There are many different formats that you can use for your CV, and this article will discuss the pros and cons of each. A functional resume format doesn’t include bullet points, but it does have bulleted highlights that represent key accomplishments and events. Some examples of bulleted highlights are increased revenues, improved profits, or reduced expenses. Highlighting your career highlights is another important aspect of this format. It shows potential employers that you’ve enjoyed success in your previous positions.
First of all, it’s important to know what your audience is looking for. Most companies require a CV that shows your skills, so if they are looking for a specific role, you might need to be more detailed than the general standard. Using a CV builder can help you make your CV look more professional. Just remember to choose a font that fits the company’s branding. You don’t want to send your CV to a job seeking employer with a strange font, as it will subconsciously send red flags.
Chronological resumes are the most common. They are great for those with few years of experience, people changing careers, or those returning to the workforce after a break. Chronological resumes include a summary statement and work history sections. Your summary statement is your first chance to introduce yourself to the hiring manager, so use it to highlight your strongest qualifications. After the summary statement, the work history section occupies most of the space on the document, showing how you’ve risen through the ranks.
Chronological resumes are easy to read and hard to hide. This format is good for someone with a steady career and plenty of relevant work experience. Chronological resumes list your employment history in reverse chronological order, with your current position at the top. Chronological resumes do not work well if you’ve had gaps in your career or have changed industries. Your employer will want to know your most recent experience.
If you have varied skills, a functional CV is the best choice. Although it’s not the most common format, it is an effective way to highlight your skills and make yourself stand out among the competition. A functional CV can also have a skills section and a reverse chronological work history. Combine the two to make the most of the space devoted to your skills. This format allows you to highlight the breadth of your skills while minimizing the gaps.
