The Best CV format?

Which is best CV Format or Layout? In short, the format preferred by the vast majority of employers
and decision makers is one that is

1. Targeted, 2. Has reverse chronology and 3. Achievement Based (if appropriate).

A CV layout that covers these prerequisites is what we can call the "Universal CV format". This format
can also include career functions and more skills. Here is a outline list of the suggested layout with CV
formats online. The Layout can change according to the writer's career history and education.

1. Contact details - name, address, telephone number (a mobile or cell number is OK).
2. Personal profile and / or Career Statement i.e. a Personal Profile with and Objective
Statement, (keep it factual, no hype)
3. Key Skills Index.
4. Educational details.
5. Career History (Professional Experience), reverse chronological. This should include your
level of responsibility and bullet pointed achievements.
6. Achievements - bullet point under the companies they relate to.
7. Personal Details - hobbies, interests, marital status, year of birth, driving license.

This Universal CV Format has the added advantage of focusing attention at an early stage on your
most recent experience which, in the vast majority of cases, will also be the most relevant.

The Hybrid CV format has the added advantage of also communicating career functions or more skills
and abilities for targeting purposes.

Other CV formats include; Straight Chronological? Reversed Chronological? Functional? Targeted?

Basic? Performance? Comprehensive? International?

Here's a brief outline of their advantages and disadvantages.

Most readers will initially only give your CV only a quick glance. A straight chronological CV format
dispels 'most recent and relevant experience first' argument - you need to grab their attention straight
away. With both chronological formats (straight or reverse) has the inherent disadvantage of
highlighting gaps between jobs, frequent changes of employer (although this can be a good thing) and
changes in career direction. With a functional CV. Experience and achievements can be categorized
under functional headings such 'Management', 'Technical' 'Sales', Training' etc., rather than being
listed under employer. Career history is then summarized in reverse chronology, towards the later part
of the CV. Unfortunately, whichever way you make your CV, you will always find someone who likes it
written differently including CV Consultants, and recruiters and employers.

The Universal CV is a format that pleases as many people as possible as much of the time as
possible.

Mike Kelley
http://www.cv-service.org