Debra Maciel Writing a good curriculum vitae (CV) is one of the most important steps in any job search. It can make or break your ability to land the perfect job opportunity, as it gives employers the first impression of who you are and what you can offer them. A well-crafted CV template can be a great way to ensure that your CV stands out from the crowd and has all the relevant information needed for potential employers to quickly assess your skills and experience. In this article, we will guide you through the different types of CV templates available, how to use them effectively, examples of how they can be used, tips for how to make your CV stand out from others, and much more.
What Types of CV Templates Are Available?
When you begin to search for the best original cv template, there are several options that you may come across. The three most common types are chronological, functional, and combination/hybrid templates. Let’s take a closer look at each:
Chronological Template
The chronological template is used to list work experience in reverse chronological order, starting with the most recent job and working backwards. It also includes other relevant information such as education, certifications, awards, etc. This type of template is suited best to job seekers who have a consistent work history and want to highlight the progression of their career.
Functional Template
The functional template focuses on skills rather than work experience and can be useful for those who have gaps in their employment history or want to highlight specific abilities they possess that may not necessarily be related to previous jobs held. This type of template allows you to showcase your strengths without giving too much emphasis on shorter stints at certain organizations.
Combination/Hybrid Template
The combination or hybrid template combines elements from both the chronological and functional templates by listing key skills at the top followed by an organized timeline of past positions held underneath it. This type of template is best suited for those who have a mix of work experience and transferable skills that need showcasing on one page.
How Can I Use These Templates Effectively?
While having access to a variety of CV templates is great, it is important to ensure that you use them effectively so they will have the desired impact on potential employers. Here are some tips:
- Tailor Your Content To Match Job Descriptions – When using any kind of CV template you should tailor your content so that it matches up with what employers are looking for in terms of qualifications and experiences listed on job postings; this will help make sure your application stands out among others vying for the same position(s).
- Highlight Relevant Skills & Experiences – Make sure to include only pertinent information that is related to the job you are applying for and highlight any skills or experiences that may be particularly relevant.
- Use Action Words & Quantifiable Results – When describing past positions held, use action words such as “developed”, “managed”, etc., and provide quantifiable results whenever possible (e.g., increased sales by 20%).
What Are Some Examples of CV Templates?
Chronological Template Example
This example shows how a chronological template can be used to list work experience in reverse chronological order while also including other pertinent information such as education, certifications, awards, etc.:
John Smith
Name@mail.com
123-456-7890
Professional Summary
Highly motivated and experienced professional with 8+ years in the software engineering field. Skilled at project management, analytics, customer service, and software development. Possesses a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science and various certifications.
Work Experience
- Software Engineer: XYZ Company – July 2018 – Present
- Software Engineer: ABC Company – October 2016 – June 2018
- Project Manager: DEF Company – June 2014 – October 2016
Functional Template Example
This example demonstrates how a functional template can be used to focus on key skills rather than work experience; it includes sections for each skill set with descriptions of what those abilities entail:
John Smith
Name@mail.com
123-456-7890
Professional Summary
Highly motivated and experienced professional with 8+ years in the software engineering field. Skilled at project management, analytics, customer service, and software development. Possesses a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science and various certifications.
Key Skills & Qualifications
- Software Engineering: Fluent in coding languages such as JavaScript, HTML, and CSS with experience developing web applications for companies both large and small.
- Project Management: Proven ability to manage multiple projects from start to finish while staying within budget and meeting deadlines.
- Analytics: Experienced in data analysis, able to identify trends and develop strategies for optimizing products and services.
Combination/Hybrid Template Example
The combination or hybrid template combines elements from both the chronological and functional templates by listing key skills at the top followed by an organized timeline of past positions held underneath it.
John Smith
Name@mail.com
123-456-7890
Professional Summary
Highly motivated and experienced professional with 8+ years in the software engineering field. Skilled at project management, analytics, customer service, and software development. Possesses a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science and various certifications.
Key Skills & Qualifications
- Software Engineering: Fluent in coding languages such as JavaScript, HTML, and CSS with experience developing web applications for companies both large and small.
- Project Management: Proven ability to manage multiple projects from start to finish while staying within budget and meeting deadlines.
- Analytics: Experienced in data analysis, able to identify trends and develop strategies for optimizing products and services.
Work Experience
- Software Engineer: XYZ Company – July 2018 – Present
- Software Engineer: ABC Company – October 2016 – June 2018
- Project Manager: DEF Company – June 2014 – October 2016
Having a professional CV can help you stand out from the competition, but there are some additional steps you can follow to make sure your application is noticed. Here are some tips:
- Choose A Professional Design – Selecting a professional design for your CV will help it stand out from the competition.
- Use Keywords – Make sure to include keywords related to the job you are applying for in order to make sure employers can easily find your application when searching through resumes.
- Include Relevant Information – Only include relevant information that is pertinent to the position and highlight any skills or experiences that may be particularly beneficial.
- Proofread & Edit Carefully – Before submitting, proofread and edit carefully so there are no typos or errors; this will ensure a polished presentation of your qualifications and experience.
Writing a professional CV is more than just filling out the right template; there are several steps you must follow in order to create an effective document that will help you land your dream job. Here are some tips for crafting a great CV:
- Keep It Short & Sweet – Aim for one page if possible as most employers don’t have time to read lengthy CVs; keep it concise yet informative by including only necessary details about yourself and past positions held.
- Be Honest & Accurate – Always be honest when writing your CV as lying on an application could lead to serious consequences down the line; also double-check all facts before submitting so they are accurate (e.g., dates worked, titles held).
- Showcase Your Achievements – Highlight accomplishments such as awards won, certificates obtained, or volunteer work completed in order to make sure employers notice your successes and are aware of the value you can bring to their organization.
