what chronological order should resume be in

Log In to Resume Trick

• Log in with Google

Forgot password?

Don’t have an account? Sign Up here

Create your free account

Please verify email. check your inbox and follow the activation link., recover your password.

Please enter your email to reset your password. You will receive letter with the password reset link.

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.

Rate this article:

Like the article spread the word, related articles.

How to Put Self-Employed on a Resume (With Examples)

Knowing how to put self-employed experience on a resume requires more than just detailing your ...

5 Best Leasing Agent Resume Examples (+Tips)

In the competitive field of real estate, a standout resume for leasing agent can make all the ...

Call Center Resume Examples and Templates for 2024

Having a resume is an essential part of any successful telephone service role search. Your call ...

What is the Best Resume Format: Functional, Chronological or Combined?

  The chronological format  

The chronological resume is the most used out there, it’s the employer’s favorite as it is very easy to read and it’s hard to hide anything in it. It works brilliantly when you have stayed consistent in your career. As long as the job you are applying for is in the same field, the full chronology will be relevant to the reader and therefore the focus is on your experience.   Your employment history is actually in reverse chronological order and your current position will be at the top of the list. The chronological resume doesn’t work well when you have gaps or when you have shifted industries often, as it will expose your weak points.   • Objective • Summary • Experience • Education • References  

The functional format   

The combined format

  The combination format is exactly what it sounds like; it combines the chronological and functional formats to give you the best of both worlds. It allows you to use the tasty features from the functional resume but you can still fly in under the radar in the eye of the reader.   Examples of people that can benefit from this would be someone wanting to change careers and has some relevant skills for the new field. It can also be useful when someone wants to pack more skills in than the work experience section allows for or would not bring out adequately.   • Objective • Summary • Accomplishments • Experience • Education • References  

5 Housekeeping rules that apply to all formats

  1. Make sure you put all your contact details on every page, make it easy for the employer to call you up for an interview.   2. You have to put exact dates against every employment and education. If you don’t it will look slightly dodgy and you have to be prepared for a lack-of-dates grilling.   3. All education and qualifications should be listed. The fact that you majored in art history doesn’t mean you can’t apply for a Java consultant job ; it means you are trainable and can learn anything.   4. The layout should be pleasing on the eye and never distracting, allow for enough white space in between your text, boxes and bullet points.   5. Make it a habit to use a spel cheker, as your intended audience will swiftly delete a resume that contains typos.

  Great, so which format do I use again?  

If you can, go with the chronological as it’s everyone’s favorite. If you are shifting careers and possibly have transferable skills, go combined. If you have a short career or big holes in your experience, go functional.   Applying across state borders? Check out 3 Tips for Sending Your Resume to Another State .   Which format do you use and are you getting interviews?

• Post author By Jörgen Sundberg

The more resumes you look at, the more confused you can get especially since there are so many different formats to choose from. Most people don’t realize that the format is one of the most important choices when writing a winning resume. Get this wrong and you could effectively be hiding your own career highlights from the reader.

The bad news is that you only get about 10 seconds attention from the person screening your resume so you best make a good first impression. The good news is that I have narrowed it down to only three formats worth considering. Here they are, complete with reasons why you should choose them and in what order the content should be in your resume.

Chronological format:

The chronological resume is the most used out there, it’s the employer’s favorite as it is very easy to read and it’s hard to hide anything in it. It works brilliantly when you have stayed consistent in your career. As long as the job you are applying for is in the same field, the full chronology will be relevant to the reader and therefore the focus is on your experience.

Your employment history is actually in reverse chronological order and your current position will be at the top of the list. The chronological resume doesn’t work well when you have gaps or when you have shifted industries often, as it will expose your weak points.

Functional format:

The functional format should be used when you want to draw attention away from your work experience due to job hopping, a very long career, a very short career, long gaps, re-entering the job market and so forth. The functional resume focuses on what you can do, what your achievements are and your core competence.

This format is used by graduates, people seeking to change their career completely and anyone with employment gaps that don’t add any value to their experience. If you are looking to change industries, make sure to focus on transferable skills such as sales or people management. A word of warning; employers are known to raise their eyebrows when they see a functional resume so only use this format if you absolutely have to.

• Accomplishments
• Capabilities
• Employment History

The combination format is exactly what it sounds like; it combines the chronological and functional formats to give you the best of both worlds. It allows you to use the tasty features from the functional resume but you can still fly in under the radar in the eye of the reader.

Examples of people that can benefit from this would be someone wanting to change careers and has some relevant skills for the new field. It can also be useful when someone wants to pack more skills in than the work experience section allows for or would not bring out adequately.

5 housekeeping rules that apply to all formats:

• Make sure you put all your contact details on every page, make it easy for the employer to call you up for an interview.
• You have to put exact dates against every employment and education. If you don’t it will look slightly dodgy and you have to be prepared for a lack-of-dates grilling.
• All education and qualifications should be listed. The fact that you majored in art history doesn’t mean you can’t apply for a Java consultant job; it means you are trainable and can learn anything.
• The layout should be pleasing on the eye and never distracting, allow for enough white space in between your text, boxes and bullet points.
• Make it a habit to use a spel cheker [sic], as your intended audience will swiftly delete a resume that contains typos.

Great, so which format do I use again?

If you can, go with the chronological as it’s everyone’s favorite. If you are shifting careers and possibly have transferable skills, go combined. If you have a short career or big holes in your experience, go functional.

Which format do you use and are you getting interviews? Let us know in the comments below!

RELATED: What Is the Best Resume Font, Size and Format?

Share this post:

• Tags chronological , combined , format , functional , Resume & CV Writing , Resumes

By Jörgen Sundberg

Founder of Undercover Recruiter & CEO of Link Humans , home of The Employer Brand Index .

What To Put On A Resume To Land The Perfect Job?

Published on July 31st, 2024

When it comes to job hunting, your resume is your most important marketing tool. And selecting what to put on a resume is another daunting task. While it's the first impression you make on the hiring manager, it also determines whether you can secure your interview or not. 

However, what should be included on a resume to set it apart from the competition? It might be challenging to decide exactly what to include on your resume (and what to leave out), as resume best practices are always changing.

Let’s talk about the essential components that every resume should have. We provide the advice and samples you need to write a resume that attracts employers, regardless of your level of experience.

1. What Contact Information Should Your Resume Have?

Your contact information is the gateway for potential employers to reach you, so it’s crucial to get it right. At the top of your resume, include the following:

• Full Name: Use the name you prefer to be called professionally.
• Phone Number: Make sure this is a number you can easily reach.
• Email Address: Use a professional email address, ideally one that includes your name.
• Location: While you don't need to provide a full address, mentioning your city and state can be beneficial, especially for location-based jobs.

Relevant Social Media Handles

Including relevant social media handles, such as LinkedIn, can add value to your resume. Make sure these profiles are up-to-date and reflect your professional persona.

URL to Your Personal Website/Channels

If you have a personal website, blog, or portfolio, include the URL. This is particularly important for creative roles where showcasing your work is essential.

2. Make the Right First Impression With a Resume Summary or Resume Objective

The resume summary or objective is one of the first things a recruiter will see, so it’s vital to make it count.

How to Write a Resume Summary

A resume summary is a brief statement that highlights your skills, experience, and what you bring to the table. It should be concise, around 3-4 lines, and tailored to the job you’re applying for.

Example: “Experienced marketing professional with over 5 years in digital marketing, specializing in SEO, content creation, and data-driven strategies. Proven track record of increasing website traffic by 40%.”

How to Write a Resume Objective

A resume objective is a statement that outlines your career goals and how they align with the company’s objectives. This is particularly useful for entry-level candidates or those changing careers.

Example: “Ambitious recent graduate with a degree in Computer Science, seeking to leverage my coding skills and passion for AI to contribute to the development of innovative software at [Company Name].”

Read more: How to Make your Resume Stands Out: 10 Ways

3. How to Write Your Work Experience to Stand Out

Your work experience section should showcase your professional journey and how it has prepared you for the role you’re applying for.

How to Include Your Professional Experience on Your Resume? (Step-by-step)

• Start with Your Most Recent Job: List your positions in reverse chronological order.
• Include Job Title, Company Name, and Dates: These are the basics every entry should have.
• Describe Your Role and Responsibilities: Provide a brief overview of what you did in each role.
• Highlight Achievements: Focus on your accomplishments rather than just listing duties.
• Use Bullet Points: Make your experience easy to read with bullet points.

Describe Your Achievements Using Numbers and Percentages to Back Them Up

Quantify your achievements whenever possible. Numbers provide concrete evidence of your impact and can make your resume more persuasive.

Example: “Increased sales by 30% in Q1 2023 through targeted email campaigns and customer segmentation.”

Should You Include Internships on Your Resume?

Yes, especially if you’re early in your career. Internships are valuable experiences that can demonstrate your skills and work ethic. List them as you would any job, focusing on your achievements and the skills you gained.

Read more: What is a STAR Method Resume and How to Create One?

4. What Skills Should You Put on a Resume to Make You Stand Out?

Your skills section is where you can show how well-rounded you are as a candidate.

Hard Skills

Hard skills are the technical abilities you have gained through training or experience. These should be relevant to the job you’re applying for.

• Data analysis
• Programming languages (e.g., Python, Java)
• Project management

Soft Skills

Soft skills are interpersonal or non-technical skills that are crucial in any job. These should complement your hard skills.

• Communication
• Problem-solving

Universal Skills

Universal skills are those that are valuable in virtually any job or industry.

• Time management
• Adaptability
• Critical thinking

5. How to List Education on a Resume

The education section is particularly important if you’re applying for roles that require specific academic qualifications. List your degrees in reverse chronological order, including the degree earned, the institution, and the graduation date. If you graduated with honors or had a high GPA, you might want to include that as well.

6. Other Important Sections to Put on a Resume

Depending on the job and your experience, you might want to include additional sections to highlight your qualifications.

Certifications and Awards

List any relevant certifications or awards that demonstrate your expertise or achievements in your field.

If you speak multiple languages, this can be a significant advantage, especially in global or customer-facing roles.

Hobbies and Interests

Including hobbies and interests can be a way to show your personality and how you might fit into the company culture. However, only include those that are relevant or showcase desirable traits, like leadership or creativity.

Volunteering Experience

Volunteering can demonstrate your commitment and willingness to go above and beyond, particularly if it’s related to your field.

Publications

If you’ve been published in any journals, blogs, or other outlets, include these as they can showcase your expertise and thought leadership.

Include any significant projects you’ve worked on that are relevant to the job. This could include freelance work, school projects, or personal endeavors.

Next Steps: Tailoring Your Resume to the Job

It’s essential to tailor your resume for each job application. This doesn’t mean rewriting your resume from scratch but rather tweaking it to emphasize the skills and experience most relevant to the job you’re applying for.

20+ Things You Should NOT Include in Your Resume

To avoid common pitfalls, here’s a quick list of things you should leave off your resume:

• Unprofessional email addresses
• Irrelevant work experience
• Personal details like age, marital status, or social security number
• Long paragraphs of text
• Outdated skills or certifications
• Salary expectations
• References (provide them upon request instead)
• Photographs (unless explicitly requested)
• Detailed salary history
• Reasons for leaving previous jobs
• Negative comments about previous employers or jobs
• High school education (if you have a college degree)
• Your full home address (city and state are sufficient)
• Hobbies that are not relevant to the job
• Every job you've ever had (focus on relevant positions)
• Personal pronouns (like "I," "me," "my")
• Multiple phone numbers (use one primary contact number)
• Excessive formatting (keep it simple and clean)
• Objective statement (if you’re including a summary instead)
• GPA (unless you are a recent graduate or it’s exceptionally high)
• Political or religious affiliations (unless relevant to the job)
• Typos and grammatical errors (proofread carefully)
• Personal blog or website (unless it’s relevant to the job)

Key Takeaways - What to Put on a Resume

Creating an effective resume requires a balance of professionalism and personalization. Focus on the essentials: contact information, a compelling summary or objective, relevant work experience, skills, and education. Include additional sections that enhance your application, like certifications or volunteer work. Always remember to tailor your resume to the job and keep it concise, clear, and free of unnecessary details. By following these guidelines, you’ll increase your chances of landing the perfect job.

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly should i put on my resume.

Your resume should include your contact information, a strong resume summary or objective, work experience, relevant skills, education, and any additional sections like certifications, awards, or volunteering experience. Tailor each section to the job you’re applying for to make the best impression.

What are the top 6 skills?

The top 6 skills to include on a resume typically consist of a mix of hard and soft skills. These might include:

• Communication skills
• Problem-solving abilities
• Technical skills relevant to your field (e.g., programming, data analysis)
• Leadership or management experience
• Teamwork and collaboration
• Time management and organizational skills

How do I list my skills on a resume?

List your skills in a dedicated "Skills" section on your resume. You can categorize them into hard skills and soft skills, and consider using bullet points for clarity. For example:

• Hard Skills: Data analysis, Python programming, SEO
• Soft Skills: Communication, Leadership, Teamwork

What to put in a CV?

A CV (Curriculum Vitae) should include your full contact information, a detailed overview of your work experience, academic background, research experience, publications, presentations, honors and awards, relevant skills, and possibly professional affiliations. The CV is typically more detailed than a resume and is commonly used in academia or research positions.

What to put on a resume for a job?

For a job resume, include your contact details, a resume summary or objective, your professional work experience, relevant skills, education, and any additional sections like certifications, projects, or volunteer work that align with the job description.

What to put on a resume with no experience?

If you have no formal work experience, focus on what you do have. Include your contact information, a strong objective statement, relevant skills, education, internships, volunteer work, extracurricular activities, and any relevant projects. Highlight transferable skills and experiences that show your potential.

What to put on a resume for the first job?

For your first job, include your contact information, a resume objective that emphasizes your enthusiasm and willingness to learn, your educational background, any relevant skills, internships, volunteer work, extracurricular activities, and any personal projects that demonstrate your abilities.

What to put on a resume example?

Examples of what to include on a resume:

• Contact Information: Full Name, Email, Phone Number, LinkedIn Profile
• Resume Summary: "Motivated marketing graduate with experience in social media strategy and content creation."
• Work Experience: "Social Media Intern, XYZ Company, 2023 - Developed and managed social media campaigns."
• Skills: "SEO, Data Analysis, Content Creation"
• Education: "B.A. in Marketing, ABC University, 2023"
• Additional Sections: "Volunteer Work, Certifications"

What to put on a resume as a teenager?

As a teenager, include your contact information, a resume objective, your education, any part-time jobs, volunteer work, internships, extracurricular activities, relevant skills, and any achievements or awards. Focus on what you've learned and how your experiences have prepared you for the job.

What are the unique things to put on a resume?

To make your resume stand out, consider adding unique sections such as:

• Personal Projects: Highlight any independent projects that showcase your skills.
• Volunteer Work: Show your community involvement and dedication.
• Certifications: Include any relevant certifications that add value.
• Languages: List any foreign languages you are proficient in.
• Publications: If you have published work, include it in a separate section.
• Portfolio: If applicable, include a link to a digital portfolio showcasing your work.

What to put on a resume summary?

A resume summary should include a brief statement that highlights your professional background, key skills, and what you bring to the role. It should be tailored to the job you’re applying for and emphasize your most relevant experience and achievements.

Example: "Experienced graphic designer with 5+ years in creating compelling visual content for digital and print media. Adept at using Adobe Creative Suite, with a strong focus on branding and user experience."

What should be the Resume format?

The most common resume formats are:

• Chronological: Lists work experience in reverse chronological order. Best for those with a strong work history.
• Functional: Focuses on skills and experience rather than chronological work history. Ideal for those with gaps in employment or changing careers.
• Combination (Hybrid): A mix of chronological and functional formats, showcasing both skills and a detailed work history. Suitable for most job seekers.
• Creative: A non-traditional format used in creative fields, such as graphic design, where the layout and visual appeal are also considered.

Soujanya Varada

As a technical content writer and social media strategist, Soujanya develops and manages strategies at HireQuotient. With strong technical background and years of experience in content management, she looks for opportunities to flourish in the digital space. Soujanya is also a dance fanatic and believes in spreading light!

Hire the best without stress

Never Miss The Updates

We cover all recruitment, talent analytics, L&D, DEI, pre-employment, candidate screening, and hiring tools. Join our force & subscribe now!

Stay On Top Of Everything In HR

Protect your data

This site uses cookies and related technologies for site operation, and analytics as described in our Privacy Policy . You may choose to consent to our use of these technologies, reject non-essential technologies, or further manage your preferences.

• Resume and Cover Letter
• Functional Resume: Writing...

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

Related Articles:

How to Write a Short Bio? (With Examples)

7 Best Personal Skills for Your Resume (With Examples)

Great Jobs for Teens: Top Picks for 16-Year-Olds

See how your resume stacks up.

Career Advice Newsletter

Our experts gather the best career & resume tips weekly. Delivered weekly, always free.

Thanks! Career advice is on its way.

Share this article:

Let's stay in touch.

Subscribe today to get job tips and career advice that will come in handy.

Your information is secure. Please read our privacy policy for more information.

Search form

Make a Gift

Department of Economics

• Undergraduate

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

Stack Exchange Network

Stack Exchange network consists of 183 Q&A communities including Stack Overflow , the largest, most trusted online community for developers to learn, share their knowledge, and build their careers.

Q&A for work

Connect and share knowledge within a single location that is structured and easy to search.

Should I put all present positions on top, regardless of start dates?

I currently have multiple employers. One of these employments is ending, but since I order by start date first and it is my most recent position (chronological), it would be placed on top. This means that my still present occupations are listed below a completed employment.

Is it appropriate to move my preset occupations to the top, breaking the chronological order by start date?

• multiple employers or multiple contracts you are working on? –  Tiger Guy Commented Aug 5, 2022 at 16:01
• 1 Why don't you change the order to chronological order by end date, descending? All current jobs would be at the top and then it would be most recently ended jobs below that. You can use order by start date to break the tie between jobs with the same end date. –  Thomas Owens Commented Aug 5, 2022 at 16:43
• 1 I think present employments would have legitimate priority over any concluded employments. The only time it might be appropriate to put concluded employment before present employment, would be if the concluded employment is your main occupation and the present employment is a minor sideline. For example, if you're a professional accountant between jobs, you wouldn't put employment as "minor league football referee" as the top item. –  Steve Commented Aug 6, 2022 at 19:11

2 Answers 2

Nobody cares. I know it sounds strange: honesty is essential to the resume. But the point is, any solid hiring manager or in-house recruiter barely reads 90% of these. I "read" (mostly don't read) about 500 a week.

There's the 10% that stand out, and that's all the information they need to invite you to a phone screen. If they're super polite, they'll actually read your resume during the first two minutes of your call.

Stand out. On top of your resume, put whatever makes you stand out, as a good fit for the particular positions.

If you're junior, select the one job that is a fit for your desired position. List the rest with minimal detail: company, position, dates, and one best accomplishment.

If you're senior (10+ yoe), describe no more than 3 last positions. Pick only what's most relevant to your new job. The rest are just filler for building up your yoe. You can list them as one-liners, no detail, unless it's especially useful to your desired role.

I keep repeating the part about your new role. That's because your fitness for it is all that really matters at the resume stage. Your history matters too, but only at the last stage of selection, when they do your background checks.

Personally I would break it into two sections "Current employment" - sorted by either amount of employed hours (i.e. whichever is your more significant employment) or by relevance to the position being applied to if and then "Employment History" - for all your previous ones.

• Thank you for your answer. –  Oliver Commented Aug 5, 2022 at 17:24

You must log in to answer this question.

Not the answer you're looking for browse other questions tagged resume ..

• Featured on Meta
• Bringing clarity to status tag usage on meta sites
• Announcing a change to the data-dump process

Hot Network Questions

• Reusing own code at work without losing licence
• Whatever happened to Chessmaster?
• What are some refutations to the etymological fallacy?
• How to remove obligation to run as administrator in Windows?
• Are there any polls on the opinion about Hamas in the broader Arab or Muslim world?
• How do eradicated diseases make a comeback?
• High voltage, low current connectors
• "TSA regulations state that travellers are allowed one personal item and one carry on"?
• What unique phenomena would be observed in a system around a hypervelocity star?
• Is there a way to resist spells or abilities with an AOE coming from my teammates, or exclude certain beings from the effect?
• 3D printed teffilin?
• What is opinion?
• How much easier/harder would it be to colonize space if humans found a method of giving ourselves bodies that could survive in almost anything?
• Maximizing the common value of both sides of an equation
• Book or novel about an intelligent monolith from space that crashes into a mountain
• Can Trinitarians prove the doctrine of the trinity by using the Bible only? And what is the definition of the Trinity?
• Add colored points to QGIS from CSV file of latitude and longitude
• Has the US said why electing judges is bad in Mexico but good in the US?
• Is the ILIKE Operator in QGIS not working correctly?
• What prevents a browser from saving and tracking passwords entered to a site?
• Could someone tell me what this part of an A320 is called in English?
• Does there always exist an algebraic formula for a function?
• Can Shatter damage Manifest Mind?
• How do you end-punctuate quotes when the entire quote is used as a noun phrase?

Modern Resume Templates [Free to Download]

A modern and visually appealing resume is essential to stand out to potential employers. Explore our collection of free modern resume templates designed to help you create a professional and eye-catching resume that showcases your skills and experience in the best light possible. Stay ahead of the curve with these contemporary designs that are sure to make a lasting impression.

Make a lasting first impression : modern resume templates offer a contemporary design to showcase your skills and experience .

• Tailored for modern industries : Ideal for fields like tech, IT, marketing, and design where innovation is valued.
• User-friendly formats : Available in various formats like MS Word, Google Docs, and PDF for easy editing and sharing.
• ATS-optimized designs : Many templates are designed to get past applicant tracking systems, increasing your visibility to potential employers.
• Free and accessible : A wide range of free modern resume templates are available online, saving you time and effort.

Free modern resume templates to download

In our collection, we’ve got a bunch of free modern resume templates perfect for your job hunt. You can download all of these for free and edit them in Microsoft Word. After you’ve written your resume, optimize it using Jobscan’s AI resume editor . Or skip the templates and use our free resume builder .

Create your resume with our free resume builder

Write your resume the free and easy way with the only resume builder designed specifically with ATS-compliant resume templates.

Jobscan users have been hired by:

What makes a modern resume template?

A modern resume template is different from the old, text-heavy style. It uses simple fonts, a clear layout, and nice design features to make a document that’s good to look at and easy to read. This helps recruiters quickly see your qualifications and professional experience .

Modern resume templates focus on being easy to read and eye-catching. They use design elements carefully to find a good balance between being creative and professional. This makes your application stand out.

Simple typography and color schemes

Modern resume templates use simple and clear fonts for easy reading. You will often see sans-serif fonts like Arial, Helvetica, or Calibri. These fonts look modern and are easy for the eyes. They help create a clean and simple appearance.

Color schemes in modern resume templates are not used too much. Bright colors may highlight certain sections or skills, but they are used carefully. This keeps the reader from feeling overwhelmed. Good resume examples often show soft color choices or just one bright color for interest.

The aim is to make a nice-looking resume that still feels professional. Simple fonts and a good color choice help to keep your resume looking modern and easy to read.

Clean resume layout

A clean structure is very important for a modern resume. It helps recruiters find what they need quickly. Most hiring managers prefer a chronological order, so list your work experience from your most recent job to your oldest.

Your contact details should be easy to see at the top of your resume. You can center them or align them to the left. Make sure section headings stand out. You can use a bigger font size or bolder font.

A well-structured modern resume helps the recruiter understand your qualifications well. This creates a good impression. Keep in mind that being clear and concise is essential for a successful resume.

Simple design elements

Modern resumes often focus on being simple, but small design details can make them look better. For instance, you can use icons to show important parts like skills or contact info. This helps the reader understand the information.

A white background is a common choice because it looks clean and professional. You can use lines or soft color blocks to separate different sections and make the text easier to read.

Still, be careful with design elements. The main goal is to showcase your content. A smart use of design can make your resume easy to read and nice to look at, without taking the attention away from what really matters.

How to balance creativity and professionalism in a modern resume

Infusing your modern resume with some creativity while keeping it professional is challenging. You want your resume to get noticed, but you should not go too far. A modern resume template gives you a good starting point for this balance.

First, pick a template that has a clean design and clear font. Then, use color carefully to show important sections or skills. You might also want to add a light graphic, such as a line or icon, to make it more appealing.

Most importantly, ensure your resume is well-written and free from mistakes. A neat and professional look, combined with tasteful creative touches, will help you leave a strong impression and get your dream job.

When to pick a modern resume template?

A modern resume template is a good option for job seekers in creative and tech fields. If you are applying for a job at a startup or a company that has a modern feel, a modern resume can help you fit in with their culture.

Recent graduates with less professional experience can also use modern resume templates. They give you enough room to show off your skills and education, making up for a shorter work history.

In the end, your choice will depend on the job and the impression you want to make. Think about the company culture and what’s normal in the industry before deciding if a modern resume is right for your job application.

How to write a modern resume: Step-by-step guide

Writing a modern resume is easy if you follow the right steps. A guide can help you make a strong and good-looking resume that grabs the eye of hiring managers. Think about using a resume builder . It makes the process simpler and gives you help when you need it.

You can use a pre-made template or make one by yourself. Either way, these steps will help your resume look modern and professional. Let’s begin!

Step 1: Select your template

Choosing the right modern resume template is very important for a successful job application. You can find many free resume templates online. Look for one that fits your industry and career level. Check out some resume examples to get ideas.

Keep things simple and easy to read. Pick a template that has a clean layout, clear text, and enough white space. Don’t be afraid to try out different modern resume templates. Find the one that best shows your personal brand and career goals .

When you find the perfect template, download it in a format that works with your favorite word processing software. You can use Microsoft Word, Google Docs, or a PDF editor.

Step 2: Personalize the template

After choosing a modern resume template, it’s time to make it your own. You should add your special skills , experience, and personality to the template. Start by replacing the sample information with your own details.

Think about the font type and size for your name and the section headings. A slightly bigger font or a different font weight can help these parts stand out. But be careful to keep it consistent and not use too many different fonts.

Also, make sure your cover letter templates match the design and style of your resume. A unified job application package makes a strong impression.

Step 3: Tailor your resume to the job

Every job application needs a special touch. Before you finish your resume, take a good look at the job description . Write down important keywords and skills you find there. Make sure these keywords are included in your resume, especially in your work experience section.

For instance, if the job focuses on teamwork and clear communication, show examples from past jobs where you used these skills. Use bullet points to share what you achieved and any numbers that show your results.

When you match your resume with what each job wants, you have a better chance of catching the eye of recruiters and potential employers.

Step 4: Highlight your qualification, skills, and experiences

One important part of writing a modern resume is to show your skills and experiences clearly. Use strong action verbs to explain what you achieved in past jobs. Instead of just saying what your tasks were, show how you helped your previous employers.

For example, instead of saying “Managed social media accounts,” you can say “Increased social media engagement by 20% in six months.” By including numbers in your achievements, you help potential employers see your impact.

Organize your skills in a smart way. Think about making separate sections for hard skills and soft skills . By highlighting your most relevant skills with specific examples, you make your resume better and show what you can do.

Step 5: Incorporate keywords for ATS

Incorporating keywords in your resume is crucial to optimize it for the applicant tracking system (ATS). The ATS helps employers filter resumes efficiently by allowing them to search for resumes with relevant keywords . To enhance your chances of passing this stage:

• Identify Keywords: Review the job description and note down important keywords related to skills, qualifications, and experience required for the position.
• Strategic Placement: Integrate these keywords throughout your resume, especially in the work experience and skills sections. Ensure they are seamlessly incorporated to maintain readability.
• Tailor Content: Customize each resume for the specific job by incorporating the identified keywords effectively. This not only helps in getting past the ATS but also showcases your suitability for the job.

Step 6: Format your resume for a modern and professional look

The last step in making a modern resume is to give it a clean and professional look. Focus on details like margins, line spacing, and using the same font. A sleek design really helps it’s easy to read and nice to look at.

Use bullet points to share information clearly, especially in the work experience and skills sections. Keeping the same format throughout your resume makes it look neat and professional.

Before you send your job application, read through your resume many times. Check for any spelling or grammar mistakes. A polished and error-free resume gives a great first impression and shows that you pay attention to details.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much creativity is too much in a resume.

A modern resume can be creative. However, you should avoid too many design elements that can take attention away from your professional experience. Your resume summary and qualifications should be the main focus. It’s good to have a bold approach, but it is very important that the resume remains easy to read. In our tests of popular applicant tracking system, we found that simpler is better.

What is the best modern resume format?

The best resume template for many job seekers is usually the chronological resume format. This modern resume style helps the hiring manager to easily look at your professional experience and qualifications. It is a timeless choice that features a fresh design.

Which format do most recruiters prefer for resumes?

Most employers like to see resumes in chronological order. This means showing your work experience starting from your most recent job. It helps them easily follow your career growth and notice your key skills .

When should you put a photo on your resume?

Unless you are applying for creative roles that ask for a photo, it is usually better to leave it off your resume. Instead, focus on showing your professional experience and skills. This way, you will make a great first impression.

How long should a professional resume be?

A good resume should usually be one page long. This is especially true if you have less than ten years of experience. Make sure to include important details such as your profile summary , key skills, and relevant work experience.

More Resume Templates

Google Docs Resume Templates

Professional Resume Templates

ATS Resume Templates

Simple Resume Templates

Stack Exchange Network

Stack Exchange network consists of 183 Q&A communities including Stack Overflow , the largest, most trusted online community for developers to learn, share their knowledge, and build their careers.

Q&A for work

Connect and share knowledge within a single location that is structured and easy to search.

Should I list my degrees chronologically, or in order of relevance in my CV?

Say that I have achieved a Masters degree in Physics, then a Masters degree in Mathematics. Then for a couple of years, I focused on different fields. I have had placements related to agriculture and botany, as well as taken online courses in Machine Learning. After careful consideration I decided want to pursue a PhD in Physics and so I am preparing for applications.

Normally CV's are written in (reverse) chronological order, most recent experiences first. However, my path is not straightforward, and so I am confronted with a choice.

On the one hand, since I have been told that a CV could be glanced at in less than 10s, I would want to put the most relevant (and prestigious) elements first. On the other hand, I am required to have those degrees to simply be eligible in those courses, and to provide the relevant certificates. This makes me want to keep the CV in reverse chronological order, for the sake of clarity and simplicity.

In the motivation letter / note of research interests I can also briefly explain my path, highlight my relevant experience and thus perhaps reduce the need of highlighting it in the CV.

• application
• application-cover-letter

• Math is not so crazily afield from Physics that someone is going to see "Master's in Mathematics" and trash your resume. Might be worth reordering if you had another degree in, say, botany. –  Azor Ahai -him- Commented Aug 29, 2018 at 22:11

2 Answers 2

I would stick to the standard listing. As you say, the reader wants to spend only 10 seconds, so don't write it in a way that might confuse them. If you list a lower ranked degree before a higher ranked one, they may stop reading at what they imagine the end.

In general it probably isn't good to get too clever in lists of things. Be clever in your letter and interviews.

• 1 Perhaps a compromise would be to put emphasis (e.g. in bold) on the relevant degrees. –  user9646 Commented Aug 29, 2018 at 11:27
• Thanks for the answer. Could you clarify the last sentence of the first paragraph? –  Andrea Commented Aug 29, 2018 at 11:54
• @AndreaDiBiagio, if they see a BS, for example, they may stop reading there, thinking that is the end, even if it is followed by a higher degree. They will see what they expect to see. –  Buffy Commented Aug 29, 2018 at 11:56
• I see. In this case though, both my degrees are relevant, so it doesn't really matter in what order I state those I was wondering more about the non-relevant activities in agriculture. –  Andrea Commented Aug 29, 2018 at 12:38

I did an undergraduate degree in a different field after my PhD, and was somewhat multidisciplinary even before that. My CV has the PhD listed first, then the rest in reverse chronological order rather than prestige. It looks a bit like this:

This way I have the PhD first, which is what everyone expects but I reduce the cognitive load of reading the rest of them. I have no evidence to back this as being 'good practice' but it works for me.

Note that I don't include online courses and other certificates in my CV at all, but I mention any relevant ones in the cover letter instead. If there's too much stuff in the education bit of your CV, it's hard to read any of it.

You must log in to answer this question.

Not the answer you're looking for browse other questions tagged application cv europe application-cover-letter italy ..

• Featured on Meta
• Bringing clarity to status tag usage on meta sites
• Announcing a change to the data-dump process

Hot Network Questions

• What is the difference between a "Complaint for Civil Protection Order" and a "Motion for Civil Protection Order"?
• A short story about a boy who was the son of a "normal" woman and a vaguely human denizen of the deep
• Reusing own code at work without losing licence
• Trying to install MediaInfo Python 3.13 (Ubuntu) and it is not working out as expected
• Is there a nonlinear resistor with a zero or infinite differential resistance?
• Image Intelligence concerning alien structures on the moon
• I would like to add 9 months onto a field table that is a date and have it populate with the forecast date 9 months later
• Encode a VarInt
• Why did the Fallschirmjäger have such terrible parachutes?
• TikZ -- Best strategy to choose points for the Hobby algorithm
• My supervisor wants me to switch to another software/programming language that I am not proficient in. What to do?
• Why does flow separation cause an increase in pressure drag?
• 2 in 1: Twin Puzzle
• Whence “uniform distribution”?
• Meaning of サイケデリック in this Non Non Biyori excerpt
• ESTA is not letting me pay
• How do we reconcile the story of the woman caught in adultery in John 8 and the man stoned for picking up sticks on Sabbath in Numbers 15?
• Why are complex coordinates outlawed in physics?
• I overstayed 90 days in Switzerland. I have EU residency and never got any stamps in passport. Can I exit/enter at airport without trouble?
• Which version of Netscape, on which OS, appears in the movie “Cut” (2000)?
• Is it possible to accurately describe something without describing the rest of the universe?
• In Top, *how* do conjugate homorphisms of groups induce homotopies of classifying maps?
• How much easier/harder would it be to colonize space if humans found a method of giving ourselves bodies that could survive in almost anything?
• Is this screw inside a 2-prong receptacle a possible ground?

What order should a chronological resume be in?

1. contact information:, 2. professional summary or objective statement:, 3. work experience:, 4. education:, 6. certifications and training:, 7. achievements and awards:, 8. professional affiliations and memberships:, 9. volunteer work and extracurricular activities:, 10. references:, 1. what should be the ideal length of a chronological resume, 2. can i include part-time or freelance work experience in a chronological resume, 3. should i include all previous work experience, 4. how far back should i go in my work experience section, 5. is it necessary to tailor my resume for every job application, 6. how can i quantify my achievements in the work experience section, 7. can i include non-work-related achievements or experience in my resume, 8. what font and format should i use for a chronological resume, 9. should i include a summary or objective statement, 10. is it important to include keywords in a chronological resume, 11. should i include my gpa in the education section, 12. should i mention reasons for leaving previous jobs, 13. are hobbies and interests necessary in a chronological resume, 14. how can i ensure my contact information stands out, 15. should i include personal references in my resume.

A well-structured resume can significantly increase your chances of landing a job interview. One of the most commonly used resume formats is the chronological resume, which highlights your work history in reverse chronological order. This format allows potential employers to quickly scan through your professional background and assess your suitability for the position. To create an effective chronological resume, it is crucial to organize the information in a logical and strategic order. Below are the recommended sections and sequence for a chronological resume:

Begin your resume with your full name, current address, phone number, and professional email address. It is important to ensure this information is accurate and easily accessible to potential employers. Including a link to your LinkedIn profile can also be beneficial.

This section, placed immediately after your contact information, gives a concise overview of your skills, experience, and career goals. It is essential to tailor this statement to the specific job you are applying for, emphasizing how your qualifications align with the requirements of the position.

In the chronological resume format, the work experience section is the heart of the document. Start with your most recent or current job and work backward chronologically. For each position, include your job title, company name, employment dates, and a brief description of your responsibilities and achievements. Focus on quantifiable accomplishments and use action verbs to convey your contributions.

List your educational qualifications in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent degree or certification. Include the name of the institution, degree earned, major or field of study, graduation date, and any academic honors or distinctions achieved.

This section highlights your relevant technical and soft skills that are applicable to the job you are seeking. Categorize skills as required (essential for the job) and additional (bonus skills that may strengthen your candidacy). Incorporate industry-specific keywords to improve your resume’s chances of passing automated applicant tracking systems (ATS).

Include any relevant certifications, licenses, or professional training programs you have completed. List the title of the certification/training, the issuing organization, and the completion date.

Highlight any significant achievements, awards, or recognition received throughout your career. This section demonstrates your dedication and outstanding performance to potential employers.

List any associations, societies, or organizations you belong to that are related to your profession. Mentioning your involvement in these groups can demonstrate your commitment to professional growth and networking within your field.

Include any volunteer work or noteworthy extracurricular activities that showcase skills and qualities relevant to the job you are applying for. These experiences can provide employers with insights into your character and interests outside of work.

It is no longer necessary to include a separate section for references on your resume. Instead, state that references are available upon request. If a potential employer is interested in contacting your references, they will ask you for the information separately.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

A chronological resume should ideally be limited to one to two pages, depending on your level of experience. However, it is essential to prioritize relevance over length. Include only information that is directly related to the job you are applying for.

Absolutely! As long as the part-time or freelance work is relevant to the job you are applying for, it can be included in the work experience section. Focus on highlighting your accomplishments and demonstrating the transferable skills gained from these experiences.

It is generally recommended to include all relevant work experience; however, if you have an extensive employment history, you may choose to selectively include roles that are most relevant to the desired position. Tailor your resume to emphasize the experiences that best highlight your qualifications for the job.

It is generally advisable to include work experience from the past 10 to 15 years. However, if you have highly relevant positions before that timeframe, it may be beneficial to mention them briefly. Remember to focus on recent experience and highlight your most significant achievements.

While it can be time-consuming, tailoring your resume for each job application greatly increases your chances of standing out to potential employers. Analyze the job description and customize your resume to emphasize the skills and experiences that align with the specific requirements of the role.

Quantifying your achievements helps employers understand the impact you made in previous roles. Use numbers, percentages, or other metrics to quantify results whenever possible. For example: “Increased sales revenue by 20% within six months” or “Managed a team of 10 employees during a client event.”

It is generally recommended to include only work-related achievements, experience, and certifications. However, if you have significant achievements in areas such as sports, arts, or community service that demonstrate valuable transferable skills, you may consider including them.

Use a clean and professional font such as Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman. Ensure a consistent font size, typically between 10 and 12 points, throughout the document. Format the resume with an easily scannable layout, using bullet points to present information clearly and concisely.

Yes, including a professional summary or objective statement at the beginning of your resume is generally recommended. This section provides a snapshot of your qualifications, helping hiring managers understand your fit for the position right away. Tailor the statement to the job you’re applying for, focusing on relevant skills and experience.

Yes, incorporating keywords in your resume is crucial, especially if you’re submitting applications online. Study the job description carefully and identify relevant keywords. Use these keywords naturally throughout your resume, particularly in the skills and experience sections, to increase your chances of passing automated resume screening systems.

Including your GPA is optional and depends on various factors such as the job you’re applying for and the recency of your education. If you’ve recently graduated with an outstanding GPA (above 3.5), you may consider including it. Otherwise, prioritize including relevant coursework, academic projects, or extracurricular activities that highlight your skills and achievements.

It is generally not necessary to mention reasons for leaving previous jobs on your resume. Focus on the positive aspects of your experiences and highlight the value you brought to each role. Discussing reasons for leaving previous positions can be addressed during an interview if required.

Including hobbies and interests is generally optional on a chronological resume. However, if your hobbies or interests are directly related to the job or showcase valuable skills, you may consider including them. For example, fluency in multiple languages or participation in relevant professional associations can impress potential employers.

Ensure that your contact information, such as your phone number and email address, stands out by placing it prominently at the top of the resume. Use a slightly larger font size or bold formatting to make it easily noticeable. Additionally, ensure your voicemail message and email address sound professional and approachable.

Avoid including personal references on your resume unless explicitly requested by the employer. Instead, state on your resume that references are available upon request. Be prepared to provide a separate document with professional references if an employer asks for them during the hiring process.

Crafting a well-organized chronological resume can significantly enhance your chances of securing job interviews. Ensure your resume showcases your qualifications effectively and aligns with the requirements of the position. Always tailor your resume to each job application to maximize its impact and increase your chances of success.

About The Author

George Dunham

Leave a comment cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

• Recently Active
• Top Discussions
• Best Content

By Industry

• Investment Banking
• Private Equity
• Hedge Funds
• Real Estate
• Venture Capital
• Asset Management
• Equity Research
• Investing, Markets Forum
• Business School
• Fashion Advice
• Resume Advice Forum RES

Is the CV supposed to be in chronological order according to start date or end date?

• Share on Facebook
• Share on Twitter
• Share on LinkedIn
• Share via Email

In my CV extra-curricular section I’ve included a lot of the volunteering work I’ve done, including with 2 different organisations I’ve worked with at different times and different lengths of time, but I’m unsure of how the chronological order will work. I worked with ‘A’ from July 2016 until Feb 2020, but I worked with ‘B’ for a bit simultaneously from August 2017 to Dec 2018. In chronological order, which one should come before the other? One has an earlier start date (2016) so I thought that should come first, but it also has a later end date (2020) so should it be included as the more recent one? But then I’ll have 2017 written first and then 2016 written after which looks wrong to me. Super confused about this

I use the start date in mine, cleaner and easier to understand imo

But wouldn’t it be better according to end date because technically that is more recent - Feb 2020 as opposed to the other one ending in 2018

End date. Always End Date. The reason is that if you had multiple jobs at the same time (ie you were an RA for Sophmore, Junior, and Senior years and had 2 internships during that time), you want the the most recent position to always be the first one on the list since that was your most reent job. The entire idea of chronological order (technically, it's reverse Chronological Order) is tell the story of what you did from where you are today looking back in time. Let's say you were an RA in college and had two bank internships On your resume and Linkedin, it would look like this

• RA - College University - September 2017 to May 2020
• Junior Summer Internship - Big Named Bank - May 2019 to August 2019
• Sophmore Summer Internship - Smaller Boutique/Lesser Known Bank - May 2018 to August 2018

Your most recent position should always be first because it shows what you were doing most recently. The job as an RA was your primary job during college. Your internships happened to overlap with your time an an RA and were for a shorter period of time than your most recent position.

If you have two long term positions at the same time, that's a different story. If that's the case, I would list the jobs by end date first (since they are both your present position, they go ahead of everything else on the resume) and then by start start, so the newer job would be first. If you left the newer job, it then goes under the older job because you are currently still in the older job.

Aut alias reiciendis et iure dicta voluptate a. Sed illo esse corrupti voluptas est.

Sit excepturi doloribus temporibus. Incidunt ut ut mollitia enim et. Minima ut consequatur maxime aut quibusdam. In fuga quia alias aperiam.

Nam recusandae natus eveniet ut velit. Porro dicta aut possimus officiis. Aut vel quidem molestiae soluta. Et architecto sit laboriosam distinctio debitis molestias. Illo sequi nostrum debitis ut. Voluptatem molestiae hic quas et rerum ut similique.

See All Comments - 100% Free

WSO depends on everyone being able to pitch in when they know something. Unlock with your email and get bonus: 6 financial modeling lessons free ($199 value)

or Unlock with your social account...

Want to Vote on this Content?! No WSO Credits?

Already a member? Login

Trending Content - Resume Advice Forum

Career Resources

• Financial Modeling Resources
• Excel Resources
• Download Templates Library
• Salaries by Industry
• Investment Banking Interview Prep
• Private Equity Interview Prep
• Hedge Fund Interview Prep
• Consulting Case Interview Prep
• Resume Reviews by Professionals
• Mock Interviews with Pros
• WSO Company Database

WSO Virtual Bootcamps

• Sep 07 Venture Capital Bootcamp 10:00AM EDT
• Sep 14 Financial Modeling & Valuation Bootcamp Sep 14 - 15 10:00AM EDT
• Sep 21 Investment Banking Interview Bootcamp 10:00AM EDT
• Sep 28 Real Estate Modeling Bootcamp 10:00AM EDT
• Oct 05 Private Equity Interview Bootcamp 10:00AM EDT

Career Advancement Opportunities

August 2024 Investment Banking

Overall Employee Satisfaction

Professional Growth Opportunities

Total Avg Compensation

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

• Silver Banana
• Banana Points

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”

Get instant access to lessons taught by experienced private equity pros and bulge bracket investment bankers including financial statement modeling, DCF, M&A, LBO, Comps and Excel Modeling.

or Want to Sign up with your social account?

Watch CBS News

Supreme Court keeps Biden's SAVE plan on ice. Here's what that means for people with student loans.

By Aimee Picchi

Edited By Alain Sherter

Updated on: August 29, 2024 / 4:11 PM EDT / CBS News

When President Joe Biden unveiled his administration's new student debt repayment plan a year ago, he heralded it as "the most affordable student loan plan ever." Now, it also may qualify as one of the most stymied repayment plans ever created.

The Supreme Court on Wednesday declined to reinstate the program , called the Saving on a Valuable Education (SAVE) plan, as an appeals process over its legality plays out.

The SAVE plan was created to fix some long-standing problems with earlier income-driven repayment plans, or IDRs. It also debuted a month after the Supreme Court  blocked  Mr. Biden's plan to erase up to $20,000 in debt per student borrower. Because SAVE also promises to lower monthly loan payments — to as low as $0 for some low-income borrowers — it proved immediately popular and today has 8 million enrollees.

The SAVE plan "was Team Biden's creative response to an earlier Supreme Court decision rejecting its use of the COVID-19 emergency to broadly forgive student loan debt," noted Jaret Seiberg, an analyst at TD Cowen, in a research note. "That creativity made it susceptible to legal challenge."

Here's what to know about the next steps for people with student loans enrolled in SAVE. 

What is the status of the SAVE plan?

Right now, SAVE is on hold due to a sweeping injunction issued last month by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 8th Circuit. That ruling prohibited the Biden administration from implementing the parts of the plan that were not already blocked by two lower court rulings.

In those cases, judges in Kansas and Missouri in June had ruled in favor of several Republican-led states that argued the plan overstepped the Biden administration's authority. The states also claimed that offering borrowers relief before a loan had matured could cause financial harm to lenders and loan servicers.

The upshot: Because the Supreme Court left the appeals court ruling in place, the SAVE plan is essentially frozen for the time being.

What does that mean for SAVE participants? 

Following the 8th Circuit's July ruling, SAVE's 8 million enrollees saw their loan payments suspended. With the Supreme Court's order keeping that ruling in place, those borrowers will remain in forbearance, Department of Education officials noted.

While in forbearance, SAVE participants don't have to make monthly payments, nor will they accrue interest on their loans during that time,  according to the agency. But the time someone stays in forbearance won't count toward Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) or IDR loan forgiveness, it added. 

People enrolled in these plans can earn forgiveness after repaying their loans for a number of years, with the PSLF enrollees qualifying after 10 years of repayments, for instance. But because the time spent in forbearance won't count toward that, it could ultimately take some borrowers more time to earn forgiveness. 

What is the Biden administration doing about the court rulings?

Education Secretary Miguel Cardona told "CBS Mornings" on Thursday that the Biden administration is continuing to dispute the decisions in court. 

"We're going to continue to fight for borrowers," he said. "Student debt shouldn't be a life sentence."

In the meantime, the Supreme Court said in its order that it expects the 8th Circuit to soon issue a fuller decision on the SAVE case. That could trigger an appeal to Supreme Court later this year, although a high court decision likely wouldn't come until 2025, noted TD Cowen's Seiberg. 

Could the presidential election have an impact on the SAVE plan? 

Quite possibly. If Democratic candidate Kamala Harris wins in November, the Education Department is likely to continue to litigate to protect the SAVE program. Her administration could also create a new repayment program designed to withstand legal challenges. 

If Republican candidate Donald Trump wins, it's likely his administration would drop the legal battle and allow the court orders blocking SAVE to stand. A Republican win, in other words, would likely kill off SAVE for good, while forbearance would come to an end for its 8 million enrollees, Seiberg said.

For now, forbearance is likely to "stay in effect at least to the inauguration," he said. "And a Harris win likely means it is in effect for longer."

• Biden Administration
• Supreme Court of the United States
• Student Debt
• Student Loan

Aimee Picchi is the associate managing editor for CBS MoneyWatch, where she covers business and personal finance. She previously worked at Bloomberg News and has written for national news outlets including USA Today and Consumer Reports.

More from CBS News

Supreme Court won't reinstate Biden's latest student loan forgiveness plan for now

Maryland Supreme Court reinstates Adnan Syed murder conviction, orders new hearing

How much would a $350,000 mortgage cost per month?

What happens if you can't pay your credit card debt?

Screen Rant

The best order to watch the x-men movies.

Your changes have been saved

Email is sent

Email has already been sent

Please verify your email address.

You’ve reached your account maximum for followed topics.

X-Men: Ranking Every Villain In The Original Trilogy

Marvel's new ultimate universe hilariously reinvents a classic x-men villain, the best scene from each x-men movie.

• The Fox Marvel movie universe spanned 20 years, from X-Men (2000) to The New Mutants (2020), ushering in the modern superhero age.
• Following the X-Men movies in release order can get complicated due to prequels and reboots spanning multiple time jumps and timelines.
• The best viewing order for X-Men movies might be to watch each sub-series within the broader X-Men continuity together instead of in chronological order.

The X-Men movies are rising in relevance again as mutants continue to appear throughout the MCU 's Multiverse Saga, but for anyone who wants to revisit the Fox films, there are a couple of possible viewing orders to choose from. The Fox Marvel movie universe spanned 20 years, starting with X-Men (2000) and closing with The New Mutants (2020). The X-Men movies have highs and lows , but there's little doubt that the franchise was instrumental in ushering in the modern age of superhero movies.

The thirteen X-Men movies contain multiple time jumps, showing footage from 1944 to 2029. The number of prequels and reboots this timeline includes can make it difficult to follow the continuity of the Fox X-Men movies. There's no avoiding the series' many internal contradictions and inconsistencies (particularly with Wolverine's X-Men movie timeline ), but understanding which movie falls where can help deliver the best possible X-Men viewing experience.

X-Men, X2, and X-Men: The Last Stand make up one of the earliest superhero blockbuster trilogies, with such iconic villains as Ian McKellen's Magneto.

How To Watch X-Men Movies In Release Order

The X-Men movie release order starts out simple enough with a number of direct sequels and a prequel. However, things do get a bit muddied as the X-Men prequel series and Wolverine solo movies begin to intertwine . Deadpool continues the trend of the franchise timeline jumping around, and, by the time Logan , Deadpool 2 , Dark Phoenix , and The New Mutants released between 2017 and 2020, the X-Men franchise is covering several different decades simultaneously.

Every X-Men movie so far does take place within the same continuity.

However, even though the Wolverine and X-Men prequel movies don't make much sense with the timeline established in the original movies, every X-Men movie so far does take place within the same continuity. This is perhaps most difficult to reconcile with Deadpool 2 , which offers very different takes on previously established characters Colossus and Juggernaut.

How To Watch X-Men Movies In Chronological Order

Following the franchise in chronological order does offer a different viewing experience as it opens with early years and origins before continuing into massive battles between armies of mutants. The first half of the list shows the formation of the X-Men up until their final battle in X-Men: The Last Stand . After that, it's heavily focused on the characters of Wolverine and Deadpool, and doesn't necessarily move forward with the overall group. Despite being put into chronological order, the timeline of these movies is still very difficult to follow.

The New Mutants doesn't really affect the franchise's overall timeline. It focuses on its own story outside the X-Men, which is very similar to how the two Deadpool films are in this universe. Those three movies can be watched at any point without spoiling the remaining movies, though some Deadpool references may be far harder to parse without the context of the previous movies that came before it in the X-Men movie release order.

While Deadpool & Wolverine is the last movie released in the Fox X-Men universe, it is interestingly set largely before Logan , though the plot does travel forward in time to explore the ramifications of Logan 's ending, which is shown to be destroying the entire timeline. This may make a chronological viewing a more complicated overall experience as a result, since Deadpool & Wolverine is clearly intended to be watched with an understanding of what happens in Logan , even if timeline-wise Logan is still the most far-flung in the future due to its 2029 setting.

How Deadpool & Wolverine Changes The X-Men Movie Viewing Order

Deadpool & Wolverine makes the Deadpool series a more integral part of the overall X-Men series by bookending the franchise with the movie , despite it coming years after the last Fox X-Men release, and notably debuting as part of the MCU. Deadpool & Wolverine is rife with references to and cameos from the X-Men movie series, and shows the aftermath of Wolverine's fate in Logan - which is confirmed to be absolutely final - on the X-Men timeline, albeit in a complicated manner since much of the events of the movie appear to be set well beforehand.

Deadpool & Wolverine also acts as a Logan sequel by featuring Daphne Keen's Laura - also known as X-23 - some time after the events of the prior movie, with it strongly suggested that this is either a very similar variant of the character, or outright the same character from that chapter of the X-Men timeline. Deadpool & Wolverine 's ending leaves the door open for Laura to appear again in future releases, drastically changing how the ending of Logan appears, and allowing Marvel to potentially build upon the story further, even if this is in a more abstract fashion.

Notably, this also makes watching Logan as the last movie in the order far harder if Deadpool & Wolverine is also in the viewing list, resulting in a chronological viewing being a yet more complicated experience in terms of legibility. That said, the Deadpool series not being as tied to the overall events of the X-Men timeline otherwise means that watching it after the rest of the roster does make sense, particularly now that the third Deadpool movie provides a great deal of closure for the overarching series.

The Best Viewing Order For X-Men Movies

It works particularly well to focus on viewing each sub-series in the broader X-Men continuity at once.

Ultimately, it comes down to preference, but the messy X-Men movie timeline means that there isn't as much to gain from a chronological viewing experience as there may be with other franchises. However, a third option may, in fact, be better than either approach. With multiple continuities that crossover but also work well as individual viewing experiences, it works particularly well to focus on viewing each sub-series in the broader X-Men continuity at once.

The ideal viewing order would thus be watching the X-Men original trilogy, then the prequel series, then the Wolverine movies, then the first two Deadpool movies, The New Mutants , and finally Deadpool & Wolverine . This also ensures the meta commentary on superhero movies made in the Deadpool series all makes sense - as things like the X-Men Origins: Wolverine references and Logan references in the second and third movie could otherwise prove more confusing.

While this breaks up the Deadpool sub-series, watching Deadpool & Wolverine as the final movie in the roster is arguably the best approach. The release does allude to huge swathes of the overall timeline, and is seemingly the final film set in the universe, making it a more significant finale to the overall viewing experience than The New Mutants may be.

The Deadpool & Wolverine end credits sequence - that goes back through the X-Men movies and provides some behind the scenes glimpses about their filming - is also inherently made to suit the instalment being the last in the viewing order. As such, it's the ideal ending to watching the X-Men movie catalog, even if the release is also an MCU movie in its own right at the same time.

The X-Men movies, including all spin-offs bar Deadpool & Wolverine, are all available to stream on Disney+.

Not available

X-Men is the first film in the long-running superhero franchise centering on the iconic Marvel team. Wolverine and Professor X take center stage as they and the other X-Men attempt to stop Erik Lehnsherr (aka Magneto) after he has a violent response to the proposed Mutant Registration Act. Hugh Jackman stars as Wolverine, alongside Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellen, Halle Berry, Famke Janssen, James Marsden, and Anna Paquin.

X2: X-Men United

X2: X-Men United is the follow-up film to Fox's 2000 X-Men starring Hugh Jackman, Ian McKellen, and Patrick Stewart. The film features the introduction of Colonel William Stryker (Brian Cox) as he kidnaps Charles Xavier, which leads the X-Men to team up with Magneto. Most of the cast from the original film returned for the sequel, along with the introduction of Alan Cumming's Nightcrawler.

X-Men: The Last Stand

X-Men: The Last Stand is the third and final installment in Bryan Singer's original X-Men trilogy. It adapts Marvel's famous "Dark Phoenix" storyline, with Famke Janssen's Jean Grey embracing her supernatural power to unleash chaos on mutantkind. Fox's 2006 superhero movie brings back franchise mainstays such as Hugh Jackman's Wolverine, Patrick Stewart's Professor X, and Ian McKellen's Magneto, and it introduces major mutant characters such as Kelsey Grammer's Beast, Ben Foster's Angel, and Vinnie Jones' Juggernaut.

X-Men Origins: Wolverine

After Bryan Singer's X-Men trilogy, Hugh Jackman returns as the titular clawed mutant in X-Men Origins: Wolverine. The 2009 superhero movie explores Logan's origins with a look back at Weapon X, the experiment that covered his skeleton with adamantium. It marks Ryan Reynolds' first appearance as Wade Wilson a.k.a. Deadpool, and it precedes James Mangold's The Wolverine and Logan, which retroactively make Origins the first installment in a solo trilogy for Jackman's iconic Marvel hero.

X-Men: First Class

X-Men: First Class charts the epic beginning of the X-Men saga in the 1960s. Before mutants had revealed themselves to the world, and before Charles Xavier and Erik Lehnsherr took the names Professor X and Magneto, they were two young men discovering their powers. Before they were archenemies, they were close friends, working together with other Mutants (some familiar, some new), to prevent nuclear Armageddon. In the process, a rift between them opened, beginning the eternal war between Magneto’s Brotherhood and Professor X’s X-Men.

The Wolverine

Based on the 1982 comic event "Wolverine," The Wolverine takes place after X-Men: The Last Stand and follows Logan on a journey to Japan at the behest of a former acquaintance. Living in isolation after the world-changing events in the prior movie and haunted by the death of the woman he loved, Logan is found and asked to travel to Japan to meet with a man named Ichiro, who he had saved during World War II. At the end of his life, Ichiro offers Logan a chance to free himself of his healing abilities to finally die by taking them for himself. However, Logan soon learns that Ichiro's intentions for immortality are far less honorable than he had expected, leading him to struggle to face off with a former ally.

X-Men Days of Future Past

Based on the epic Marvel comic event and following up after the events of X-Men: The Last Stand and The Wolverine, X-Men: Days of Future Past is an action superhero film that sees Logan sent back into the past to attempt to avert a cataclysmic disaster. In the future, the last surviving members of the human and mutant races are facing the end of days as the Sentinel menace has nearly wiped everything out of existence. Out of options and out of time, Professor Charles Xavier and Eric Lehnsherr (aka Magneto) agree to send Logan back into the past to prevent the assassination of a man that leads to the end of the world.

X-Men Apocalypse

The third installment of the X-Men prequel films, and the ninth film in the overall X-Men movie franchise, X-Men: Apocalypse once again sees Professor Xavier and Magneto on opposite sides of a catastrophic conflict. Having been raised from the dead, the ancient mutant Apocalypse wishes to wipe out all of humanity, and recruits four mutants including Magneto to help him in his quest, leading Xavier and his young team of X-Men to try and stop them. James McAvoy and Michael Fassbender reprise their roles as Professor Xavier and Magneto, with a larger ensemble cast that includes Jennifer Lawrence, Nicholas Hoult, Olivia Munn, and Oscar Isaac.

Logan sees the titular hero, AKA Wolverine, in his twilight years as his healing factor has begun to fail him, and he has begun to age more rapidly. Set several years in the future, Logan finds himself caring for an ailing Professor Xavier, whose mind has begun to succumb to dementia, making him an incredibly dangerous mutant that can cause widespread destruction accidentally. But when the preoccupied Logan is asked to meet with a woman that requests he transports a young girl to a mutant haven known as Eden, he learns that she may have his DNA and that the fate of mutant-kind may rest in her hands.

X-Men: Dark Phoenix

In this continuation of the rebooted X-Men movie series, Jean Grey begins to develop incredible powers that corrupt and turn her into a Dark Phoenix. Now, the X-Men will have to decide if the life of a team member is worth more than all the people living in the world.

New Mutants

This X-Men spinoff marked the final installment before the franchise's moved to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Five young mutants, just discovering their abilities while held in a secret facility against their will, fight to escape their past sins and save themselves.

The Merc With The Mouth gets his very own film in Deadpool, an action-adventure comedy movie starring Ryan Reynolds as the titular hero. When mercenary Wade Wilson discovers he has an aggressive type of cancer that threatens to cut his life short, he decides to take a shady offer from a businessman who promises to cure him. Tortured and left for dead, the treatment makes Wade immortal - and a little bit twisted -  as he seeks out his tormentors for revenge.

The Merc With the Mouth returns in Deadpool 2, "the sequel to the first one." Wade Wilson finds himself alone and without purpose until he reluctantly agrees to join the X-Men. Things take a turn for the strange when Wade finds himself in prison after trying to help a young mutant named Russell, and a time-traveling mutant cyborg arrives to slay Russell to save the future. Determined to save Russell and do the right thing, Wade creates a new team of heroes to fight back and save the world the only way Deadpool knows how - as ridiculously as possible.

Deadpool & Wolverine

A follow-up to the highly successful Deadpool and Deadpool 2 films starring Ryan Reynolds as the Merc with a Mouth. The third film will be the first in the franchise to be developed under the Marvel Studios banner following Disney's acquisition of 20th Century Fox.

Profound-Information

What Order Should your resume be in?

Table of Contents

• 1 What Order Should your resume be in?
• 2 When writing a resume do you put most recent first?
• 3 Why chronological resume is the best?
• 4 Should I use a chronological or functional resume?
• 5 Should a resume include all work experience?
• 6 What is an example of a chronological resume?

A chronological resume lists your work experience in reverse-chronological order, starting with your most recent position at the top. This is the most traditional resume format and for many years remained the most common.

When writing a resume do you put most recent first?

A chronological resume is a resume format that lists your work experience based on the dates it occurred. Working downward from the beginning of your Work Experience section, you should start listing your most recent positions first. So the top of the section will contain your current or most recent job.

Why you should use a chronological resume?

A chronological resume helps employers quickly understand the value of your most recent and relevant work experiences. As employers may only spend a few seconds on each resume, prioritizing the most recent information helps ensures your experience gets seen.

Are gaps in your resume bad?

Lying about your resume gap is a really, really bad idea. Don’t change the dates of employment so it looks like you’re still working at the company or shift them so it seems like you have a shorter gap. Employers can verify your career history, and you could get fired for lying on your resume.

Why chronological resume is the best?

Should i use a chronological or functional resume.

Chronological resumes are most beneficial for job applicants with a structured work history and a clear career path. Professionals who are looking to make a mid-life career change can also benefit from using a functional resume to highlight their skills and their potential for success in a new role.

Should Resumes be organized chronologically?

Chronological format: The chronological resume is the most used out there, it’s the employer’s favorite as it is very easy to read and it’s hard to hide anything in it. Your employment history is actually in reverse chronological order and your current position will be at the top of the list.

How many jobs to list on your resume?

Keep your resume brief and just list a few of your responsibilities for each position. Five to seven bullets are a good number of responsibilities to include on your resume if you have a short work history or if you have had only a couple of previous jobs. But if you have a lengthy work record, keep it closer to three to five bullets for each job.

Should a resume include all work experience?

You don’t necessarily need to list every job you’ve had on your resume. In fact, if you’ve been in the workforce several years, many career experts advise listing only your most recent employers or including just the positions relevant to the job you’re applying for.

What is an example of a chronological resume?

Your work history indicates progressive practice within the same field,and you are still searching for a position in the same field.

• You have served in reputable companies.
• You are a recent graduate,and you possess some experience in the position you are applying for.
• You are seeking a senior executive position.

What is the Order of a resume?

A chronological resume, also called a reverse chronological order resume, presents the information on your resume from most recent or newest to the oldest. The typical order of information or sections used in a chronological resume are: Objective. Summary. Accomplishments. Experience. Education. References.

Privacy Overview

Do Resumes Have To Be Chronological?

Chronological format is the more traditional way to write a resume and is the preferred method for many job candidates and employers.

When would you use a chronological resume?

You should use a chronological resume if:

• You have several years of experience in one career path.
• You have worked for several employers or clients in one industry.
• You have minimal or no gaps between jobs.

What is a chronological resume best for?

Chronological resumes are best for people who have a strong work history . If you are new to the workforce or have been out of the workplace for an extended period of time, it is likely that a functional or combination resume will work better for you.

What is chronological resume for?

A chronological resume lists your work experiences and achievements starting from the current or most recent one , and following up with previous jobs below. For this exact reason, the chronological resume is the perfect choice for job-seekers who have plenty of experience and achievements to list on their resume.

What does chronological order mean in resume?

Well, a chronological resume does that by listing your work and other experiences in reverse chronological order, meaning your most recent jobs are at the top of your resume and your least recent jobs are down below .

What is the correct order of a resume?

A chronological resume format usually includes the following information in this order:

• Contact information.
• Objective or summary statement.
• Relevant skills.
• Professional experience.
• Additional information (i.e., volunteer work and special interests—optional)

What is the chronological order?

Chronological order is the order in which the events occurred, from first to last . This is the easiest pattern to write and to follow.

What is the chronological order of structure of a functional resume format?

Skills and abilities are listed first, followed by chronological experience . This resume format is good for emphasizing specific skills and abilities of professionals with diverse backgrounds and creative applicants like designers or artists.

Why do most employers prefer chronological resumes over functional resume?

The chronological resume is the most used out there, it’s the employer’s favorite as it is very easy to read and it’s hard to hide anything in it . … As long as the job you are applying for is in the same field, the full chronology will be relevant to the reader and therefore the focus is on your experience.

What is the difference between a chronological resume and a skill resume?

A chronological resume captures your work experience under each job you have had, from most recent job to oldest job . A functional resume groups your skills by job function or expertise, and then lists your jobs near the bottom of the document.

What is the best layout for a resume?

The chronological resume is the most common resume layout, and is appropriate for people at any stage in their career. The key feature of this layout style is that it lists each job you’ve held in the order in which you’ve held it, with the most recent position at the top.

How many jobs should be on your resume?

How Many Jobs Should You List on a Resume? You should list as many jobs on your resume as you can assuming they are all relevant and you’re not going beyond the 10-15 year limit. The number of jobs typically varies between 7 and 3 . As long as each job or position is relevant, you shouldn’t worry about the exact number.

What are the 4 types of resumes?

Four Resume Types – Which Resume Type is Right For Your Job…

• Chronological Resume.
• Functional Resume.
• Combination Resume.
• Targeted Resume.

How far back should a resume go?

Most experts recommend including 10-15 years of work history on your resume. For the majority of professionals, this includes between three and five different jobs.

How do you use chronological order?

How do you use chronological order? When using chronological order, arrange the events in the order that they actually happened, or will happen if you are giving instructions . This method requires you to use words such as first, second, then, after that, later, and finally.

What is the chronological order four Era?

The Precambrian, Paleozoic, Mesozoic, and Cenozoic Eras

The Geologic Time Scale is the history of the Earth broken down into four spans of time marked by various events, such as the emergence of certain species, their evolution, and their extinction, that help distinguish one era from another.

What is chronological order example?

The definition of chronological is arranged in the order it happened. An example of chronological is a biography that starts in 1920 and goes through 1997 . Arranged in the order of occurrence. … He is 67 in chronological age, but has the mind and body of someone 55.

What are the 5 basic sections of a resume?

The five most important parts of a resume are your contact information, resume introduction, experience, skills, and education . This standard outline is appropriate for nearly any job seeker. Here, we break down each of the components of a resume, and what you should include in each section.

How do you categorize a resume?

This standard resume section order is accepted in most industries and positions:

• Resume objective or summary.
• Certifications (if applicable)
• Other sections such as volunteer work or awards.

What does reverse chronological order?

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.

What is reverse chronological resume format?

The reverse chronological resume is the most common and traditional type of resume . With this resume format, you list your relevant work experience in reverse chronological order, beginning with your most recent position and proceeding backwards. … View summaries of the benefits of each resume template.

What is the most current resume format?

Key Takeaways

• There are 3 common resume formats – reverse-chronological, functional, and combination (or, hybrid).
• The reverse-chronological format is the most popular one in 2021, and we always recommend you to go with that one.

What is a chronological summary?

Chronology is the arrangement of events by time . … In literature and writing, a chronology means a timeline of events or a history; for example, A Chronology of Candle-making would give a timeline of candle-making’s history from its first appearance up until today. You can find chronologies of just about everything!

© 2022 - 2024 Times Mojo - All Rights Reserved Home | About | Contact | Copyright | Report Content | Privacy | Cookie Policy | Terms & Conditions | Sitemap

Get the Reddit app

Get help with your resume! Checkout the wiki and/or sidebar for resources and info!

Is it okay to deviate from chronological order of experience and place most relevant experience first?

So I am recently back in the job market and I'm refining my resume. I'm applying to medical sales positions. However, my last job was digital advertising (worked for a year). But the years prior to that, I had a medical sales job for a very reputable medical company. In my head, it makes more sense to put that experience at the top over my digital advertising experience. Anyone ever think of doing this or know whether or not it would be a good idea?

By continuing, you agree to our User Agreement and acknowledge that you understand the Privacy Policy .

Enter the 6-digit code from your authenticator app

You’ve set up two-factor authentication for this account.

Enter a 6-digit backup code

Create your username and password.

Reddit is anonymous, so your username is what you’ll go by here. Choose wisely—because once you get a name, you can’t change it.

Reset your password

Enter your email address or username and we’ll send you a link to reset your password

Check your inbox

An email with a link to reset your password was sent to the email address associated with your account

Choose a Reddit account to continue