CV Format

Formatting your CV for best results

We all know what a CV should contain, and in general terms, how it should be arranged on the page. In spite of knowing all the technicalities, people still commit the mistake of writing a run-of-the-mill CV with the same headlines, the same order of ideas, and the same general matter in a dull business language. In this way, the CV looks indeed as a poor copy of a standard template. The formatting should be backed up by the right information of course, but in order to have a good flow of ideas, the CV should have a building-up style of presentation. You start at the personal details, or educational qualification and slowly build up to show how your talents are best suited for the job at hand. Bullet points look perfect when listing job responsibilities, or personality traits, or overall achievements headings. However, if the bullet points do not have an anchor that explains what they are, it will be difficult for the CV to really hold the prospective employer's interest. Do not state the obvious - depending upon the job achievements, do not re-inforce certain traits which are self-evident, such as good leadership, good communication skills, etc. Go ahead and use the paper for traits that are not visible from what you have presented so far. For example, you are a successful marketing manager - it is understood that you are a good strategist - but you could also add that you are a tough negotiator who saved the company a great deal of money. This would be a trait that would add value to your CV and identify you as having good potential. The impression of the paper presentation - the quality of the paper, the arrangements of the text, its font, and the typesetting will create an unwitting impact on the prospective employer. Be sure that you use this trait to your advantage. Use the skills of a good typist and/or word processor to make your CV a work of art. Each and every aspect of your CV should work towards creating the right impression with the employer. This will be done with the help of alot of research to know what he/she wants in the first place. Search the net and libraries for reports and news, ask around old and present employees and use the information to form a critical focus on your best talents and traits. Writing a CV is hard work - do not kid yourself that it is any other way. It is not just the way you put together your personal data - but rather the way you arrange that personal and professional data to attract the attention the interest of the prospective employer. It is an art that has to be perfected with time, patience and practice. It is the most important tool in job searching since it gives the opening line to the employer and thus creates the first impression about you in his/her mind.

Functional CV

Functional CV

The Functional CV is usually two pages in length and covers your entire career history. Unlike the most common chronological CV it focuses, not on your career history, but on your skills, abilities and expertise. It may not even refer to a specific industry, as the skills detailed are deemed transferable. It is important that the skills you detail are relevant to the position you are applying for. It is no use highlighting your great accounting experience if the position is in sales. You should highlight your achievements in a sales environment and focus on relevant aspects of that field of work. A Functional CV format is useful if: You lack experience or have gaps in your work history; these can be de-emphasized in a functional CV while your skills and potential are highlighted. You have changed jobs frequently and have had a variety of unrelated work experiences. You want to promote skills and experience obtained through college or volunteer experience. You are changing careers or re-entering the job market, perhaps after taking a career break to be a full time parent. Your most recent work experience is not relevant to the job, but past experience is. You have been working freelance or in temporary employment. You do not want to advertise your age. A functional CV format is less useful if: You have little work experience and thus not much to highlight. You have a progressive career history, which reflects promotions, and growth and you want to emphasize that. What is the layout of a Functional CV? The Functional CV starts with a Profile that highlights specific skills, achievements and relevant personal qualities. Grouped beneath subheadings, you should then present your range of skills and abilities beginning with the most important. Present the functions as bullet points. Rather than focusing on experience in a particular job, detail your abilities as demonstrated in that job in such a way as to show that they are transferable to the job applied for. As previous employers are not mentioned by name you can include voluntary and unpaid work. Following this section is a list of employers and employment dates. Qualifications are covered next including professional and academic qualifications. The Functional CV may conclude with a brief outline of your personal details, hobbies and interests.

Inventory CV

Inventory CV

The Inventory CV is used when sending your CV to: Various recruiters When you do not have a specific job objective This kind of CV is a more general overview of your skills, achievements and qualifications. A general objective or career strategy behind an inventory CV helps in being slightly more specific towards your career goals. General career goals can be: "a secretary working with a local company" "a computer programmer" "a sales person" Having a general career objective in mind can help you focus on those particular skills, abilities and experience required for the job. Your CV should show that you are competent by demonstrating your relevant previous experience and qualifications. If you are unemployed or desperate to switch jobs, the inventory CV is a good time saver. You can write a custom cover letter for each job you apply for and you can send the same CV to all recruiters. If you are interested in several careers write several inventory CVs each for a particular career goal.

Combination CV

Combination CV

The combination CV format is normally used by job hunters who have a solid background associated with their career objectives . You will include sections that highlight your education and experience, followed by the job history. Use the combination CV when you have a definite career path and a targeted job area that is related to your job history and experience. This type of CV combines the best of the functional and the chronological CV styles. You can also use it when each position or job had unique responsibilities and when a shorter type of CV would not suffice. List responsibilities, and or accomplishments and skills developed after each job experience or training listing. Stay focused; use less rather than more words. Begin each sentence or idea with a verb, for instance, Awarded, Assisted etc. Advantages of the combination CV Combines the best of the chronological and functional CV writing styles. Emphasizes your achievements and strengths, as well as experience. Starts with a profile and followed by job history, which is ideal for getting the attention of the employer. Focuses on important skills which are supported by the job history. Accomplishments are noticed. Disadvantage of combination CV: It is lengthy. If you fail to get attention through the profile, the recruiter may not even read the job history section. Don't use the combination CV when: Your work experience is limited. You have several or unexplained employment gaps. You changed jobs frequently.

Targeted CV

Targeted CV

	This kind of CV is a way to focus your career towards a particular objective, within a specific industry or a specific company. A targeted CV is written in a way that highlights skills, qualifications and experience that match the requirements of the advertised position. Writing a targeted CV is effective when:

• You know the requirements of a particular position
• You know which company you will be sending your CV to
• You are sending your CV in reply to a specific job advertisement
• You need to compose different CVs each corresponding to a different career objective

Chronological CV

The chronological CV is named thus as it details your career history most commonly in reverse chronological order with the most recent employment detailed first and working backwards. A complete record of career history is detailed along with a complete education record. It is the most frequently used CV and is usually 2 sides of A4 in length.
ob Titles and company names are emphasized with skills, duties and achievements detailed under each job title. A chronological CV is most useful if you are staying within the same industry and wish to show career progression.

Additionally, if your employer was a familiar household name, it may be wise to highlight that as often they set a precedent for the type of people they employ so the mere mention of their company name may be enough to demonstrate that you are a high caliber candidate.

Most employers prefer the chronological CV format, as it is easy to see who you have worked for and what you did in each particular job. If you do not have many achievements, you can take the emphasis off this fact when using a Chronological CV.

Reasons why a chronological CV may not be the best format include:

• If you are changing direction and the most recent employer is not relevant to your new chosen career.
• If your career history shows gaps in your employment due to poor health, unemployment, having children, etc. or that you have changed jobs frequently.

Refer to What is a CV and why do I need one? for further details.