Hard work is required if you want to leave a good impression on your new employers. All of your hard work will be put into a piece of paper called a CV. CV’s have evolved a lot recently, and a generic one is no longer viable. Nowadays, dozens of formats can help you land your dream job. With competition getting stiffer by the minute, you have to choose carefully the type of format that will help you get over the line and beat the competition. So that’s why we’ve written this article to help you stand out from the pack by choosing the right CV format.
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How to Choose the Best Format?
It’s difficult to write a CV, let alone choose the right one. A lot of research is needed to determine which company focuses on what when examining your CV. There are generally some rules that apply regarding which CV format you should use.
Why do you need a CV?
What are you hoping to achieve with it?
What do you want to tell your employers with it?
For landing your first job, or if you’re going after a career change, then make sure to keep your CV relatively straightforward. More complex CVs should be written for mid-career or late-career professionals.
1. Chronological CV
source: leapcoaching.ie
The first and most common, type of CV is chronological. This format is usually the one that hiring managers prefer, but that can also be subjective. This format represents content in an organized and in reverse chronological way. It’s quite easy to read because hiring managers can see your most recent work done.
When to Use it?
Use a chronological CV is you are after your first job. It’s mostly recommended for recent graduates, mid-career professionals, and those that have a work history full of progress.
When to Not Use it?
Avoid using this format is you’re frequently changing career paths, if you have gaps in employment history, frequent job changes if you are overqualified if you have no relevant experience.
For a more in-depth article on all CV formants, make sure to visit https://jofibo.com/blog/the-best-cv-format-for-freshers.
2. Functional CV
source: arielle.com.au
This CV format mostly focuses on your skills, abilities, and achievements, rather than past work experiences. It shows employers and hiring managers what you’re capable of, rather than what you’ve done.
When to Use it?
If you have significant gaps in work history, you need to put an emphasis on skills over job titles and changing jobs frequently, then use this CV format.
When to Not Use it?
Avoid using this CV if you have haven’t developed any skills or abilities and if you’re after your first job.
3. Combined CV
source: emailchooser.com
As the name suggests, this format is a combination of both chronological and functional formats. This format is the most marketable format because it never fails to grab the hiring managers’ attention. This format has the potential to make your skills and abilities stand out, while also touching on past work experiences.
When to Use it?
Use this format if you have developed skills that aren’t relevant to the job opening, if you’re applying for a job in IT or science sector, and if you’re looking to change industries and have skills that can do it.
When to Not Use it?
Avoid using this format if you are a student or recent graduate without any significant skills or past work experience, if you have significant employment gaps, and if you are changing jobs frequently.