chronological resume templates word free download

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Put your best qualities on display with professional, customizable resume and cv templates. no matter your line of work or length of professional history, you'll find resume and cv templates that'll help you get the gig..

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Land your dream job with free, customizable resume templates. Showcase your potential to recruiters and stand out from other candidates with a professional template. Whether you're applying to corporate positions or creative roles, go with a sleek design or show your creativity with bold colors .

Resumes don't need to look boring—add flair to your professional experience with a creative resume template. There are plenty of resume designs to choose from, like simple resume templates and modern resume templates. Each resume template is fully customizable in Microsoft Word , so you can personalize each design element and add your own text. Using a template also makes it easier to customize your resume for each position you apply to.

Print out as many copies as you'd like or download the template for free to share digitally when applying online. These professional resume templates are perfect for any stage of life or career. Whether you're a high school student, actor, or seeking a career in nursing, you can find any format for any job type.

There are also a variety of free CV (Curriculum Vitae) templates to choose from. A CV is often longer than a resume and contains an in-depth look at your education and professional accomplishments. Like our resume templates, these CV templates are also customizable in Word.

Remember, your next job is only a template away! Once you've customized your resume, explore free cover letter templates to help you land the job.

Chronological Resume Templates

Classic chronological templates are popular for a reason - they do their job. Use one of the tried-and-tested resume formats below to secure your interview.

Double Column

Chronological resume template. Education position is reversed to focus more on the experience.

Single Column

Reverse chronological resume template. Classic one-column style for chronological resumes.

Chronological timeline template. Additional line between job titles makes up for a clean and presentable resume.

Professional resume template. A sleek and straightforward design that conveys a sense of professionalism and competence.

Modern resume template. A stylish two-column design with a pop of color to stand out from the crowd.

Creative resume template. Showcase your unique personality with a custom design that speaks to your creativity.

In This Guide:

What is a chronological resume template, who should use a chronological resume, tips for building the best chronological resume template, chronological resume templates pros and cons.

Chronological resume template is the most commonly used format in resumes, and recruiters prefer them to others. A reverse chronological order resume template lists your jobs, starting with the current or most recent one at the top. It provides comprehension opportunities for hiring managers to see your experience.

Have it in mind that chronological and reverse chronological resume templates are essentially the same thing. Because they list your experience chronologically, but in a reverse way, starting with your most recent job. You can use Enhancv builder to build your chronological resume in the best way possible.

People who can get all the advantages that chronological resume templates offer are jobseekers at any professional level with a consistent work history without gaps between roles.

However, reverse chronological order can work for just about anyone looking for a job. This resume formatting is simple and professional, and you can effortlessly apply it to any resume design.

Resumes in chronological order are very convenient for students because this formatting is the easiest way to organize their limited experience.

Choosing this format is easily understood by recruiters because chronological resume templates are the most popular layout hiring managers see.

A chronological resume is arranged in a way to emphasize your professional experience - your education and certifications, skills, other relevant activities, or volunteer experiences. A summary statement is optional in chronological resume formatting. Excluding the cases in which you are higher-level management or changing your current professional field.

If you think a chronological resume template is not a good fit for your case, you can try a functional or combination resume template. A functional resume is focused on your skills and abilities and lists your roles and education at the bottom.

A combination resume blends a functional resume and a chronological resume and emphasizes both your skills and experience in equal measure.

Let’s create your perfect chronological resume by following the best practices.

The reverse-chronological format resume template can be applied to any design – modern or traditional. It only depends on your professional field and the type of company you are applying to. Modern design is appropriate when you are in more creative and innovative industries and want to make your resume pop up from the rest of the applicants. Use the traditional design without icons, graphics, and flashy colors for applying for positions in more traditional companies.

The best font to use for resumes is a classic, easy-to-read font, like Times New Roman or Calibri. You can use modern fonts, which are also appropriate, like Helvetica, Verdana, Ariel, or Lato. Keep in mind that ATS systems don't mind the font as long as it's readible serif or sans-serif. The regular font size for resumes is 12 points. Larger fonts are acceptable for headings, your name, or titles of sections. If you're having trouble fitting your content on one page, you might try making your font 10.5 points, but don't go lower.

Your resume should be easy for the hiring manager to digest all your best work. Using the right font in combination with colors can help that. Use white as the background, black for the text, and the remaining color as an accent. It is advisable to use for the third color some shades of blue, green, or dark red. Avoid too flashy colors.

Select the best layout

Your resume should always begin with your full, searchable name. Your name should be the biggest thing on the page. Recruiters are spending a few seconds on your resume, they should know whose it is. Show your location, there is no need to put your full home address, but recruiters expect to see your city and state. Add your contact information like your phone number and professional and easy-to-read e-mail address.

As we mentioned before, for the Chronological resume template, you can skip the summary statement section . It can be a plus to add one or two sentences about who you are as a professional and what is your experience.

Your work experience section on the Chronological resume template is the most important one. You should include responsibilities and accomplishments for each job you’ve held. If you want your resume to stand out more, you can organize your experience in two separate sections. The first one, under the header “Relevant work experience” to a specific job you are applying for, and the second section is Work Experience.

Right after your work experience section, you should list your education in reverse chronological order first on the list you should add your academic degrees, following your training and certifications . Do not list your high school diploma once you have attended college unless relevant to your professional field.

You can list your achievements on a chronological resume template in your work experience section. If you can additionally emphasize your achievements, you can lay them out in a separate section. People who don’t have much work experience can use achievements in education, volunteering, or project sections. When you list achievements, make sure they include the time frame, scale, and results.

You can design your Chronological resume template in two columns to fit all information on one page. Recurred prefer one-page resumes because they are easy to scan for the key points they are looking for in a candidate.

• The chronological format is the most commonly used, and most recruiters prefer them. This resume format draws attention to your work experience and career advancements.
• A chronological resume template is the easiest format to read for ATSs because emphasizes your work experience by putting it on top of the page.
• This resume layout works for anyone looking for any kind of job, and it is student-friendly.
• Chronological format is not recommended for people with gaps in their work history.
• This format is not a good choice if you are applying for a position in a field in which you don’t have previews experience.
• If you are just starting your career, chronological resume formatting will emphasize your lack of experience.

Frequently asked questions about chronological resume templates

Is the chronological resume best, what is the difference between a chronological and functional resume, why do most employers prefer chronological resumes to functional resumes, how far back should a resume go.

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Chronological Resume Template 2024

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Free download this chronological resume template in Word format

Get this free chronological resume template and find the ideal position! To get the free format on the download link and open the file in Word . You can customize the chronological resume template doc in easy steps. Don´t forget to save the document in PDF. Download it now!

• File format:  Word (Microsoft)
• File size:  380 KB
• Ready-to-use:  fast, easy, and free

What is a Chronological Resume?

The chronological resume template highlights your work history by emphasizing your most important employment duties, accomplishments, and relevant abilities. This specific resume format allows hiring managers or recruiters to quickly review your experience and career path by placing the job history section underneath the professional overview.

Although the reverse-chronological resume format is the most popular, if you don’t have experience, are changing careers, or have a significant gap in your employment history , you should consider other formats. There are other formats that can be used in these situations to meet your requirements, such as this chronological resume template.

Tips for Making a Good Chronological Resume

Creating a compelling chronological resume is your ticket to showcasing your professional journey in a clear and organized manner. When crafting your CV, it’s crucial to consider the right sections that highlight your skills and experiences effectively. Below, we’ve outlined essential tips for choosing the right sections for your chronological resume , ensuring you present a standout document that captures the attention of potential employers.

• Clear and Concise Formatting : Use a clean and organized layout to enhance readability, and try to maintain a consistent font and font size throughout your resume.
• Relevance is Key : Tailor your resume to the specific job you’re applying for. Don´t forget to emphasize experiences and skills that align with the desired position.
• Quantify Achievements : Include quantifiable achievements to demonstrate your impact. Use numbers and percentages to highlight your contributions.
• Chronological Order : List your work experiences in reverse chronological order (most recent to oldest). This format makes it easy for employers to follow your career progression.
• Use Action Verbs : Start each bullet point with a strong action verb to convey your responsibilities. This adds dynamism to your resume and engages the reader.
• Highlight Key Skills : Dedicate a section to showcase your key skills relevant to the job. Use keywords from the job description to enhance visibility.

Recommended sections

• Contact Information
• Professional Summary or Objective
• Work Experience
• Certifications or Training

Optional sections

• Volunteer Work
• Hobbies and Interests

What is the difference between a functional and chronological resume?

Preparing your resume and wondering which format to choose ? You’re not alone! The key lies in understanding the difference between a functional and chronological resume. Here’s a simple breakdown to help you decide which style suits you best.

Chronological Resume: the timeline approach

A chronological resume is all about your work history timeline. It’s the go-to choice for many, and here’s why:

• List Your Jobs in Order: This resume lists your jobs starting from the most recent. It’s perfect for showcasing a steady employment history.
• Easy for Employers: Employers love this format as it quickly shows your career progression.
• Highlights Experience: Ideal if you have a strong work background in the same field.

However, if you have gaps in your employment or are changing careers, this might not be your best option.

Functional Resume: skills at the forefront

Enter the functional resume , a skills-based approach. It’s particularly useful in certain situations:

• Showcase Your Skills: This format highlights your skills and abilities, rather than job titles and dates.
• Great for Career Changes: Ideal if you’re switching industries or have varied work experiences.
• Covers Employment Gaps: Helps if you have gaps in your employment history or are re-entering the workforce.

While this resume type is flexible , some employers might find it less straightforward.

Which One Should You Choose?

Ultimately, your choice depends on your career path . If you’ve climbed the ladder in a single field, the chronological resume showcases this beautifully. But, if your journey includes diverse roles or significant gaps, a functional resume might present you in the best light.

Remember, the right resume format can open doors to new opportunities. So, choose wisely and tailor your resume to reflect your unique career story !

Chronological Resumes FAQs

Can i use a chronological resume if i have minimal work experience.

Absolutely. A chronological resume remains a valuable tool for individuals with limited work experience. In this scenario, focus on highlighting your relevant skills, internships, and educational achievements. While the work history section may be less extensive, emphasizing your potential and demonstrating how your skills align with the job requirements can make a strong impression on employers.

What if I want to change careers? Is a chronological resume suitable?

While the chronological resume is a widely used format, those seeking a career change might find value in exploring alternative formats. Consider using a functional or combination resume. These formats allow you to emphasize your skills, qualifications, and accomplishments without adhering strictly to a linear work history. By showcasing your transferrable skills and relevant experiences, you can present a compelling case for your suitability in the new field.

Are there any specific tips for quantifying achievements in a chronological resume?

Certainly. Quantifying achievements in your chronological resume is a powerful strategy. Whenever possible, incorporate numbers, percentages, or specific metrics to provide concrete evidence of your accomplishments. For instance, instead of stating you “improved sales,” you could specify that you “boosted sales by 20% within six months.” This level of detail not only adds credibility but also makes your achievements more impactful for potential employers, showcasing the tangible results of your contributions.

Expert resume and career advice writer

Updated February 07, 2024

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Professional resume templates for job seekers with ample work experience. Showcase your skills and qualifications. Browse our best free resume templates to give your resume the glow-up it deserves. 

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Simple and Basic Resume Templates

Uncluttered editable resume template with minimal styling. Choose a time-tested basic resume design to avoid any faux pas with employers or applicant screening software. 

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Not sure which resume design works for your profession? Go with a professional resume template if you’re an experienced worker applying via email. Or download a basic resume template if the company uses an ATS — this way, your resume won’t get filtered out. 

Gunning up for a job in a creative industry or a hip startup? Try out one of the modern resume templates or a creative resume design to give your job application a unique, brandable flair. Resume templates with photos also work great! 

Or better yet, test-drive several free resume templates to see which one gets you the most positive responses! 

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The best resume templates for Microsoft Word. Our most downloaded and top-rated designs in .doc and .docx format are the ones you have seen on this page until here, so make sure to scroll back to the top if MS Word format is what you are looking for.

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Our remarkable set of role-based resume templates includes the optimal visual layout paired with text snippets you can use to model your own resume.

How to Use Your Free Editable Resume Template 

• Select a design you fancy and download a free copy to your computer. 
• Open the template in Microsoft Word or Google Docs to personalize. 
• Fill in the blanks using your personal details. Refer to relevant resume examples for ideas and tips. 
• Review and edit your resume. Include strong verbs and adjectives to add persuasion. 
• Save and name your document: Resume – First name and Surname. 
• Create a PDF resume version to send via email. PDFs help avoid formatting issues. 

How To Write A Resume

A resume template is the best cure for the blank page syndrome. You’re halfway done — all that’s left is to fill in the blanks in the resume template and hit save. 

Select The Right Resume Format 

The 3 most popular resume formats are chronological, functional, and combination resumes. 

• Chronological resume organizes the information like LinkedIn does – from the latest position to the first one, with education, interests, and additional info listed later. It’s the most popular resume format, preferred for recruiters. Go for it unless you’re entry-level or changing careers. 
• Functional resume keeps the focus on your skills and experience, rather than employment history. It’s the go-to choice for candidates with employment gaps and those without much hands-on work experience.
• Combination resume takes the best of both worlds and allows you to spice up your “dry” employment history with some juicy details about your skill set and achievements. Startups and edgier companies may prefer this. 

Create a Compelling Summary 

A resume summary is a two-sentence statement highlighting your key qualifications, skills, and value proposition for the role. It sits in the header area, right after your name and contact details. Think of it as a teaser to a movie — you should put your most marketable skills upfront to immediately capture the hiring manager’s attention and get them interested in reading the full copy. 

Add Work History 

List your employers in reverse chronological order. Each entry should include the employment date, job title, company name, key responsibilities, and achievements listed in bullet format . Include 3 to 5 bullet points for each position. Don’t get long-winded — your resume must fit into one page. 

Include Marketable Resume Skills 

With skills-based hiring on the rise, you must demonstrate specific competencies rather than just tenure and educational credentials. Showcase your best hard and soft skills in a featured sidebar section, plus your resume summary and work experience entries.

Check the following posts for ideas:

• Business acumen skills for resume
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• Transferable skills for a resume 
• Retail skills for a resume  

List Education 

Unless you are a recent graduate, don’t dwell on this section too much. Simply list all your degrees (highest to lowest), the name of your educational institution, and your graduation date. But if you’re still in college, you can also add your GPA , dean’s list , or research .  

Learn more from our ultimate guide to writing, styling, and formatting a resume . 

FAQs about Resume Templates 

Your popular Qs about our free resume templates answered. 

How can I format my resume for free?

Download a free pre-formatted resume template from Freesumes.com in your preferred format (Word or Google Docs). Open a copy in the word processing software and edit the blank sections with personal details. Click save, and you’ll have a professionally formatted resume in no time.

Is there a truly free resume builder?

Yes, Freesumes resume builder is 100% free to use. No account registration is required. Using our free generator, you can make a resume in PDF using one of the six free templates and contextual writing prompts created by expert writers.

What is the most popular resume template?

The most popular resume templates are chronological resume templates. You can find several dozen popular, professional resume templates on Freesumes in Word and Google Doc formats. Our templates have been downloaded over 4 million times! 

How to get a free resume template?

Head to freesumes.com and check our collection of 180+ fabulously free resume templates in different styles and formats. Select a design you like and click the download button to get an instant free copy in .docx format without any account registration. 

Do employers not like resume templates?

Employers don’t mind resume templates as long as they are professionally made and properly formatted. A sloppy or too vivid design, however, will make you look amateurish. Choose a simple, well-structured resume template in neutral colors, and you’ll always get a positive impression from a prospective employer. 

Is it better to make your own resume or use a template?

This totally depends on you. If you have an eye for design and know information architecture best practices, you can make a stellar resume on your own. Otherwise, you can save heaps of time by using a premade professional resume template to avoid any mishaps with layout or font selection.

Word Resume Templates

Direct, on-page, download links to free-to-use Microsoft Word Docx Resume Templates. Freely editable, useable for, you, the jobseeker!

Simple, the best, classic, modern or designed, we have the resume template for you. Just click and download yours.

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Microsoft word's resume templates.

The free Word resume formats by Microsoft . They are freely editable to your liking. These formats work best in the newer versions of Word. Most of these templates are fully editable to your liking. Color, format and all the content, edit to make your own stunning resume! For free, with direct downloads.

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Chronological Resume Templates & Writing Tips

Choose from our best chronological resume templates.

Blending a classic single column layout with helpful color accents and dividers for ease of reading, the Simple resume template is a balanced choice.

Professional

If you’re looking for a design that is subtle, elegant, and combines the best of the old and new, the Professional resume template is the perfect choice.

For a resume that’s a bit more creative and fun, the Cool resume template uses a twin column design and eye-catching icons to differentiate sections.

This resume template gives you clearly defined sections while keeping an understated black and white color scheme.

Contemporary

With slim but bold lines and a classic single column design, the Contemporary resume template has presence and impact sure to leave an impression.

For a balance between lighthearted creative and serious profesional, the Creative resume template offers visualizations and a functional two column design.

Why You Should Use the Chronological Resume Templates

Chronological resume templates are one of the most popular styles, and for good reason. They put your most important qualifications front and center, showing at a glance the job positions and responsibilities you’ve held. Many businesses value real-world experience highly, so making this factor stand out on the page is a smart idea. If you've worked for well-known companies, the chronological resume format really shows it off.

When you apply for a management position, potential employers often look for similar experience in past jobs. For example, someone with experience coordinating projects usually should have the skills and personality to handle other leadership responsibilities. The closer your career trajectory matches the qualifications the company is looking for, the better your chances of getting hired. Chronological resume templates are a great fit in any industry, from construction and manufacturing to health care and marketing.

4 Chronological Resume Templates FAQs

Which is the best resume template to use.

The resume you choose makes a statement about your personality and about how you view the position you're applying for. There's no one "right" answer. You want the resume to leave recruiters with a great impression from the moment they see it.

Bold design elements and colors can be excellent for job positions where creativity and initiative are valued, such as marketing. Selecting a traditional layout can transmit an air of professionalism appropriate for weighty responsibilities. Your goal is to stand out in a positive way.

With a chronological resume, single-column layouts draw immediate attention to your most important work experience. A double-column format feels modern and lets you include additional information without crowding the page.

Is the chronological resume template free?

You can create a chronological resume template for free on a trial basis. This can help you get started customizing your resume and choosing the look and feel that fits your goals.

Do you want to work with even more resume templates, professional resources, and amazing resume-building tips? Signing up gives you access to all of those things and more, including a powerful resume builder for putting your personal touch on things.

How should I format the chronological resume template?

Chronological resume templates are always formatted with your current job (or most recent) at the top. List other job positions in reverse-chronological order, going from most recent to least recent. You don't have to include every job you've had, only the ones that highlight your most important qualifications.

Under each job position, list a few bullet points with your responsibilities or accomplishments. Keep sentences short, powerful, and clear with action verbs.

What if holding a degree is essential for the job? In that case, you may want to put educational qualifications first, followed by work experience.

Does the Chronological resume template work with Microsoft Word?

Creating an eye-catching chronological resume template is a breeze with the resume builder. The simple and friendly interface guides you through the process, showing you exactly what to do. Along the way, HR-approved layouts and expert tips help you avoid common mistakes and create a resume that makes an amazing first impression.

Include some of the professionally written job description bullet points to give the resume extra flair. You can customize headers, fonts, sizes, and layouts to make the template completely unique. Afterward, download the finished chronological resume in Word format (.docx) and make any additional changes you want.

More Resume Templates Like This

Using color and a two column design, the Awesome resume template gets a lot of information across with an air of creativity.

Chronological resume

A chronological resume is probably the most common and most recognizable resume template.

What is a chronological resume?

When to use a chronological resume, chronological resume format, download a free template (word).

This is a classic resume style that features work experience first. Your jobs are listed in “reverse chronological” order, meaning your current or most recent job is listed first with the rest following in order from most recent to most distant.

If you have work experience directly related to the position you’re applying for, this is a highly recommended format. Employers like seeing what you’ve accomplished in previous positions, so it’s beneficial to highlight all of your relevant experiences and accomplishments.

If you have little to no work experience – or if your only work experience is completely unrelated to your future career – then you probably want to consider another option.

Because your work experience is the focus of a chronological resume, it should be the first section after your personal information. The only exception is if you’re currently in school, in which case your education should be listed first then your work experience.

Within work experience, your current or most recent job should be listed first. Then, any previous jobs should follow in reverse chronological order.

Additional sections like trainings, volunteer activities, or skills, are encouraged if they apply to your profile. Just remember that your resume should always be a maximum of two pages.

A free to use and direct downloadable resume template for a chronologic resume. This template was created by a certified resume expert and can be used with Microsoft Word.

Download resume-template-chronological.docx 18 KB

License Terms: The following license terms and conditions apply when you download any of our free templates:

• The templates are for a personal use only.
• You are not allowed to sub-license, transfer, resell or share any of the templates even for free.

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As a professional recruiter, I have over 10 years of experience helping candidates find work with businesses that match their skills, personalities and goals. Here on Resume Supply, I share some of the key things I have learned over my career to help job seekers with resumes, applications and interviews.

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Chronological Resume Template

Choose your desired option(s).

Free Microsoft Word resume template with modern design for your next job opportunity. It will emphasizes your experience by showing your jobs in chronological order.

Feel free to change the color scheme and fonts in the Design tab of the ribbon. Big thanks to Microsoft for providing us with this template.

• Modern style design
• Simple design
• Letter paper size
• DOC file format
• Print Ready
• Documentation ready

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• Sample Resumes

FREE 9+ Sample Chronological Resume Templates in MS Word | PDF

Aside from rehearsing an upcoming interview, looking for the right outfit, and calming down the application-induced jitters, you’re most likely thinking about how you’re going to present your resume as well. If you’ve been in the industry for quite some time and aims for a major career shift or vying for a more advanced opportunity, a chronological resume is a right format for you. It highlights relevant experiences that can vouch for your skill and competence. It easily presents what tasks you’ve undertaken in the past and how your learned skills will help you become an asset to your prospective company.

Chronological Resumes

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A chronological resume is a type of resume that places emphasis on a person’s professional background. It lists an applicant’s job experiences with the latest at the top down to the very first employment. It is an ideal resume format to use when you’ve worked for several years or have various experiences in a specific field.

According to The Balance Careers, chronological resumes are highly preferred because they’re direct and easy to assess.  The benefits of using this resume format  include its clear depiction of an applicant’s career timeline. Recruiters are interested in your experiences because they often determine your level of expertise and skill in the area. Because it’s a common resume layout, it’s also easier to review.

Here are some tips to keep in mind when writing a chronological resume:

When you have more than ten years of job experience under your belt and have been working with different companies during that period, it’s a pride to present all of them on your professional resume . However, unless you’ve been consistently in the same industry on the same line of profession and are planning to remain there, there are job titles that you need to exclude. Choose only those that are relevant to the opportunity you’re trying to get into. If you’re applying for a marketing position with a mixed professional background, opt to include experiences that would support your endeavor. 

The same with your job experiences, prospective employers would not care for skills that are not proportionate to the position you’re aiming for. Your skills can pile up high with your years in different companies and add weight to your resume’s appeal. Again, select only those that match your desired position. Including unnecessary details on your basic resume won’t bump up your application. Your resume should work towards your goal, and that is to win the slot. Doing this also makes the recruitment team assess your application better and raise your chances of getting hired because your proficiency fits their job description well.

Aside from creating coherent content, your resume’s visual layout is important as well. It shows your personal brand and will add a certain appeal to your application to catch the recruitment team’s attention. Consider the type of industry you’re applying for. If you’re hoping for a position in the creative industry, you can opt to submit a creative resume. Otherwise, a business resume should fit other professions. Whatever resume look you’re going for, make the entire document pleasing to the eye by using colors that won’t distract the reader from your resume’s content.

This is why you should only include details that directly relate to your desired position. Prioritize content brevity and aim to have a single-page resume. Employers highly prefer one-page resumes because they’re focused and easier to evaluate than lengthy ones. According to a study conducted by The Ladders,  recruiters only take 7.4 seconds when looking at applications . After a few blinks, your fate is sealed. The shorter your resume is, the more you’ll be able to sift out the most necessary details. Longer resumes don’t spice your background and earn you the position. As long as the recruiters see that you ticked off all the qualification items on their list, you’re well on your way.

Here are significant details should be in a chronological resume:

• Name and contact details
• Education and relevant training
• Related Skills
• Volunteer activities

The other resume formats are functional resume and a combination resume.

You shouldn’t use a chronological resume when:

• You’re an entry-level applicant with little to no experience
• You’re changing your career field
• You have significant career gaps
• You don’t stay in the same field for a long time

The key to a career shift lies in your resume’s presentation. Your experiences are your strength. They’re the testimonies of the things you’ve learned and mastered through your professional journey. A chronological resume format can best present them for you. Check our resume templates and download yours now!

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Free Professional Resume Templates

Jobscan’s free Microsoft Word compatible resume templates feature sleek, minimalist designs and are formatted for the applicant tracking systems that virtually all major companies use.

Classic Format Resume Templates

Chronological

These are the three standard resume formats : chronological, hybrid, and functional.

The chronological resume template offers a classic, no frills format. Consider this template if you work in a formal industry or want to bring attention to the impressive companies on your resume. Hybrid resume templates are versatile and the most popular format in today’s job search. Functional resume templates are popular for people changing careers or masking holes in their resume. Jobscan doesn’t typically recommend the functional resume format because recruiters may be suspicious of them .

Fill out your resume faster with our resume builder

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

Senior Level and Executive Resume Templates

Once you begin applying to senior level positions, a greater emphasis is placed on the results your organizations have achieved and executive soft skills like leadership , innovation, and entrepreneurial drive. At the executive level, technical skills aren’t as important as they were earlier in your career. Fill out your executive resume template with accomplishments , measurable results, and examples of leadership .

Management Resume Templates

When it comes to writing a management-level resume, try to demonstrate a trajectory of growth along with a combination of deep industry knowledge and interpersonal skills. You need to prove that you’re an expert in your field who is able to delegate tasks and lead your team.

Mid-Career Resume Templates

When you’re no longer entry-level but still working as an independent contributor (vs a manager), your resume needs to focus on your ability to execute. A strong emphasis should be on the hard skills found in the job description. Back these skills up with context to demonstrate your level of expertise.

Recent Grad Resume Templates

When you’re looking for an entry-level job right out of college, your resume is going to look a little different. Your education section is moved up above your work experience and you’re expected to expand upon your college experience. Go into detail with honors, clubs, coursework, etc.

The Importance of ATS-Friendly Resume Templates

If you’re uploading your resume into an online form as part of your job application, it is critical for your resume template to be compatible with applicant tracking systems (ATS) . An expertly written resume complete with a sleek design and optimized resume keywords and action verbs could still fall short if the formatting isn’t ATS compliant.

When you upload your resume , applicant tracking systems parse out the text to make it searchable for a recruiter. They may also transfer the information from our resume to a uniform digital candidate profile. Even if you’re perfectly qualified for the job, your chances of getting a job interview are much lower if an ATS can’t accurately parse your resume.

ATS-friendly resumes are often similar to minimalist resume templates but go a step further to account for ATS algorithms and behaviors. Among other considerations, ATS-friendly resume templates account for the fact that:

• Many ATS can’t handle tables or images.
• Parsing accuracy is dependent on heading names and correctly sequencing your work experience information.
• Certain resume fonts might not be displayed properly in all ATS.
• PDF and docx file types work better than others.

Find out if your resume is ATS-optimized with Jobscan’s resume optimization tool . It will help you write the perfect resume so that you stand out from the competition.

How to Use a Resume Template

Be Selective

Finding the right resume template for you is the first step. Select a template that is ATS-friendly and includes space for all the elements you need to tell your story.

Customize Your Template

Not finding the perfect resume template? Select the best one and make some adjustments. For example, you can remove a hobbies section if you need more room for your work history, add a space for key certifications that don’t fit in the template or add a skills section to better highlight your technical skills.

Resume templates are meant to be a guide to a better resume, not an unbreakable set of rules.

Tailor Your Resume to the Job Every Time

Recruiters and hiring managers are more likely to respond to a resume that is carefully tailored for the specific position .

This means using the job description to focus on the skills and keywords that are most important to the job. Showing that you are results-oriented is another great way to show you are the best candidate. Including relevant measurable results and accomplishments on your resume help demonstrate that you understand what is most important to the company’s success.

After you’ve tailored your resume information within the template, run it through Jobscan’s resume optimization tool to see how well it matches the job. In fact, more than 1 million job seekers have used our tool to help them find the next step in their career—see how it can help you!

Are you still tracking jobs in Excel or Google Sheets? Track and manage your job applications and interviews all in one place with Job Tracker . With the click of a button add a job to Job Tracker. From there you can organize your resumes and job descriptions, keep track of important interview dates and details, and manage multiple job opportunities in one place.

Resume Template FAQs

What is the best resume template for me?

The best resume template is the one that provides room for you to showcase your relevant skills and tell the complete story of your relevant work experience. If you are an entry-level or mid-career applicant, look for a template that highlights your hard skills. For executive-level applicants, a template that focuses on your executive summary and work experience will be best.

Which resume format is best?

Recruiters prefer chronological or hybrid formatted resumes. All of the templates above are great choices! We do not recommend using a functional template, which focuses primarily on skills and downplays work history.

Read more: Why Recruiters Hate the Functional Resume Format

What is the difference between a resume template and a resume builder?

A resume builder is a tool that prompts you to enter your information into input fields and formats a resume for you. Resume templates are typically editable Microsoft Word files that are already formatted. Prefer the ease of a builder? Jobscan’s resume builder is 100% free!

More Resume Resources

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19 minute read

51 Free Microsoft Word Resume Templates to Land You the Job

Lily Herman

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When it comes to resumes, presentation is just as important as the skills and experience that the resume itself spells out. Trying to design a resume from scratch can be a challenge, especially with few design skills.

Need a little help? Check out these 51 free (yes, FREE!) Microsoft Word resume templates that you can easily download to your computer, edit to include your experience, and hand in with your next job application. No recruiter or hiring manager will be able to say no.

Can’t wait to view them one by one? We’ve put together a selection of the best free resume templates  in one easy download below.

Get your free resume templates

Professional templates perfect for any industry

Why use a resume template?

Resume templates are handy tools for job seekers for a number of reasons. Firstly, it allows you to spend more time polishing up the content instead of worrying about the layout and design.

Secondly, it gives first-time job applicants a better idea of how much to write and the sections to focus on. This also applies if you’ve been out of the job market for a while and haven’t had to edit your resume recently.

Before you sprint ahead to the templates, here are some resume dos and don’ts you should know.

Resume dos and don’ts

• Highlight your most relevant experience, skills, and accomplishments
• Include keywords from the job description in your resume where it fits organically
• Triple check your resume for grammar, punctuation, and spelling
• Use data specific examples where possible (e.g. “increased sales by 30% by doing x”)
• Include non-academic and non-professional experiences, such as volunteer work or side projects
• Use powerful verbs to describe your work (e.g “amplified”, “executed”, “maximized”)
• Include your contact information
• Keep your bullet points to under two lines  
• Ask someone you trust to go over your resume with you
• Create a master resume. This will make it easier to tailor your resume to any job
• Include all your relevant credentials
• Save your resume file as something with your name on it. This will make it easier for managers and HR folk to locate your files
• Be consistent throughout your application. This means using the same fonts, styles, and naming conventions on your file.
• Showcase your soft skills
• Print out copies of your resume for interviews

Don’t

• Include obvious skills (e.g. gmail)
• Include irrelevant hobbies or interests. That space can be better utilized for highlighting your achievements and skills
• Include work experiences during high school unless you’re a recent graduate
• Use an objective sentence. These are widely considered to be outdated, and only relevant if you are changing careers
• Hide gaps in your resume. Be confident when explaining the gap and speak on the skills you learned during that time
• Use cliches or too much jargon. Oftentimes, the first person reading your resume will be from HR
• Write overly complex sentences. Keep it straightforward and easy to understand
• Use more than two fonts 
• Include photos (unless you’re applying for a role in the arts)
• Include your salary history. Save that for the negotiation process

How to optimize your resume for ATS

If you’re applying for a job, there is a very high chance that the resume will first be seen by some software before it makes its way to a pair of human eyes. This software is called an Applicant Tracking System and it sorts, scans, and ranks job applications that come through to a recruiter or employer .

ATS helps recruiters filter through candidates by scanning for relevant information and keywords in an application. Writing a resume that is ATS optimized is imperative, as you could potentially miss out on opportunities even if you’re qualified. 

Here are some ways to ensure your resume is ATS-friendly:

• Keep graphics to a minimum
• Incorporate keywords and phrases used in the job description. Don’t overdo this, as resumes with a high match can be flagged for gaming the system
• Save your resume as a PDF (you can easily export as PDF once you’ve edited your Word resume template)
• Some ATS software can’t read data in the header or footer. Ensure all your important information is in the body of your resume
• Avoid using too much formatting
• Make your resume easy to read, for robots and humans. This means avoiding overly wordy sentences and abbreviations where appropriate

Customizable Word resume templates

Turning a blank document into an attractive, well-designed resume is hard work, especially when you'd rather put that time to use in your job search. That's where these free Word resume templates come in. You can choose from a range of ready-made designs, whether you're looking for something classic, minimalist or colorful. All of the templates are easy to customize with your personal details, and you can even change the colors and themes if you're so inclined.

When you're done filling out your template, make sure to save your file as a Word .docx file (or .doc for older versions of the program), so you can always come back and make changes. When you're ready to send your resume, be sure to attach it in the requested format, for example PDF or .docx. To export as a PDF from Microsoft Word, go to the File menu --> Export --> Create PDF.

You can browse the free resume templates below, and get a selection of the best templates delivered straight to your inbox.

1. The basic resume template

Want a basic resume to get yourself started? This is a great one for inputting your objective statement, experience, and skills. Download

2. Skill-based resume template

What makes this resume template great is that it has a little color but it’s also perfect for any industry. Download

3. The chronological resume template

Want a resume that makes it easy to put your jobs in chronological order and send it off? This is the straightforward template you’re searching for. Download

4. Another traditional resume template

Want to spruce up your resume without changing too much of the formatting? Try putting either your headings or subheadings in a different font. Download

5. The black-and-white resume

6. Orange resume template

This resume layout is actually optimized for applicant tracking systems, so you’ll be able to pop in keywords for the position you’re applying for and get yourself to the next round. Download

7. Peach resume template

Adding in colorful lines to your subheadings or your personal logo can add special touches to your resume without taking away from the content. Download

8. Creative resume template

9. Formal resume template

If you’re working in a more formal industry, resumes like this one give you the ability to add color while still being professional. Download

10. Profile resume template

11. Colorful resume template

You can add a little color on your resume without making it the color of a highlighter. Download

12. Grey and white resume template

13. Newspaper resume template

14. Monogrammed resume template

15. Technical resume template

Technical resumes can be difficult to format, but they don’t have to be impossible. Download

16. Pink resume template

Elle Woods isn’t the only one with a pink resume; if you work in an industry where creativity and color can get you a long way, why not try it? Download

17. Visual resume template

You can use visuals to show your expertise, which might come in handy when you’re applying for jobs where you need to flaunt what you’ve got. Download

18. Creative peach resume template

Adding a few icons can be a nice touch to a resume, especially one for creative or design positions. Download

19. Minimal resume template

Want a more minimalistic resume design but don’t have a ton of experience to show? This template makes your resume look a little more chic. Download

Are you looking for the best free PowerPoint templates? Check them out here:

62 best free powerpoint templates to make your life easier, 20. light pink resume template.

Pastels are your thing? Then you’ve found your perfect resume. Download

21. Bold resume template

Feeling bold? Submit a black resume and see what happens. Download

22. Long profile resume template

Want to add a longer profile about yourself to your resume? This template lets you do it. Download

23. Plain, but trendy resume template

This resume is called “plain but trendy,” and it’ll make you look put together. Download

24. Green resume template

A little splash of bright green color can’t hurt, especially if you’re applying to more creative positions. Download

25. Light pink resume template

If you’re applying to jobs where showing off your personality more is an asset, this resume template could do the trick in landing you that perfect gig. Download

26. Colorful blue resume template

This resume is colorful, straightforward, and easy to read. What’s not to love? Download

27. Unconventional resume template

You’ll wake up a drowsy recruiter with this red and black template. Download

28. Fancy emerald resume template

Feeling blue? A hiring manager sure won’t after checking out this resume template. Download

29. Simple resume template

Don’t let this simplistic resume fool you; it can help you go far in your job search. Download

30. Splash of blue resume template

This template flips the typical resume setup on its head, which could work in your favor during the application process. Download

31. Creative resume template

The color’s a little unorthodox, but now’s not the time to bore recruiters. Download

32. Mint resume template

This resume is so cool, recruiters will be stunned with amaze-mint (get it?). Download

33. Purple resume template

Purple is an unconventional resume choice, but it may serve you well in some professions. Download

34. Yellow resume template

This resume’s surprise is the pop of color at the bottom. Download

35. Classic resume template

This design’s a little more classic than others but still has an interesting neutral color scheme. Download

Looking for PSD resume templates instead? We’ve got you covered:

10 free psd resume templates to help yours stand out, 36. simple pink resume template.

37. Creative profile resume template

38. Dark sidebar resume template

39. Light resume template

40. Colorblock resume template

41. Minimalist resume template

42. Bold Blue resume template

43. Appleseed resume template

44. Timeless resume template

45. Modern resume template

46. Colorful infographic resume template

47. Mint block resume template

48. UX resume template

49. Venn diagram resume template

This template features a unique way of presenting your professional skill set – a Venn diagram! It also comes with an accompanying portfolio and cover letter template. Download

50. Monochrome resume template

51. Organic shapes resume template

Download your free Word resume templates

Need a variety of resumes at your fingertips? We’ve put together a selection of the best free resume templates in one easy download below. And don't forget to check out our handy cover letter template too!

Get the skills you need to land the job

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Learn some of the most in-demand skills that many hiring managers expect to see on your resume with our on-demand online training. Master Microsoft Word , become an Excel ninja, start managing projects like a pro, or learn to code – the choice is yours.

If you're interested in building your resume using another Microsoft product, look no further than this Excel Resume builder . 

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Lily Herman is a New York-based writer and editor. Her skills include Writing, Microsoft Office, Leadership, Journalism, and Public speaking. Her work has been featured on Forbes, TIME, Newsweek, Mashable, Fast Company, Teen Vogue, ELLE, Yahoo, and more. Find her on Linkedin here.

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All Formats

• Graphic Design

29+ Chronological Resume Template in InDesign | Illustrator | Word | Apple Pages | PSD | Publisher

By definition, a chronological sample resume is a type of resume wherein the events of a candidate’s professional life are recounted in sequential order. Also, such a kind of resume is known to follow a systematic simple order—a hierarchy of sections in which different details about education, profession, and others are mentioned. Chronological resume templates are easily available to help you design one for yourself. The formats are completely editable and user-friendly. Any person can create a chronological resume using a chronologic resume template. A chronological resume template is a Word document that acts as a readymade document for all those people who may not be clear about framing such resumes on their own. You’ll find layout sample outline templates a resume for a marketing manager, modern nursing, high school beginner, fresher internship, college engineer, fresh graduate, accountant, traditional business, and more.

Chronological Resume Cover Letter

• Google Docs
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College Student Resume

High School Resume

• Illustrator

Internship Resume

Engineer Resume

Free Chronological Resume Template

Free Chronological Resume Template Layout

Chronological Resume Template

Free college student chronological resume template.

High School Chronological CV Resume

Sample Chronological Resume CV Template

Free Customer Service Chronological Resume Template

General Free Chronological Resume CV Template

Free Marketing Chronological Resume Template

Free Traditional Chronological Resume Template

Business Management Chronological Resume Outline

Free Chronological Resume Template Sample CV

Free Fresh Graduate Chronological Modern Resume

Free Administrative Assistant Chronological Resume

Free Chronological Resume for Engineer Students

Free Accountant Chronological Resume Format

Free Nursing Chronological Resume Template

Free Custodian Supervisor Chronological Resume

Entry Level Chronological Resume for Job Template

Free Pharmacy Internship Chronological Resume Template

Free Professional Manager Chronological Resume

Free Reverse Functional Chronological Resume

Free Chronological Order Resume Worksheet

Teacher Education Student Chronological Resume

Free Fresher / Beginner Chronological Resume

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• Resume & CV

20 Best Free Chronological Resume CV Templates to Download for 2024

Looking for a new job? Increase your chance of landing your dream job w ith simple chronological resume templates .

This round-up will show you free chronological resume examples. But, more importantly, we'll show you the  best  simple chronological resume templates. These low-cost, perfectly polished designs are the best option for any aspiring professional. A resume template helps you know exactly what to include when applying.

The best option is to use high-quality premium chronological resume templates . Let's jump in.

Find the Best Chronological Resume Templates on Envato Elements

As Warren Buffett once said , " price is what you pay, value is what you get ." A free template might have the lowest price, but it'll never offer you the most value. With a premium template, polished resumes are much easier to create. 

The best source for premium simple chronological resume templates is Envato Elements. It's got carefully reviewed and chosen designs that help you create your best  resume.

Explore Resume Templates

Elements includes not only premium chronological CV formats, but so many other extras as well. These are all included for a flat-rate. That means you can create the best-ever version of your resume without breaking the bank:

• Graphics and icons. Let's say that your simple chronological resume template includes a variety of skills. You can snag a free set of icons for visual cues about the diversity of your skillset.
• Free fonts.  You don't have to stick to boring, system-installed fonts. Elements has thousands of custom fonts for typography that stands out from the crowd.
• Presentation templates.  Sometimes, you might want to give a presentation as part of the hiring process. The same Elements subscription will give you templates that help you land the job.

Envato Elements is an outstanding source for the designs that share your career timeline. Read on to see examples of those designs in action.

5 Premium Options for Simple Chronological Resume Templates

Let's check out five top premium resume templates in chronological format designs from Envato Elements. 

1. Resume Template

While you learn how to do a chronological resume, choose a template that's easy-to-use. This simple chronological resume template fits the bill perfectly. It features well-organized layers that make it easy to navigate. It includes Photoshop and Microsoft Word templates.

If you need a simple chronological resume template, this is the ideal template for you. It's got a one-page design, is fully editable, and uses free fonts. The top of the template has a placeholder for a headshot and your contact information. The body gives you space for your skills, references, education, and work experience. 

There's nothing wrong with using a stylish design like this chronological resume example. It's a format that works perfectly for coders, designers, creatives, and more. This template is usable in Adobe InDesign. It's a print-ready design that makes it easy to bring your experience to life.

4. Corporate CV Resume

5. Minimalist Resume iWantemp

Minimalism is more popular than ever. When you've got fewer design elements, the key  details in simple chronological resume templates really shine. This design is the perfect example and is sure to bring focus to your most important career moments.

20 Professional Free Chronological Resume Template Examples to Download (2024)

We’ve just seen five of the best premium chronological resume template designs. But you can also find basic free options to build a simple chronological CV format. While these often won’t be fully featured, they can help you get started with the search for your dream job.

Before you start searching the web, Envato offers plenty of free resources. You can try out content free of charge from Envato Elements.

Now, let’s look at a variety of free chronological resume example designs from around the web:

1. Zoki Resume Template

Zoki is a free chronological resume example with a blue border. It’s built with customizable layouts and is print-ready.

2. Chronological Resume (Traditional Design)

Here's a simple chronological resume template on a single sheet. Experience and education items list in order.

3. Professional Resume Letter

Blue lines work to divide sections in this chronological CV format free.

4. Functional Resume (Simple Design)

You can list your job experiences with this simple chronological resume template. It also reserves space to list your skills.

5. Simple Typographic Resume

The Simple Typographic Resume lists experiences in numbered order. You can add education and skills too.

6. Professional Resume Blue

This is another free chronological resume example. With it, you can see how to do a chronological resume with a basic layout.

7. Contemporary Resume

Purple colors feature in the design of this chronological resume template. It’s text-heavy with many details on a single page.

8. Changing Fields Resume

This chronological CV format focuses on those who want to change careers or jobs.

9. Agata Resume Template

Agata is a free chronological resume template with three color designs. There's room for a photo too.

10. Resume Tagline

Resume Tagline is a basic chronological resume template free. You can choose from letter and A4-sized layouts.

11. Resume (Origin Theme)

You can use this simple chronological resume template if you need a resume on a single sheet.

12. Basic Chronological Resume

Here's another single-page chronological CV format. Contact info is at the top with experiences below.

13. The Monticello Resume Template

Monticello is a subtle chronological resume template. You can choose from different colors to alter the look and feel.

14. Informal Chronological Resume - Blue

These resume templates chronological format follow a basic style. They’re aimed at those with many experiences to list.

15. Simple Vector CV

This simple chronological resume template uses the classic chronological layout. Both experiences and education group by the year.

16. Typewriter Resume Chronological

Another no-frills layout, this file groups chronological content by category. You can drop in your details to make it work for you in this chronological resume template. 

17. The Yellowstone Resume Template

Yellowstone is a simple chronological resume template with five color designs to use. It helps show your work history in order.

18. Resume (Chronological Resume)

This simple chronological resume template can be used for almost any career. At the top, you can write a quick objective or summary statement.

19. Simple Portfolio Resume

This is a chronological CV format that you can edit in Adobe Illustrator.

20. Bold Monogram Resume

Last on our list, this template for chronological resume uses bold text to show your work history in chronological order.

How To Make a Great Chronological Resume Quickly In MS Word

Now that you have a chronological resume template, you'll need to customize it for the job you're applying for. To customize the resume template, follow the tutorial below:

For this tutorial, we'll be using the premium template, Resume Template .

This premium template is well organized and fully editable. The template is print ready, uses free fonts, and A4 size. Let's get started:

1. Delete Unwanted Objects

Sometimes chronological resume templates come with objects you don't want to use. You can delete any object in your simple chronological resume template.

To delete an object, click on the unwanted object. Next, hit Backspace on your keyboard, and the object is deleted. If there's text on top of the object, delete or move the text before trying to delete it.

2. Add In Your Text

The simple chronological resume template has plenty of text placeholders to add in your resume text. To edit the text placeholders, double-click the text placeholders. Select all the text and then paste in your desired text.

3. Add In Your Profile Image

The top of the chronological resume template has a placeholder for your profile image.  

To add your image, click on the Insert tab on the top menu. Next, click Pictures > Picture from file... A pop-up menu appears where you choose the profile image from your computer's files. 

4. Change Fonts

The font in the template for chronological resume may not be the one you want to use in your resume. You can change fonts easily

First, select the text that you want to change the font of. Then, click on the Home tab on the top menu. Next, click on the arrow next to the Font menu. A font list drops down where you can select the font that you want to use.

5. Add a Text Box

In your resume, you may need to add a section that's currently on the template for chronological resume. 

To add a new text box, click the Insert tab on the top menu. Next, click the Text Box button. A menu appears. Choose the Draw Text Box option and click on the resume where you want the text box to be. 

Now let's go over even more great tips for creating resume templates. 

5 Quick Tips To Make Great Chronological Resumes in 2024

We’ve looked at many premium and free chronological resume template designs. These help you start to build an impressive resume. But you’ll still need to work to stand out from others.

To do that, you need to embrace design tips that elevate your resume above others. Let’s look at five of the best:

1. Have a Professional Headshot

Photos can go a long way towards building a quality resume in 2024. This helps put your name with your face. By adding a professional headshot, you’ll instantly gain a feature that many other resumes don’t have.

Premium templates are perfect for this. Many free chronological resume template designs won’t include photo placeholders. But with premium templates, you can drag and drop your photo right onto the page! It saves you time and ensures a seamless design process.

2. Include a Summary Statement

Summary statements are often found on resumes. Consider adding one to your simple chronological resume template. Summary statements, in essence, are a quick biography of you.

Chronological CV formats can also be used to outline your purpose in seeking a given role. Ideally, they capture your most important experiences in skills, in rank order.

Summary statements should be quick, concise, and to the point. To learn how to write a winning one, turn to our full tutorial:

3. Be Job-Specific

Generic resumes won’t fly in 2024. Remember, you’re trying to land a specific job. You should build your chronological CV format so that it best meets that job. A great option is to use a job-specific template.

A template like the one above is for a medical assistant role. Browse Envato Elements’ vast library as you begin work on your resume. You’re sure to find resume templates chronological format that meet the needs of the career you want.

4. Build an Online Resume

In today’s global world, you may find yourself sharing your resume online. It’s useful to craft a chronological resume example tailored for online sharing.

These digital resumes can take a variety of forms. Those include websites, presentations, and more. Many of these designs are even interactive! By building a chronological CV format such as this, you can rapidly stand out from the crowd.

Learn more with our complete online resume tutorial now:

5. Be Creative With Color

Ever heard it said that dull colors are interesting? Probably not. When you work with a simple chronological resume template, you need to be creative with the use of color. Of course, don’t go overboard. But consider using elegant, bold colors to help sections stand out.

By using color, you can help your resume stand out in a stack of others. It also helps guide reviewers to sections of your resume that you think are most important.

Discover More Top Resume Template Designs

A template is a blueprint for success. It's got the placeholder blocks with cues for what every resume should include. The chronological CV format has some  specifics, but many templates will do the job nicely for you.

Jump to these articles to see more of the best resume templates. Many of them will even work as chronological resume templates with only minor tweaks.

Common Resume Questions Answered (FAQ)

You may have questions about how to create a professional resume. To help you, we've answered five of the most commonly answered questions about resumes:

1. What's the Biggest Mistake In Resumes?

The biggest mistake that people make when creating resumes is providing irrelevant information. Many people add irrelevant work experience and other information that doesn't pertain to the job they are applying for.

2. How Long Should My Resume Be?

Resumes should be one page long. It's okay to have two pages, but only for people with manyyears of relevant work experience. Learn more in this tutorial:

3. What Format Should I Use?

The reverse chronological order format is the most commonly used. You should use this format by default. Be sure to look at other resumes in your industry, as they might use a different format. Here are some tips to help you structure your resume:

4. What File Format Should I Use?

Today, many resumes are sent electronically. A PDF is the most common file format and should be used when sending in your resume electronically. For more information, read:

5. How Can I make My Resume Stand Out?

There are a few ways that you can make your resume stand out. You can add a bold and descriptive summary, customize the text to the company you're applying for, and use subtle design elements. 

Here are some tips to  make your resume unique:

Want even more information on how to create resumes? Check out the following section. 

Learn More About Making Great Resumes in 2024

Throughout this tutorial, you've learned how to do a chronological resume, organized by date. It's the best way to paint your expertise as a series of events, acquired over time.

Check out these resources that'll teach you even more skills while you work with chronological resume templates. We even have tutorials that show you how to do a chronological resume!

Download the Best Chronological Resume Templates and To Start Your Design

Ready to tell your career story on a timeline? Now, you've got options for simple chronological resume templates that do just that.

Leverage the premium simple chronological resume templates you've already seen. The professional designs in chronological resume examples will inspire you to apply confidently.

Download a chronological resume template, add your details, and watch your experience come to life. These premium designs are sure to catch a hiring manager's eye.

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

20+ Free Word Resume Templates for 2024 [Download Now]

Are you looking to create a new resume but don’t want to go through the painstaking process of creating one from scratch, section by section?

To save a lot of time, you can use a Microsoft Word resume template instead.

Why would you want to do that?

For one, MS-Word comes with a lot of pre-built resume templates that can have you up and running with a fully customized resume in a matter of minutes.

There’s quite a lot of variety as well. So, you can really pick a resume template that both you and the HR manager will love.

Are you a marketer or a designer? Pick a creative resume and show off your imagination!

Applying for a finance position in a bank ? One of the conservative, black & white word resume templates will work for you.

Word comes with a number of free templates, and there are other hand-crafted premium options available online.

Do you want a winning Word template that’ll have the HR manager glued to your beautiful resume?

Here’s what you need to know:

How to Use Word Resume Templates

10+ free word resume templates, 10+ premium word resume templates, how to make a resume the easy way.

There are two ways you can get your hands on a Word resume template.

You can either go with a pre-customized Word template that comes with the software, or you can use an external template made by designers and career experts for Word specifically.

Let’s start with the resume templates that come with the software.

In-Build Microsoft Word Resume Templates

To access these templates, here’s what you do:

• Open MS word
• Click file from the menu bar on top of the screen
• From there, you can select a number of different formats ( resumes, flyers, cards, cover letters , and more)

In this case, we’re focusing on resume templates , so you can type that in the search bar to see the different kinds of templates available.

As you can see, there’s plenty of choice here and a lot of different design options.

From there on, you find the one you like, and just fill it in to your liking!

Each of the templates come with a brief description as well, based on the theme and what kind of impression you want to leave with that specific template.

Here’s what you’d be getting with the free Pink floral resume :

Present your resume with this easily customizable template. Edit your experience and information with this and know that you’ll be making a statement with the design choice. This template also includes information on how to build an effective resume:

Not sure what to put on your resume? We feel you! Picking the right template is only the first step. Check out our complete guide on how to make a resume and you’ll be an expert in no time!. 

The best things in life are free, right?

Let’s see if the best free Word resume templates also stack up.

Functional Resume (Simple Design)

Who's it for: Any entry-level position

Creator: Microsoft

Where to find it: Microsoft Templates

Want something super simple for free?

Microsoft Word comes with a number of ready-to-go resume templates that are one click away. 

All you have to do is go to Microsoft Templates , where you’ll find a number of different templates for resumes, cover letter, newsletters, and more. 

There, you’ll find a number of good starting resume templates, like this functional resume by Microsoft.

When to Use This Template

Depending on your achievements and background, you’ll want to list your qualifications in a specific order. With this functional resume, you can list your objective, professional achievements , skills, and work history - in that specific order.

You can use this resume if you’re switching jobs to a different career , or as your no experience resume .

With just a bit of color to stand out and clear sections within the layout, you can’t go wrong with this template.

It’s a simple, and effective starting point for most job-seekers .

Though, the design might be all too common and easy to blend in with other candidates applying for the same job.

Modern Chronological Resume

Who's it for: Mid-level job-seekers

Most resume formats you find are going to be in chronological order. 

That is, starting from your most recent job experience, going down to your previous jobs.

You can’t go wrong with this format, and if you want something that’s professional, but also has a bit of flair to it, check out the Modern chronological resume by Microsoft:

The standard way to list your work experience is in chronological order. With this modern resume, you can start with your latest job experience to help the HR manager easily find what they’re looking for.  

This is a very straightforward approach, and it also has a color scheme and a design that can help you stand out from other candidates.

Just because it’s professional, doesn’t mean it has to be boring.

Though, if you want to take a more creative approach with your resume, you could use the...

Infographic Word Resume

Who's it for: Marketers and social media experts

Are you applying for a marketing or a design job where you’ll be creating a lot of web content?

Then you can make your resume a part of your portfolio with the infographic resume.

Use this infographic resume to list your qualifications in a way that’s easy to follow. The icons highlight your skills and the sections follow a clear direction.

This is a good example of custom tailoring your resume to the job.

It goes without saying that the content inside the resume has to be up to par as well. 

But as far as standing out goes, this infographic resume is guaranteed to attract eyes from a stack of resumes.

FREE Resume Template by Fernando Báez

Who's it for: Graphic and web designers

Creator: Fernando Báez

Where to find it: Behance

What could be better than a free resume template that has already been tried and tested?

After using and getting a few jobs with the very same template as a freelance UI/UX designer, Fernando is now giving away his secrets in the form of a free template.

In the resume pack, you’ll find your resume template in .ai format (Adobe Illustrator), all resume fonts used in the design, and a free icon set by Brankic. In it, you can customize the infographics to help represent your specialties , knowledge , language skills , or hobbies .

(Need help with any of those sections? Read our guide on what to put on a resume .)

Whether or not you’re a designer, you can customize the above template to truly represent you and make it uniquely yours.

There’s nothing wrong with using a template - it’s not plagiarism .

It’s inside the resume what matters, which is going to be unique each time ( at least it should be ).

Bold Monogram Resume

Who's it for: Any general-level position

A resume objective is a short 1-2 sentence elevator pitch that provides an overview of your experience , skills , and motivations . 

In it, you explain why you’re the right person for the job.

With this Bold monogram resume, your resume objective is guaranteed to stand out and be one of the first things the HR manager will notice. 

Present your qualifications in a stylish way that’s also professional and guaranteed to stand out. This template includes an editable color scheme, and instructions on how to build an effective resume.

While the focus is definitely on the resume objective , the rest of the resume follows a smooth flow in an order that makes sense.

Need some inspiration on your resume objective? Check out our real-life resume objective examples guide.

Simple and Clean Resume Template 

Who's it for: Creative directors

Creator: ZokiDesign

Where to find it: ZokiDesign

This simple and minimalistic resume template has a clean aesthetic, is easy to format and covers a lot of sections. 

You can show off your work experience as well as your background (resume summary or objective), education , skills , and even your hobbies .

Though you can change the color scheme, the format and the layout makes this resume ideal for creative roles. 

With a clean and modern aesthetic, this resume is a great way to quickly sum up your qualifications and also stand out from other resumes with its design. It has a minimal look to it, and still contain a lot of information while staying under 1 page. If needed, it can also be converted into a cover letter.

In short, the above resume covers just about everything you’ll need in a template and more.

The best part about it, like with most Word templates, is its customizability.

So, if you’re applying to a more conservative job, you can change the colors into a calmer tone - like black and white .

Creative Resume, Designed by MOO

Who's it for: Anyone in a creative role

Created with a neutral color scheme, this creative resume template by MOO was made to show off your creativity.

Yet, it won’t distract the viewers from the actual content within it.

So, depending on the company you’re applying to and your experience, you can draw eyes with this template.

This accessible resume template is for job seekers who want to show off their creative side and stand out from other candidates. It has all the important sections you’ll need and an editable color scheme. 

If you don’t necessarily have a lot of work experience, you can go with a creative template approach to stand out from other candidates and stay memorable.

In that case, you have to make sure your resume objective , skills , and other sections clearly display your motivation for the role.

Fully Editable Creative Resume Template by Omer Korkmaz

Who's it for: Senior graphic, UI/UX Designers

Creator: Omer Korkmaz

If you’re a graphic designer and know you’re way around AI, this fully editable creative resume template by Omer Korkmaz might be for you.

This template has everything you’d need applying for a graphic design role:

• A place for your contact information
• Work experience (with plenty of space)
• Certifications  
• And some extra space for other optional sections

This resume template is fully editable, and ideal for graphic designers . The free download includes a PowerPoint and Adobe Illustrator format, and the Open Sans font - everything you’ll ever need .

Because of the format versions that come with the template, you can really fine-tune the resume to perfection. You can change the design, the color schemes, and any other detail within Adobe Illustrator.

So, if you’re applying for a senior UX/UI designer role, you can really make sure that your resume reflects your qualifications with this creative template.

Minimal Resume - Free by Sovon Halder

Who's it for: Web developers and designers

Creator: Sovon Halder

This minimal resume template has an interesting color scheme and a font system to it that can make you stand out easily.

It stays just under one page, with all the necessary sections intact.

The resume also comes with Adobe Photoshop , Illustrator and PDF formats .

So, formatting shouldn’t be a problem as you can just edit it and quickly send it to an employer .

Minimal design, A4 Size, print ready, and editable. The template focuses primarily on your work experience, and your soft and hard skills. And you can always edit it based on your qualifications. Once you’re done editing, the resume is already print ready, so, all you have to do is customize the resume based on the job you’re applying to.

Despite its minimalistic approach, there’s a lot going on in the resume and you can easily summarize yourself in one page.

There’s plenty of white space as well.

So, in short, it’s easy on the eyes and the readability within the layout is on point as well. Now, what matters is what actually goes within it.

Resume for Recent College Graduate

Who's it for: Recent college graduates

Finally, we’ve covered just about every type of resume scenarios, except this one.

This Word template for recent college graduates prioritizes your objective , education , skills , and ends with experience (which you can include if you have any).

The design and the layout is fairly simple, and most of the resume is already filled in with examples. All you have to do is modify it based on your background - 

This resume was made with college graduates in mind. If you don’t have a lot of work experience, you can use this template to prioritize other sections (e.g. your education, skills, abilities, experience).

It’s simple and straightforward. 

And sometimes, that’s what it takes to get your foot in the door when you’re a recent college grad with not a lot of experience.

Still confused on how to structure your resume when you don’t have a lot of experience?

See our full guide for student and graduate resumes for a detailed guide on what you can include.

Now, the other side of the coin is actually paying for your resume template.

You might be thinking - the reason I’m looking for a job in the first place is to make money, why would I pay for a resume template?

A couple of reasons.

First , most premium resume templates only go up to around $15-20 at most.

And if you do find one that too perfect to pass up on - $15 is a relatively small price to pay for investing in your future.

You can then customize and re-edit your template for any future jobs, too.

After all, if it worked once, it’s probably going to work again, right?

Another advantage premium resume templates offer is that they also tend to come with extra features and/or files within.

Let’s take a look at what that might look like:

Clean Resume Template by HalfCircle

Who’s it for: Graphic and web designers

Creator: HalfCircle

Where to find it: CreativeMarket

This clean resume template by HalfCircle comes with a DOCX MS Word file and an Adobe Photoshop File for easy customization.

It also includes three different color schemes , a cover letter , all the fonts used, and it’s also ready-to-print.

The resume includes a clean layout with an easy-to-read font choice. The colors, along with the rest of the resume, are customizable and you can edit everything in even more detail with the Photoshop PSD file. The cover letter section, meanwhile, includes plenty of space for your text and has a contact information section as well.

The best thing about this template is how clearly the sections are separated.

Nothing in it feels too close to each other and it’s just as easy for the HR manager to find or jump to any specific section they’re looking for.

There’s not much else to say about this resume other than that it’s very straightforward and simple - living up to its name clean resume template name.

Professional Resume / CV Template by Classic Design

Who’s it for: Web and graphic designers

Creator: Classic Design

Looking for something more professional?

The professional resume template by Classic Design might be what you’re looking for.

The colors aren’t as vibrant here but the colors and the typography suggest that it’s more for a senior job role in a more traditional working environment.

This professional resume template has a more faded gray color scheme to it, and a font style that’s easy to follow. The template comes with Word, Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator formats, and a cover letter - all of which are easy to customize.

Though the default resume text is suited for a design role, you can easily to your career field and it won’t be out of place due to its design.

The template has all the sections you’d ever need, for both a creative and a more traditional job, and the HR manager will have an easy time following it top to bottom.

Professional Resume Template

Who’s it for: Marketers and bloggers

Creator: Mukhlasur Rahman

Price: $8.47

Want your resume to be personally tailored to your personality and job role?

This professional resume template by Mukhlasur Rahman might be for you then.

The Word template follows a consistent color scheme and layout that’s been specifically designed for designers and bloggers .

This professional and creative resume template has been tailor made for designers and online bloggers. It includes a contact section, social media , education, skills, profile, work experience, and awards. The template also comes with a separate cover letter, a reference page , and a free icon set.

If you’re going to be working closely with social media and other relevant online channels, you might want to include a whole section for it on your resume.

In it, you can include the following sections, depending on how relevant they are to you:

• Personal site or blog
• Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram

If the job requires you to be a social media expert, this might also be the perfect place to mention how you managed to grow your social media channel 0 to 10K.

Resume Template & Cover Letter by Opu;ent Studio

Who’s it for: Any senior role

Creator: Opu;’ent

If you’re applying for a more senior role this Word resume template & cover letter by Opu;ent Studio might be more up your alley.

The template is easy to edit in Adobe InDesign and Microsoft Word, and covers the following sections:

• Biography (though you can edit this for resume summary or objective)
• Work experience
• Technical Skills
• Contact information
• Cover letter

With a clean and unique look to the resume, this template is more suited for professionals and senior-level positions. There is a lot of space for work experience, and you can just as easily transform the biography section into a resume summary.

And if you think the template looks short, don’t worry. Everything you can’t mention in it goes in the cover letter .

Look at the cover letter as a one-page document that briefly summarizes your background.

A good cover letter is a supplement to your resume and can get the HR manager to call you back.

Wondering if you should also include your picture on the resume like in the above template? That may depend on your location.

Check out our guide to see if you should include a picture on your resume or CV .

Clean Resume/CV + Cover letter by Tamzid Hasan

Who’s it for: Web, IT developer

Creator: Tamzid Hasan

If you are indeed looking for a more professional resume, this clean resume/ CV combo by Tamzid Hasan might work great.

Clean one page resume that also comes with a cover letter and a reference template. It follows a professional black and white color scheme and a layout that focuses on work experience. Main features include:

• A4 & US Letter size
• Clean & professional design
• Microsoft Word (Docx) files
• CV/Resume + Cover Letter + References
• 1 & 2 page version
• Paragraph style

Of course, ideally, your resume should fit within one page . But if you have 5+ years of experience, you can break that rule and go with the two page version the template comes with.

If you are indeed going to go over the one page rule, since you’ll have more space in your overall resume, you can also include:

• Hard skills
• Soft skills
• Certifications

One page is ideal, but depending on the job role and your experience, you can also include some extra sections to back up your background.

Modern Resume Template for Microsoft Word by ResumeCoverPro

Who's it for: Any professional and creative role

Creator: ResumeCoverPro

Where to find it: Etsy

Looking for something that’s modern and professional?

Check out the professional resume package by ResumeCoverPro which includes - resume and cover letter templates , an icon pack , free fonts , effective customer support and more.

This template focuses on the main categories: education, profile, skills, work experience, and awards. You can edit each section to customize it but for the most part, it follows a very straightforward layout and color scheme. All you have to do is edit in the blanks and send it in.

This template wasn’t designed with any one specific job role in mind, so, it’s a great general-purpose approach with its design and layout.

As long as you have Word (or Google Docs), you can customize it to make it truly yours.

And if for some reason you need further help, the template comes with additional instructions and even customer support.

Optimized 1-page Edition Resume by TheResumeCoach

Who's it for: PR, Marketers

Creator: TheResumeCoach

This optimized 1-page edition resume is an attempt at perfecting the resume layout with the bare essentials.

For most jobs, regardless of the seniority level or the career field, this template will allow you to get all of your qualifications on paper, in a classic A4 one page format.

This template allows you to highlight your key skills and qualifications, all in one page. No need to worry about going overboard with this as this has been specifically designed for a 1-page approach.

This is a clear attempt at optimizing for the 1-page resume format.

If you’re looking for something that’s professional and you can use for multiple scenarios - the above template might be the way to go.

It’s easy-to-use and will look good for most people.

All you have to do is fill in the blanks and you’ll have a fully customized resume that’s guaranteed to stand out and attract eyes.

Elegant Resume by Horea Nicodin

Who's it for: Pretty much anyone

Creator: Horea Nicodin

Where to find it: Dribble

Everything about this elegant resume template screams fanciness and it’s guaranteed to get a second look from the HR manager - which is your chance to really draw them in.

If your background is half as good as how the resume looks, you’re guaranteed to get a call back (if not for an interview, just for them to compliment your resume).

This template is ideal if you want to leave a lasting impression. It’s functional as well as elegant - definitely the best of both worlds .

Fortunately, it doesn’t actually come with a cursive font, as that would just make the recruiter’s job harder.

Though, the resume template (and the cover letter) do come with any file format you’ll ever need - Word , Photoshop , Illustrator , and InDesign .

This one-page resume template is ideal for those who want to keep their resumes concise, with just the right amount of flair.

2-page Resume/CV Combo by Resume Templates

Who's it for: UX/UI Designers

Creator: ResumeTemplates

If you’re going to be breaking the 1-page resume rule, you better have a good reason for it (i.e. a lot of experience).

And if that’s the case, then you could use the 2-page resume/CV package by ResumeTemplates.

When to Use This Template 

Clean, modern and professional Resume with Letterhead design. Fully customizable, and easy to use and replace the color & text.

This 2-pager Word template also comes with a cover letter, 100% scalable files (Photoshop, Illustrator, Word), and is ready to print.

It follows a reverse-chronological order and even has a references section. 

So, if you’re going to be using this template, make sure you have enough experience to fill it in with.

Modern Resume Template Package by ResumeFoundry

Who's it for: Online marketers

Creator: ResumeFoundry

Last but not least, this is another take on the modern creative resume package by Resume Foundry.

The package follows an all-in-one approach and the feature of being able to customize it based on your experience.

This template comes with just about everything you’ll ever need, regardless of your experience level.This includes a 1-3 page template, a cover letter, references, instructions, and a ready-to-help customer support.

Everything you see on the template is editable, and you also have the freedom to continue over the 2nd page (if needed).

Though, if you’re going to take the one-page approach, you’ll find that it has all the sections you’d need for most jobs. And the design won’t be out of place for just about any career field either.

So, essentially, you’re getting everything you’d need for $15, all that’s left to do is edit them accordingly.

That’s a lot of choice for a Word resume template.

While they might look good on paper, one common issue with building your resume with Word is that it can be super hard to format.

What do we mean by this?

Well, essentially, if you wanted to edit one specific part of your template (e.g. margin, design), there’s a chance that the whole formatting might break and spill over onto the 2nd page.

Sounds familiar? It happens to the best of us.

The reason this happens is because while Word is a powerful software on its own, it will always move your sections to the next page if the formatting isn’t just right.

Details matter to Word, sometimes a bit too much.

Do you want to simplify your resume building process down to its core?

Novorésumé template builder allows you to work and format your resume without having to worry about space, margins and other tiny details.

Everything is formatted based on the layout you choose and you won’t have to worry about your sections seemingly disappearing like in Word.

All this and more - for FREE .

Key Takeaways

So, to recap, here’s everything you need to know about using Microsoft Word resume template:

• You can use preloaded templates in Word by clicking File from the menu bar on top of the screen, then New , and from there, search for a “ resume template ” from the prompted search bar.
• The templates Word comes with are free , and you can also use premium templates, which you can find online.
• Though the premium templates cost money, the difference is noticeable as in most cases, they’ve been designed by career experts and artists all over the world.
• Once you find an ideal template that fits your qualifications , you can simply download it and edit it within Word.
• Though, if you’re looking for a smoother experience, you can simply use a powerful online resume builder for free , to represent your skills and qualifications based on how you want it .

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Suggested reading:

• How to Write a Resume & Land That Job [99+ Real-Life Examples]
• CV vs. Resume - What are the Differences & Definitions [+ Examples]
• 40+ Real-Life Resume Objective Examples [+How-to Guide]

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Reverse Chronological Resume Templates

The most commonly used resume format is a reverse-chronological one as it shows hiring managers how you progressed throughout your career.

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