Writing a CV can seem difficult, but once you start it gets a lot easier. The challenging part is deciding which format to use. While this is something that you get to learn with experience and – lots of research into what employers look for there are generally some rules that apply regarding the use of each type.
The following three questions can help you make the right choice:
For example, are you after a career change, applying for a job for the first time, are you hoping to advance in your career, get a raise or apply for a management role? If you are just starting out, your CV should be relatively straightforward, but for mid-career or late-career professionals it can get a bit more complex.
As you go through the list of CV formats, make sure you take a look into the advantages/disadvantages to decide which one is the best depending on each situation and find out what purpose you need it to serve. Also, take a look at the different samples for each one to give you some useful examples you need to follow. Here it goes…
The chronological CV is the most common format, and it’s the one employers prefer. The reason why it’s so popular is because it presents information in an organised way and provides an easy read to employers. Information is listed in reverse chronological order which presents your qualifications in a chronological order, beginning from the newest and moving to the oldest. This helps employers to identify your most recent experiences that are most related and applicable to the position.
Use it when:
Don’t use it if:
Advantages:
Disadvantages:
Example:
The functional or skills-based CV focuses on abilities and achievements, rather work experience and shows employers what you have done rather what you can do. This CV format was quite popular in the past though today is used only in certain circumstances e.g. when you are changing careers, have gaps in your work history or applying for your first job. In contrast to the chronological, the focus goes on the skills instead of work experience.
Use it when:
Advantages:
Disadvantages:
Example:
This format is a combination of the chronological and skills-based CVs. Even though the chronological is the most popular, the hybrid is the most marketable CV as it never fails to catch the recruiter’s attention. This is because it can make your skills stand out focusing on your biggest accomplishments and it is often used to highlight your most relevant work experience in a semi-chronological format.
Use it when:
Don’t use it if:
Advantages:
Disadvantages:
Example:
A mini CV is a brief summary of your qualifications. Since it is supposed to be small, it needs to be brief and straight to the point. It should contain only the necessary information an employer is interested in. This format could take the form of a business card and the best thing is you can carry it with you at all times to use it easily in impromptu situations. For this one you need to be careful so that you pick the most impressive details or skills that are essential to the role you are after.
This format provides you with the perfect opportunity to advertise yourself. So you could refer to your job title, key skills and create a career objective specifically for this purpose.
Advantages:
Disadvantages:
Example: