CV Writing Handout: Choosing the Right CV Type | ABC LTD Guide

This document is a comprehensive handout on CV writing, focusing on selecting the most suitable CV type for job applications. It begins by defining a CV and emphasizing its importance in making a strong first impression on potential employers. The handout advises against exaggerating or fabricating information on a CV, stressing the need for factual accuracy. It then delves into the three main types of CVs: chronological, functional, and chrono-functional (combined). The chronological CV is recommended for those with a solid career history and clear career goals, while the functional CV is suitable for career changers or individuals with gaps in their work history. The chrono-functional CV combines elements of both, highlighting both skills and career history. The document provides clear definitions, use cases, and advantages for each CV type to help job seekers make informed decisions. Desklib provides a platform for students to access similar solved assignments and study resources.

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CV Writing Handout

Contents
CV Writing..........................................................................................................................................3
What is a CV?.....................................................................................................................................3
The importance of getting it right......................................................................................................3
Stretching the truth...........................................................................................................................3
Determining the most suitable CV type.............................................................................................3
Chronological CV...............................................................................................................................4
Definition...........................................................................................................................................4
When to use chronological CV...............................................................................................................4
Functional CV.........................................................................................................................................4
Definition...........................................................................................................................................4
When to use functional CV....................................................................................................................4
Chrono-functional CV........................................................................................................................5
When to use a chrono-functional CV.................................................................................................5

CV Writing
What is a CV?
A Curriculum Vitae is Latin for ‘the course of one’s life’ and is defined by the Collins
Dictionary as, ‘an outline of a person’s educational and professional history, usually
prepared for job applications’.
The importance of getting it right
When looking for a job, regardless of profession, you will usually be asked for your CV. A
CV is used to help a prospective employer determine your fit for the role and is the first
communication with prospective employer. As you are competing against hundreds of
applicants, your CV needs to stand out in terms of both layout and content. To
compromise on the quality of your CV will only compromise your chances of securing an
interview.
Recruitment professionals are often the first point of entry. If you are responding to an
advertisement, it is very likely that they will be making decisions on which candidates will
make the shortlist. Should you be applying speculatively, it again will be their decision as
to whether to put you forward to hiring authority or to one of their clients. Consequently,
they are the people you need to impress.
Most people postpone writing their CV until the very last minute and do not afford their
CV the time and attention it deserves. It is somewhat apparent from reading the
comments below that too many people underestimate the importance of a CV and do a
rushed and an inadequate job.
Stretching the truth
CVs need to be factual. Do not be tempted to stretch the truth to tell half-truth. Minor
embellishments or lying can be the worst mistake you can make on your CV.
Determining the most suitable CV type
To grab the reader’s attention and increase the chances of being invited to interview, you
need to have a CV that best represents your skills and experience. As such, it is vital that
you select the CV type that will portray your skills and experience in the best possible
light.

Chronological CV
Definition
The definition of chronology as defined by the Collins dictionary is ‘the determination of
proper sequence of events’.
As the definition suggest, a chronological CV provides a detailed account of your career
history and educational history in order. The information needs to be presented in reverse
chronological order. i.e. most recent information first.
When to use chronological CV
You have a solid career history in a field, industry or discipline
You have no major time gaps between positions
You have worked for well-known companies with good reputations and have held
impressive job titles
You are looking to highlight your most recent jobs
You have clearly defined career goals
Functional CV
Definition
The definition of function as defined by the Collins dictionary is, ‘the intended purpose of
a person or thing in a specific role’.
As this definition suggests, when producing a functional CV, identify what your strengths
and skills are in relation to the role you are applying for. Therefore, this CV types focuses
on your transferable skills in relation to your target position.
When to use functional CV
 You are changing career or work direction into a different field, industry or
discipline
 You are applying for a job where you have little or no previous relevant experience
 You have a chequered work history
 You have been in one job industry for a very long time

 You do not have direct experience to the role which you are applying
 You have significant gaps in your career
 You have held several very similar positions
 Your career has downsized or you are looking to take a step back
 You want to emphasize work or achievements from your early career
 You have been recently absent from job market
Chrono-functional CV
A chrono-functional or combined CV mixes the elements of a chronological and skills-
based CV, borrowing the features from each of the other two styles. The chronological CV
provides a detailed account of your career history and educational history whilst the
functional CV provides a detailed account of your transferable or core skills. Hence, the
combined CV provides a combination of skills, career and educational history, but in less
detail.
When to use a chrono-functional CV
You want to emphasise both skills and career history
You have a solid career history field, industry or discipline
You have no major time gaps between positions
You have worked for well-known companies with good reputations and have held
impressive job titles
You are looking to highlight your most recent jobs
You have clearly defined career goals
You have been in one job or industry for a very long time
You are applying for a job where you have a