CVs – find your perfect match

Finding your perfect partner is all about seeking out someone who reflects your values, needs, and ethics. If you’re familiar with dating apps and websites, you’ll know that you need to carefully tailor your profile in order to make it stand out and have the best chance of catching the eye of that perfect somebody.

Job searching can be approached in a similar way particularly when it comes to your CV. Your CV needs to be tailored for each application you make. You will need to showcase your experience and transferable skills to ensure the hiring manager or recruiter swipes right!

Here is an overview of some of the different formats of CV, and don’t forget: needs and desires can change. Make sure before you step out looking for a new match again, that you assess what you really want and are going after the right type for you!

There are a variety of CV types to choose from that showcase work experience, industry knowledge and skill sets in alternative ways, ranging from Chronological CVs which highlight experience in reverse chronological order, Functional CVs focussing on transferable skills, to Video CVs which showcase personality and creativity.

Chronological CV

PRO: The Chronological CV is the most popular of the CV types and is most suitable when applying for roles where you have relevant experience. Each section is written in reverse chronological order and can show clear career progression if you want to stay in the same industry. With this CV type, you can easily see key responsibilities and achievements for each of your previous roles. Recruitment agencies prefer this format of CV so they can discuss your recent relevant experience with their client.

CON: The Chronological CV isn’t ideal if you want to change career as it focusses on your recent job title and industry, implying that you are looking for something similar. Also if you have been contracting it will draw attention to any gaps in your CV and the number of roles you have had.

Functional CV

PRO: The Functional CV can be used by people who want to highlight their skills and achievements across their career history. This is an ideal CV type to use when changing career, highlighting earlier experience or if you have had a career break. You can tailor the Functional CV by focussing on 3-4 areas of expertise the job specification requires as headings and including examples of relevant responsibilities and achievements underneath each one. The focus is less on your career history but more on your transferable skills.

CON: At first the Functional CV may seem difficult to write. To overcome this, you can use your Chronological CV content to start your Functional CV, concentrating on any key skills learnt rather than relevant experience.

Combination CV

The Combination CV is, as its name suggests, a combination of the Chronological and Functional CV. The first part is similar to a Chronological CV in that it includes contact details and a profile. The next part focusses on 7-8 achievements under the heading of Key Achievements. These achievements can be taken from a range of roles regardless of when they were achieved. The Employment History is then the same as the Chronological CV, in reverse chronological order. When you use a Combination CV you can showcase the skills you have that will add value to the job you are applying for on the front page while providing relevant work history. You may find that recruitment agencies prefer this version of CV to a full Functional CV.

Other CV types:

Video CV

While the written CV remains the world’s number one tried-and-tested application tool, in an increasingly competitive and technical job market there's more than one way to catch a potential employer's eye. One option is making a Video CV. It is fast becoming a popular application medium in creative industries such as advertising and PR, as well as sales and other customer-focussed fields.

While some have dismissed them as a gimmick, making a VCV can be a great way to showcase your personality and creative skills, while offering something a little different to your competitors.

You can read more on how to create a Video CV here

Infographic CV

Creative jobseekers love this format of CV as one of the main advantages of an infographic CV is its ability to draw the reader's eye to key data such as results and achievements. They are not every employer's cup of tea as they are a fairly new concept, however, and they tend to suit creative disciplines such as marketing or advertising, or even sales roles where there is an emphasis on results and outcomes.

If this sounds like you, an infographic CV may well add value to your job search and professional brand, but ensure you research the company culture and values before you embark on creating one to make sure it is appropriate before submitting it as part of a job application.

One thing to be warned of, especially if choosing a video or infographic CV, is the use of Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). An ATS is a type of software that handles the recruitment process within organisations by sourcing thousands of CVs and applications to determine which applicants match up to the job roles. It’s always worth researching to see if the company you’re targeting uses these ahead of sending a creative CV or where possible, emailing your CV directly to them. If you’re writing Chronological, Functional or Combination CVs, you can read more about ATS and how to optimise your CV for them here.

Renovo is the UK’s leading provider of outplacement. We work with both organisations and individuals to support all their career transition requirements. If you would like to understand how Renovo can help you please email info@renovo.co.uk