Choosing the ideal CV format can be likened to a Barista, preparing coffee. Care has to be taken to tamper the grinds, heat the milk and get the right consistency. This affects the look and flavour and is a reflection of your skills as a coffee connoisseur. Moreover, the customer wants to know that you took as much care and attention in preparing that coffee, as you did the person before them.
When you choose a CV format, consider what stage you are in your career, your job experiences, or lack thereof, and even what your career goals are. They all play a contributing factor in deciding which CV type will serve you best. There are a number of recognised CV formats , but in this article, we will focus on the most common. They are:
- Chronological CV
- Functional CV
- Targeted CV (also known as the fabled Résumé)
Chronological
This is by far the most popular choice – and the most favoured by employers. It allows them to get a bird’s eye view of a candidate’s work history, especially if the candidate has a stable but progressing career trajectory.
A chronological CV is used when you have little, or no gaps in your work history. A chronological CV includes a summary of your experiences in the form of a Profile or Summary, lists your skills and attributes, your accomplishments and includes your work experience and qualifications.
Functional
If you don’t have much of a work history yet, a functional CV would be a practical choice. Similarly, if you want to change careers, or switch the focus from a career thwart with gaps in employment, a functional CV will serve you best for reasons that will become clear shortly.
A functional CV includes an expansion of your skills and attributes, with examples of how you have acquired these. It allows you to highlight what you have to offer in terms of skills, rather than recent work experience.
The format is highly effective when you want to be considered for positions slightly outside of your scope or where your experience may be out of date.
Targeted & Customised
A targeted CV requires you to invest time focusing on what the employer is looking for in their ideal candidate, and how your accomplishments respond. Sounds easy? The problem is that many do not take the time needed to customise their CV.
Did you know that a 2016 survey said that 54% of Recruiters will reject CVs that aren’t customised and tailored. Careerbuilder
A targeted CV sets you aside from the competition. Coupled with a cleverly drafted Cover Letter it is necessary when you want to get that all important interview invitation.
Conclusion:
It’s not always easy to choose the right format, and as with most things in life, your circumstances will play a role in the final approach. Research and statistics available to us today, make it easier to narrow your chances of securing an interview, and it is important that you consider these in putting your best foot forward. The format is but one crucial piece in this process.