reverse chronological on resume

Reverse Chronological Order on a Resume Explained

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What is a reverse chronological resume? When you hear the term reverse chronological order, you might not comprehend what that means when considering your resume or job application assets.

Reverse chronological order is a system for ordering lists of data or lists of information by their date. Chronological, the inverse of reverse chronological order, is when data is sorted by their origin date, with the date furthest from the current date at the top of the list. This is then followed by other information blocks descending to the bottom of the list, which would conclude at an information block with the last item being closest to the current date.

Here’s an example of dates sorted in chronological order, assuming today’s date is February 1, 2020 :

• November 2019
• December 2019
• January 2020

And here is an example of reverse chronological order, assuming today’s date is February 1, 2020 :

As you can see, reverse chronological order is when the date nearest to today’s date is listed towards the top of the information list.

Let’s jump to understanding what it means for your resume and how you might be able to organize your resume information blocks in this data sorting manner.

Why Reverse Chronological Order is Best For Resumes

This ordering system is best for resumes because it indicates the most recent employment opportunity on behalf of the job seeker. For the employer, this provides easier comprehension opportunities.

Besides, this ordering system feels “more logical” to the reader as they begin to scan your work history or education history.

How to List Information in Reverse Chronological Order

When listing prior work history as part of your resume, you should be including the month and year of which you were employed by that organization.

Once you have your information blocks with month and year, you can organize them by their dates in reverse chronological order.

It’s okay to write your job history down in an unorganized, unordered fashion. But once you are finished writing your previous work history bullet points and job titles, be sure to organize your information blocks by their employment date, having your most recent employment date at the top of the list.

Ordering Work History and Education History

Reverse chronological order is best used for your work history as well as your education history. If you have certifications and are listing dates associated with those, be sure to list them in the same ordering system.

Making this your universal ordering system on the resume you present to employers will improve the overall readability of your resume. Making it easier for employers to comprehend your resume and personal or professional background.

When Reverse Chronological Shouldn’t Be Used

no circumstance would present an opportunity to use any other type of information ordering system. It would help if you always used reverse chronological ordering with your resume.

Examples of Resumes in Reverse Chronological Order

Below are resumes that have previous work history ordered in reverse chronological order. Note that their most recent employment is at the top of their “Work History” or “Previous Experience” resume section. With a descending work history ending up with their very first job in the professional's career at the bottom of the list.

Learn about other resume formats .

Common questions asked by job seekers regarding their resume format.

Why is the reverse chronological format the best resume format?

It's the easiest for hiring managers to understand your prior work experience. It lists work experience more fluidly and shows your experience in a linear fashion. This helps the hiring manager understand your professional experience and personal experience because it alludes to your motivation toward advancing yourself.

Should I use a chronological resume format for my functional resume?

No, a reverse chronological resume order is still great to use for functional resume needs.

Does a chronological resume format help me show my skills better?

No, it does not. Your skills are shown through your experience. The format you use isn't going to help allude to your skills or experience any more or less. You'll need to focus on explaining your experience with metrics, accomplishments, and more.

What if I have gaps in employment?

Gaps on your resume are normal. It would help if you still used a reverse chronological order resume to show your employment history and experience. Don't try to make a combination resume like some guides allude to. Just explain to your employer that you have gaps in your experience and explain the reason why.

Should I include my job title on chronological resumes?

These are best suited for curriculum vitae. But if you'd like, you can include your job title. It is our advice that you still with a reverse chronological resume format unless you are writing a CV.

Should I use a resume builder?

A resume builder can certainly help ensure that you are writing a reverse chronology resume in a way that speaks to your experience and speaks to the timeline of your work history. It can save you considerable amounts of time, and if you don't have years of experience writing resumes, it can help get you started.

Why is a chronological order resume and chronological format hard for a recruiter to read?

Think about a Facebook or a Twitter timeline. For example, on Twitter, they are always organized by the most recent activities, first. It is just a natural way for a recruiter to digest your information. It more clearly shows your career progression and the chronology of your experience.

Should I use a resume writing service?

It certainly can help. If you feel like you need a chronological timeline or a functional resume format, which isn't described in this writeup, a resume writing service can help to assess what your needs are based on your career, experience, and gaps in employment. They can help to determine the best format for the job.

Why is work experience so important to a recruiter?

Your work experience can help a recruiter feel more secure with your ability to perform on the job. There becomes a sense of social validation that occurs.

Do you have a resume template for a chronological resume?

We don't have a chronological resume template since they are more unique. But our resume template database is full of other jobs that might help you.

About the author

Patrick Algrim is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW), NCDA Certified Career Counselor (CCC), and general career expert. Patrick has completed the NACE Coaching Certification Program (CCP). And has been published as a career expert on Forbes , Glassdoor , American Express , Reader's Digest , LiveCareer , Zety , Yahoo , Recruiter.com , SparkHire , SHRM.org , Process.st , FairyGodBoss , HRCI.org , St. Edwards University , NC State University , IBTimes.com , Thrive Global , TMCnet.com , Work It Daily , Workology , Career Guide , MyPerfectResume , College Career Life , The HR Digest , WorkWise , Career Cast , Elite Staffing , Women in HR , All About Careers , Upstart HR , The Street , Monster , The Ladders , Introvert Whisperer , and many more. Find him on LinkedIn .

Fact checked: Our small and dedicated team rigorously evaluates every article, guide, and reference to ensure the information is accurate and factual. Learn more .

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How to Write a Reverse Chronological Resume

• Aug 28, 2024

Crafting a standout resume is a critical step in any job search. One of the most popular and effective ways to do so is to use reverse chronological order resume format to highlight your professional journey in a clear, organized manner.

In this article, we will delve into the intricacies of writing a resume in reverse chronological order , exploring the key features, benefits, and potential drawbacks.

Additionally, we'll provide practical examples to help you design an application that effectively showcases your qualifications and experience, ensuring you make a strong impression on potential employers .

What is a reverse chronological order resume?

In reverse chronological order resume format, your work experience and education are listed starting from the most recent and moving backwards in time.

This type highlights your most relevant achievements and responsibilities, which are typically the most relevant to prospective employers.

It provides a clear and straightforward timeline of your career progression , making it easy for recruiters to see your professional growth and continuity.

Chronological vs reverse chronological resume

Traditional chronological resumes emphasize your progression over time. It shows how your experience has developed from the beginning of your career up to the present .

This type is suitable if you have a clear, consistent career path with logical progression and if your earlier experiences are still relevant to your current job targets .

Below you can see examples of the resume in different formats.

Resume in reverse chronological order:

Chronological resume:

Key components of a reverse chronological resume

Contact information.

This resume section provides the essential information for employers to contact you. Ensure it is up-to-date and professional.

• Full Name : David Donaldson
• Location : New York, NY
• Phone Number : (123) 456-7890
• Email Address : [email protected]
• LinkedIn Profile : linkedin.com/in/daviddonaldson

Professional summary

The summary statement gives a snapshot of your qualifications and what you aim to achieve, capturing the hiring manager’s attention immediately.

Example: Results-oriented marketing professional with over 8 years of experience in brand management and content strategy. Proven track record of driving revenue growth and improving brand visibility.

Work experience

List your work history in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent job.

Marketing Manager

Acme Corporation, New York, NY

January 2020 - Present

• Develop and execute comprehensive marketing campaigns, resulting in a 25% increase in sales.
• Manage a team of 10 marketing professionals, fostering a collaborative and high-performance work environment.
• Analyze market trends and customer feedback to inform product development and marketing strategies.

Marketing Specialist

Tech Solutions Inc., New York, NY

June 2016 - December 2019

• Implemented SEO strategies that improved organic search traffic by 40%.
• Coordinated and launched successful email marketing campaigns with an average open rate of 30%.
• Collaborated with cross-functional teams to develop and launch new product lines.

Your academic background provides insight into your formal training and foundational knowledge. This is especially important for roles that require specific certifications. Start with the most recent degree.

Example: Master of Business Administration (MBA) New York University, Stern School of Business, NY Graduated: May 2016 Bachelor of Science in Marketing University of California, Berkeley, CA Graduated: May 2012

This section highlights your key competencies, helping employers quickly identify if you have the abilities needed for the job. Make sure to include both hard and soft skills .

• Digital Marketing
• SEO and SEM
• Content Strategy
• Data Analysis
• Project Management
• Team Leadership

Relevant certifications demonstrate your commitment to professional development and your proficiency in specific tools or methodologies relevant to the industry.

Example: Google Analytics Certified, 2018 HubSpot Content Marketing Certification, 2019

Optional sections

Additional sections provide a fuller picture of who you are as a professional and a person. They can showcase your involvement in communities, volunteer work, and language skills that might be beneficial for the role.

Professional Affiliations

Member , American Marketing Association (AMA)

2022 - Present

Volunteer Experience

Marketing Consultant , Nonprofit Network, NY

2021 – Present

• Fluent in Spanish

Create your professional Resume in 10 minutes for FREE

Reverse chronological resume examples

Registered nurse reverse chronological resume, teacher reverse chronological resume.

Professional Summary Dedicated and passionate educator with over 12 years of experience in teaching elementary and middle school students. Proven ability to create engaging lesson plans, foster a positive environment, and adapt teaching methods to accommodate diverse learning styles. Education Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, IL Graduated: May 2012 Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education Illinois State University, Normal, IL Graduated: May 2010 Teaching Experience Middle School Science Teacher Springfield Middle School, Springfield, IL August 2015 – Present Develop and implement comprehensive science curricula for grades 6-8, focusing on inquiry-based learning and hands-on experiments. Utilize technology and multimedia resources to enhance student engagement and understanding of scientific concepts. Mentor new teachers and provide professional development workshops on effective classroom management and instructional strategies. Achieved a 15% increase in student standardized test scores over three years by incorporating differentiated instruction and targeted interventions. 4th Grade Teacher Lincoln Elementary School, Springfield, IL August 2012 – June 2015 Designed and executed lesson plans across all core subjects, integrating interdisciplinary approaches to foster critical thinking. Collaborated with colleagues to develop school-wide initiatives aimed at improving literacy and numeracy skills. Established a positive classroom environment by implementing behavior management techniques and promoting a growth mindset. Organized extracurricular activities, including a science club and a reading challenge program, to encourage student participation and engagement. Certifications Illinois Professional Educator License (PEL) Endorsements : Elementary Education (K-9), Middle School Mathematics, Middle School Science Professional Development Attended the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) annual conference, 2018-2023. Completed workshops on differentiated instruction, classroom technology integration, and student mental health awareness. Participated in district-led curriculum review committees and contributed to the development of new science standards. Skills Lesson Planning and Curriculum Development Classroom Management and Student Engagement Differentiated Instruction and Assessment Educational Technology Integration Data Analysis and Progress Monitoring Strong Communication and Collaboration Achievements Awarded "Teacher of the Year" at Springfield Middle School, 2021. Published an article on innovative science teaching methods in Teaching Star magazine, 2020. Secured a grant for $5,000 to fund a new school garden and outdoor learning space, 2019.

Data analyst reverse chronological resume

Mechanical engineer reverse chronological resume.

Professional Summary Dedicated Mechanical Engineer with 10 years of experience in product design and development. Skilled in conceptualizing and implementing innovative solutions to address engineering challenges. Strong background in CAD modeling, simulation, and project management. Experience Senior Mechanical Engineer State Engineering Solutions, San Francisco, CA July 2017 – Present Lead a team of 5 engineers in the design and development of new product lines, resulting in a 20% increase in production efficiency. Implement cost-effective design changes that saved the company $500,000 annually in manufacturing expenses. Conduct FEA simulations to optimize component strength and durability, reducing material usage by 15% without compromising performance. Manage projects from conception through production, ensuring adherence to timelines and budgets. Mechanical Engineer Modern Technologies, Palo Alto, CA August 2014 – June 2017 Designed and validated mechanical components for consumer electronics products, collaborating closely with cross-functional teams. Utilized CFD simulations to improve thermal management systems, resulting in a 30% reduction in device overheating issues. Prepared technical specifications, drawings, and documentation for manufacturing and assembly processes. Participated in design reviews and provided technical support to resolve engineering issues during product development phases. Education Associate's Degree in Mechanical Engineering University of California, Berkeley, CA Graduated: May 2012 Skills CAD/CAM Software (SolidWorks, AutoCAD) Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) Project Management and Agile Methodologies Prototyping and Testing Manufacturing Processes Optimization Technical Writing and Documentation Team Leadership and Collaboration Projects Automated Assembly Line Optimization (2024) Designed and implemented improvements to an automated assembly line, reducing cycle time by 25% and increasing throughput by 30%. Solar-Powered Water Purification System (2022) Led a multidisciplinary team in developing a solar-powered water purification system for rural communities, improving access to clean drinking water. Publications Smith, J., & Johnson, A. (2018). "Advanced Thermal Management in Consumer Electronics" . Journal of Mechanical Engineering, 45(2), 112-125.

Customer service representative reverse chronological resume

Disadvantages of reverse chronological format, emphasis on gaps and job-hopping.

Using this format in a resume tends to highlight any gaps in employment or frequent job changes.

For example, if someone took a year off to travel or faced a period of unemployment , it can look more obvious.

Focus on work history over skills

The reverse chronological order prioritizes the timeline of jobs rather than the specific skills gained, which can be a drawback for those who have developed valuable abilities outside of traditional roles.

For instance, if someone has extensive skills in data analysis but has worked in various unrelated positions, their proficiency might not be immediately apparent.

Less suitable for career changers

Career changers might find the reverse chronological resume less effective as it highlights their past roles. This can make it challenging for recruiters to see the candidate’s potential in their new career focus.

For example, someone transitioning from a marketing role to software development should emphasize their newly acquired programming skills and certifications.

A functional resume focuses on skills and experiences rather than chronological work history. It is particularly useful for those who have gaps in their employment or a diverse range of jobs.

It is also possible to use a combination (hybrid) resume . It integrates both skills and work history, allowing candidates to highlight their abilities upfront while still providing a work history.

In conclusion, utilizing a reverse chronological resume can significantly enhance your job application by clearly showcasing your most recent and relevant experiences.

Reverse chronological format not only highlights your professional progression but also makes it easier for employers to quickly assess your qualifications and fit for the role .

Whether you are advancing your career or transitioning into a new field, a well-crafted application can be a powerful tool in achieving your professional goals.

Alexandra Meyer

Editor-in-Chief at Resume Trick

Alexandra Meyer is the editor-in-chief of Resume Trick. She was behind the launch of Icecream Apps in 2014 and continues to oversee the high content standards of the company's projects. Alexandra has years of experience writing and editing articles about technology, software and online services, and human resources.

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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: What It Is & How to Make One (+ Examples)

3 Key Takeaways:

• Understand the nuances of reverse chronological resumes and how they differ from other resume types
• Identify situations where a chronological resume can improve your chances of landing your dream job.
• Learn how to build a reverse chronological resume in minutes with Teal's Resume Builder .

Imagine you’re a recruiter facing a stack of resumes. Each one demands attention, but time is limited. 

As a hiring manager, what catches your eye? The answer often lies in the reverse chronological resume. Its clarity and structured layout immediately highlight a candidate’s most recent and relevant experiences. 

In this guide, you’ll learn why the reverse chronological resume is a popular resume format among job seekers, how to structure it for optimal impact, and how Teal's AI Resume Builder  can format your resume for you.

What is a reverse chronological resume?

A reverse chronological resume is a format that organizes your work history by recency—starting with the most recent position at the top and then proceeding backward in time. 

This approach effectively showcases how your roles, responsibilities, and achievements have evolved, offering a clear and linear view of your professional journey.

What’s the right structure for a reverse chronological resume?

A reverse chronological resume typically includes:

• Contact information : Your name, phone number, email, and professional profile links, like LinkedIn.
• Professional summary : A brief highlight reel of your career and key skills.
• Work experience : Your roles with job title, listed from most recent to oldest, focusing on achievements in each position.
• Education : Academic qualifications, also in reverse chronological order.
• Skills : The most relevant skills to the job you’re targeting, prioritizing hard skills where possible.

Each section should build upon the others to create a comprehensive picture of your professional identity. 

The goal is to weave your individual experiences into a narrative that showcases not just where you've been but where you're capable of going. Tailor your resume to the job you're targeting, ensuring that it highlights the experiences and skills most relevant to the position.

Feeling overwhelmed? Consider leveraging Teal’s Resume Builder to drag and drop sections around as needed for each application requirement.

Benefits of a reverse chronological resume

Using a reverse chronological resume offers several advantages:

Highlights career progression

A reverse chronological resume vividly illustrates your professional growth, showcasing your career trajectory from junior roles to more advanced positions. 

For example, it can effectively display a progression from junior to senior analysts, highlighting the expansion of responsibilities and skills over time.

Puts recent experience front and center

This format ensures your most recent job, typically the most relevant to your current job search, is showcased prominently. For instance, if your latest role involved project management, this will be immediately evident.

Familiar to recruiters

Being a widely recognized format, it simplifies the review process for the hiring manager. 

Recruiters accustomed to this format can quickly identify key elements of your career path, such as job titles, companies, and tenure durations, making it easier to assess your suitability.

Demonstrates stability

The reverse chronological resume can highlight consistent employment and upward career movement, qualities highly valued by employers. For instance, you can demonstrate a steady climb within a single company or industry—whether it was a corporate ladder or not— indicating loyalty and commitment.

Aligns with contemporary hiring practices

Starting with your most recent job, the reverse chronological resume aligns seamlessly with modern hiring practices, emphasizing current skills and experiences. This format is particularly effective for those with a straightforward career path in a specific field or industry.

Selecting the right resume format is a pivotal step in your job search. The reverse chronological resume, a popular choice, can be particularly effective under the right circumstances.

Deciding when to use a reverse chronological resume

The reverse chronological resume format is most effective for those with a clear and steady progression in their career, particularly within the same field. 

This format is your go-to choice if your recent job experiences align closely with your target position. It allows you to present a consistent employment record, emphasizing your career stability and upward trajectory.

Contrasting functional with combination resumes

In contrast to functional resume templates , which focus on relevant skills irrespective of where and when they were acquired, reverse chronological resumes spotlight your work journey. This format differs from combination resumes , which merge skills and experience. 

Opt for the reverse chronological format if you have a strong work history with minimal gaps and your recent roles are pertinent to your current job aspirations.

Still can't decide which to use? Read this functional vs chronological resume guide for more insight on which one to use when.

Ideal scenarios for a reverse chronological resume

This resume format excels in various situations:

• Consistent work history : Ideal for showcasing a steady employment history in the same field, highlighting your commitment and depth of experience.
• Career advancement : If you’ve climbed the ladder in a particular sector, this format demonstrates your professional growth.
• Traditional fields : Sectors like finance and law often favor this conventional format.
• Recent graduates : Highlight internships or roles during your studies, especially if they are the most relevant to your job hunt.

However, a functional or combination resume might be more suitable if you're shifting careers, have significant employment gaps, or your most relevant experiences are not recent. 

These formats provide the flexibility to emphasize skills and experiences most relevant to your targeted job.

Crafting your resume: A step-by-step guide

Here, you’ll learn how to write each section of your reverse chronological resume:

1) Contact information

Begin with the basics: your name, phone number, email, and LinkedIn profile. This information should be at the top, making it straightforward for potential employers to contact you.

Keep it simple and professional. That old email address from highschool, “ [email protected] ,” won’t cut it here (rad as it is). 

2) Target title

Just below your contact details, specify the job title you're aiming for. This sets a clear direction for your application and shows focus.

Be sure to tailor this title to each job application, reflecting the specific role you're pursuing.

3) Professional summary

Craft a resume summary that showcases your career highlights and key skills. This is your opportunity to shine and make a strong first impression, so highlight what sets you apart and how your skills align with the job you're applying for.

Try to underscore your unique strengths and how they meet the job requirements. Be engaging and concise.

4) Work experience

List your work history in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent job. Focus on achievements and responsibilities that resonate with the role you’re targeting. 

Use bullet points for clarity and provide quantifiable evidence of your impact where possible. 

5) Education

Detail your educational background, leading with your highest degree and spotlighting relevant coursework. This section should demonstrate your academic foundation and how it supports your career goals.

6) Certifications

Include any certifications that are relevant to the industry and job you’re applying for. These can add weight to your qualifications and show your commitment to professional development.

Tailor this section to the job description. Highlight both hard and soft skills that are pertinent to the role, demonstrating how your abilities align with the position's needs.

8) Optional sections

If applicable, add sections like projects, awards, volunteer work, or publications. These can provide a fuller picture of your capabilities and interests, distinguishing you as a well-rounded candidate.

Effective formatting for a reverse chronological resume

Formatting is crucial in crafting a resume that communicates your qualifications and catches the eye. 

Consistency and visual appeal are key:

• Font : Choose a professional font and use it consistently throughout your resume.
• Color : Opt for a dark, legible primary color like black for the main text, using subtle highlights (bold, italics, etc) for headings or your name to add visual interest and show hierarchy.
• Margins : Maintain standard margins to give your resume a balanced, clean look.
• Date formatting : Keep date formatting uniform across all sections to ensure cohesiveness.

Teal’s advanced formatting capabilities help you create a resume that stands out in both content and design. With Teal, you can:

• Adjust layouts : Tailor the layout to ensure it best showcases your information, be it your work history, skills, or bullet points.
• Design elements : Select from a range of design elements to give your resume a distinctive and professional visual appeal.
• Preview and edit : Benefit from the ability to instantly preview how your edits will appear in the final document, allowing for real-time adjustments and improvements.

Teal's AI Resume Builder offers a range of customization options, including various reverse-chronological resume templates , making your resume not only professional but also reflective of your unique career path.

Reverse chronological resume examples

Project manager resume.

This example of a chronological resume for a Project Manager effectively incorporates several key elements highlighted in the blog post, making it a strong representation of the reverse chronological format.

Here's why this resume example stands out:

• Highlights career progression : The resume showcases the candidate's career growth, starting from an assistant project manager and evolving into a senior project manager role. 
• Puts recent experience front and center : The candidate's most recent and relevant role as a senior project manager at Tech Solutions Inc. is listed first. 
• Demonstrates stability : The resume reflects a steady climb within the project management field, indicating the candidate's loyalty and commitment. 
• Tailored to the job : The resume is customized to reflect the project management role, with a professional summary and skills section that aligns with the position's specific requirements.
• Clear and structured layout : The resume's format, with its clear headings and bullet points for easy readability, follows the blog post's guidance on maintaining clarity and structure. 
• Use of quantifiable achievements : In the work experience section, bullet points are quantified (e.g., "completing it ahead of schedule and 10% under budget").

By incorporating these elements, the resume presents a compelling and cohesive narrative of the candidate's professional journey, making it an excellent example of a reverse chronological resume.

New graduate resume

This example of a reverse chronological resume for a recent graduate is effective for several reasons:

• Focus on education and relevant coursework : For a new graduate, academic achievements are crucial. This resume places the education section prominently, highlighting the candidate's degree, GPA, and relevant coursework. This approach is ideal for recent graduates whose education is their main qualification.
• Project experience showcases applicable skills : Recognizing the lack of extensive professional experience, the resume includes a project experience section. This part, listed in reverse chronological order, demonstrates the candidate's practical skills and ability to apply academic knowledge in real-world scenarios.
• Internship experience for professional exposure : The inclusion of a software development internship is strategically important. It shows the candidate's exposure to a professional environment, providing a glimpse into their work ethic and ability to adapt to workplace settings.
• Skills section tailored to the job : The resume features a skills section that aligns with the requirements of an entry-level software engineering role. 
• Clear and structured layout : The resume maintains a clear and structured layout , essential for easy scanning by employers. Each section follows a logical order, focusing on the most recent experiences first,a key aspect of the reverse chronological format.

IT representative resume

This resume is a strong example of a reverse chronological resume for an IT representative for the following reasons:

• Recent and relevant work experience is highlighted : The resume starts with the candidate's most recent job as an IT support specialist and works backward. This approach aligns with the reverse chronological format, immediately drawing attention to the candidate's current skills and responsibilities.
• Quantifiable achievements in each role : In each position listed, the candidate includes specific achievements with quantifiable results, such as "enhancing system security by 30%" and "achieving a 95% customer success rate." 
• Relevant skills and certifications are prominently featured : The skills and certifications sections are tailored to the IT representative role, highlighting relevant qualifications like CompTIA A+, Azure Fundamentals, and CCNA. This customization makes the resume more attractive to potential employers in the IT industry.
• Clear and structured layout : The resume maintains a clear and structured layout, essential for easy scanning. Each section follows a logical order, focusing on the most recent experiences first.

Each reverse chronological resume example above was created in minutes with Teal’s AI Resume Builder.

Sign up and get started to begin building your reverse chronological resume today.

Enhancing your reverse chronological resume: Key strategies

Creating a resume that captures the attention of potential employers involves several key strategies:

Lead with a compelling professional summary

Your resume's opening is crucial. Write a brief yet powerful summary that encapsulates your career achievements and skills that are pertinent to the role you're targeting. This section should act as a personal pitch, setting the tone for the rest of your resume.

Emphasize achievements over routine responsibilities

When detailing your professional history, focus on significant achievements rather than day-to-day tasks. Incorporate quantifiable data, such as percentages or financial metrics, to substantiate your accomplishments, making them more tangible and impactful to the reader.

Tailor each application

Customize your resume for each job application. This means integrating keywords from the job description to effectively pass through Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and align your skills and experiences with the specific requirements of the role.

Remember conciseness and clarity

Aim to keep your resume concise, ideally within a single page. This doesn't mean omitting important information, but rather being selective and succinct in what you choose to include.

Proofread (then do it again)

Avoid spelling or grammatical errors, as they can significantly detract from your qualification. Carefully proofread your resume multiple times, or consider using a grammar-checking tool to ensure accuracy.

Wrapping up: Writing your career narrative

Your resume is more than a document; it's a narrative of your professional journey, showcasing your career progression and potential.

The reverse chronological format effectively tells this story, but personalizing it to your unique experiences and goals is key.

Teal's Resume Builder is a helpful tool for this process. 

It's designed to help you create a resume that resonates with your individuality and aligns with your career aspirations. The platform's formatting tools and intuitive interface make your resume comprehensive and visually appealing. 

Additional features Teal’s Resume Builder offers include:

• AI-powered writing suggestions : Get tailored recommendations to enhance your resume’s content.
• Customizable templates : Choose from various styles to best represent your professional image.
• Drag-and-drop editing : Easily modify, add, or rearrange sections on your resume.
• Real-time previews : View immediate changes to your resume as you edit.
• Job application tracker : Organize and monitor your job applications from one place.
• Cover letter generator : Use AI to instantly tailor your cover letter, to the job you want.
• Career resources and tips : Access a library of resources for your job search and career growth.

Ready to create a resume reflecting your professional journey and aspirations? 

Sign up for Teal today and take the first step toward a more impactful and personalized job application process.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the ideal length for a chronological resume.

The optimal length for a chronological resume is typically one to two pages, depending on your professional experience. Aim for brevity and relevance to ensure your resume is impactful without being overly lengthy.

Should I include volunteer work or projects in my chronological resume?

Absolutely! Including volunteer work or relevant projects in your chronological resume can support your case, especially if these experiences showcase skills or experiences pertinent to the job. Include them in the additional sections of your resume.

Is a chronological resume suitable for employment gaps?

Yes, a chronological resume can still be effective even with employment gaps. Be prepared to discuss these gaps during interviews and address them proactively in your cover letter.

What are the differences between reverse chronological and chronological resumes?

Reverse chronological and chronological resumes both start with your most recent job. The reverse chronological resume places greater emphasis on your work history, making it ideal for those with a steady employment record.

How can I make my chronological resume stand out?

To make your chronological resume stand out, focus on your achievements and their measurable impact. Use action verbs and quantify your successes to demonstrate your impact in previous roles. Also, ensure your resume is clear and professionally formatted.

Nathan Thompson

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Reverse chronological resume format: When to use it?

Image: https://pixabay.com/photos/resume-cv-job-application-career-6627200/

A reverse chronological resume format is the most common in the world. Recruiters and employers also prefer it, as this format allows them to grasp the candidate's career history, achievements, and job tenures in seconds.

In this article, you will learn when to use a chronological resume and when to opt for other formats. Plus, we will share professional secrets to writing reverse chronological resumes that capture attention and stand out in a crowded job market.

Want a professional resume that positions you best for the job search? Turn to our experts. At ResumePerk, we prepare competitive chronological resumes for every industry and career level. We will craft a result-oriented, informative resume that helps distinguish you from other job-seekers. Place your first order with a special welcome discount!

What is a chronological resume?

A reverse chronological resume presents your career starting with the most recent position and goes backward. Your degrees, internships, and projects are listed in the same way. It puts your career progression into the spotlight, emphasizing company names, titles, and tenures.

Thus, this resume format gives your most recent jobs the maximum exposure and minimizes the roles you had 10 or 15 years ago. Since employers are mostly interested in your recent experience, a chronological resume is the best format for a variety of career levels and industries.

What are the advantages of a reverse chronological format?

The chronological resume became the most common resume format for a reason. Here are the benefits of formatting your resume in reverse chronological order:

Emphasize relevant experience

In the chronological resume, your recent experience is placed near the top of the documents. Thus, recruiters can quickly scan through job titles, responsibilities, and achievements to ensure that you are a great candidate for the job.

Highlight career growth

For mid-career professionals and managers, a chronological resume helps emphasize steady career growth. Thus, the hiring managers can observe your growth in responsibility and job titles. They will see how your skills and job duties increased over time, thus helping create a great professional image.

Spotlight the longevity

Most employers prefer candidates who stay with the same employer for years. It shows your commitment and stability. A chronological resume exposes employment dates, thus emphasizing your longevity in previous jobs.

Meet employers' expectations

Hiring managers prefer receiving chronological resumes, as they are easy to scan through and transparent about your sequence of jobs. It helps them quickly evaluate if your previous job title and responsibilities make you a good fit. Plus, chronological resumes show that you don't hide employment gaps or other issues.

When to use a reverse chronological resume?

A chronological resume will bring you closer to the dream job in the following situations:

• You have a consistent work history in the same field. If you've worked in the finance sector for 7+ years, a chronological resume is your best bet. It will show the employer that you have a breadth of relevant expertise in your industry.
• You are a recent graduate with relevant internships and jobs. As a student or recent graduate, you can place the Education section above the experience and list your degrees and academic achievements in reverse chronological order.
• You can showcase career development. Professionals who went through the ranks will surely benefit from this format. The hiring manager will see your professional development and the progress in responsibilities.
• You have no large employment gaps. A reverse chronological resume includes dates of employment in the month/year format. Thus, if you have gaps in employment, they will be visible at a glance.
• You've had big company names in your career path. If you've worked for reputable companies in your industry, a chronological resume template will underline that. As a result, you'll have a higher chance of getting your job application noticed.

Thinking that the chronological resume is the best resume format for you? Keep reading to find out what exactly to include on your resume.

What to include in your reverse chronological resume?

Typically, the structure of a reverse chronological resume looks like this:

• Your name and contact info
• Target job title
• Professional summary

Professional experience

• Additional sections, such as hobbies, certifications, publications, and more.

Now, let's have a closer look at what to include in each section.

Contact details

Right under your name, include your personal phone number, email, and physical address. No need to link to social networks, unless they are your professional pages. Attach the link to your LinkedIn account if it is completed and you use it actively. Link to your professional blog and website, if any.

Use a professional email address that has your first and last names. Fun email addresses confuse employers and make an unprofessional impression.

Experts recommend that you add a target job title at the top of the resume. It makes it clear what position you're after and eases the selection for hiring managers, especially if there are multiple open positions with the company.

Resume summary section

The Summary section is not a must-have for a chronological resume. However, first-time job-seekers and professionals with uneven career histories will benefit from it. This section should briefly summarize your areas of expertise and professional achievements in 2-3 sentences. Mention how many years of experience you have, what you consider your biggest strengths, and what you achieved in your career so far. This section is the sort of elevator pitch - it is aimed to catch attention and encourage to read your resume.

Here, you list each position you had. Include the company name, job title, start-end dates, and a brief job description. Start with the most recent job and work backward. Keep each job description to 5-7 bullets, and focus on the most relevant achievements and duties. If possible, illustrate your achievements with metrics to show the difference you've made.

If you have significant career gaps, fill them with part-time jobs, freelance projects, and other activities. If you've moved through the ranks with the same employer, group them under the company name to illustrate this progression.

In this section, you should showcase your educational background. List degrees starting with the most recent one. If you are a student or recent graduate, you can move the Education section to the top of the resume and list academic achievements, relevant coursework, awards, and even a thesis. In addition to a formal degree, you can list certifications, training, workshops and other educational activities here.

Professionals who graduated a long time ago can move the Education section to the bottom and remove the graduation date.

List key skills relevant to your target role. Make sure that you add hard skills (software proficiency, specific tools and technical skills) and soft skills (skills like communication, customer service, and conflict resolution that are not confined to a specific industry). You can create a list of relevant skills and format them in bullet points for better readability.

Reverse chronological resume template

Here is a chronological resume example to help structure your own:

An ideal chronological resume should be one page long. Image: JobHero

Why is this a good resume? This resume starts with a Career Summary that explains what types of acting projects this actor contributed to. It features a concise work history that lists jobs starting with the present one and going backward. Job descriptions are focused and short. Next, the candidate lists acting skills and relevant qualifications. When adding skills to your resume, make sure they match the job description to pass applicant tracking systems smoothly. You can find more chronological resume samples on the Samples page.

Exploring the alternative resume formats

Although chronological format is the most popular, other formats might be more effective for different career situations:

• A functional resume format focuses on your skills and education. It features the Summary section and a detailed Skills section that expands on your professional competencies, but does not specify where exactly you learned those skills. Work experience is listed briefly - often just the company names and job titles. Functional resumes are effective for people changing careers, but some employers don't like them as they assume that the candidate is hiding something.
• A combination resume (or hybrid resume) format includes both a detailed summary and skills, and your professional history. It is super informative, but you need to avoid repeating information in different sections. A functional or combination resume are great if you have employment gaps, are returning to work after a long break, or changing industries.

So, is the reverse chronological resume format right for you? If you have a steady work history, didn't change industries, or want to emphasize your career development, a chronological resume is your best option. Plus, employers prefer this format so they will not suspect that you are hiding some facts about your career.

Let our experts craft the perfect chronological resume for you

The most popular resume format is chronological, and such a resume is easy to compose. Yet, it can be a real challenge to recollect your achievements, decide what to include, and transform your work history into a consistent story. That's when our experts step in. Our resume writers can improve your old chronological resume or write a new one. We will capitalize on both your skills and achievements, craft a resume objective or summary, and use a custom design that draws attention. Try our services today and ease your job search!

Our experienced writers can create a powerful resume suitable for each position. However, you may also request a specific resume depending on the job you are applying for, thus it will be tailored individually for your profession:

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Functional Resume: Writing Guide, Examples, & Template

11 min read · Updated on August 28, 2024

What is a functional resume, and is it suitable for your job search?

Submitting the best resume possible is essential regardless of the job you're applying to. Selecting the proper format for your unique circumstances is one aspect of ensuring that's the case. Many turn to the common chronological resume format. But what happens if your work history and skills don't fall neatly within that format? Then, a functional resume might be an option.

Below, we answer, “What is a functional resume?” and share tips with a template, as well. 

What is a functional resume?

The functional resume format emphasizes your skills over your work history. The goal of a functional resume is to craft your carer history in such a way that proves how the skills you've acquired align with the job you want. It's these skills that will stand out first and foremost to the hiring team. 

You still include your work history in a functional resume, though you don't go into detail about your accomplishments for each specific position. Instead, you include your accomplishments within each skill category. 

FORESHADOWING: We have a functional resume example at the end of this post you can refer to and see how this works. 

A functional resume tends to be a last-resort format for a couple of reasons:

Applicant tracking systems sometimes have a difficult time reading a functional resume format. 

Since the functional format is not that common, it can be more difficult for recruiters and hiring managers to find the information they're seeking quickly.

Still, if you don't have a traditional work history but have many skills relevant to the job you're applying for, a functional resume could be the best choice for you. 

What is a functional resume vs. a chronological resume?

The chronological resume, also referred to as a reverse chronological resume, is the most commonly used resume format. This format focuses on your work history instead of skills like the functional format. 

In the chronological format, you will include your most recent job first, with the rest of your experience in reverse chronological order. Each position will have a set of bullets that flesh out your achievements in that role. 

A chronological resume is an ATS-friendly format when it's written correctly. It also tends to be the most popular among hiring teams since they're familiar with the format and can easily locate the information that matters to them. 

Related reading: How to Use a Reverse Chronological Resume Format

What is a functional resume vs. a hybrid resume?

A hybrid resume, also called a combination resume, blends aspects of the chronological and functional resume formats. The goal of a hybrid resume is to equally emphasize your skills and work history. 

The hybrid resume has become a popular format choice for candidates since it gives the opportunity to emphasize the skills you have in combination with your work history. It's also a format that tends to be easily read by ATS and human readers. 

Related reading: The Best Resume Format to Get You Hired

When should you use a functional resume?

Now that we've answered “What is a functional resume?” let's discuss when you should and shouldn't use this format option.

A functional resume might work well for you if:

You have been out of the workforce for a while. Suppose you're reentering the workforce after some time. In that case, you might not want that fact to be the first thing prospective employers notice about your resume. Instead, you'd prefer they see your impressive categories of skills. 

You have a large gap in your employment history. Similar to being out of the workforce for a while, a functional resume helps to emphasize your relevant skills first to give a positive spin on your resume, helping to take the emphasis off of your employment gap(s). 

You have held jobs that span a lot of different types and industries . If your employment record is all over the place regarding the industries and types of jobs you've held, it might not be easy for a hiring team to connect your experience to the job you're applying for. A functional resume will allow you to emphasize that you have the skills necessary for the job first, so your diverse employment record isn't called into question (hopefully) as much. 

You have little to no work experience. You might not have much work experience if you're right out of college. You do likely, however,  have a lot of skills you've acquired through school activities, sports, part-time work, or school clubs. A functional resume allows you to be creative in the skills you represent first, helping to grab the attention of hiring teams with what's most relevant.

Your skills have been acquired through means other than traditional work experience. Suppose you have relevant skills acquired through things like hobbies, interests, or volunteer experience over conventional work experience. In that case, a functional resume will allow you to emphasize these skills so they stand out better than they would in a chronological format. 

When should you not use a functional resume?

If any of the following pertain to you, then it's likely in your best interest to choose a hybrid or chronological resume format:

You have a traditional employment career trajectory. If you have plenty of work experience related to the job with a typical career growth path, then a chronological or hybrid resume is the way to go. 

You're changing careers and want to emphasize transferable skills. If you've gained a lot of transferable skills and are making a career shift, a hybrid resume is an excellent way to highlight your transferable skills first, with your work experience coming in second. 

Your most recent employment history is relevant. If your most recent employment is relevant to the job, even if some of the rest of your work history isn't, you'll likely do better with a hybrid or chronological format over a functional one. 

What to include in a functional resume

Here are the sections to include in a functional resume:

Start with your contact information

Regardless of the format you select, you'll start it off with your contact information. This includes your name, cell phone number, email address, and location (city, state, zip code). You can also include your LinkedIn or professional website URL. 

Kick it off with a resume summary

Another common element across all resume formats is starting it off with a resume summary . Your summary should encapsulate what your resume is about. You want to grab the reader's attention enough for them to want to learn more. Include three to five essential skills and one to two accomplishments, with some powerful adjectives to describe you. 

Categorize your skills

The bulk of your resume for a functional format will be your Professional Skills section. Here's where you'll categorize your skills and include key accomplishments from your experience to showcase how you applied those skills successfully in the past. 

Incorporate your work history

Following your Professional Skills section, include your work history. Here, include the name of the employer, your position, and the dates you were employed. Where you would include bullet points of your accomplishments below each position for a chronological and hybrid format, you will leave those off in the functional format. You've already covered key accomplishments within your categories of skills.

Close it off with education

Like other resume formats, your functional resume will end with your Education section . An exception to this is if you are a new hire with little to no work experience and a few skills to highlight. In that case, you'll emphasize your education by listing it first, followed by your Skills section and then your work history. 

Your Education section should include your degree and where you obtained it. You can also include any honors you might've achieved. 

Many also choose to include any relevant certifications in their Education section. Or, you can opt to include a separate Certifications section if you have more than one to highlight.

Include additional sections as appropriate

You may include additional sections on your resume depending on your unique circumstances. Additional sections could include Volunteer Experience, Hobbies and Interests, Certifications, Special Projects, and Technical Skills.

Tips for writing your functional resume

Here are a few additional tips to help you craft a job-winning resume:

Tailor your resume to each job. Refer to the job description and tailor your resume to include keywords and information that aligns with your skills and experience. 

Use power verbs. Begin each work accomplishment bullet point with a power verb . 

Include as much quantifiable information as possible. When describing your accomplishments, include results and use data to quantify those results as much as possible. 

Example of a functional resume 

Here is an example of a functional resume for someone pursuing an HR-related job. You'll see this individual has a brief employment gap and a bit of an unconventional career path, making a functional resume a suitable option.

Kendra Smith

555.555.5555 | [email protected] | Morgantown, WV 26250 

Intuitive professional with multi-dimensional expertise in Human Resources for diverse group of industries, including oil & gas, finance, Internet marketing, and real estate. Timely and efficient with the ability to work with all levels of staff within an organization. Influential in working with leadership teams to support the best interests and wellbeing of employees. Expertise includes recruiting, employee relations, training and development, and performance management. 

PROFESSIONAL SKILLS

Staffing & Recruiting

• Partnered with recruiters to rebuild workforce after a 40% reduction due to Hurricane Katrina relocation
• Counseled management while going through a reduction in force for 150+ positions
• Recruited for over 500 positions in multi-faceted environments
• Utilized applicant tracking system (ATS) software, including Taleo, JobVite, and SAP, to monitor resume submissions and data
• Designed a one-stop shop website to assist new hires in assimilating to the community and company

Employee Relations & Performance Management

• Managed employee relations for global and domestic client groups totaling 500-700 employees for multi-million dollar companies
• Designed and implemented new company-wide Service Award Program
• Developed new Performance Management process resulting in more effective employee development, documentation, and communication
• Directed relocation project and successfully transferred 300+ positions from Austin to Houston, TX

Communications & Policy Design

• Prepared and administered 40+ HR-focused policies, including performance management, non-solicitation, harassment, education reimbursement, annual MVR reviews, and discipline for $4.5B start-up company
• Partnered with HR & Legal departments to develop and present materials for pertinent employee communications, including Austin relocation, benefits open enrollment, and policy updates
• Presented HR updates, including goals and projects, for monthly Leadership staff meetings
• Drafted and wrote 200+ employee, HR, and CEO communications

Training & Development

• Developed 30+ training modules focused on HR Foundational skills for supervisors and managers, including union avoidance, effective communication, performance management, employment law, recruiting, and employee development
• Spearheaded culturally sensitive technical and professional career development plans for 100 international and domestic employees
• Trained HR colleagues on I-9 government compliance

WORK EXPERIENCE

HR SME Copywriter:  IESquared, LLC, Houston, TX, 6/2020 - Present 

Public Relations Specialist:  PrimeWay Credit Union, Houston, TX. 4/2017 - 6/2020 

HR Recruiter:  HighMount E & P, Oklahoma City, OK, 11/2012 - 5/2013

HR Operations Manager:  Dominion E & P, Houston, TX, 9/2010 - 10/2012

EDUCATION   

West Virginia University – Morgantown, WV

• Master of Science in Human Resources and Industrial Relations
• Bachelor of Science in Business Administration

Is a functional resume right for you?

Now that you know the answer to “What is a functional resume?” it's time to decide if it's the right option for you. If you have a traditional work history, recent relevant work, or are applying for a job where your work history is necessary to include in detail, then you should forgo the functional resume format. If you fall into any of the other categories above where a functional resume could be of value, then go for it. And, when in doubt, you can always hire a resume writer to help. Good luck!

Are you using the right format for your resume? Find out by submitting it for a free resume review . Our experts will review it and provide specific tips to help improve it and get past an ATS!

Recommended reading:

How to Check If My Resume Is ATS-Friendly for Free

15 Expert Tips to Working with Recruiters

Strategic Job Search Planning: Land Your Dream Job

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The Reverse Chronological Resume Format

“Order is heaven’s first law,” said Alexander Pope. A resume provides order to our career. The reverse chronological resume is the most common resume format in use today. It is the one most favored by recruiters and employers. It is a common form of executive resume writer samples or professional resume outline examples that you will find. It is one type of achievements resume. Consider it the default resume format.

Like any other choice made in the job search process, each resume format has advantages and disadvantages. Reverse chronology works perfectly well for many, if not most, job seekers. In some fields, it is almost an outright requirement. However, it is not right for everyone and job seekers should understand what the format entails and its advantages and disadvantages before making the choice.

WHAT IS REVERSE CHRONOLOGICAL?

A reverse chronological resume begins with the applicant's name and contact information, followed optionally by a short statement of the applicant's objective or a concise summary of the applicant’s professional identity. The following section simply sets out the candidate's employment history over time, working backwards from the most recent position. As a general rule, there is no need to go back further than 15 years unless that would leave out something spectacular, and, in that case, a different format might be a better choice to begin with.

Each position in the chronology should include job title, company information and the dates of employment, followed by a one-sentence description of your role and a few bullet points devoted to accomplishments in that role. As the resume goes further into the past, the descriptions can become less detailed.

• This is the form employers know best. Nothing about it will leave them scratching their heads.
• In a difficult job market, employers spend as little as 15 seconds on each resume. Reverse chronology is easy to skim.
• If your work history demonstrates increasing responsibility and professional growth, reverse chronology demonstrates this with great clarity.
• Fields that are wedded to formality and tradition, like law and banking, expect resumes to reflect those qualities. Anything other than a reverse chronological format is likely to be viewed with skepticism.

DISADVANTAGES

- With its clear focus on dates, the format calls attention to gaps in employment or to positions that are unusually short-lived.

- It can also emphasize long periods without significant advancement, leaving the impression that the applicant is stuck at a given level.

- If you are targeting a position that does not naturally follow from your recent work history, reverse chronology gives little opportunity to make a case for your candidacy.

The reverse chronological format is most effective for candidates with steady work histories that show consistent growth in a given field. The format can be very effective in spotlighting impressive recent employers and job titles. Job seekers with employment history gaps and short stays, or those with too many positions that do not demonstrate a consistent upward trajectory, should consider a functional resume or a hybrid format.

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Chronological Resume Format

A resume is a one-page formal document designed to show a person’s skills and career background. A perfectly formatted resume helps you to excel from the crowd. Job seekers use several resume formats, but the reverse chronological format is commonly used. Having a good resume in your hands before applying for a job is like having your weapons ready when going to war. 

If you’re hunting for a job, it’s crucial to know which resume format you should choose. This article will cover what is chronological and reverse chronological resume format, how it is different from traditional resume formats, and for which job this resume format can be a great choice. At MyResumeStar, you can find a lot of resume formats that help you understand which format you need for a job.

• Best Resume Format
• Functional Resume Format
• Hybrid Resume Format

Reverse Chronological Resume and its Structure 

A chronological resume is the most important resume format that lists your work history, job accomplishments, and skills in reverse chronological order. The chronological resume format allows hiring managers to see your experience and career progression at a glance. It is ideal for job seekers because it can accommodate people with all experience levels. If you have gaps in your work history or frequently change jobs, you need to avoid chronological resume format. 

The chronological order reverse format follows a straightforward structure. It emphasizes putting your most recent experience at the top. It consists of the following sections;

• Contact Information
• Professional Title
• Professional Summary

Work Experience 

• Achievements 
• Education Section 
• Soft Skills
• Optional Sections (Languages, Volunteer Work, Certificates, etc.)

The perfect resume formatting is very important as it can make or break the structure of the whole resume. You can use the following five steps when ordering your resume in a reverse-chronological format. 

• Contact Information 

Write your contact information at the top of the page in your resume header. In this section, you need to list your first name, last name, phone number, and some additional information. Some recruiters and hiring managers suggest adding your LinkedIn profile or link to your personal website in the contact section. 

You can also add a mailing address, but it is no longer compulsory because most recruiters prefer to contact you via email. 

• A Strong Resume introduction 

Open your resume with a convincing resume summary. This section should be clear, catchy, and concise. The resume summary acts as a highlight reel and forces employers to read your resume. You need to use simple words and short sentences to highlight your relevant skills, goals, and accomplishments. Here you can convince the recruiters why you’re a perfect match for this specific position.

The most fundamental part of a chronological resume is the work experience section. The hiring managers suggest writing your work experience in reverse chronological order. This format emphasizes listing your most recent work experience at the top of the section. 

List each relevant job in chronological order and under each job, put three to five bullet points explaining your responsibilities and accomplishments. Illustrating your accomplishments in bullet points help recruiters understand your abilities effectively.

The main purpose of the work experience section is to showcase your accomplishments and highlight how you can help companies achieve their future goals. You can check the chronological resume formats at MyResumeStar to know more about how to order your work experience in a chronological resume format. 

• Education Details

The educational section is the fundamental part of a chronological resume that you should never miss. This section should be simple and contain specific information such as studies at higher schools, colleges, or universities. You can also add the relevant certifications, institute’s name, location, studied years, the subjects you studied, and the grades. 

• Relevant Skills

The hiring managers say that most candidates are rejected just because they don’t add the most relevant skills set in their resumes. It is compulsory in a chronological resume format to add the skills directly relevant to the job you want. If you’re not sure what skills the hiring managers are looking for, you can look at the job description to understand what to include.

Build a Chronological Resume using our AI powered resume builder.

Chronological Resume Format Example :-

Jatin Rohilla

4900 Hopyard Road Suite 

100 Pleasanton CA 94588, 

United States

[email protected]

A Business Analyst with an extensive experience in needs identification and system design elements along with an ability to manage cross-functional teams. Outgoing, friendly and people oriented personality who can connect well with diverse groups and individuals. I am also very well organized and have good communication skills allowing me to efficiently support the higher management.

2019-PRESENT

BUSINESS ANALYST, BOLD

Implemented new solutions and prioritised enhancements for existing applications based on business unit productivity and compliance needs

Responsible for data quality and transformation through filtering, grouping, aggregating, and statistical calculations

Assisted the project manager in developing both high-level and detailed application architecture to meet user requests and business needs

Researched and analyzed business processes and procedures , designing and implementing automated business solutions for insurance Industry clients

Developed process mapping for current and future business processes

Created project plans aligning with project management framework standards and procedures , identifying ongoing issues and gaps within project plans to eliminate implementation issues.

SEO MANAGER, BOLD 

Developed market-based business plans and sales strategies to ensure company sales goals and profitability are attained

Maintained personal performance metrics including contact databases, Activity reporting and sales forecasts

Created robust business development plans to engage markets and meet booking , sales, cash and profit objectives after identifying business unit operating plans

Responsible for new account acquisition, profitability targets, relationship management, cross-functional collaboration and promotional activations

Recognised as the face of the company with respect to contract negotiations, strategic business decisions and day-to-day decision making.

B.Tech, UCFS

•  Needs Identification
•  Data Migration
•  Database Design
•  Efficiency Improvement
•  Cost Reduction
•  System Design Elements
•  Data Mining
•  Testing Enhancements
•  Data Visualization
•  Planning And Monitoring

Functional Vs. Chronological Resume

Advantages of Chronological Resume Format

Resume building made simple:- Use our AI powered Resume Builder to make your resume.

The chronological resume format is familiar to hiring managers and has several advantages over other resume formats.

• The reverse chronological order is easy to scan.
• This format delivers the perfect flow of a consistent work experience.
• It gives a neat, organized, and concise look to your resume.
• A universally accepted format in the job market creates a good impression on the applicants.

Frequently Asked Question 

Write about the difference between chronological and reverse chronological format. .

Answer: The reverse chronological resume format sorts out your data by the origin, and the date furthest from the current data is kept at the top of the list. While the chronological format, the information is sorted by its date. 

For which job chronological format is good. How to design a chronological resume format?

Answer: The chronological resume can accommodate people with all levels of experience, but it can be a great choice if you have got a long list of work experience or you’re going to apply for a job that requires more relevant work experience.

The chronological resume uses a simple format that can be designed in Microsoft Word. 

A chronological/reverse chronological resume format is universally accepted that lists your recent work experience at the top of the document. If you’re looking for the best chronological resume formats, MyResumeStar will provide you with the best possible options. 

Why the Reverse Chronological Resume Is the Most Popular Format

The reverse chronological resume format is widely used by job seekers today for a reason. As a whole, it’s a strong approach for professionals at all levels. But what’s more important than the priority of the date...

The reverse chronological resume format, meaning that your most recent or current job is listed first, followed by previous positions in descending order of recency, is widely used by job seekers today for a reason.

As a whole, it’s a strong approach for professionals at all levels.

But what’s more important than the priority of dates is whether or not it’s most impactful for the hiring manager. 

If you’d like to learn more about how this formatting leads to candidate success and how you can use this concept to increase your hiring chances, keep reading on! 

“I used Rezi to make my resume look more professional. I had applied to a handful of jobs before using Rezi, but once I signed up and revamped what I had, I got call backs from almost all my applications” - Samantha W.

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What is a Reverse Chronological Resume?

The reverse chronological order is a resume format that lists your work experience from the most recent job position and qualifications going back to the oldest position. 

This format is widely accepted and preferred by many employers because it provides a clear and easy-to-follow timeline of your work history. It also shows higher relevance and contextuality, making it more compelling and leaving a more profound effect on the hiring manager.

Why It’s The Most Popular Resume Format 

It’s a modern format and common approach used by job seekers when making an application. 

Unlike listing in chronological order, it highlights the most recent and relevant details first. 

It also reveals no gaps in your employment history as it shows a consistent timeline of your career. Meaning, employers can easily see your corporate progression and professional development. 

Since it’s highly contextual to the job you’re applying for, it makes your application more impactful for recruiters. 

Alternative Resume Formats

Depending on your circumstances, one of these 3 alternative resume formats could be the better option.

We’ll go through each of these below and who they’re best suited for:

• Chronological resume: effective for seasoned professionals since it highlights your years of experience in the workforce.
• Skills-based resume: useful for candidates with little to no work experience as it highlights your skills as opposed to your work experience. 
• Hybrid resume: best for applicants who have at least 2 years of experience, highlighting both your skills and experience.

When to Use a Reverse Chronological Resume

All job seekers should aim to create a one-page reverse chronological resume as it showcases a stable record of your professional background. It’s good practice for providing clarity and making relevance and quality a priority. 

The most relevant and important things should be shown first if you want to make a what to put on a resume .

But, there are some exceptions where you should reconsider using this format:

• You have gaps in your career history, e.g. you’ve worked at multiple jobs and companies in a short period of time. 
• Employability issues, e.g. you haven’t been employed for the past year or two.
• If you have no work experience , it’s not the best approach since it highlights your work history. 

In some of these cases, the skills-based format or hybrid resume would be the better option.

How to List Sections in Reverse Chronological Order

We’ll cover how the how to write a resume should be structured when creating a reverse chronological resume. Later, we’ve also included and analyzed proven examples that have got candidates interviewed at even the most competitive companies. 

Despite how much experience you have as a professional, it works for almost all candidates. 

1. Professional Work Experience 

The first job title to mention should be the most recent position you’ve worked in. 

What’s more important than the what to write in a resume for work experience and jobs you’ve had is its relevance. So, take into account if it’s related or helpful in any way, shape, or form to your prospective employer.

When describing your experience, the key details should be written down first. That includes information such as:

• Duties and responsibilities
• The impact you’ve made
• Accomplishments

Here’s an example below:

2. Education Section

As you’re listing your qualifications, start with the latest one you’ve achieved. 

Then, go backward by writing down the awards you’ve achieved before that. This makes the date of your achievements clear and it brings attention to your formal knowledge in specific areas.

Here’s an example of this:

3. Additional Sections 

Repeat the process from the previous steps but for your other resume sections. 

By using this principle throughout your application, the reader will immediately notice that you’re up to date. This makes it easy to review and identify your strengths since you’re showing what’s most related to the job position you’re applying for.

Here’s an example from the certifications section:

Expert Reverse Chronological Resume Examples 

One aspect that stays the same is that the most important details are mentioned first, so stick to your strengths. This holds true for all types of resumes. 

If you're unsure of how to update resume , you may find it helpful to refer to some of the guides and expert resume examples we have available. These can provide valuable tips and guidance on how to craft an effective and compelling resume.

Blogger Resume

The work experience section is thorough and detailed when providing a description of previous responsibilities. But, it’s mostly in-depth with the recent job position as opposed to their first job position. 

From this progression, it’s clear the candidate has developed their skills throughout their professional experiences. 

Quality Engineer Resume

The employment history and engineering specializations section are reverse chronological. This allows the employer to notice their areas of expertise and how well-informed they are in certain fields.

Nurse Resume

The first job title listed is often the most detailed part of the section because they’re more relevant. 

When it comes to the education section, they’ve made it simple for the hiring manager to see they’re updated with the formal knowledge required. It’s easy to notice this, as well as their other qualifications that have been written.

Reconsidering the Reverse Chronological Approach

It’s acceptable to reconsider elements of the reverse chronological format as long as it makes sense.

The importance of the information provided is a bigger factor than the dates themselves.

Here’s an example from the creative producer template that got the candidate an interview with Tesla:

From the sample above, notice that the section isn’t entirely in reverse chronological order. 

The user emphasizes a significant project and ensures the recruiter sees this first, i.e. being a director & editor at Apple. This portrays a stronger impression at first glance and is more likely to grab the reader’s attention.

The Best Resume Format 

Highlighting your career progress and professional strengths is easier with a reverse chronological resume. Plus, it’s flexible and works for almost all candidates. It’s no surprise why it’s the most popular resume format. 

Above all, it emphasizes consistency and relevance. 

But, the best approach depends on the context of your career timeline. 

When you have gaps in your work history, consider using the hybrid or skills-based resume format.

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Astley Cervania

Astley Cervania is a career writer and editor who has helped hundreds of thousands of job seekers build resumes and cover letters that land interviews. He is a Rezi-acknowledged expert in the field of career advice and has been delivering job success insights for 4+ years, helping readers translate their work background into a compelling job application.

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• Chronological, Functional or Combination Resume Format: Pick the Best One (with examples)

 Probably writing a resume is not the best thing you used to do. It takes a lot of forces and strengths to make a really good one that catches the recruiter’s attention and emphasizes all your skills. However, the mission is possible if you’re familiar with the different types of resumes. Resume format may differ due to your working background, proficiency, type of work and skills. Make resume formatting isn’t that hard and we prepared a list of 3 types of resumes, so you may take the one that would present your strongest sides to the hiring manager.

1. Chronological resume

What is a chronological resume.

This is the most common and standard resume format and telling the truth, many employers typically prefer this type to others as it's easy to see what jobs you have held and when you have worked at them. A chronological resume focuses on your work history first as the most relevant point for hiring managers. Obviously, your jobs are listed in reverse chronological order with your current or most recent job with brief explanations of each job. 

When should you use a chronological resume?

A chronological resume format is the most common resume type, which suits those people who have an extensive work history that is in the same line of work as the job for which they are applying. It’s a safe choice for virtually all job seekers. 

When should you avoid using a chronological resume?

The chronological resume does not work well for career changers. You might have a lot of work experience in different industries but a chronological format demands related and smooth working history. As well as career changes, chronological resume doesn’t like gaps in employment and will only emphasize these issues.

Chronological resume structure

A chronological resume often includes an eye-catching career summary at the top. Then you should define chronology of your previous work experience and make it as clear as possible - it’s the main part of such resumes. Education, certifications, and special skills are also included in this type of resume but are listed after your work experience section.

Have a look at a chronological resume example to get a clearer visual understanding. 

A proper reverse chronological resume order should be as follows:

• Contact information
• Resume summary or resume objective
• Work experience
• Additional Sections

2. Functional resume

What is a functional resume.

The functional resume format allows you to take the pressure off your work history and focus more on your skills and abilities. That’s why it’s also called the skills-based resume format. The focus is shifted from job titles and dates to your actual relevant skill set.

When should you use a functional resume?

It is typically used by job seekers who are changing careers, who have gaps in their employment history , students with less working experience or people, whose work history is not directly related to the job. If you are looking for a job in creative industries, where your portfolio matters more than your resume, go ahead and use creative functional resumes. 

When should you avoid using a functional resume?

Through, it’s a great one for teens, students, and graduates, who lack work experience, but have their education, internships, projects, volunteering or campus work on their back, it’s still the most tricky resume type. The functional format might not work as it just throws your job history out. If you’re a fresher looking for a summer or entry-level job – it’s your choice to show up. But if you already have some achievements under your belt, your experience section would be presented only by a tiny list of your past employers at the bottom of the resume, and that’s not what you need.

Functional resume structure

No worry, if you don’t have a perfect work experience with a treasure trove of relevant skills and competencies. You’re not the only one and there are numbers of strategies you can employ to cover up gaps on your resume. To get an idea of how a functional resume can conceal your work gaps, you must understand the structure of current resume format.

Take a look at the functional resume example and let it become clear to you. 

Keep in mind the correct functional resume order:

• Resume objective
• Skills Summary
• Additional Skills
• Work Experience

Remember, even if you don’t have much work experience, you should still link your skills with either your academic achievements or part-time jobs and volunteer experience. The functional resume can be an ideal resume format for freshers as its ultimate goal is to make the hiring manager see your potential and desire to work.

3. Combination resume

What is a combination resume.

The combination resume format (or hybrid resume) is a middle ground between the reverse chronological resume and functional one. As the name suggests, it combines the aspects of the other two resume types. The combination style focuses more on skills but leaves plenty of room to provide details on your past work. Shortly, it focuses on skills without throwing off the work experience section. The more transferable skills you include, the easier it will be to make a successful resume. 

When should you use a combination resume?

Combination resumes were designed for job seekers who already have a relevant work experience or even looking to jump into a new industry. Moreover, if you’re applying for a position that requires a lot of technical skills and expertise, using a combination format is the best way to showcase these abilities to the hiring manager. If you had an impressive set of accomplishments and job duties in previous positions and want to highlight the skills you’ve developed over the years this style is perfect to help you succeed in a career path.

When should you avoid using combination resume?

Combination resumes don’t work well when you don’t have much work experience or your duties weren’t specified. Also, if you didn’t get any promotions, awards or achievements over the course of your career don’t go for the hybrid resume. You should better use a chronological resume structure. However, if you eventually got one, do not forget explain and emphasize each of them.  

Combination resume structure

Formatting a resume demands your skills and qualifications first. Those skills that are most relevant to a particular job opening must be on the top. Underneath each skill, you make a bulleted list of professional achievements that highlight the skill. Your employment history is listed next, in reverse chronological order. It would be perfect to divide the descriptions of your work experience into “Related Work Experience” and “Additional Professional Experience” sections. This allows you to focus recruiter’s attention on your most relevant experience while at the same time providing a complete work history.

Let’s have a look at combination resume sample.

A proper combination resume order should be as follows:

If you are still unsure of your ability to create a good resume format on your own, don’t hesitate to use our professional resume writing help and get your documents done on a higher level! ---

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Reverse Chronological Resume Format: Focusing on Work History, Growth

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The reverse chronological resume format includes employment history beginning with the most recent and then going backwards. Reverse chronological resumes show dates, as well as employers and educational institutions (college, vocational-technical schools, and career-oriented programs and courses). This resume format accents a steady work history with a clear pattern of upward or lateral mobility.

When you create a reverse chronological resume, remember to

Focus on areas of specific relevance to your target position.

List all pertinent places you’ve worked, including for each the name of the employer and the city in which you worked, the years you were there, your title, your responsibilities, and your measurable achievements.

To handle problems such as unrelated experience, you can group unrelated jobs in a second work history section under a heading of Other Experience or Previous Experience .

Click here to view this resume.

Strengths and weaknesses of this resume format

Check to see if the reverse chronological (RC) resume’s strengths are yours:

This upfront format is by far the most popular with employers and recruiters.

RC links employment dates, underscoring continuity. The weight of your experience confirms that you’re a specialist in a specific career field (social service or technology, for example).

RC positions you for the next upward career step.

As the most traditional of formats, RC fits traditional industries (such as banking, education, and accounting).

Take the weaknesses of the reverse chronological format into account:

When your previous job titles are substantially different from your target position, this format doesn’t support your objective. Without careful management, the RC reveals everything, including inconsequential jobs and negative factors.

RC can spotlight periods of unemployment or brief job tenure.

Without careful management, RC reveals your age.

Without careful management, RC may suggest that you were plateaued in a job too long.

Who should (and shouldn't) use this resume format

Use the reverse chronological resume format if you fall into any of these categories:

You have a steady school and work record reflecting constant growth or lateral movement.

Your most recent employer is a respected name in the industry, and the name may ease your entry into a new position.

Your most recent job titles are impressive stepping stones.

You’re a savvy writer who knows how to manage potential negative factors, such as inconsequential jobs, too few jobs, too many temporary jobs, too many years at the same job, or too many years of age.

Think twice about using the RC under these circumstances:

You have a lean employment history. Listing a stray student job or two is not persuasive, even when you open with superb educational credentials enhanced with internships and co-op experiences.

You have work-history or employability problems — gaps, demotions, stagnation in a single position, job hopping (four jobs in three years, for example), reentering the workforce after a break to raise a family.

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18 Résumé Writing Tips to Help You Stand Out

By  Allison Pohle

Updated May 11, 2021 2:15 pm ET

• A résumé isn’t just a list of every job you’ve ever had. It should demonstrate your accomplishments.
• Mirror language used in the job posting so your résumé isn’t discarded by an applicant tracking system.
• Use a clean and simple format. 

Companies increasingly  rely on software  to sort through applicants, which is why it is essential to tailor your résumé to ensure it makes the cut. Applicant tracking systems sort, scan and rank applicants by looking for keywords in applications. Although these programs can save time and money for employers, about 60% said such tools cause them to miss some qualified candidates, according to a 2016 survey of 1,200 job seekers and managers by CareerArc, a human-resources technology company, and Future Workplace, a research firm. Here’s how to make your résumé stand out to robots and humans alike. 

1. Highlight your achievements in your résumé. 

A common mistake job seekers make is believing a résumé is a recap of your career, when in reality, it should convey what you have accomplished, says Christy Noel, a career expert and author of “Your Personal Career Coach.” 

“I always say, spend less of your real estate describing your job, and more time describing your results,” says Ms. Noel.  

2. Customize your résumé.

Read over the job posting, and think about the work experience you have had that is most directly relevant to the position you are pursuing. You can leave out some past jobs and internships if the experience you had wasn’t related. Whatever you do: Don’t submit a generic résumé to dozens of postings. “Even if you have the best experience, if your résumé isn’t speaking directly to the position in which you are applying, there is a strong chance you’ll never even get an interview,” says Demisha Jennings, a certified professional résumé writer and founder and owner of She Assists LLC.  

The same applies to your cover letter. It is your chance to provide more detail on how your experience will help you succeed in the job.  Read our cover letter guide  for how to write one that makes you stand out.

3. Decide how to format your résumé.

Most of the time, a chronological résumé will work well for communicating your past experience. But, in some cases, a functional or hybrid résumé might be more appropriate.  Read more about résumé formats here.

4. Make your contact information easy to find.

Include your name, phone number, email address, city and state. It may also be appropriate to include the URL to your LinkedIn profile. You want it to be easy for hiring managers to reach out.

In addition to making it easy to connect with you, it is important to your job search that you grow your network.  Read our networking guide  for tips on how to do so.

5. Consider adding a summary. 

Many résumé templates leave space for an objective statement, outlining career goals, but that approach is outdated, says Ms. Jennings. Instead, consider a carefully worded summary. The summary is often the first place a hiring manager will look, and gives you an opportunity to introduce your skills high up on the page. You can also work in relevant keywords from the job description. “Recruiters are looking for what you can bring to the table and what you’ve done, rather than you saying, ‘I’m seeking a position,’” Ms. Jennings says. 

6. Great résumés should stand out to skim readers.

Most recruiters spend just a few seconds skimming through a résumé—with an average in one study of  7.4 seconds.  

To have the best chance of making an impression, ensure your job titles, company names and dates of employment are easy to read. The sections of your résumé should be adequately spaced, too, says Dana Leavy-Detrick, founder and director of Brooklyn Resume Studio. 

For additional ways to make a good impression on recruiters and headhunters, read  our guide on how to work with headhunters .

7. Make your résumé robot-friendly. 

Structure your résumé to meet the requirements of an applicant tracking system to give yourself the best chance of having it reach an actual human. Ms. Leavy-Detrick suggests the following:

• Optimize keywords.  Use the same words and language that are in the job description. For example, three different companies might describe the same role as “programmer,” “developer” or “software engineer.” 
• Use a straightforward format.  Avoid tables and text-based graphics, which might not get picked up by a scan of the résumé. Sans-serif fonts such as Arial or Helvetica are also best to ensure readability.
• Think about order.  When formatting each line item of work experience, list the company name first, followed by the job location (city, state), your job title, and your start and end dates. Some résumés can get lost if the dates are listed before the job title. 

8. Prioritize relevant keywords. 

Tailoring your skills to include language from the job posting is an important way to let both the applicant tracking system and, eventually, a hiring manager, see how your prior qualifications tie into the job requirements. But just because you have a résumé full of keywords doesn’t mean you’ll automatically get an interview. “The ATS isn’t there to help the job seeker, it is there to help the employer review your skills against their most important qualifications,” says Ashley Watkins, a career coach and résumé writer with Write Step Résumés LLC. 

9. Craft compelling and concise bullet points.

The goal of a résumé is to list your accomplishments, rather than every duty you performed in the role. Résumé-writing experts recommend including no more than five bullet points per prior job listed. 

• Don’t focus on tasks.  Many job seekers describe what they did every day, such as answering phones or creating marketing materials, Ms. Watkins says. “Simply copying and pasting the job description doesn’t account for the things you did great, that you did above and beyond your peers,” she says.
• Instead, explain what those tasks achieved.  Emphasize your results. Ms. Watkins suggests asking yourself “Did I save [the employer] money? Did I save time? Did I improve a process? Did I build a relationship?” These will help you format your bullet points.
• Use metrics.  Say what you achieved, then contextualize it—with figures if possible. You might not be able to put a monetary value on every accomplishment, but you can frame it by sharing details like the time it took or how many people were involved. “If you raised sales 50% in two months, that means a whole lot more than ‘I’m in charge of sales,’” Ms. Watkins says. 
• Don’t omit accomplishments that aren’t quantifiable.  Not every achievement will have metrics to show success. If there are figures, you might not always have access to them. But that shouldn’t stop you from including them, says Ms. Leavy-Detrick. Perhaps you had a positive impact on the culture of an organization, or improved a struggling relationship with a client. These efforts could help to demonstrate your  soft skills.

10. Focus on transferable skills if you lack experience.

If you are applying for a job in a new field or you are an entry-level applicant and don’t have much direct experience, don’t worry. Highlight transferable skills you have developed in the past that will serve you well in the position, says Ms. Leavy-Detrick. For example, you could play up leadership skills you developed participating in an extracurricular activity or time-management skills you learned in a prior job.

11. Go beyond your work history, and include all relevant experience.

If you are new to the workforce, or are job-hunting after being laid off, you could also include related experience that was outside of a traditional full-time job, says Ms. Watkins. For example, you can highlight volunteer work, consulting projects or educational training, all as part of making the case for your unique value, she says.

12. Don’t worry too much about gaps in your résumé.

The Covid-19 pandemic economy resulted in many people being laid off or furloughed. Ms. Watkins says the 2020 job market reminds her of 2008, when she worked as a recruiter. The expectation at that time, she says, was that candidates would have  gaps  on their résumés or list more short-term positions. While it isn’t necessary to directly address the gaps in your résumé, you should be  prepared to talk about them in an interview . “The focus should not be centered on the fact that you were furloughed or laid off, it should be focused on you and your skills and what you do that impacts the company’s bottom line in a positive way,” Ms. Watkins says.

While it is common to list the months and years you started and ended positions in the job history section, you could just use years. This will draw less attention to a six- or eight-month gap, says Ms. Leavy-Detrick. 

13. Highlight relevant skills.

It is common to  add a skills section to your résumé , outlining expertise relevant to the position. You can include languages you speak, technical skills or courses you have done. If you lack experience, you can also complete some trainings, which you can find on LinkedIn and elsewhere, related to the job you are applying for and add the courses in this section, says Ms. Jennings.

14. Prioritize work experience over education.

The professional experience you have had is often more relevant to the position than your education history, which is why the work experience should be listed first. In the “Education” section, you should list where you attended college, if applicable, or the highest level of education you have attained. If you graduated with honors, you can flag that, but it isn’t necessary to list your GPA.

15. If you are early on in your career, a key résumé tip is to limit it to one page. 

If you are early on in your career, you should limit your résumé to one page. It is OK to start spilling onto a second page after you have eight to 10 years of experience, says Ms. Leavy-Detrick. 

16. Add some color for a stylish résumé that sets you apart. 

Your résumé should look clean and professional and you should keep applicant tracking systems in mind when formatting the document. But, if it is appropriate, you can add subtle accents of color in the section headings or in bars that separate sections as a way to differentiate your résumé. Ms. Leavy-Detrick doesn’t overstress the need for good design with her clients. “But it can definitely help,” she says. “When I say design, I don’t mean crazy graphic design. I mean having a polished application,” she says. “Think of it the same way you would coming dressed to an interview, it is part of your presentation, and so many people overlook this on the résumé.”

It may be appropriate to incorporate a more creative and graphic-based layout depending on the field in which you work and where you are applying. If you are applying for a position in a creative field, and you are emailing your résumé directly to a hiring manager, then it can be appropriate to use more designs, says Ms. Jennings. But if you are applying to a large company that uses an applicant tracking system or job portal, she says it is best to avoid using graphics unless you are working with a résumé writer who can help you get your resume through the system.

17. Proofread and double-check the formatting.

You may be eager to send your résumé or submit your application, but you should take the time to first check for typos and grammatical errors. You could also have a friend or family member look over it. When you are checking for errors, be sure to double-check the formatting. Sometimes the spacing can get thrown off when you save the file, so check how it looks as a saved document and, if you can, save it as a PDF before sending. 

18. Make sure the saved file name includes your name. 

Make less work for the hiring manager by including your full name in the file name of the résumé document.

What to read next

• How to Prepare for a Job Interview
• What Questions to Ask During a Job Interview
• Common Job Interview Questions and How to Answer Them
• How to Dress for a Job Interview
• How to Write a Thank-You Email After a Job Interview  
• How to Negotiate and Counter a Job Offer
• How to Negotiate Salary for a New Job: The Do’s and Don’ts
• Severance Pay: What It Is and Why You Should Negotiate a Package Before Accepting a Job

Corrections & Amplifications Ashley Watkins is a résumé writer with Write Step Résumés LLC. An earlier version of this article incorrectly said Write Steps LLC. (Corrected on Nov. 20)

Copyright ©2024 Dow Jones & Company, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 87990cbe856818d5eddac44c7b1cdeb8

Appeared in the November 23, 2020, print edition as '11 Résumé Tips to Help You Get Noticed

reverse chronological resume

How to Write a High-Quality Resume Format?

The three main formats for a resume are functional, creative, and reverse chronological. Learn which one is right for you by following our simple steps below. Then, create your resume using the format you’ve selected. And don’t forget to use ample white space around the margins. Here’s an example of each. You’ll notice the difference […]

How to Write a High-Quality Resume Format? Read More »

How to craft an effective XYZ resume to land your dream job

Do you want to get hired by the world’s top companies? According to a former Google SVP, using the XYZ resume formula to focus on achievements and measurable outcomes is the way to go. Discover how to make a strong impression on recruiters and hiring managers with this unique method.

What is an XYZ resume?  

An XYZ resume format is a formula introduced by Laszlo Bock, former senior vice president of personnel operations at Google, to help those applying for jobs at Google (and other top companies) increase their chances of landing their dream job (1). The acronym stands for the following: “Accomplished [X] as measured by [Y], by doing [Z].”

The purpose of creating a Google XYZ resume is to help you stand out as an accomplished professional who understands how your work connects to overall business outcomes. 

The format gives you an easy way to quantify your achievements, enabling you to go beyond simply describing your professional responsibilities and helping you show the true, measurable impact of your work. 

Benefits of the XYZ resume format  

The XYZ resume format is far from just another trend or gimmick put forth to try to tip the scales in your favor. Similar to the CAR method , it’s a tried and true formula that has many practical benefits in the job search process.

First, it helps you provide clear and concise details about your achievements. When you use the XYZ formula, recruiters and hiring managers won’t be confused about your professional background and what you bring to the table. Instead, you can get straight to the point using highly impactful language.

Additionally, the XYZ resume format helps you highlight your measurable outcomes, which is much more impressive to recruiters than using generic language. This is especially true at highly sought-after companies that receive thousands of resumes. Hiring managers want to know they’re hiring someone who can get the job done, and the XYZ format helps you demonstrate this.

Finally, the XYZ resume formula helps you keep everything relevant to the job role. If you have experience in the role and have read the job description thoroughly, you know what recruiters and hiring managers want to see on your resume. The XYZ formula helps you trim irrelevant details and stick to only what the readers need to know.

How to create an XYZ resume  

The Google XYZ resume method is a fairly easy way to create an impactful job application. You can use a standard reverse chronological format for most of your resume. The bullet points you use to explain your professional history are where you’ll apply the XYZ formula. 

Once you have collected details of your past accomplishments, start your first bullet point describing what you accomplished. For example, you may have:

• Grown sales revenue
• Increased customer satisfaction scores
• Increased employee productivity

In the next part of the sentence, you’ll explain how your accomplishment was measured using quantifiable results. For example, you may have:

• Grown sales revenue by 15%
• Increased customer satisfaction scores by 46%
• Increased employee productivity by 32% 

In the last part of your bullet point, you will talk about the task that led you to that impactful outcome. For example, you may have:

• Grown sales revenue by 15% by pivoting to account-based marketing
• Increased customer satisfaction scores by 46% by prioritizing first-call resolution 
• Increased employee productivity by 32% by launching generative AI training

As much as possible, limit your XYZ statements to one line. Note that you may have to tweak any resume examples you’re using to achieve this goal.

Key components of an XYZ resume  

It’s important to understand how a good XYZ resume is structured. If you’re crafting your application using a resume and cover letter template , you’ll want to ensure the following key components are included in your document.

Contact information 

Your contact information, including your name, location (city, state, and zip code), phone number, and email address, should go at the very top of the document. This helps recruiters and hiring managers easily contact you for an interview or inquire further about your qualifications.

Objective statement

Many expert resume articles agree that this section of your resume should only be one line. Use it to tell the recruiter or the hiring manager what role you’re applying for and what you hope to accomplish in that role.

Summary of qualifications

Use this section to describe your professional background and why you’re a great fit for the job. Include details such as how many years of experience you have, what achievements you have made, and how your past colleagues and managers have described your impact.

Education background

List the important details of your educational experiences, such as the names and locations of any colleges or universities you attended, the degrees you obtained, and the year you graduated from the institution. 

Relevant experience 

Provide the details of your past roles in reverse chronological format (starting with your current or most recent position). List the title of the position, the company name and location, and the dates you worked there. Then, create succinct bullet points covering your major achievements using the Google XYZ resume formula.

Skills and competencies 

Provide a short list of your skills to grab the attention of the recruiter or hiring manager. If you prefer, you can split this list into separate sections for soft skills and technical skills. To keep things relevant, try to include skills that are also listed in the job description (if you actually do possess them). 

Achievements and qualifications 

If you choose, you can include a separate section on your resume to list your major achievements and qualifications directly so a hiring manager or recruiter doesn’t have to go fishing for them. Make sure to use the XYZ format in this section and include only accomplishments that are relevant to the role.

Expert Tip:

To identify relevant accomplishments that you can use to execute the XYZ formula, try looking back at past performance review notes or considering your past project outcomes. Then, determine exactly how your job responsibilities and actions contributed to those positive outcomes.

Common XYZ resume mistakes to avoid  

Despite the simplicity of the Google XYZ resume format, there are a few mistakes you may be tempted to make if it’s your first time using the formula. Here are some common pitfalls you should avoid as you craft your XYZ resume.

Using vague language

Be specific about your achievements. For example, don’t just tell the hiring manager you improved customer service. Tell them what specific aspects of the customer service experience you improved and how much of an improvement you made.

Forgetting measurable outcomes

To correctly use the XYZ format, resumes must include quantifiable achievements that connect actions to business outcomes. Ensure your bullet point statements include numbers, as this helps showcase the impact you’ve made in past roles.

Overloading statements with details

Though details are important, it’s also crucial not to include too many. When possible, try to keep your statements to one or two lines at most and your entire resume to one page. If you feel that your achievements need more context, include that information in your cover letter .

Including irrelevant information

Each statement should be tailored to the role and company you’re applying for, so leave out anything that doesn’t directly relate to the industry or job description. The criteria for relevance is that there should be a clear connection between the jobs, skills, and achievements you have written about and what is listed in the job description.

"The XYZ resume format helps you highlight your measurable outcomes, which is much more impressive to recruiters than using generic language."

Let the XYZ resume format lead you to job-hunting success

Much like using the STAR method to answer interview questions, following the XYZ resume format is an excellent way to include measurable outcomes that wow recruiters and hiring managers and highlight you as an accomplished professional. It also helps you present your achievements in a clear and concise way, making it obvious that you’re the best candidate for the job.

If you need help building your XYZ resume, one of the best ways to get started is with a template. Using resume and cover letter examples that incorporate the XYZ format can help enhance your job applications and improve your chances of landing interviews. With a few robust resources and the right resume format, this approach can help you get the job you’ve been dreaming about.

(1) Inc. Magazine: Google Recruiters Say Using the X-Y-Z Formula on Your Resume Will Improve Your Odds of Getting Hired at Google

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Account Executive Resume Examples and Templates for 2024

Account Executive Resume Templates and Examples (Download in App)

Most popular account executive resumes.

• Account Manager
• Sales Manager
• Senior Account Manager
• Resume Text Examples
• How To Write a Account Executive Resume
• Account Executive Assistant
• Business Account Executive
• Senior Account Executive
• Enterprise Account Executive

Account Manager Resume Example

9 Sales Manager Resume Examples

Senior Account Manager Resume Example

Account Executive Text-Only Resume Templates and Examples

• Account Executive Assistant Resume Example
• Business Account Executive Resume Example
• Senior Account Executive Resume Example
• Enterprise Account Executive Resume Example

Jasmine Brown (123) 456-7890 [email protected] San Diego, CA 12345 LinkedIn | Portfolio

An assistant account executive with three years of experience, specializing in client relations, sales reporting, and pipeline development. Adept at coordinating with account executives and managers to drive new business development.

Professional Experience

Assistant Account Executive , Roark HR Solutions, San Diego, CA | July 2022 – present

• Support a team of five account executives in managing, developing, and growing a portfolio of 20 major accounts valued at $100,000 to $350,000
• Coordinate with cross-functional teams to execute influencer marketing campaigns, perform research on target demographics, and refine content strategy
• Communicate effectively with client stakeholders and external partners to support account growth and achieve long-term business objectives

Assistant Account Executive , Norman Web Design, San Diego, CA | June 2021 – July 2022

• Provided support to account executives in building and maintaining client relationships for accounts valued at up to $200,000
• Analyzed sales performance and delivered recommendations to increase account growth through value-added services
• Business development
• Account management
• Consultative selling
• Cross-functional collaboration
• Client relations

Certifications

• Strategic Account Management, SAMA | 2021

Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Marketing University of San Diego, San Diego, CA | 2021

In this example, the candidate makes up for their limited work history by highlighting the experiences they gained working with account executives to manage client relationships. These bullet points show that the applicant has the qualifications to transition from an assistant role to an account executive position.

Yaling Zhang (123) 456-7890 [email protected] San Francisco, CA 12345 LinkedIn | Portfolio

A business account executive with six years of experience specializing in consultative selling, account management, and pipeline development. A proven track record of collaborating with cross-functional teams and clients to drive new business development.

Account Executive , Cadence Technologies, San Francisco, CA | October 2020 – present

• Identify and nurture new business opportunities for a premiere technology company, coordinate early-stage funnel development, serve as the point of contact for clients, and contribute to over $1.2 million in annual recurring revenue
• Exceed quotas by 25% to 35% year over year by building long-term client relationships and collaborating effectively with internal and external cross-functional teams
• Attend meetings with account managers and clients to assess business needs and identify opportunities for value-added services

Account Executive , Arkline Tech Co., San Francisco, CA | June 2018 – October 2020

• Coordinated with account managers and sales executives to evaluate existing sales processes and identify improvements to support business development efforts for an account portfolio totaling over $900,000
• Liaised with client stakeholders, served as the point of contact for customer issues, and achieved a 92% client retention rate
• Strategic Account Management, SAMA | 2018

Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Marketing University of San Francisco, San Francisco, CA | 2018

This account manager resume example is effective because it uses numbers and metrics to paint a compelling picture of the candidate’s sales experience. The bullet points also draw attention to the applicant’s cross-functional leadership expertise, which helps to emphasize their versatility as a sales professional.

John Bergsen (123) 456-7890 [email protected] New York, NY 12345 LinkedIn | Portfolio

A senior account executive with seven years of experience driving new business development for financial services companies. A strong history of defining high-impact sales strategies to grow existing accounts and build long-term relationships with clients.

Senior Account Executive , Highland Financial, New York, NY | March 2021 – present

• Oversee 30 client accounts valued at $1.5 million to $3 million in collaboration with account managers, nurture relationships, and support account growth
• Serve as the point of contact for clients, recommend comprehensive financial solutions based on individual needs, and achieve a 94% retention rate
• Manage all aspects of the sales cycle, conduct prospecting and lead generation activities, and effectively target key decision-makers

Account Executive , Helios Finance Solutions, New York, NY | June 2017 – March 2021

• Educated potential clients on the benefits of finance and investment products, interfaced with prospects throughout the sales cycle, and nurtured long-term business relationships to generate over $600,000 in new business
• Conducted sales reporting and analyzed market indicators to define data-driven sales strategies, which contributed to a 17% increase in growth across 19 accounts
• Strategic selling
• Data-driven decision making
• Certified Business Development Professional (CBDP), AIBM | 2017

Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Marketing University of Syracuse, New York, NY | 2017

In this account executive resume, the candidate focuses on highlighting their ability to nurture and maintain high-value client relationships. The bullet points send a clear message that the applicant has a proven track record of success generating new business and achieving exceptional client retention rates.

Meera Patel (123) 456-7890 [email protected] Seattle, WA 12345 LinkedIn | Portfolio

An enterprise account executive with nine years of experience specializing in marketing strategy, business development, and sales analytics. A proven track record of collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance revenue growth. Adept at building and nurturing strategic partnerships centered on trust and integrity.

Enterprise Account Executive , Roland Payroll Solutions, Seattle, WA | February 2019 – present

• Define high-impact sales and marketing strategies for a payroll management software company, oversee all aspects of the sales cycle, and build and grow a pipeline of 40 contracts generating $17 million in annual recurring revenue
• Manage a team of 12 account executives to identify opportunities to drive revenue growth for existing accounts and exceed annual quotas by 20% to 30% year over year
• Develop a comprehensive prospecting plan to target midsize companies, resulting in $2.7 million in new business in 2023

Enterprise Executive , Specter HR Management Inc., Seattle, WA | June 2015 – February 2019

• Served as the point of contact for a portfolio of 20 client accounts valued at $4.2 million and educated key decision-makers on the benefits of HR management solutions
• Nurtured key account relationships, identified ideal products based on individual client needs, and generated a 14% increase in account growth
• Sales strategy
• Relationship building
• Certified Business Development Professional (CBDP), AIBM | 2015

Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Marketing University of Washington, Seattle, WA | 2015

This account executive resume is effective because it demonstrates the candidate’s capabilities as a sales strategist and leader. An ability to manage personnel and client relationships effectively is incredibly valuable for this type of role. The numbers incorporated in the bullet points make this all the more impressive, given the size of the account portfolio.

How To Write an Account Executive Resume

To write a great account executive resume, market yourself effectively to potential employers by illustrating your most compelling sales achievements. Incorporate eye-catching numbers and monetary figures to establish a sense of scope for your contributions. Brand yourself as a creative marketing and sales strategist using tangible examples.

Also, emphasize how you’ve successfully nurtured and maintained relationships in your previous roles, as account executives typically serve as the point of contact for clients. In this guide, we’ll provide expert tips to close the deal on your next big job opportunity.

1. Write a dynamic profile summarizing your qualifications

Think of your opening summary as a value proposition for the hiring manager. Your objective is to immediately present yourself as a qualified candidate who can generate results for the organization. Highlight your years of experience and three to four skill sets that match the job description. Use the remainder of the paragraph to showcase your unique talents as an account executive.

For example, you might draw attention to your expertise in driving new business development or identifying opportunities to grow existing accounts. Nurturing strategic partnerships and client relationships is another key responsibility of an account executive, so it’s important to illustrate this aspect of your experience directly in the summary.

Profile Example #1

A results-driven account executive with six years of experience specializing in consultative selling, account management, and pipeline development. A proven track record of collaborating with cross-functional teams and clients to drive new business development.

Profile Example #2

A senior account executive with nine years of experience specializing in marketing strategy, business development, and sales analytics. A proven track record of collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance revenue growth. Adept at building and nurturing strategic partnerships centered on trust and integrity.

2. Add an accomplishment-driven professional experience section

The professional experience section serves as the foundation of your account executive resume. Paint a clear and engaging picture of your strongest achievements as a sales professional. Featuring hard numbers, monetary figures, and data is a must. Without this information, the hiring manager will have no way of understanding the full impact of your career accomplishments.

As you develop your bullet points, focus on establishing appropriate context for how you generated account revenue and new business. What strategies did you use to close deals? How did you nurture and maintain client relationships within your industry? These insights will help convey the nuances of your sales expertise.

Professional Experience Example #1

Account Executive, Highland Financial, New York, NY  | March 2021 – present

• Oversee 30 client accounts valued at $1.5 million to $3 million in collaboration with  account managers, nurture relationships, and support account growth

Professional Experience Example #2

Account Executive, Cadence Technologies, San Francisco, CA | October 2020 – present

3. Include relevant education and certifications

Bachelor’s degrees in sales and marketing are typically preferred for account executive positions. Certifications are not always required, but they won’t hurt your chances of landing the interview. Having a Strategic Account Management or Certified Business Development Professional credential can be particularly valuable for these types of positions.

• [Degree Name]
• [School Name], [City, State Abbreviation] | [Graduation Year]
• Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Sales and Marketing
• University of Washington, Seattle, WA | 2016
• [Certification Name], [Awarding Organization], [Completion Year]

4. List pertinent key skills

To pass initial screenings with applicant tracking systems (ATS), you need to incorporate specific keywords that align with the job description. These types of roles often involve a mix of sales and marketing skills, so it’s important to feature both to brand yourself as a versatile candidate. Below is a list of key terms you may encounter during the job search process:

How To Pick The Best Account Executive Resume Template

When selecting a template for your account executive resume, prioritize structure and readability over visual appeal. Bulky graphics and distracting colors can often draw attention away from your qualifications and achievements. Opt for a traditional top-down approach that allows the reader to review each section of your resume individually rather than placing them side by side.

Frequently Asked Questions: Account Executive Resume Examples and Advice

What are common action verbs for account executive resumes -.

Diversifying your usage of action verbs can be challenging when crafting your account executive resume. Often you’ll use the same three or four verbs throughout your bullet points. Although varying your word choice takes more time, it also helps to enhance the reading experience for the hiring manager. Review our list of action verbs to craft the professional experience section of your account executive resume:

How do you align your resume with an account executive job description? -

Aligning your account manager resume with the job description is essential for generating interviews in today’s competitive job market. As you review the job description, pay close attention to the keywords and industry experience that employers seek. Instead of only listing key terms, demonstrate these skill sets using examples from your professional experience.

For instance, if a company is looking for a candidate who excels in new business development, define how you identified unique ways to grow an account portfolio. If the posting mentions Salesforce, show the hiring manager how you utilized CRM tools to infuse your account strategies with sales analytics.

What is the best account executive resume format? -

The reverse chronological format is best suited for account executive resumes. This approach ensures that your most recent and relevant experience is featured at the top of your document. Combination and functional resumes tend to prioritize skills and certifications, which are far less impactful than your sales achievements.

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Once you’ve completed your account executive resume, consider pairing it with a stand-out cover letter that is fully customized for the organization you’re targeting. Read our account manager and sales manager cover letter guides to learn more.

Frank Hackett

Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW)

Frank Hackett is a professional resume writer and career consultant with over eight years of experience. As the lead editor at a boutique career consulting firm, Frank developed an innovative approach to resume writing that empowers job seekers to tell their professional stories. His approach involves creating accomplishment-driven documents that balance keyword optimization with personal branding. Frank is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) with the Professional Association of Resume Writers and Career Coaches (PAWRCC).

Check out Related Examples

Account Manager Resume Examples and Templates

Sales Manager Resume Examples and Templates

Senior Account Manager Resume Examples and Templates

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How to Write an OPT Resume That Will Get Recruiters’ Attention

Introduction

When looking for a career in USA as an international student, your OPT (Optional Practical Training) CV is your first opportunity to make a positive impression on potential employers. Creating a standout résumé might be difficult, but with the right technique, you can capture the attention of OPT recruiters. In this post, we’ll go over how to choose the best OPT resumes format, tactics for making your resume stand out, how to attract recruiters, and how elevating your resume may help you advance your career.

Choosing the Best OPT Resume Format for Recruiters

The first step in building excellent OPT resumes is choosing the appropriate format. Your resume format should reflect your talents, experiences, and qualifications in a style that recruiters can easily read and comprehend.

• Chronological Resume: This is the most prevalent format and is ideal for those with a strong job history. It organizes your experiences in reverse chronological order, beginning with your most recent position. If you’ve completed internships, part-time jobs, or volunteer work in USA, this format will help you showcase your career growth.
• Functional Resume: This format is great for those with limited work experience but good talents relevant to the position they’re applying for. Instead of emphasizing employment names and dates, the functional resume highlights your skills and how they pertain to the role.
• Combination Resume: As the name implies, this format combines both chronological and functional formats. It enables you to promote your skills while also displaying your professional experience. This approach is great if you have some experience but want to highlight your abilities more brightly.
• When deciding on the finest OPT resumes format, think about the type of job you’re seeking for and your level of expertise in that sector. OPT recruiters frequently search for resumes that clearly demonstrate how your experience and talents match the job requirements.

Strategies for Making a Resume That Stands Out

With so many students competing for OPT opportunities, having your resume stand out is essential. Here are some techniques to make sure your resume captures the attention of recruiters.

One of the most effective methods to stand out is to tailor your resume to each job application. This entails emphasizing the talents and experiences that are most applicable to the job description. Recruiters love it when a candidate takes the time to personalize their resume to their organization and role. Many employers use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to screen resumes. To ensure that your resume gets through these algorithms, incorporate keywords from the job description. This could include any unique talents, technology, or credentials mentioned in the job description. Begin each bullet point on your resume with a strong action verb, such as “managed,” “developed,” “designed,” or “analyzed.” Action words let you express your efforts and accomplishments in a clear and lively manner.

Whenever feasible, utilize numbers to measure your successes. Instead of mentioning “improved social media presence,” you may add “increased social media engagement by 30% over six months.” Numbers assist recruiters understand the influence you’ve had in previous employment. Employers value soft skills such as communication, teamwork, and problem solving, in addition to technical talents. Include instances of how you used these skills in previous encounters. Clean, uncomplicated designs are frequently more effective than flashy, elaborate ones. To make your resume easier to read, use a professional typeface with clear headers and bullet points. Recruiters usually spend only a few seconds examining each resume, so clarity is essential.

How to attract recruiters

Attracting recruiters requires more than simply a strong CV. Here are some more things you can take to improve your visibility to OPT recruiters.

Many recruiters look for applicants through OPT resumes database and professional networking sites.  Join organizations and participate in discussions about your field to improve your visibility.  Attend job fairs, workshops, and industry events to meet recruiters and experts in your sector. Developing relationships with industry people might result in career possibilities and helpful referrals. There are specific databases where recruiters can look for OPT resumes in USA . Make sure your resume is in these databases and may be searched using keywords that match your abilities and experiences. If you’ve worked with instructors, bosses, or colleagues who can attest to your abilities and work ethic, ask for references or letters of recommendation. Positive testimonials might increase your appeal to recruiters.

Elevate your resume and career

Your CV is more than a document; it reflects your professional history and potential. By devoting time to building good OPT resumes, you lay the groundwork for a successful career.

• Continue to Learn and Grow: As the employment market evolves, so should your resume. Continue to develop new skills, take on tough assignments, and constantly update your resume to reflect your progress.
• Seek comments and Revise: Don’t be afraid to solicit comments on your CV from mentors, professional advisers, or peers. Constructive criticism can help you develop and make your CV more interesting.
• Maintain a Positive Attitude and Be Persistent: Finding work can be difficult, especially for international students. Stay positive, keep applying, and don’t be discouraged by rejections. Every application is a learning experience, and each rejection moves you closer to finding the proper job.

In conclusion, a well-written OPT resume can lead to intriguing work chances in USA. You can advance your career by selecting the appropriate format, employing effective standout methods, attracting recruiters through networking and internet presence, and constantly enhancing your resume. Remember, your CV is your first chance to make a lasting impression, so make it count.

This site includes keywords like OPT resumes, OPT resumes database, OPT resumes in USA , and OPT recruiters to help you grasp the most important parts of making a standout resume for your job hunt.

Advantages And Disadvantages Of Chronological Resume

Advantages And Disadvantages Of Chronological Resume . Essaybot suggests best contents and helps you write. Web the basic format of this type of resume comprises of a brief objective, a chronologically arranged work history, educational qualification, professional.

Resumes are documents that is created by you to showcase potential employers the skills you have, your experience and personal information. It is usually used to get new jobs. However, it may be employed for many different reasons.

A well-written job experience section could be the difference between getting the job you want or missing out on a possibility. It should be simple to read and reflect your most outstanding achievements.

Your work experience section is typically one of the first things a potential employer will look at. It is essential to ensure that you've included all the information necessary, including your date of hire in addition to the position you are working at and the name of your employer. It is essential that every job will be listed chronologically in reverse order.

If you are an individual with less than 10 years in experience, your areas should be focused on the first five-year period of your professional career. This is the perfect time to recognize your accomplishments, your responsibilities and tasks.

For those with more than 10 year of work experience, this section should comprise two pages. Employers usually look for candidates who have demonstrated that they have made significant progress throughout their careers.

A section of skills is a great way to highlight potential candidates' strengths and knowledge. It also allows you to identify applicants with particular abilities. While it can be a challenge to get it rightthe first time, a correctly designed skills section is a valuable asset.

To create a skills section that gets you noticed, it's important to think about several key elements. It's important to consider the kind of job you're applying to. For example, if you're seeking to be hired for an email marketing job you'll be better off setting out your top strategic goals and not relying on your typing skills.

Second, you'll want to make a list of your skills in a systematic order. The first step is to highlight your most vital skills. You can do this with bullet points or by grouping them into categories.

A resume with hobbies can provide depth and help you stand out from the other candidates. They're not mandatory for an application for employment, however they could be an important major factor for hiring managers.

There are plenty of things to look for in your resume, activities are a great method to showcase the human face of your personality. It's important as a lot of companies focus on image.

It's common to think of it as a pastime that you do, but it's far more. A hobby is a fun activity, but it will also reveal your interests and capabilities.

When listing your hobbies, be sure to include a few of your most favorite ones. Don't try to describe everything you enjoy and doing. You could just find yourself with a long list of random activities.

If you're looking for an interview, then tailoring your resume to the job that you're applying for is crucial. This will enable you to stand out and grab noticed by the hiring manager. Additionally, it increases the chances of receiving an invitation to interview.

Before you start, read the job description carefully. Seek out keywords. These are words employers are looking for and could be used to filter your resume.

After that, utilize the keyword phrases in your description to highlight key competencies and accomplishments on your resume. Include your most relevant work experience as well as your education at the top of your resume.

When you're applying for a manager position, it is important to focus on specific skills and knowledge. Make sure to include your field of work.

When you write a resume, it is vital to stay clear of mistakes in grammar and spelling. These errors could make your resume appear like a sloppy and unprofessional job. But, you can avoid these mistakes through proofreading your resume.

It is also possible to ask for a professional or a trusted friend to edit your resume on your behalf. Furthermore, you may edit your resume online to make any corrections. Another option is to hire an expert to guide you.

Grammar checkers will assist you detect grammatical and spelling errors. But they aren't able to pick every error. Therefore, it's imperative to double check your resume for errors.

Spell-checkers are excellent at catching the most common mistakes, but they're not able identify homonyms or other obscure grammar errors. This is where your brain's abilities come in handy.

While the chronological resume is the simplest to write and the easiest to read, the functional resume allows for. Provides employers with a chronological format. Web imagine filling out a job application online or on paper and then reading the person's chronological resume to see if they have the experience you're looking for.

One Of The Advantages Of The Chronological Resume.

Web answer (1 of 2): Web advantage and disadvantage of a chronological resume. Web wish to include volunteer or internship experience.

Provides Employers With A Chronological Format.

And, there’s no way to hide it. Most well written resumes include both functional and chronological information. Web advantages & disadvantages of a functional resume advantages.

Have A Diverse Employment History.

Essaybot suggests best contents and helps you write. Web the basic format of this type of resume comprises of a brief objective, a chronologically arranged work history, educational qualification, professional. Web research has shown that employers find it much easier to scan and digest the information of a chronological resume than other formats.

Web Follow These Steps To Write A Chronological Resume:

This section is the header of your resume. The first is that a chronological resume makes employment gaps obvious. Web pros and cons of chronological resume.

Web The Chronological Resume Does Have Disadvantages.

One of the advantages of the chronological resume format is that it allows you to indicate all the various responsibilities or accomplishments from different. Web here are the steps on how to write a reverse chronological resume: Web a chronological resume usually includes an objective statement or summary at the top of the page.

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