Chronological CV

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.

Job Titles and company names are emphasised 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 formats, 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.

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 advert
You need to compose different CV each corresponding to a different career objective

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 advert
You need to compose different CVs each corresponding to a different career objective

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, 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.

Don't use the combination CV when:

Your work experience is limited.
You have several or unexplained employment gaps.
You changed jobs frequently.

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.

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 as 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 accounts 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.

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.