If you're thinking about creating or updating your CV, you may be wondering which is best, or what the differences between them are. The three main types of CV are chronological, functional and targeted and they each have a slightly different approach.
Chronological CVs
This is the traditional style of CV, where you outline your career history in chronological order, starting with your most recent job first. These are most appropriate when:
- You have a steady work history
- Your work experience is relevant to the position
- You're staying in the same field of work
- You're aiming to work in a traditional field like local government or education
A chronological CV will include:
- Contact details: name, address, phone numbers and email address
- Employment history: Name of employer, position (job title), employment dates, job responsibilities, achievements. Start with your current or most recent position and work backwards
- Education: your educational qualifications with most recent first
If relevant:
- Skills - a list of practical/technical skills that show your suitability for your target job
- Professional qualifications/continuing professional development
- Memberships of any relevant professional bodies
- Interests if relevant to job or you need to fill some space!
Your last or current position should include more information about your duties, skills and achievements than previous ones. In most cases, the less recent your job, the less information you will include.
Functional CVs
Functional CVs focus on skills, rather than on dates or places of employment. The most relevant information is presented at the start of the CV. They are most appropriate when:
- You are changing careers and need to highlight the most relevant aspects of your previous experience
- You want to emphasise skills and achievements from previous work experience which were not required in your most recent position
- You are entering the job market after a break or for the first time
- You are self employed and want to present the various areas in which you have experience
A functional CV will include:
- Contact details: name, address, phone numbers and email address
- Skills and abilities: the key skills from your experience which are relevant to the job you want now
- Employment history: brief details of the jobs where you acquired these skills
- Education: your educational qualifications with most recent first
If relevant:
- Professional qualifications/continuing professional development
- Memberships of any relevant professional bodies
- Interests if relevant to job or you need to fill some space!
Your initial paragraphs will detail your skills and experience, with achievements and reasons to show why you are well qualified to move into the career you now seek.
Targeted CVs
Targeted CVs focus on a particular job application. They are useful when responding to a specific job advertisement. They are similar to functional CVs, but concentrate on skills that are directly relevant to the requirements listed in the vacancy.
When writing a targeted CV, look at the specific requirements of the job and format your CV to answer them.
General points
- It may useful to have more than one version of your CV
- Whichever format, your CV must look good and be easy to read
- Unless you are a real high flyer, all formats should be no more than 2 pages
Author Resource:-
John McE writes articles for JobsSW, a comprehensive online jobs board dedicated to those living and working in the south west. They offer both potential candidates and recruiters an unparalleled level of service.
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