Creating a Chronological Resume

In today's world, there are several options for the format in which you write your resume. This week's article will cover the basics about the chronological resume format and future articles will cover other formats. All resumes begin with your name and contact information as the Heading. How much contact information you include is dependent somewhat on how the resume will be delivered. Generally a printed resume will include your full name, address, and a phone number where you can be contacted; although some individuals prefer not to include their home address on the resume. Make sure that the phone number you list will be answered by an adult or with a message that sounds professional. You should not include any personal information on your resume, such as age, number of children, marital status, etc.

The traditional chronological resume often includes a Career Objective. If you choose to include an Objective, make sure it is not so specific that it eliminates you from being considered for related positions, but not so broad that it reads like you will take any job. The Objective should be adjusted for each kind of position you pursue. It is a good idea to include phrases about some of the skills you want to use in your Objective. For some occupations, you may use a job title as part of your objective, but generally, a title is not included unless you are responding to a specific ad. The Objective should give an indication of the level of the position you are seeking; that is, entry, mid- or upper level, etc. It should also include the kind of industry or business in which you would like to work; that is, hospitality, finance, sales, human services, etc. Your Objective should also include a statement about one of two of your major strengths related to your career objective.

Following your Objective, you should list your work experiences, and your job titles should be listed in reverse chronological order, so that your current or most recent job title is listed first. For each job you list, include the job title/position you held, the name and city of employer, and the dates of employment. You don't have to include the month you began working there, but at least the year you started and year you ended in that position, and your major accomplishments. Include any duties or responsibilities that relate to your current work objective.

Your Educational Background should also be included. If you just recently completed your education or training, that may need to be listed before your Work Experiences. If you have received a degree, you will want to list the level of the degree, followed by the major and the year it was completed. On the next line, you should list the name of the institution you attended and the city and state where it was located. Some people choose to list the institution they attended before listing the major and degree received. That may be helpful if the institution may be more impressive to a potential employer than the degree you received. You may only need to list your most recent degree, but if an earlier degree is more directly related to your objective, you may wish to include that too. You may wish to include other sections, such as additional skills or training, volunteer activities, professional recognitions, etc. You should evaluate each section in your resume to determine that it is appropriate for your goal and that including it would add to your overall qualifications.

Putting a resume together can feel like a big task. The important thing is to get started. It is usually easier to edit something than to stare at a blank screen or sheet of paper. Once you have written a draft of your resume then you can begin to edit it or obtain some assistance in making your resume as clear and concise as you can.


Mary Ann Davis is a Licensed Professional Counselor in private practice providing coaching and counseling for life's transitions; including career change or job search, as well as loss of job, retirement planning, grief work, coping with an empty nest, and other life planning issues. She is certified as a Master Career Counselor by the National Career Development Association; a Life/Work Counselor by the National Employment Counseling Association; and is a Distance Credentialed Counselor. Check out her web site at http://www.YourCareerPlan.com.

To contact Ms. Davis, please call (513) 665-4444 x3 and leave a personal and confidential message or send an email to YourCareerPlan@cinci.rr.com.