What Are The Main Types of CV: Choose The Right One for You

Most resumes look the same, but they really aren't. It turns out that there are more types of resumes than you may think. Differentiating your resume will help you stand out from the competition and get noticed by potential employers.

It's a big deal, especially if you know that the average number of applicants per job posting goes to a staggering 250. In such circumstances, anything you can do to make your resume stand out is a major advantage. But before we dig deeper into the different types of resumes, let's first answer the question:

What exactly is a CV?

A resume is a file that outlines your professional qualifications, skills, and experience. It's usually one to two pages long and is used to apply for jobs. Now that we've got that covered let's move on to the main subject of our post.

3 Types of Resumes

There are three different types of CV: the chronological CV, the functional CV, and the combined CV. Each has its pros and drawbacks, so it's important to choose the right one for you.

• Chronological CV

The chronological CV is by far the most common type of CV. A chronological CV lists your qualifications and experience in order from most to least recent. This type of CV can be especially helpful if you have a strong work history and are targeting a position in which you have extensive experience.  

When creating a chronological CV, it is important to start with your most recent position and then work backward. Include the dates of each position, as well as the company name and location. Be sure to include any relevant accomplishments or responsibilities in each entry.

If you have weaknesses in your work history, you can address them in a cover letter or by listing any relevant volunteer work or internships. Another option is to hire a CV writing service to help you with content creation.

UK Careers Booster can assist you in writing a concise chronological resume. Our authors know how to present your professional qualifications in the most favourable light, all while following the best CV formats. The best thing is that we can do it quickly and at an affordable price.

• Functional CV

A functional CV is less common than a chronological resume, but it can be helpful under certain circumstances. A functional CV is one that emphasizes your skills and experience over your chronological work history.

It can be useful if you have major gaps in your employment history or if you're changing careers and want to highlight the skills that are most relevant to the new field you're entering. A functional CV might list your experiences and skills under headings like "Leadership," "Communication," and "Technical Expertise."

Alternatively, it might group your experiences by theme or focus (e.g., "Project Management Experience" or "Sales Experience"). Of course, whether or not a functional CV is a right choice for you will depend on your individual circumstances.

• Combined CV

A combined CV is exactly what it sounds like - a document that combines the chronological and functional formats. In other words, it lists your work history in reverse chronological order while also highlighting your most relevant skills.

Some HR managers also say that a combined CV is one of those types of CV that includes both professional and personal information. This can include your work history, educational details, volunteer experiences, and other aspects of your life that show who you are as a person.

Including this type of information can give employers a well-rounded view of who you are and whether you would be a suitable fit for their organization.

One thing we need to add here is that there are many other resume subcategories. You can order an executive CV or a resume that focuses on IT professionals exclusively. So, how many types of CV are there? It's impossible to answer this question, but we definitely pointed out the top three.

Different Types of CV Formats: Which Type of CV Is Best?

Now that you know the different kinds of resumes, it's time to choose the right format for you. Before doing so, let us say that there is no "one size fits all" solution here. The format that will do best for you depends on your individual qualifications and experiences.

If you're not sure which one to pick, ask yourself the following questions:

• Are you thinking about changing careers?
• Do you have larger gaps in your employment history?
• Are you a recent college graduate with little or no work experience?

If you answered "yes" to any of the above questions, then a functional or combined CV might be the right choice for you. These formats allow you to highlight your skills and accomplishments even if you don't have a long and consistent work history.

On the other hand, a chronological resume is probably the finest option for individuals who have a wealth of experience and accomplishments to showcase. In each case, UK CareersBooster will help you to make the best decision and craft a document that will get you results.

Why Do Resumes Matter? 3 Compelling Reasons

A resume is one of the fundamental documents in your career. It's the first impression you make on a potential employer, and it's what will determine whether or not you get an interview. In other words, your resume is what will help you land a job.

And yet, so many people treat their resumes as an afterthought. They throw something together quickly, without giving it much thought or attention. Don't make this mistake! Your CV is way too important to leave to chance. Here are three reasons why your resume matters:

1. Your Resume Is Your First Impression

You have but one chance to make a first impression, which is exactly what your resume is – the first impression you make on a potential employer. This document is what will determine whether or not you get an interview, so you need to ensure it's as solid and compelling as possible.

2. Your Resume Is What Earns You an Interview

Your resume is the gateway to an interview. It's what will get your foot in the door, so you need to make sure it's perfect. If your resume is weak or unimpressive, you're not going to get called for an interview.

3. Your Resume Shows How Qualified You Are

Your resume is your opportunity to show a potential employer that you are qualified for the job. This document should highlight your skills, accomplishments, and experience so that a potential employer can quickly see that you are the right person for the job.

Conclusion

Your resume is one of the most important documents in your career. It's what will make or break your chances of landing a job, so it's essential that you take the time to craft a strong and compelling document.

If you are not sure where to start, UK Careers Booster can help!

We offer professional CV writing services to help you create a document that will get you results. Our team of prolific writers will work with you to highlight your skills and accomplishments, and we'll help you craft a document that is sure to impress your future employer.