When seeking a job, you must list the dates of employment on your resume or employers may think you're hiding something. Most employers expect to see a resume with past employment information and the dates employed. A chronologically-formatted resume with easy-to-read dates makes it easy for an employer to see when and where you've worked in the past. Listing job duties and accomplishments help a potential employer decide whether you meet the minimum requirements for the job.

Company Information and Job Titles

When you format your chronological resume, list the name of the employer on one line, your job title below, and then begin your job descriptions. Listing this information clearly allows a recruiter to quickly scan your work history and determine whether your past fits with the job they need to fill. Lying about this information won't help you get hired, and will land your resume in the trash once it's found out to be incorrect.

Dates of Employment

When adding your dates of employment, it's fine to list only the year. If currently employed, state the ending date as "Present." Listing the current year as the end date leads to confusion regarding your employment status. Dates of employment should be on the same line as the company name, but on the right side of the page. A database now used by larger employers called the Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) may sort and store your resume by the information you provide -- depending on the job. So you must have your periods of employment correct. Online applications used by job boards or some employers may skip your resume if the dates are not entered and formatted correctly

Job Description

Job descriptions make or break a resume. Think of the job description as selling yourself to the new company. Employers want to see accomplishments and achievements, as well as your job duties. For example, if you created a more efficient filing system or communication program, list that on your resume in the job description. It shows resourcefulness, and employers want to know how you'll help their company if they hire you. These should be listed in bullet format under the job title.

Resume Tips

Don't lie on a resume, most importantly, because employers can verify your information. Employers increasingly check backgrounds; involving everything from credit scores to social media presence. Do an Internet check on yourself to see if you need to update or delete information that's outdated or inappropriate. Don't add hobbies or extracurricular activities unless they directly relate to your job skills.