelling resume summary or objective  that gives hiring managers an overview of your professional expertise and qualifications.
• A detailed and targeted resume experience section  showing your fit for the role.
• A concise education section  listing your most relevant academic accomplishments and certifications.
• A skills section showcasing the tools and techniques you’re most experienced in.
• An optional additional section  with your top achievements, projects, or publications (whichever is most relevant to the job you’re targeting).

You may wonder what makes these sections so typical of the reverse chronological format. It’s the visual hierarchy they create on the resume. A clear and predictable organization  makes it easier for recruiters to read and assess your qualifications, making them more relaxed and engaged with your resume.

Let’s tackle these sections one by one.

The resume header is the section at the top of your resume and serves as the first point of contact for recruiters. It's often personalized with contrasting colors  and a larger font size  to attract attention. It should contain the following details:

• Contact information : State your name, job title, and location. Ensure your contact information is professional, including an email address.
• Links : Include a link to your professional portfolio  or your LinkedIn profile .
• Resume photo : Generally, it’s best to omit photos  to maintain focus on your qualifications and avoid potential biases.

Mistakes to avoid

Not making your name searchable. To make it easier for recruiters to find your resume in a sea of candidates, ensure your name matches your LinkedIn profile, the email address, and the file name.

Resume profile

A resume profile  is a section that includes a brief overview of your previous experience, skills, and future goals related to a specific job opening. We normally distinguish between two types—a career summary and an objective statement. Here’s how to write yours:

• A short paragraph : Depending on your level of experience, write 3-5 sentences that highlight your best qualities, skills, and career goals. (Learn more about objective statements  and how they differ from a resume summary).
• Choice of words : Use strong adjectives  to describe yourself and start each sentence with a dynamic verb. Avoid writing in the first-person perspective .
• Finish up strong : Use the final sentence to reinforce your message. Make recruiters want to learn more about you.

Writing a resume summary or objective that’s too vague or generic. Ensure your profile is specific, tailored to the job you’re applying for, and highlights your unique qualifications and career goals.

Resume experience section

Your work history section determines the format of your resume. Senior candidates can benefit greatly from listing experience in reverse chronological order, while entry-level individuals should go for a hybrid or functional resume.

This is how your experience entries should be listed:

• Job title and company : Clearly state your most recent position and the company you worked for.
• Dates of employment : Include the month and year you started and ended each job. You also have the option of ticking “Ongoing” on the Enhancv’s resume builder.
• Job description : Optionally, add a short description of your role in the company , especially if it was a startup or an NGO—recruiters will need more context about it.
• Bullet points : Write 3-5 bullet points about your main tasks, duties, and contributions. Whenever possible, include numbers or statistics to illustrate your impact  (e.g., increased sales by 20%, managed a team of 10).
• Relevant skills : Mention the skills you developed or used in each position that are pertinent to the job you’re applying for.
• Action verbs : Start each bullet entry with an action verb  to showcase your initiative.

An experience section that doesn’t provide quantifiable results. Don’t just list job duties—include concrete numbers to make your impact tangible.  

If you need a more detailed breakdown of how to build your experience section, dive into our article: How to List Work Experience on Your Resume—A Guide with Examples .

Resume education

Your education section also needs to follow a specific hierarchy to be more readable. See the steps below:

• Degree : Start with the highest degree you’ve obtained (e.g., Bachelor’s, Master’s, Ph.D.) and your major or field of study .
• University or college : Include the name of the institution where you earned your degree.
• Location : Mention the city and state (or country, if international) of the institution.
• Graduation date : Provide the month and year of your graduation. If you’re still studying, indicate your expected graduation date .
• Honors and awards : If applicable, list any honors, awards, or distinctions you received (e.g., summa cum laude , Dean’s List ). If you’re fresh out of school, your GPA might come in handy, but only if it’s above 3.5.
• Relevant coursework : Optionally, include coursework relevant to the job  you’re applying for, especially if you’re a recent graduate or changing careers .

Omitting important details. Make sure you include all critical information to ensure clarity and completeness.

Resume skills

Resume skills  help potential employers identify whether you would be a good fit for the role. Consider the whole process from the recruiter's point of view. They’ll either briefly skim the document to identify relevant skills or work with ATS to identify them. Use the tips below to make your skills section count:

• Hard skills:  If your job relies on software or specific tools, list your technical skills  in a dedicated section on your resume.
• Soft skills : Unlike hard skills , which can be validated by certifications, soft skills  are harder to prove. Integrate them into other resume sections and provide concrete examples of how you’ve demonstrated these skills.
• Relevance : Always prioritize listing skills that are specifically required in the job description.

Including irrelevant or generic skills that don’t align with the job you’re applying for.  Always tailor your skills to match the job description, ensuring they’re specific and relevant to the position. This will make your resume more targeted  and appealing to employers.  

Additional sections

Depending on the job you’re applying for, inserting more sections into your resume can add value to your application.

• Space : Only add extra sections if you have enough space. A one-page resume  is usually sufficient unless you have over 10 years of experience or are in a C-level position.
• Tailored approach : Choose sections based on the job requirements. For example, if you lack direct experience , you might include a “Hobbies & Interests” section  to show how your leisure activities relate to the role.
• Common additional sections : Certifications , languages , and projects  are often even mandatory for certain jobs. The key here is to include those that will strengthen your application the most.

Overloading with information and irrelevance.  Providing too much detail can make the resume poorly targeted, lengthy, and difficult to read. Aim for conciseness and relevance.

Reverse chronological resume example — SEO Content Specialist

Reverse chronological resume example — IT Specialist

Reverse chronological resume example — Accountant

Reverse chronological resume example — Project Manager

Reverse chronological resume example — Product Manager

Reverse chronological resume example — Executives

Reverse chronological resume example — Doctor

Reverse chronological resume example — Financial Analyst

Reverse chronological resume template

[Your Name]

[Your City, State, ZIP]  | [Your Phone Number] | [Your Email Address] [LinkedIn Profile] | [Professional Website or Portfolio]

Professional summary

A concise summary highlighting your key qualifications, skills, and career goals. Typically 3-4 sentences.

Professional experience

[Most recent job title] [Company Name], [City, State] [Month/Year] – [Month/Year]

• Optional description.
• [Action verb] [your duty and/or accomplishment] [quantified results].

[Previous job title] [Company Name], [City, State] [Month/Year] – [Month/Year]

[Earlier job title] [Company Name], [City, State] [Month/Year] – [Month/Year]

[Degree Earned] [University Name], [City, State] [Month/Year] – [Month/Year]

• Relevant coursework: [Course Names]
• Honors and awards: [Any relevant honors or awards]

Certifications

• [Certification Name], [Issuing Organization], [Month/Year]
• Technical skills: List relevant technical skills
• Hard skills: List role-specific practical skills
• Languages : List any languages spoken, if applicable.
• Professional affiliations

[Organization Name], Member since [Year]

• Projects  (if applicable)

            [Project title]            [City, State] [Month/Year] – [Month/Year]

            Description of responsibilities and achievements.

What’s at stake when using a reverse chronological resume?

Here are some of the considerations that pop into mind when creating a reverse chronological resume.

Gaps in your resume become more noticeable

“Do they still possess the same skills they had X years ago?” “Will they be able to adapt to the current market?”

These are just two of many possible questions the recruiter might not even spend the time to try and get an answer.

A chronological timeline will make the gaps in your career  more apparent. If it's been a couple of years since your most recent job, that can be a red flag for the recruiter.

(Tip: One way to overcome this difficulty is to describe other projects or skills you’ve developed during the break.)

Harder to navigate through different sectors

Let’s say you have experience in both music and marketing. You’ve spent the last five years pursuing jobs in music, but now you’re looking for a new job in marketing.

In this case, it might make sense to use a reverse-chronological resume format. However, sticking to this structure could make your experience seem irrelevant. This makes it even harder for you, especially when you’re trying to move through the different areas that you’re skilled in.

(Tip: When building your resume, only select experience that’s relevant to the position you’re applying for).

Not optimal for first-time job seekers

With prior experience being the crux of this resume format, it’s going to be difficult to write your first resume  in reverse chronological order. For this reason, this format is not suitable for those entering the job market or applying for volunteer positions for the first time.

(Tip: Go for a skills-based resume and make your strengths and talents shine through).

Chronological or reverse chronological resumes?

Chronological and reverse chronological resumes are often used interchangeably as they refer to the same format. They both mean listing your work experience starting from the most recent position and moving backward in time.

However, we use the more precise convention—reverse chronological—to avoid confusion.

This is a traditional format and it’s great for organizing your experience. Still, keep in mind that reverse chronological resumes are far from one-size-fits-all.

In reality, your resume should be tailored to the position you’re applying for . That’s what we call a targeted resume . This may mean starting with a less recent job first as long as it’s more pertinent to the prospective role.

With Enhancv’s resume builder, you can describe your previous experience in modular segments that can be moved as pieces to any place on your resume. This makes positioning easily streamlined, so you don’t have to worry too much.

Overall, you’ll benefit from organizing your resume by relevance and impact, not by date.

Besides the reverse chronological resume, there are two other formats that suit different needs.

• The functional (skills-based) resume  focuses on skills and experiences rather than a chronological work history, making it ideal for career changers  or those with gaps in employment. You can put your skills section at the top, just below the resume summary, and provide relevant information about your strengths and abilities.
• The combination (or hybrid) resume blends elements of both the reverse chronological and the functional formats, highlighting skills and achievements at the top, followed by a detailed work history. This format is great for showcasing relevant skills while also providing a clear employment timeline. It’s best for roles in project management, marketing, graphic design, and software development where a mix of technical and interpersonal skills is essential.

Take a look at the table below to see how the three formats compare to each other.

Choosing the right resume format can make a huge difference in catching a recruiter’s eye. The reverse chronological resume is a popular choice for a reason, offering a clear and organized way to present your career history.

• Tells your career story : This format provides a straightforward timeline of your professional journey, making it easy for recruiters to see your growth and development.
• Recruiter-friendly : It’s a format that recruiters know well and can quickly scan, especially with the help of ATS.
• Showcases top employers : If you’ve worked for some big names, this format highlights those prestigious employers, helping you stand out.
• Perfect for stable careers : If you have a consistent work history, this format shows off your reliability and continuous growth.
• Great for moving up : It’s ideal for those looking to advance in their careers, as it emphasizes your most recent roles and achievements.
• Best for staying in the same field : If you’re sticking within your industry, this format makes it easy for employers to track your relevant experience.
• Good for new graduates : Even if you’re just out of school, this format can showcase your latest achievements and education, putting your most relevant qualifications front and center.

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You Should Probably Be Using a Chronological Resume—Here’s What It Is and How to Make One

If you don’t organize your resume properly, it’s all too easy for it to look like a bunch of mumbo jumbo. And when all those words and numbers blend together into a big mess, you make it that much harder for a recruiter or hiring manager to see the point in bringing you in for an interview.

That’s where the chronological resume format comes in.

What Is a Chronological Resume?

You know what a resume is, right? A one-pager documenting your work experience, education, skills, and extracurriculars that paints a nice clear picture of what makes you a valuable employee or hire?

Well, a chronological resume does that by listing your work and other experiences in reverse chronological order, meaning your most recent jobs are at the top of your resume and your least recent jobs are down below. (This is why it’s sometimes called a reverse chronological resume—because that more accurately explains what’s going on.)

That doesn’t mean that everything you’ve ever done gets listed exactly in reverse chronological order, though. If you have jobs that overlap in a certain timeframe, for example, you might choose to list the job that’s most relevant to the role you’re applying for first, regardless of when you started it.

It’s also pretty common to put your education and activities in their own section or sections, rather than mixing them in with your work experience. If you went to graduate school or have multiple education experiences, you’d still list them in reverse chronological order within your education section, for consistency.

Who Should Use a Chronological Resume?

The beauty of this layout is that it works for just about anyone looking for any kind of job. Students and new grads tend to lean on this format because it’s the simplest way to organize their limited work experience. The same goes for professionals at any level with a consistent career history—in other words, those who’ve gone from job to job without gaps (or with very few gaps) between roles.

A chronological format is also the most popular layout hiring managers see. That means if you go with this format, your resume will be easily understood by any type of recruiter out there.

What’s in a Chronological Resume, and How Does It Differ From Other Resume Formats?

A chronological resume includes the following:

• Your name and contact information (at the top of the page as the header)
• Your work experience, including your responsibilities and accomplishments for each job you’ve held (you can include this under one header, “Work Experience,” or divide it into “Relevant Work Experience” and “Additional Work Experience” if you want to really tailor your resume to a specific job)
• Your education and certifications
• Your skills and hobbies
• Other activities or volunteer experiences
• A summary statement (this is optional and usually not needed unless you’re a higher-level executive or career changer)

The way these items are organized is simple: Your work history goes toward the top—because it’s the main focus—with each role listed in reverse chronological order. Your education, skills, and activities fall toward the bottom or off to the side of the page—except if you’re a new grad, in which case you may list education at the top.

Other formats, like a functional resume or combination resume , include these same elements but in a different layout. A functional resume groups your experience and responsibilities not by role but by skill, and lists your jobs and education at the bottom. A combination resume, on the other hand, is a mix between a functional resume and a chronological resume, highlighting both your skills and experience in equal measure. Both of these layouts are less common than a chronological resume and are used most often by career changers, people with unique career paths, and people who have taken long breaks between jobs.

How Do You Write a Chronological Resume?

The best course of action for writing a chronological resume is to start off with a rough outline (or use a template ). In your head or on paper, list out every work-related experience you’ve had. Based on that information, decide how you want to sort that information and how many “sections” of your resume you want to create. You’ll most likely include several or all of the sections listed in bullets above (more or less in that order).

Once you know the layout, start to plug in your information in reverse chronological order, including with each job you’ve had your title, company (and sometimes company location), dates of employment, and three to five bullet points explaining what you achieved and the skills you built in that position.

If you’ve never written a resume before, definitely take a look at this comprehensive guide to making a resume for more thorough advice.

What Does a Chronological Resume Look Like?

OK, so this all sounds good and dandy to you, but you’re still not sure exactly what this looks like in practice. Don’t fret—here’s a sample chronological resume you can use as a reference when you decide to make your own.

Download an Example Chronological Resume

Anything Else I Should Know About a Chronological Resume?

How you format your resume is only half the battle. The other half is about making sure the content itself is in tip top shape—because that’s what recruiters are reading, after all. This means that your bullet points should start off with strong action verbs and showcase your accomplishments rather than just your duties.

Don’t forget to tailor your resume to the role you’re applying for—make sure your bullet points match up with the qualifications and responsibilities in the job description, and that you’re including relevant keywords the company’s applicant tracking system, or ATS , may be scanning for. And of course, check (and double check) your information for spelling and grammar mistakes.

One more note: Try keeping your resume to one page, unless you’re at least a decade into your career. Hiring managers love to skim resumes, and long ones tend to turn them off. Save all the little details you can’t fit into your resume for your cover letter and interviews.

Resume builder

Reverse Chronological Order in a Resume

Here’s the thing. As a job seeker, the more your resume stands out, the better your chances of landing the job. And, as research shows, 92 percent of recruiters regard previous work experience as the leading hiring factor . That’s why listing your qualifications and work experience in reverse chronological order is the recruiter’s favorite approach to resume writing.

Want to know more about what a reverse chronological order resume is and when to use it? Keep reading, and you’ll find out.

Table of Contents

What Is Reverse Chronological Order?

Reverse chronological order describes events starting with the most recent and moves backwards in time . For resumes, it means highlighting your most recent job and qualifications first and listing your first job last.

The same goes for education, where the highest education level comes first followed by other schooling details.

Just like with other resume formats, a reverse chronological order resume follows certain rules. For starters, you must quantify your qualifications and list key achievements. Moreover, you need to be concise and use the best font for a resume for faster readability.

This resume format focuses on your work history and professional achievements and is the standard expected by most employers.

The reverse chronological order resume has three key parts:

• Relevancy : The format emphasizes to recruiters the relevance of your experience and job titles to determine if you’re a good fit for the advertised position.
• Recency : Since it lists your most recent job first, recruiters can easily see what experiences you’ve gained in the last five years.
• Longevity : The format makes it easy for employers to see how long you held previous positions. It shows your ability to commit and stay loyal to a company.

Reverse Chronological Resume Example

Here’s a sample resume written in reverse chronological order:

Why Is Reverse Chronological Order the Most Popular Resume Format?

This ordering system is considered the traditional resume format in all industries and professions. For that reason, recruiters and employers are more familiar with it, which makes it easier for them to analyze.

In addition, it seems logical to scan an applicant’s details starting with the current or recent job position and education history. For job seekers, the format makes it easy for them to highlight a consistent career path.

This can prove useful for those applying for a similar position as their previous job.

It Underscores Continuity

One of the top advantages of using reverse chronological order is that it links all your employment dates. A recruiter can immediately see a clear view of your career path, neatly organized in succession.

It also provides an effective way for job seekers to demonstrate their professional growth to potential employers.

Easy to Skim

A reverse chronological order requires that you format your resume in a certain order. You must start with your most recent job, followed by the one before it, and so on.

Additionally, you must provide your position, the company’s name, and the dates worked for each entry list. It’s this order that makes it easy to skim.

Easy for ATSs to Scan

Did you know that over 98 percent of Fortune 500 companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) in their hiring process? Normally, when there’s a corporate job opening, hundreds of applicants submit their resumes to try their luck.

This would make the work of recruiters an uphill task trying to sort through all those applications. ATS scans and scores these resumes to make it easier for recruiters to find those that meet the most important criteria defined in the job offer.

In other words, an applicant who uses this format stands a better chance of being picked compared to those who use a different format.

The Best Time to Use a Reverse Chronological Order Resume

The reverse chronological resume is ideal for job seekers who want recruiters to see the most relevant and important details about their work history . On top of that, this resume can be useful when:

• You have several years of work experience.
• You want to emphasize a consistent career growth and development, preferably in one industry, and each role you’ve held was more senior than the last.
• You want to apply for a similar field or job post to most of your work history.
• The name of your former employer is significant to your prospective employer.

When You Shouldn’t Use a Reverse Chronological Resume

With that in mind, there are times when a reverse chronological resume isn’t the best format to use. Here are instances when its wisest to consider a different type of resume:

• If you have multiple gaps in your employment history, the format calls attention to these interludes. Unless you have valid explanations, it’s wise to consider either the functional or combined resume formats.
• This format makes it difficult to spot your skills unless you’ve listed them in your most recent job.
• The format won’t favor you if you want to change careers . The employer will not see the relevance of your qualifications if you’re targeting a different position.
• Likewise, you’d want to consider other resume formats if you have heavily varied work experience .

Reverse Chronological Resume Writing Tips and Example

Now that you have a clear understanding of what a reverse chronological resume is, when to use it and when to avoid it, what’s next?

The juicy part – how to write your resume in reverse chronological order.

First things first: the layout

According to research by The Ladders , recruiters are most likely to notice resumes with the following characters:

• Clear and simple logical layouts
• Layouts that have bold job titles supported by bulleted lists of achievements
• An overview at the top
• Clear, eligible fonts

Typically, the reverse chronological resume comprises the following main sections

• Name, job title, and contact information
• Resume objective/summary
• Work history or experience
• Education history
• Skills and strengths
• Additional sections

Let’s take a detailed look at how you can make each section of your reverse chronological resume shine:

Name, Job Title, and Contact Information

This section might seem like a no-brainer, but you must be careful how you approach it. This is the header of your resume and will be the first thing employers see. So, you’d want to make sure it’s crafted correctly.

The details of this section include:

• Your job title
• Your location
• Your email address
• Links to your portfolio, blog, or social media profiles

Here’s a good example :

Gladys Dawson Nurse in Atlanta, GA (123) 456-899 | gdawson @ gmail.com www.linkedin.com/in/gladys-dawson

Resume Objective/Summary

This is the first section of your resume that captures, in summary, what you can offer if hired. It focuses on previous experience (relevant to the position) and applies to candidates who have worked for at least two years. Use this section to highlight your skills and strengths.

We recommend to use some modern solutions to save some time: use AI resume builder to write autogenerated objective and summary for your profession.

Work History or Experience

In this section, you want to be as precise and accurate as possible. False or erroneous information is something employers don’t tolerate. This is just one of many resume mistakes that can be instant deal breakers for employers.

Here are tips to make the most of your professional experience in a resume:

• Start with the most recent position at the top and follow it up with the previous one. After all, you’re following a reverse chronological order.
• Indicate the dates worked, the company’s name, and the job title for each position listed. If necessary, add the company’s location.
• Make your work scannable by including at least three bullet points . They should be short and simple sentences describing your responsibilities and any quantifiable achievements. Start each bullet point with strong action words, such as achieved, boosted, delegated, etc.
• Create a special subsection for key achievements .
• Demonstrate only the experience that’s relevant to the position you’re applying for.

Read more about how to write good resume bullet points .

Education History

If you don’t have much experience for the job position but have the qualifications to show for it, you can start with the education section. Follow this up with the work experience section.

Otherwise, the reverse chronological resume favors the experience section more than any other element. If you have years of work experience and want to highlight all of them, the education section doesn’t have to be extensive.

With this format, you only need to include five key pieces of information . These are:

• University, College, or School
• Your highest level of education
• Year of graduation
• The school’s location
• Area of specialization (study)

You can include any relevant academic achievements or experiences that you feel are beneficial to the job position.

Employers will be interested to see the skills you’re good at. Consider listing around six skills , making them short and simple. More importantly, the skills should be relevant to the position you’re applying for.

You should list both hard and soft skills . Hard skills comprise those that require technical or job-related knowledge, for example, coding and analytical skills.

Soft skills can be personal qualities or traits that help you get along with others. They are commonly known as “people skills.”

A CareerBuilder survey shows that 62 percent of job descriptions list management and leadership as desired soft skills. Others include interpersonal skills and innovation and creativity skills.

Additional Sections

There’s nothing wrong with wanting to earn extra points from a potential employer. The additional sections of a resume allow you to emphasize other relevant facts that make you stand out from the crowd.

Just remember to be mindful of the formatting. You don’t want to draw attention away from the work experience section. Another thing to keep in mind is to only add parts that will boost your chances of employment.

Here are some ideas:

• Certifications or extra training, such as dropshipping or digital marketing courses
• Unpaid experiences, like volunteer work
• Awards and achievements, e.g., Employee of the Month Award
• Languages. List languages you can write and speak proficiently
• Interests and hobbies

Avoid cramming too much information into this section. You want to ensure a good visual flow of information that’s scannable.

What Are the Top Resume Formats?

Applying for jobs is no mean easy. To come out on top, you must be creative and pick the right resume format based on the job you’re applying for.

Generally, there are three main resume formats :

• Reverse-chronological : As we mentioned earlier, the reverse chronological resume format is the most popular. It lists your work history in reverse order, starting with your current or most recent job at the top.
• Functional (Skill-based) : This format focuses more on relevant skills than work experience. It highlights what you’re good at (skills and abilities) and takes the pressure off of your employment history. It’s ideal for graduates who have the skills necessary for the job but not much work experience.
• Combination (Hybrid) : This format blends the resume elements of a chronological and functional resume. It emphasizes both skills and work history.

Key Takeaways

Armed with these fundamental principles of creating a reverse chronological resume, you shouldn’t have a problem writing one yourself. Remember, stick to simple fonts, use bold text to show prominence, focus on your achievements, and do not lie or mislead recruiters.

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WTO / Human Resource / Resumes / Reverse Chronological Resume Explained (Free Templates)

Reverse Chronological Resume Explained (Free Templates)

Your resume should grab an employer’s attention when you are looking for work and make it easy for them to scan through the most important details. A reverse chronological resume is an effective way to present a candidate’s work history in a clear and concise format, making it easier for employers to assess their qualifications and make hiring decisions.

However, if you decide to use this format, you must learn how to create it correctly. This article will provide information about the following:

• What is the reverse chronological format?
• Key sections of the resume
• Pros and cons of using this resume format

What is the Reverse Chronological Resume Format?

A reverse chronological format displays your academic and professional experiences in reverse-chronological order. It indicates that the document lists all of your previous jobs in chronological order, beginning with the most recent one you held.

The last entry on the list will be your first job. This format has become very popular and is the most common type of resume people use, and people in hiring departments are used to this format.

Besides that, employers can easily see someone’s professional development or career progression, as it provides a clear timeline. This format is more contextual to the position you are applying for, which makes a great impression on recruiters.

When Should I Use this Format?

Even though you can use the chronological resume in different situations, there are some scenarios when you should choose another option.

When to use chronological resume:

• When you have many years of professional experience in different companies.
• When you have a stable career progression with a steady path.
• If you do not have gaps in your career.
• When you want to highlight your current position.

When to avoid chronological resume:

• When you have no or little work experience.
• If you want to highlight some of the earlier positions and experiences in your career.
• When you have any gaps in your work experience.

Essential Sections of a Chronological Resume

The information you add to your resume is the most critical aspect of the document, which is why this article will cover all the main sections of a resume .

You can also add additional information, but here is the structure that should be the core of your document:

Your full name and current job title

The first part of any document is the header, which should include your full name and current job title. Although there are many differing opinions on the subject, writing the title of the position you are applying for will only make you appear overconfident.

Contact information 

You must add basic contact information underneath the heading, including an address, email, phone number, or social media links. Ensure all the information is professional and current so that the hiring manager can easily contact you and discuss the position. 

Personal statement

The personal statement is an introduction that gives recruiters a glimpse into your best qualities and suitability for the job opening. A personal statement can either be a summary or an objective statement. A resume summary showcases previous experience, making it great for people with at least two years of experience. On the other hand, a resume objective focuses on skills, making it ideal for people without work experience.  

Work experience section

This section is the core of a chronological resume . It should contain detailed information about the positions you held in a structured and chronological manner.

Here are some of the rules you should follow when writing about your work experience :

• Only include professional experience relevant to the position you are applying for.
• Start with your latest (current) position and continue by listing your previous positions in reverse chronological order.
• Include the job title, company name, dates of employment, and other relevant information for each position.
• Make the section easy to read and use bullet points. Use an average of five bullets per position.
• Include action verbs in your bullet points, like managed, organized, led, aligned, hired, cultivated, directed, etc.
• Focus primarily on duties and achievements instead of responsibilities.
•  Demonstrate the impact of your work.

Education section

Like the work experience section, you should start with the latest educational achievements. Depending on your level of work experience, your education section can be longer or shorter.

If you have more than a couple of years of work experience, list only essential information, like:

• Information about the subject you majored in
• Year of graduation
• Name of Universities

In case you do not have two or more years of experience, you can include more information, such as:

• The minor you studied
• Student exchange programs attended
• College honors

Skills section

Every type of resume needs to include your skills. You can list them by relevance or alphabetically; both options are good. Naturally, all the skills you list should be relevant to the position.

Make a list of your soft and hard skills. Take the time to read the job description to see what the employer is looking for. Then you must compare your list of skills with the skills required by the employer in the job description. It is essential to include all the skills required in the job description. 

Additional sections

You can extend your resume to an additional page if you need more space for additional sections to highlight the unique value you can offer, but it is best to keep it concise. Additional areas supplement your experience and skills section and are especially useful if you do not have much work experience .

However, you should not add any additional information if it does not help the recruiter determine whether you are a suitable candidate for the position. Here are some of the things you can mention:

• Volunteering experience
• Research experience
• Publications
• Certifications and licenses

Reverse Chronological Resume Structure

[Full name]

[Current position]

Phone number: [insert information]

Email: [insert information]

Social media links: [insert information]

Resume profile

A forward-thinking (job title) with a strategic approach and result-based mindset with 5+ years of experience in the field. I am eager to join (company name) and help inspire and lead the sales team into new markets and impress your customers.

I have exceeded sales goals by over 15% at my current position while managing a team of a dozen associates, leading to a $125K revenue increase.

Employment History

[Job position] [start of employment – end of employment] [Company name] [city name and state]

 Insert duties and responsibilities.

Insert duties and responsibilities.

Key achievements:

Insert key achievements.

[Degree name] [Field of study] [Graduation year(optional)] [University name]

Courses (optional):

Insert most relevant courses.

Academic achievements (optional):

Insert achievements for [specific degree].

Extracurricular activities (optional):

Insert extracurricular activities you participated in during this time.

Awards (optional):

Insert noticeable awards [name of the award] [given by] [date].

 Insert noticeable awards [name of the award] [given by] [date].

Hard skills:

Insert relevant skills.

Soft skills:

Interests (additional section)

Insert interest.

 Insert interest.

Publications (additional section)

Insert relevant publications.

Free Templates

Given below are reverse chronological resume templates:

Pros and Cons of Using a Reverse Chronological Format Pros

Even though the reverse chronological resume format offers many benefits, this option has some downsides. Learning when to avoid using this option and when it will get the desired results is essential.

Here is what you need to know:

The pros include:

Provides a straightforward narrative of your career 

This is one of the main benefits of using a reverse chronological format. By listing your work experience in reverse chronological order (i.e., starting with your most recent job and working backward), you create a clear and easy-to-follow narrative of your career progression over time. This can be particularly useful for employers who are looking for candidates with a specific level of experience or who want to see how your skills and responsibilities have evolved.

Conforms to expectations 

Recruiters expect to see this kind of resume format, and they know what to look for and where to look. But, at the same time, it is a great option when applying to large organizations that use automated tracking systems for job applications or standardized application forms.

Emphasizes well-known companies 

This resume format highlights the companies you worked for in the past. If you have worked for some of the most-established brands, this format can prevent that from going unnoticed by recruiters.

The cons include:

Shows the gaps in your work history

The reverse chronological format instantly shows if you have not worked for a year or two. In other words, recruiters can see that you have gaps in your career, which might be concerning for them. Also, it highlights the duration of employment at each job, making it easy for the employer to see how long you worked at each position. If you have had many short-term jobs, it may raise questions about your stability and job commitment.

Not suitable if you are switching careers

A chronological resume typically emphasizes your most recent work experience, which can be a disadvantage if you have not worked in a particular field for an extended period.

If you have marketing experience but your most recent marketing job was seven years ago, recruiters might not notice this on your resume or might not consider it relevant. This could potentially weaken your chances of being considered for a job in that field.

Not perfect for entry-level candidates

These kinds of resumes are designed to highlight your prior experience , but people who are new to the job market do not have any work experience, and as such, this format is not useful for them.  

Since a reverse chronological resume is the most common format, having one ready is always a good idea. In addition, chances are high that your next job application will require this kind of resume.  At the same time, it is important to keep your resume updated and incorporate any recent awards or achievements.   Hopefully, this post has helped you understand how to create an effective document. Make sure to download our template so that you can easily create a perfect resume.  

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Reverse Chronological Resume: Tips & Examples

There are three main resume formats, but reverse chronological is by far the most popular as well as the most effective layout for the majority of job seekers. This article will cover when to use a reverse chronological resume and how to create an effective one.

What Is a Reverse Chronological Resume?

In many countries around the world, reverse chronological resumes are considered standard. The format is sometimes referred to simply as a chronological resume, although ‘reverse chronological’ is more accurate since past positions are typically listed starting with your current or most recent job at the top and working backwards in time from there.

A reverse chronological resume prioritizes your previous work experience which makes it the preferred format for most recruiters, who generally look first for your past positions. However, if you don’t have a wealth of work experience, you may wish to use a different resume format to highlight your skills and abilities as outlined in the next section.

The reverse chronological format will also make any gaps in your work history immediately apparent to employers, but taking time away from work is no longer the red flag it once was and you can easily frame the gap in a positive light by simply including a short explanation and/or highlighting skills that you gained during that period.

Reverse chronological resumes are also the easiest for applicant tracking systems ( ATS ) to scan. ATSs are automated computer programs that scan each resume that is submitted to a company, evaluating each one on the basis of how well it matches up to keywords that the employer has inputted regarding their desired experience and skills in a candidate.

Other Resume Formats

The two other main resume formats are functional resumes and combination resumes.

A functional resume showcases your skills over your past experience, which can be beneficial for freelancers, those in creative industries, and those who have gaps in their work history or little to no work history to mention. However, a functional resume can be more difficult for hiring managers to scan and it can present some red flags that you might be intentionally concealing your work experience or lack thereof.

A combination resume includes elements of both reverse chronological and functional resumes, which allows you to highlight your skills as well as your experience while also glossing over gaps in your employment. But, a combination resume can be difficult to format effectively and is best used only when applying to highly specialized positions.

When To Use a Reverse Chronological Resume

A reverse chronological resume is a great choice if you have at least a few years of professional work experience, but the format is very versatile.

In an ideal scenario where you have several years of experience in one industry and are applying for another position in the same field, a reverse chronological resume will clearly demonstrate your career progression.

However, you can still reap the benefits of a reverse chronological resume even if you don’t have much work experience, such as if you are a student or a recent graduate. In that case, you can place your education section above your work experience section and still list everything in reverse chronological order. You can include internships, volunteer work, and so forth in your work experience section.

Again, if you are concerned about a reverse chronological resume exposing gaps in your work history, it is now considered acceptable to include an explanation for each gap in the same format that you would list a past job. Simply list the dates and the reason for the gap. If applicable (such as if you took time off to complete a training course or certification), you can also include bullet points that outline your new skills and qualifications .

What To Include on a Reverse Chronological Resume

If you’ve decided that a reverse chronological resume makes sense for your situation, here are the key sections to include:

Resume Header

Your resume header goes at the very top of your resume and should include your full name, your phone number, your email address, your LinkedIn URL, links to your online portfolio or professional website if you have one, and your city and state (or your full mailing address if you prefer).

Resume Summary or Objective

Next, add your resume introduction section, which can either be a resume summary or a resume objective depending on your situation. If you have at least a few years of experience in the industry that you are applying for, use a summary to highlight your skills and experience. An objective statement is usually a better option if you are a student, have recently graduated, or are making a career change.

Work Experience

If you have at least a few years of work experience in your target industry, add your work experience section next. If you are still a student or you’ve recently graduated, you can place your education section above your work experience.

List your relevant work experience in reverse chronological order, starting with your current or most recent position. You don’t need to include every position that you’ve ever held, especially if you have previously worked jobs that aren’t pertinent to your current career. For example, if you worked as a lifeguard in high school or college and you are now several years out of school and applying for an engineering position, you don’t need to include that on your resume.

For each job, include your official title, the company name and location, and the dates you worked there (months and years only). Under each one, add a few bullet points that outline your skills and achievements , focusing on how well you performed in the position rather than just listing job duties and responsibilities. Quantify your accomplishments with numbers and data whenever possible.

If you have a college degree and at least a few years of professional experience, your education section can be brief, listing the university you went to, the degree you earned, and the dates you attended. There’s no need to list your high school information if you’ve already earned an Associate’s, Bachelor’s, or more advanced degree. If you have multiple degrees, list the highest one first followed by the others in reverse chronological order.

However, if you are currently in high school or college or you don’t have much professional experience, you can include your high school information. To make up for a lack of work experience, you may wish to include extra details about your education, including your GPA (if it’s above a 3.5), relevant coursework, honors and awards, and so forth.

While you should work your skills into all other sections of your resume, you can also create a dedicated section to highlight your hard and soft skills . Be sure to list only skills that are relevant to the job that you are applying for. Read the job posting carefully to identify which skills and qualities the employer is looking for, and use those keywords in your resume. Consider using resume action verbs to convey your skills more effectively.

Optional Resume Sections

If you still have room on your resume after including all of the above sections, you can add optional resume sections such as hobbies and interests, certifications , languages , volunteer experience, extracurricular activities, and so forth.

Your resume should only be a single page if you have less than ten years of experience in your industry, and no more than two pages if you have more experience than that.

Example of a Reverse Chronological Resume

Here’s an example of what a reverse chronological resume might look like:

John Sample

Salt Lake City, Utah

(111) 222-3333

[email protected]

linkedin.com/in/john.sample

Results-driven sales manager with 5+ years of experience, eager to contribute sales and management skills to ABC Company to motivate the sales team and drive exceptional revenue growth. In past roles, consistently grew sales by at least 20% year over year, managed teams of up to 20 sales associates, and increased annual revenue by $100K+.

Sales Manager, XYZ Inc., Salt Lake City, UT, August 2018-Present

• Drafted and executed quarterly marketing plans
• Managed merchandise purchasing and stocking
• Exceeded sales targets by 25% each quarter

Sales Associate, DEF Company, Salt Lake City, UT, July 2016-August 2018

• Brought in 50+ new leads each month
• Renegotiated sales contract to increase revenue each year
• Developed seasonal promotions

Oregon State University, Beaverton, OR

BA in Economics, 2016

• Collaboration
• Communication
• Interpersonal skills
• Relationship building
• Sales techniques

Bilingual English/Spanish

Key Takeaways

A reverse chronological resume is a great choice for the majority of job searchers as it will highlight your skills and experience in an easy-to-scan format that is optimized for both hiring managers and ATSs. The focal point of a reverse chronological resume is your work experience, which should be listed with your current or most recent position first, working backwards in time from there.

Not sure how to create an eye-catching reverse chronological resume? Consider using Jobseeker ’s professional resume creation tool. You can enter in your information and then easily swap between formats, styles, color schemes, and more with just a few clicks. Then download your polished resume instantly and get started applying for your dream job!

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Reverse Chronological Resume Templates

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9 Tips for an Easy-To-Read Resume

3 key takeaways

• An easy-to-read resume helps hiring professionals quickly spot your key qualifications
• Simple design, professional fonts, and clear formatting are crucial for readability
• Teal's AI Resume Builder offers features to create a clear, polished, ATS-friendly resume quickly

An easy-to-read resume strikes a balance between clarity and impact. It makes sure your key points stand out without overwhelming the reader.

But, it can be tough to avoid information overload and stay organized. Plus, manual formatting and a resume that's both ATS-friendly and easy for human recruiters to read can be time-consuming.

Below, you'll learn how to make your resume both visually appealing and content-rich. From picking a simple design to adding measurable achievements, you'll get all the tips you need to create a resume that grabs attention and makes a strong impression.

Struggling to create an easy-to-read resume? Sign up for Teal's AI Resume Builder today .

Why you need an easy-to-read resume

An easy-to-read resume allows hiring professionals to spot your key qualifications and achievements quickly. A clean and professional format highlights your skills and improves your chances of being correctly parsed by Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).

An easy-to-read resume also:

Saves time: With hundreds of applications to review, recruiters and hiring managers can quickly digest well-organized and straightforward resumes.

Demonstrates professionalism: A polished resume reflects your attention to detail and communication skills.

Boosts ATS compatibility : Many companies use ATS to organize and file resumes. A simple, well-formatted resume is more likely to be successfully parsed by these systems.

9 tips for an easy-to-read resume

Making your resume easy to read doesn't have to be complicated. These nine tips will help you craft a document that's easy on the eyes and packed with the right details to help you stand out during the hiring and recruitment process.

Tip 1: Keep design simple

When it comes to resume design, less is more. While you want your resume to convey your personality to some extent, the primary focus should be on what you bring to the table.

A clean, straightforward resume layout allows your qualifications to take center stage. Here's why simplicity matters:

• A clutter-free design makes it easier for hiring managers to quickly scan your information.
• Complex designs with images, graphics, or charts can confuse ATS systems, potentially causing your resume to be rejected before a human ever sees it.
• A simple design conveys a sense of maturity and focus on substance over style.

Here's how to do it:

• Stick to a clean, minimalist design with clear sections and consistent formatting.
• Use subtle design elements like lines and slightly larger headers to separate sections if needed.
• Avoid ornate borders or excessive color that could distract from your content.

The sample resume below shows how a clutter-free resume design makes it easy to see value quickly.

Tip 2: Choose a professional font

The right font can make a significant difference in your resume's readability. Opt for standard, easy-to-read fonts such as:

• Roboto Mono
• Crimson Pro

These fonts are not only professional but also widely compatible with various systems. Avoid quirky or overly stylized fonts that may be difficult to read or might not render correctly on all devices.

Font size matters, too. For body text, stick to 10-12 point font. You can go up to 14 or 16 points for section headers, but avoid anything larger, as it can look unprofessional.

Remember: the goal is to make your resume easy to read, not to showcase your knowledge of obscure typefaces. When in doubt, choose a classic, widely used font that won't distract from your content.

Tip 3: Use a clear format

A professional, well-organized resume format helps guide the reader's eye through your resume.

Choose a common resume format like a reverse chronological resume, which lists your work experience starting with the most recent job and working backward, making it easy for recruiters to see your career progression.

Alternatively, consider a hybrid resume that combines elements of both chronological and functional formats, allowing you to highlight your skills and experiences while still providing a clear employment history.

You should also:

• Use consistent spacing throughout
• Align text to the left for easier reading
• Use bold or italics sparingly to highlight key information
• Stick to a one or two-column layout

The key? Consistency. If you bold job titles, make sure all job titles are bold. If you use bullet points for one job description (and you should!), use them for all job descriptions. This cohesiveness creates a visual rhythm that makes your resume easier to scan and understand.

Design your resume with Teal

Want to flexible resume design without a lot of tedious work?

Teal's Design Mode offers a variety of professional templates to choose from and makes it easy to create a polished, ATS-friendly resume without the hassle of starting from scratch or manually formatting.

With Teal, you can:

• Choose from multiple professional templates
• Customize colors and fonts to match your personal brand
• Rearrange your resume sections to match your career journey
• Easily adjust spacing and formatting for a clean, polished look
• Ensure your resume is ATS-compatible

Tip 4: Opt for resume bullet points

Long paragraphs can be overwhelming and difficult to skim. Instead, use bullet points to present your accomplishments and responsibilities.

Resume bullet points improve scannability, help highlight your achievements, and create white space making your resume easier on the eyes.

Here's how to make the most of bullet points:

• Start each bullet with a strong action verb (e.g., "Developed," "Implemented," "Increased")
• Focus on achievements and results rather than just responsibilities
• Keep each resume bullet to 1-2 lines for maximum impact
• Use 3-5 bullets per job or section to avoid overwhelming the reader

Remember, the goal is to provide a snapshot of your most impressive accomplishments that are relevant to the job you're applying for, not an exhaustive list of everything you've ever done.

Tip 5: Incorporate headings

Headings act as signposts, guiding the reader through different sections of your resume. Here are the section headings most hiring professionals look for.

• Work Experience
• Certifications
• Optional – Projects – Awards and Scholarships – Volunteering and Leadership – Publications

Note: The headings above do not include the following resume sections: Contact Information, Target Job Title, and Professional Summary. These sections sit at the top of your resume and tend to be self-explanatory.

Format your headings consistently. For example, you might make them bold these words on your resume and make them slightly larger than the body text. This creates a clear visual hierarchy that guides the reader's eye through your resume.

Tip 6: Add white space

White space, or negative space, is the empty area between sections in your resume. Proper use of white space reduces visual resume clutter , improves overall readability, and helps important information stand out.

To incorporate more white space:

• Use appropriate margins (usually 0.5 to 1 inch on all sides)
• Add space between sections
• Avoid cramming too much information onto a single page
• Use line spacing of 1.0 to 1.15 for body text

Think of white space as giving your content room to breathe. Just as a cluttered physical space can feel overwhelming, a resume without decent white space can be difficult to process.

However, be careful not to go overboard. Too much white space can make your resume look sparse or lacking in content. Strike a balance between providing enough information and maintaining readability.

Tip 7: Keep it concise

Hiring managers and recruiters have limited time to review each resume , so a concise, focused resume is more likely to be read in its entirety.

The goal here is to provide a clear and impactful snapshot of your most relevant qualifications and experiences. By keeping your resume concise, you make sure that the most important information stands out and can be quickly absorbed.

To keep your resume focused:

• You don't have to cram everything into a one-page resume! Aim for 1-3 pages unless you're in a field that requires a CV or more extensive detail.
• Include only relevant experience and soft and technical skills that directly relate to the job requirements of the role you're applying for.
• Use action verbs and remove unnecessary words to keep your descriptions clear and powerful.
• Tailor your resume for each job application, highlighting the most pertinent information for that specific role.

Tips for keeping your resume concise

• Focus on the last 10-15 years of experience unless earlier experience is highly relevant to the position.
• Eliminate outdated resume skills or technologies that no longer add value to your application.
• Remove high school information if you have a college degree unless it's specifically relevant.
• Cut "fluff" words and phrases that don't add substantial value to your descriptions.

When in doubt, ask yourself: "Does this information help show why I'm a great fit for this specific job?" If the answer is no, remove it This approach ensures your resume remains impactful and easy to read.

Pro Tip: If you don't want to start a resume from scratch or delete important details every time you hit apply, the Teal AI Resume Builder stores your entire career history as one base resume.

Then, when it's time to apply, just check the boxes next to the skills and experience relevant to that specific job—no more wasteful and time-consuming copying, pasting, or deleting.

Tip 8: Use numbers and data

Quantifying resume achievements adds credibility. It offers concrete proof of your experience and helps hiring professionals understand the scope of your accomplishments.

For example: Implemented a targeted marketing strategy that increased sales by 25% over six months, boosting overall revenue and market share. Developed and executed a comprehensive management plan for a team of 12 developers, resulting in a 30% increase in project completion rates and improved team cohesion. Designed and implemented enhanced training procedures, reducing customer complaints by 40% and significantly improving customer satisfaction and retention rates.

These specific, measurable results are more impactful than vague statements and help your resume stand out.

Tips for incorporating numbers and data:

• Use percentages to show improvement or growth
• Include dollar amounts to demonstrate financial impact
• Specify the size of teams or projects you've managed
• Mention time frames to provide context for your achievements

Tip 9: Avoid jargon and fluff

While using industry-specific keywords is important, avoid overloading your resume with jargon or buzzwords. Instead, opt for clear, simple language that anyone can understand. Replace resume buzzwords and clichés like "team player" or "think outside the box" with specific examples.

For example: Instead of: "Excellent communication skills" Try: "Delivered weekly presentations to C-level executives, resulting in approval of new $500K project" Instead of: "Results-oriented professional" Try: "Increased customer satisfaction scores by 15% through implementation of new service protocols"

Remember, your goal is to show potential employers your value clearly. Using simple language and real examples makes it easy for hiring managers to see what you bring to the table and how you can help their team.

Create an easy-to-read resume with Teal

An easy-to-read resume looks professional and quickly communicates your value to potential employers.

With Teal AI Resume Builder's Flexible Resume Design, you can create a clear, compelling resume that balances looks and content to highlight all of the right details without the fluff or manual work.

Don't let a hard-to-read resume stand between you and your next opportunity.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the easiest resume to read.

The easiest resume to read has a simple design, professional font, and clear format. It uses bullet points, incorporates headings, and includes white space to improve scannability. The content is concise, quantifies achievements with numbers and data, and avoids jargon or fluff. This type of resume allows hiring managers to quickly spot key qualifications and makes a strong first impression.

Why is the resume easy to read?

A resume is easy to read because it prioritizes clarity and impact. It uses a clean layout, consistent formatting, and appropriate font choices to guide the reader's eye. By presenting information in a logical order with clear headings and bullet points, it allows hiring managers to quickly scan and absorb key details.

How should you format your resume to make it easily readable?

To format an easily readable resume, use a simple design with a professional font in 10-12 point size. Stick to a reverse chronological or hybrid format, and use clear headings to separate sections. Incorporate resume bullet points to highlight achievements and maintain consistent spacing throughout. Add white space to reduce clutter, and keep content concise by focusing on relevant information. This format ensures your resume is both visually appealing and ATS-friendly.

Kayte Grady

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How to Write a Resume for Skills-Based Hiring

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Dive Into Expert Guides to Enhance your Resume

Make use of expert tips & tricks to to help you build the perfect resume

Have you ever wondered why you are not getting the type of job interviews that you deserve?  When I first started my career, my resume was simply a list of job titles, descriptions, and dates. It did not show actual relevant skills, and I often wondered why I did not receive job interviews.  I later became a Career Coach and committed myself to helping clients understand the power of writing resumes with impact.  

Fast-forward to today, and the competition is stiff. Candidates compete in a tough job market that continues to evolve due to technological advances. We are now in the age of artificial intelligence (AI) and the ever-popular gig economy, making it increasingly important to build diverse skill sets.  

The challenge, however, lies in learning how to translate those skills to your resume.

Employers are quickly learning to embrace diverse skill sets by transitioning from traditional hiring methods to instead focusing on skills-based hiring practices.

You may be wondering exactly what skills-based hiring is and how you can create a skills-focused resume. Well, look no further! 

This article will teach you everything you need to know about skills-based hiring and creating a skills-focused resume to impress potential employers , no matter which career you choose.

What is Skills-based Hiring?

Employers utilize skill-based hiring and recruitment practices to fill job positions based on the competencies and skills that candidates possess instead of relying on more boring and less reliable traditional methods.

🌟The goal of skill-based hiring is to identify the best candidate based on their skills and competencies rather than relying on educational background and past job titles alone.

Whereas traditional recruitment practices have an almost singular focus on formal qualifications and past job roles, skills-based hiring evaluates your current skill set and practical ability to successfully perform the job. 

The gig economy , as well as the post-Covid-19 environment, has empowered employers to adapt to a more agile workforce.  Many of my clients have worked multiple jobs or have some type of part-time gig that has helped them diversify their skill set. 

Employers recognize the benefits and are now embracing the mindset that building a highly skilled, agile workforce with transferable skills will help the organization quickly adapt to change. 

Traditional recruitment processes were designed to recruit for a specific position and are not as fluid.  Imagine working on a team that evolves as the business evolves, and you can easily transition to any number of roles based on building a portfolio of diverse skills. 

Why Recruiters Choose to Hire Based on a Candidate’s Skills

There are a number of  advantages and reasons why employers may opt to use skills-based hiring strategies:

• What are some examples of technical skills that you already possess?  Are these skills currently listed on your resume?
• Skills Gaps and Competency Alignment:   Skills-based hiring allows employers to focus on identifying the specific abilities needed by candidates to help close the skill gaps within an organization.   It allows employers to utilize more precise recruitment approaches, align training requirements, and project future workforce needs.
• Reducing Recruitment Costs:   It can be costly to recruit and hire the wrong candidate for a role.  Just because someone has the job title does not always mean they have the exact abilities required for the role.
• Reducing Bias in Hiring Practices :  It helps to reduce bias in the hiring process because it focuses on performance rather than educational or past employer prestige.

The bottom line is, “Do you have the necessary skills to successfully perform the job?”

What you can do about it

Learning to write a resume that emphasizes your skills helps with presenting yourself as the best candidate to recruiters and employers.  

Skills-based hiring takes into consideration the whole-person approach to hiring.  An effective resume will showcase your technical expertise, soft skills, job competencies, and past performance in different experiences in a manner that impresses employers.  

You should also know that skills based hiring practices may also incorporate various skill assessment testing , simulations, and behavioral style interviewing to determine a candidate’s overall fit for the job. 

How Can You Highlight Your Most Relevant Skills in Your Resume?

Writing a skills-focused resume will help you float to the top in a sea of competition. However, we don’t want to confuse this with writing a skills-based resume , which is also known as a functional resume.  You may already be using a reverse chronological resume since it is the preferred style for most recruiters, but a functional layout is a slightly different resume format .  

• A functional resume groups skills and abilities together by category with specific examples, followed by work history, and the education section .  
• Reverse chronological resumes focus on work history and each job is listed starting with the most recent role first.

The challenge of using a reverse chronological resume for skills-based hiring is that none of your bullets stand out because they are grouped by job role instead of skill set.  Recruiters and employers have to review each resume bullet to determine if you possess the skills needed.  

If not written correctly, your resume will drown instead of floating to the top.

Let’s quickly discuss how to write a resume, along with the best approaches for showcasing your relevant skills.

How to organize your resume for skills-based hiring

First, let’s look at the order the sections should appear in. We’ll then go into greater detail for each part.

• Contact Information:   Name, Phone Number, Email Address, and LinkedIn
• Professional Summary:  Provide an overview of your background, skills, and qualifications for the position that you are applying for.  Make sure you check out the examples below. 
• Skills:   Unlike more traditional layouts, this section comes BEFORE your work experience. Categorize your skills by group and provide specific examples of your accomplishments and achievements.
• Work Experience:  Include your job titles, name of the company, location, and employment dates in reverse chronological order. Your skills will be listed within the achievements you outline.
• Education:  While education is important unless otherwise stated in the job description, it is not the primary focus unless you haven’t had any work experience. 
• Additional Sections:   You may also consider adding additional subheadings for training, certifications, volunteer work , publications, professional organizations, and awards and recognitions.

Be sure to pay attention to the job description. If the employer asks for specific degree requirements and certifications, be sure to highlight these in your cover letter or consider strategically placing this information at the top of your resume. 

My top tips for writing a resume for skills-based hiring.

• Tailor the resume to the job description
• Use relevant keywords from the job description 
• Group your skills by category and list them toward the top of your resume.
• Provide specific examples within the experience section
• Quantify your skills-related achievements where possible 
• Use strong action verbs at the beginning of each bullet  
• Maintain a clear and concise format

Sample skills categories

Here are some examples of how you can group your skills on your resume.

• Technical (Ex.:  software, database management, computer programming, Artificial Intelligence )
• Analytical (Ex:  statistical analysis, data analysis , and market research)
• Communication (Ex: written, verbal, and presentation skills)
• Project Management (Ex: project planning, resource management, and budgeting)
• Leadership ( Ex:  team management, decision-making, and strategic planning)

It is important to understand how to properly group your skills into categories based on the job description when creating a resume that highlights your skills.

Consider these two questions:  

• Based on the examples above, what categories can you immediately use based on your current skill set?  
• Which specific examples from your own experiences can you place in each category?  

Organizing your resume in the right format will help recruiters to better understand how your skills align with the job description. 

Now you understand the format, let’s discuss the power of first impressions!  

Crafting a skills-based summary statement for your resume

One piece of advice that I always share with clients is to put your best foot forward.  This includes making a great first impression with your resume.  

When writing your resume, it is important to start with a strong opening statement. On average, recruiters only spend about 5-7 scanning each resume.  This means that you only have just as much time to make that first impression count!  And it all starts with an impressive summary statement.

My tips for writing an attention-grabbing resume summary

• Start with a strong opener that highlights your years of experience and career identity.
• Use job description keywords to ensure that your resume is ATS-compliant.
• Highlight your achievements by using action words and showcasing 1-2 high-level accomplishments where you used your skill set upfront.
• Include soft skills such as leadership, communication, teamwork, and creativity.
• Keep it concise by minimizing your summary statement to 4-6 sentences that showcase your versatility and professional brand.

Skills-based summary examples

Let’s see some examples to help you understand this section better.

Experienced career professional with a variety of skills. Previously worked in diverse industries and have done lots of different things. Seeking a job that will provide growth opportunities by allowing me to utilize my skills. Exceptional skills in project management, teamwork, communication, and organizing.

Why it’s wrong:

• Lacks specific details
• Not targeted to the specific job industry
• Generic skills list
• Does not capture the reader’s attention

Results-driven Registered Nurse with 10+ years of experience in hands-on patient-care in fast-paced Emergency Room settings. Expert in quickly triaging and assessing patients with a proven track record of reducing patient wait times by 30% and retaining a 95% patient satisfaction rating. Adept at leading cross-functional healthcare teams and clinical workflow. Seeking to leverage my skills to support the mission of providing patient-centered care at XYZ Hospital.

Why it’s right:

• Specific with a focused and clear outline
• Targeted to the job role
• Includes quantifiable achievements
• Uses action words to immediately engage the reader
• Demonstrates career identity and professional brand

Where to put your skills section for maximum impact

You have learned the secrets to impressing recruiters with an attention-grabbing summary statement, now it’s time to create a keyword list of skills to add below it. 

A client once asked me whether a skills list was truly necessary, and I advised that it is necessary and helps to meet ATS compliance requirements . The skills list is simply a list of keywords or phrases that showcase your tangible skills aligned to the role. 

Placing your skills list at the top of your resume just after the summary section captures the attention of recruiters and hiring managers, allowing them to immediately see your key competencies.  

This strategic approach makes you a compelling candidate to prospective employers. 

Below is a sample skills list for an RN (registered nurse) based on the skills-based summary sample above.

Soft Skills

• Excellent Communicator
• Team Collaboration
• Problem-solver
• Time Management
• Critical Thinker
• Attention to Detail

Hard Skills

• Patient Advocacy
• Emergency Response
• Patient Education
• Infection Control
• Medication Administration
• IV Pumps and EKG Machines
• Electronic Medical Records

How to weave your skills into your work history

Once you have wowed the recruiter and hiring manager with an upfront high-impact summary and skills list, the next step is to write bullet statements for the work experience section of your resume.  

Your bullets should highlight your skills according to the job description.  Ideally, they should be written in an action, impact, and result format to demonstrate the significance of your work.  

Let’s see some examples from the healthcare sector.  Remember to quantify information whenever possible:

• Helped in an ICU checking in patients, changing bandages, and checking vital signs to ensure that they remained okay.

This bullet is too vague, does not include any skills, and oversimplifies the job role.

• Supported a 12-bed ICU by assessing patients, performing wound care, and closely monitoring patients’ vital signs to ensure their safety and recovery.
• Developed personalized care plans for patients with chronic illnesses, resulting in a 25% improvement in health conditions and preventing adverse effects.

These bullets provide details on the skills used, quantitative data, and the impact of the candidate’s work.

For a non-healthcare role, let’s look at how an account manager could emphasize their skills within their work experience bullet points.

Account Management

• Expertly managed a portfolio of key accounts with 700+ clients and increased customer retention and satisfaction scores by 25%.
• Developed tailored account management solutions, resulting in a 45% increase in clients over a five-year period.

This example subtly sells the candidate’s soft skills within some impressive accomplishments.

Stay ahead of the curve with in-demand skills

The great thing about all the changes taking place in the job market is that you can quickly improve your skills.

Equipping yourself with relevant in-demand skills through further training and certifications , personal projects, or attending specific conferences will help you to stay relevant in a competitive job market. 

Final Thoughts

While the job market is competitive, skills-based interviewing opens the door for you to apply for roles that you may not have thought that you otherwise would qualify for.  

As a Career Coach, I have made it a point to encourage clients to step outside of their comfort zone and not be afraid to apply for jobs that are outside of their norm.  A skills-focused resume helps employers to easily see your value. 

If there is an area in your resume that you would like to strengthen, you can easily take a course to stay ahead of the curve. It has been my experience that employers value candidates who show initiative and demonstrate versatility.  

Ultimately, staying abreast of the latest trends, remaining open-minded, and continuously updating your skills and resume can greatly improve your career opportunities and furthermore, boost your confidence.

Related Posts

How to Show Your Achievements on a Resume: STAR & CAR Methods Discover the best way to highlight achievements on your resume with the STAR and CAR techniques. Find practical examples and advice. Updated on June 18, 2024 How to Show Your Achievements on a Resume: STAR & CAR Methods

How to Quantify Your Resume: What Recruiters Look For Wondering how to include metrics and quantifiable achievements on your resume to impress recruiters? Check out this guide with expert examples. Updated on May 8, 2024 How to Quantify Your Resume: What Recruiters Look For

Transferable skills: Definition and Examples for Your Resume Top transferable skills to show your core abilities and competencies! Look at our list of of transferable skills and see how to include them. Updated on March 30, 2023 Transferable skills: Definition and Examples for Your Resume

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• Resume & CV

20+ Free Nursing Resume Templates (Examples to Download for 2024)

A successful job search strategy helps you find and land your dream nursing job. You'll need to create a resume and cover letter that gets you interviews. Let's look at some nursing resume examples that you can download and use.

Clean Nurse Resume Pro (premium nursing template) from Envato Elements

Work smart by using a pre-built resume template. You have options between free and premium templates to pick from. Browse through all available options and download one that fits your needs. 

We'll start by checking out 2024's collection of top sample nursing resume templates from Envato Elements. Then we'll explore 20 free nursing resume templates found online. 

Find the Best Nursing Resume Templates on Envato Elements for 2024 (Unlimited Use)

Thanks to Envato Elements, lack of time or skill is no longer an obstacle for many. Active membership is an investment that enables you to improve your creative projects effortlessly. Download a premium nursing template and other files without limits.

Unlock access to millions of creative assets on Envato Elements—all for a low fixed monthly fee. 

Use any premium resume templates from Envato Elements for your job application

Get access to premium files like:

• print, graphics, web, and presentation templates,
• video, music, audio, and photo files,
• 3D objects, fonts, codes, and so much more.

Premium resume templates are modern, creative, well-layered, and most importantly, impressive. Customization is minimal, and in most cases, all you have to do is add your content. Free nursing resume templates fall short and make it risky to use. 

5 Best Premium Nursing Resume Templates for 2024 

Here are five best nursing resume examples from Envato Elements: 

1. Registered Nurses CV Resume Template

This file comes with a single-page resume and cover letter template. It's professionally designed and is a modern minimalistic document. Easily edit the content, add your photo, and you're all set to send out your application. 

2. Nurse Resume & Cover Letter Template

This professional document is well-layered and clearly labeled. This premium template is convenient to work with and provides the best possible results. Download and edit this template in Adobe Illustrator today.

3. Nursing CV Template

Here's a black and white template. The sections on the resume are divided creatively and have a modern feel. The design is simple yet uses typographic hierarchy to direct readers to relevant information. 

4. CV Resume Word Template

The CV Resume Word Template can be used for any job that you want to apply to. It comes with a matching cover letter that looks professional. In addition, this nurse resume download can be edited in Microsoft Word and Adobe Illustrator. The design is modern and minimal, which makes it versatile.

5. Minimalist Resume

This minimal nurse resume download comes with Adobe Photoshop and Microsoft Word versions. It features an achievements and skills section where you can show your accomplishments. Plus, there's a QR code in the contact section to link to a website or social media.

20 Top Free Nursing Resume CV Template Examples to Download (2024)

Before we explore the 20 best free nursing resume templates found on the internet, let's look at Envato's free offerings. Download and use any of these premium files for free. It's an opportunity for you to experience premium before signing up.

Envato Elements offers free monthly files . 

The file you want to try isn't in this month's collection? As these selections are refreshed monthly, you may be in luck next month. 

Here's the offer:

• Twelve unique monthly files from Envato Elements are on offer: audio, graphics, video, web, etc. To get your hands on these monthly premium freebies, all you have to do is create a free account. 

Let's move on and check out 20 top free sample nursing resume templates found online. These files are available for anyone to use. 

1. Free Nurse Resume Template

This is an MS Word sample nursing resume template. The layout is simple and is in black and white. 

2. Free Dental Assistant Resume Template

This template was designed for a clerical position at a clinic or hospital. A nurse can easily customize this template to apply for registered nurse positions. 

3. Free Nursing Resume Example

This nurse resume template free download includes all important sections a nurse's resume should. But the layout is simple and may not grab attention.

4. Free RN Resume Template

This resume is simple and easy to use. It comes in PDF but can be edited in MS Word.

5. New Grad Nursing Resume Template

This template is designed for a newly graduated nurse with a few years of clinical experience done during studies. It comes in black and white. 

6. Nursing Resume Objective Template

There is a clear division between each section in this template. But the design does look a bit dated and not creative. 

7. Free RN Resume Template for Microsoft Word

This resume template includes career objectives, skills and achievements, education and qualifications, project work, computer skills, work experience, other achievements, interests, and references. 

8. Free Registered Nurse Resume Template

This single-page MS Word resume template is free for anyone to use. It's a simple text-only layout.

9. Amy - Free Sample Nursing Resume Template

This resume is divided into four sections: career objective, experience, education, and licenses. Work within the provided sections to keep the resume as a single-page document. 

10. Free Nursing Resume Example

This resume example is very wordy. This document serves well as a content example for a nursing resume. 

11. Gray - Free RN Resume Template

This free RN resume template has a dark gray header and footer section. The body of the page is also split into two sections. This color sectioning is neat and a step up from other free sample nursing resume templates.

12. Red - Free Nursing Resume Example

The text on this template is black, but critical information like contact details are in red. You can highlight other texts by turning them red too. 

13. Blue - Free Nursing Resume Template

In this template, sections are divided by blue lines. Section headers are in blue too. 

14. Free RN Resume Template - Google Docs

This is a free resume and cover letter set template for any registered nurse to use. You can edit or customize these templates of Google Docs.

15. Free Medical CV Template

Here's a Google Docs template you can use to apply for any medical-related jobs. Highlights are in blue. 

16. Amazing - Free Medical Resume Template

This is a two-paged resume Google Docs template. Texts are in light blue, and highlights are in red.

17. Free Nurse Resume Modern Template

Here's a two-paged, black and white resume template. Sections are divided by lines. 

18. Free Nurse Resume Traditional

This template comes in PDF but can be edited on MS Word. It's a traditional format that can come off looking dated. 

19. RN - Free Nursing Resume Template

This is a single-page registered nurse resume template for free. Easily edit this template on MS Word or Google Docs. 

20. Free Registered Nurse Resume Template

Here's a four-page resume template that thoroughly covers all sections with a few examples. Bold texts are used to highlight titles and essential information. 

How to Customize a Nurse Resume in Microsoft Word

After you’ve chosen a free resume template for nurses or a premium template, you’ll want to customize it.

In this tutorial, the Resume Word from Envato Elements is used. Because this template has a simple design, you can use it for any job you apply to.

Let's get started:

1. Add Your Information

When you open your nurse resume download template, you’ll notice that it's already filled out. This is to show you where information is supposed to go.

To replace the text that comes with your template, first highlight the text you want to replace. Next, press the Delete button on your keyboard.

2. Customize the Font

If you don’t like the font on your template, you can change it easily.

• Highlight the text that you want to change the font of.
• Click on the Home tab above the toolbar. You’ll see a font field with the current font in the home tab.
• Click on the arrow in this field. When you click on this arrow, a menu drops down. From this menu, choose the font that you want to use.

To change the font size, there's a Font Size field next to the Font menu field. Click on the arrow in the field to access the font size menu. Then, choose the right font for you from the menu.

3. Customize the Colors

Some companies require a plain resume, while others want you to show your creativity or personality. If you want to show your personality in a fun way without going over the top, then adding color by changing the background is the easiest way.

• Click on the white space in your resume.
• Click on the Design tab.
• You'll see a Page Color button in the toolbar under the design tab. Click the arrow next to that button.
• When you click on this button, a color menu appears. Choose the color of your choice.

4. Add an Image

Some resumes require a headshot. If you’re applying to a job that does require one, you need to know how to add the image to your resume.

After choosing your image and knowing where the file is located, click on the Insert tab.

Next, click on the Pictures button in the toolbar. When you click on this button, a menu appears. Choose the right option depending on where your image file is located. Adjust the image as needed.

5. Save as a PDF

Some companies would prefer if you sent them a PDF version of your resume. This is also good information if you need to email your resume.

• To save your resume as a PDF, click on the File option on the toolbar at the top of your screen. When you click on this option, a menu appears.
• Choose the Save As… option. When you click Save As , a window appears. In that window, there's a File Format: field. Click on the arrow in that field.
• When you click on the arrow, a menu drops down. Click the PDF option.
• Once the option is selected, click on the blue Save button at the bottom of the window.

5 Quick Tips To Make Great Nursing Resumes in 2024

Do you need to create an impressive nursing resume, and are you unsure how to go about it? Here are five quick tips for setting you on the right path for this job application: 

1. Add Better Keywords and Phrases

Increase the chances of getting called for an interview by adding relevant keywords and phrases to your CV. Recruiters use Applicant Tracking System (ATS) software or manually screen applications to assess applicants' compatibility to the position. Learn more about the importance of keywords for resumes with this guide:

2. Highlights and Section Dividers

There are many ways to highlight and show clear division of sections. But some approaches like lines and bold fonts can look dated. While dividing by background colors can look clean and modern.

Medical-Themed Resume (premium template) from Envato Elements, uses colors to creatively divide sections

Keep this in mind while selecting your template and be sure to go with a template that creatively separates sections. A well-designed resume grabs attention, is easy to read, and directs your eyes to vital information. 

3. Provide References Upon Request

Licenses and Certification is included instead of References on the premium Medical CV Resume & Cover Letter (Envato Elements)

Leave out the references from your resume. You've got limited space to work with, and you can provide the references upon request. The goal, for now, is to include as much information (with keywords) to get an interview. 

4. Go Visual With Infographics

Medical Resume (premium example) uses simple graphics and icons to visualize some texts

Visuals grab attention more than texts. Turn timelines, skills, or software knowledge into graphics. Icons are also a great way to add more color to your resume.  

5. Stand Out With a Personal Brand Statement

Consider adding a personal brand statement to your CV. It summarizes your current position in your career and what you can bring to the company. Check out this article to find out how you can write a great personal brand statement:

5 Resume Design Trends

It'll help your job search if your resume looks current. Here are some top resume design trends to incorporate into your resume:

1. List Your Skills

Skills are an essential section that shows your potential employer what you have that they need at a glance. There are two different skills that you can add to your resume. They are:

• Hard skills . These are gained through education or work experiences.
• Soft skills . These are skills that relate to how you work and interact with others. (For example, communication, teamwork, and Problem-solving.)

Listing your skills is a great way to show your potential employer what makes you stand out among the other applicants.

2. Choose the Right Format

There are several different types of resume formats. Not every format is best for the job that you’re applying to. Here are the three top resume formats:

• Reverse Chronological Format . This format is the most common among traditional career paths. The format lists your work history in reverse chronological order, with your current job first and ending with your first job.
• Functional Format . This is a great choice for someone applying to a niche career, looking to change careers, or without work experience. In this format, you list skills and experience relevant to the job you’re applying to rather than your work history.
• Combination Format . This format will work well for you if you have a diverse work history. This format combines reverse chronological and functional formats.

When choosing which format works for you, consider the job you're applying for and your career field.

3. Include Your Social Media

Your online presence can help your job hunt. Most employers would prefer if you at least have a LinkedIn profile that you can link to on your resume. LinkedIn is a great tool where you can expand your resume. It’s created specifically for job hunters. If you have a creative job, you should link to your website with your portfolio. Before applying for a job, make sure to check all of your social media. Make sure it doesn’t have anything you don’t want potential employers to see.

4. List Your Accomplishments

Instead of just listing job titles, it's more impressive to list your accomplishments. Did you win an award in your career? Add it to the resume.

Did you finish a high number of projects? Add it to your resume. This shows your future employer that you don’t just know how to do your job but that you’re good at your job. Adding your accomplishments can impress the hiring manager and lead to a higher chance of being hired.

Subtle pops of color can make your resume stand out among boring black-and-white resumes. Before adding a pop of color, consider the job you’re applying for. For example, a resume with a hot pink background can look unprofessional if you are applying to be a lawyer. Instead, some resumes have colorful objects that highlight essential information on your resume. This is a great way to add color because you highlight important information without distracting the reader.

Discover More Top Resume Template Designs

Are you interested in exploring some top multipurpose resume templates? Here are three top collections for you to start with. 

Learn More About Making Great Resumes in 2024

Put your best foot forward with the help of an impressive registered nurse resume. Are you new at creating resumes and could use some guidance?

Pin this Ultimate Guide to Building a Resume to your browser. It serves as a quick reference with loads of tips to help you land that dream job. 

Here are three sample how-to tutorials: 

Download a Premium Top Registered Nurse Resume Template Today!

A job application process can feel daunting at times. And not getting called for an interview you wanted is highly frustrating too. Increase your chances of getting interviews by submitting a well-prepared resume that best represents you. 

Envato Elements' premium nursing resume templates get you on the right path to creating an impressive resume that'll stand out from the competition. With an active Envato Elements subscription, you'll take all your other creative projects to new heights too. It's time to work smart! 

Get the best nurse resume templates from Envato Elements! Subscribe to download now!

Editorial Note: This post has been updated with contributions from Sarah Joy . Sarah is a freelance instructor for Envato Tuts+.