Which CV Format?

Wednesday, April 7th, 2010 - Blog, CV Format, CV Layout

Which CV Format?

One question which many job seekers founder with, is which CV Format should they use?

The simple answer is: the one which will make the most impact with the employer, making them pick up the phone to arrange a telephone interview.

Daniel, a job seeker, asks: I am considering revising my CV from a reverse chronological format to either a functional or hybrid format. However, I understand that hiring managers and recruiters hate the functional and hybrid formats. Is this true? Is it better to stick with the reverse chronological format even when a job seeker is switching careers or has a gap in employment?

In answer:
Two answers to one question here Daniel, but one thought first.

CV’s are a personal thing – no two people will like exactly the same thing, so you have to do what you like and temper that highly with the input/feedback of others. I read a piece this morning which suggested that you needed at least eight people to read the final version of your CV to remove all the mistakes. I suggest that what ever you decide you like, you follow that advice by getting at least four of those people to be what could be called typical targets for your ideal position – HR managers, recruiters, etc in your target sector. You could also use our free CV Help service

The answer to any CV format question is: does it grab you in the first 30seconds? Doesn’t matter if its functional, hybrid or written on perforated toilet paper – does it grab the reader in the first 30seconds, and make them read more? Fail that test and everything else after that is highly irrelevant. Hence concentrate your efforts in the Cover Letter and Personal Statement to gain that traction/engagement.

Once you get past that, its about showing you have more than sufficient functional capability to do the job. To do that, again you need to use the best way to communicate those required skills. So if you are looking to do another job in the same sector as your last five years of career, then a reverse chronological is the best way. If you are considering moving sectors, then a functional format works better.

Professional CV Writing is an art form, but really its about getting the employer reading it to pick up the phone and call you to arrange a job interview – nothing more, nothing less. If it does that for you, in a ratio of more 1phone call in five job applications, then its a CV Format that is working for you.

Good Luck!
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In response: Thank you for your response. Since functional and hybrid resumes are new to me, it was hard to determine which format was best. Based on your reply, IMPACT (grabbing the reader’s attention) is more important than format. You have been very helpful. All the best, Daniel

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One Response to “Which CV Format?”

1. Tweets that mention Which CV Format? | Professional CV -- Topsy.com Says:
   April 7th, 2010 at 2:12 pm

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