Chronological Resume

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This style lists the work experience in reverse chronological order starting with your present or most recent job.

Chronological style is a good choice when

• You would like to call attention to a steady work history • You’re returning to the same or similar line of work • You want to draw attention to consistent upward mobility and promotions • You think the employer would like the look of a traditional resume

Know Your Audience

Research the company and the position you are applying for and write your resume

accordingly.

Choose a Job Target/Objective

Keep in mind that employers read resumes to answer the question “what can this person do for

us?” Be as specific as possible about how you can benefit the employer.

Investigate the Field

Determine what skills, knowledge and experience are needed to do the job and place

emphasis on these parts of your background.

Know Yourself

Brainstorm a short list of your best talents, skills, experience, awards, achievements,

memberships, character traits, education and training.

Show Your Abilities

Think of several accomplishments that show the use of each skill. Use action words when

describing these accomplishments and emphasize the benefit to the employer.

Chronological Resume

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Tips

• Present your resume in a clear, concise manner on plain white or lightly shaded paper, preferably laser printed, free of handwritten changes or additions

• Your contact information is generally used as a letterhead to your resume

• Your resume is positive, action-oriented and easy to read

• Best qualities and key qualifications are highlighted at the beginning of your resume

• Your contact information is correct and current

• Key ideas and words pop out to support the job objective

• Resumes are typically a maximum of 2 pages

• Your summary contains skills that are consistent with the job objective

• Use points rather than long paragraphs

• Information is relevant to the job objective and shows a wide range of experience

• Job titles can be easily found by someone scanning the resume

• Organization names and job titles are included

• Major skills and accomplishments related to the job objective are highlighted

• Free of spelling and grammar errors

Organizing a Chronological Resume Effectively

• Start at the top with your name and contact information, include your address, phone numbers and email address.

• Follow with a Job Objective statement so the employer knows what position you are applying for.

• Follow this with your Summary of Highlights.

• Begin with your present or most recent job and continue back through your work history.

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• List your major skills/accomplishments instead of just your job duties and responsibilities for each position.

• Work History can be listed by job title or employer, depending on which is more

impressive or relevant – just be consistent.

• List your Education and Training.

• Volunteer or Community Involvement is listed in a separate section.

• References are on a separate sheet to present at the interview.

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Sample Chronological Resume

Jill Brown 20 Main Street, Barrie, ON. L4M 1K7 (705) 123-4567

Employment Objective • General Labourer/Production Worker Highlights • 5+ years of experience in production work • Proven ability to work positively with others • Reliable, honest and conscientious worker • Flexible worker; available for on-call and shift work • Cooperative and supportive team member Employment Experience Material Handler (Seasonal - Contract) 2002 - 2005 Sears Canada Warehouse, Belleville, ON • Prepared orders for shipping department • Labeled packages and checked for order accuracy • Assessed returns for refurbishing or for non-salable merchandise • Worked during peak holiday season Production Worker 1999 - 2001 Autosystems (Through Manpower), Belleville, ON • Assembled car and truck head lights in a high volume production facility • Checked parts and finished products for defects and flaws • Filled shifts on short notice due to staff shortages or production short falls Packaging Labourer (Summer Contract) 1998 Hawkins Factory, Belleville, ON • Packed boxes and loaded them on delivery vehicles • Checked paper work for proper quantities Education and Training Ontario Secondary School Diploma Moira Secondary School, Belleville, ON WHMIS Training Workplace Training, Belleville, ON First Aid and CPR St. John’s Ambulance, Belleville, ON Volunteer Involvement Classroom Assistant/Fundraising Volunteer Harry J. Clarke Public School, Belleville, ON

References Available on Request