TYPES OF CV

 

There are many types of CV and we can help you to find the right one for you.

Commonly used types of CV include: Reverse Chronological, Functional, Targeted, and Customised. Regardless of type, each section in your CV should be present your most recent experience first.

Reverse chronological

This is the most widely used type of CV. It lists your qualifications and experience, outlining major points only. This type of CV is most effective when:

• You have recent work experience related to the position you are applying for
• You can effectively demonstrate measurable achievements
• Your employment history is consistent and has few gaps

Functional

A functional CV highlights skills and abilities you have developed through your education, work experience and other activities rather than specific roles and is generally more detailed than a reverse chronological CV.

This type of CV is most effective when:

• You want to focus on your relevant skills rather than dates
• You do not have a lot of relevant work experience
• You have gaps in your employment history

Targeted

A targeted CV combines the previous types and is usually targeted towards a particular position. It is the most versatile of the different types.

This type of CV is particularly effective when:

•  You have had varied work experience
•  Your previous positions are not related to the vacancy you are applying for
•  You are required to address selection criteria

Customised

This is basically a targeted CV with the addition of specialised information relevant to the position or sector. For example if you were applying for a teaching position you would be expected to include headings like Teaching Philosophy, School Practicum Experience and Voluntary Teaching Experience.

 

PREPARING A CV

An employer may only scan your CV briefly, so make it evidenced-based, concise and targeted to the employer’s requirements.

Essential items to include:

• Personal details – name, address, email, telephone, mobile
• Career objective or personal statement – What do you want to do? What level? Who with? Where?
• Education or professional qualifications – dates attended, name of institution/course, subjects
• Relevant skills – e.g. teamwork, problem solving, project management
• Employment/Work Experience – dates, employer, job title, roles/responsibilities, achievements
• Interests that enhance your CV

Start each point on your CV with a verb. Quantify achievements with figures, percentages and examples explaining when, where and why you used a particular skill, for example:

Communication

• Presented reports to tutorial group of 20 about economics research findings
• Wrote articles for university magazine about mountain-walking club activities
• Liaised with customers of various backgrounds at Tesco’s Supermarket as part-time cashier for three years

Teamwork

• Co-operatively planned work schedules with four staff at Marks & Spencer
• Negotiated with colleagues regarding task allocation for major projects at university
• Played an active role in attaining customer service goals at Tesco

Use the following skills areas as a guide and think about how they apply to your career history. If you are not sure what skills you have, ask friends, family and colleagues or speak to a career coach.

Communication

• Presenting information and ideas in written form
• Editing
• Giving and receiving feedback
• Explaining
• Active listening and asking clarifying questions
• Expressing ideas, feelings and opinions
• Speaking fluently and accurately
• Foreign language competence
• Persuading and influencing
• Negotiating

Flexibility

• Attitude to new tasks
• Readiness to change
• Enthusiasm
• Ability to transfer skills
• Commitment to ongoing improvement
• Desire to learn new skills
• Acceptance of constructive criticism

Teamwork

• Ability to work co-operatively
• Delegating skills
• Constructive confrontation and resolution
• Empathising
• Recognising and valuing difference

Resilience

• Coping with uncertainty
• Dealing with difficult people
• Ability to work under pressure
• Ability to set and achieve goals

Assertiveness

• Decision making
• Problem solving
• Independence
• Leadership
• Level of ambition
• Inclination to initiate ideas and plans

Entrepreneurship

• Self-promotion
• Ability to create opportunities
• Networking skills
• Customer focus
• Business acumen

If you need help to create your CV contact us.