Either of the Classic CV or Skills CV formats can be used for any application for many jobs including managerial, professional, administration and any other non-academic job. In general the chronological format tends to be used by new graduates or those with less work experience. You need to choose which of the two layouts suit you best and what you are most comfortable writing.
A Chronological layout gives an historical account of your career path so far. This is the format most people are familiar with – we have called this the ‘Classic CV’.
A Skills layout places emphasis on the skills, experience and strengths you have acquired and can offer the employer. It is not written chronologically but under headings which prioritise and match the skills the employer is looking for.
However, the ‘do’s and don’ts are the same for both CV formats.
For more help on completing a Skills CV read our Classic CV Guidelines here.
An example of a completed Classic Chronological CV and Skills CV are also available.
NAME
Write your contact details across the page (saving space) – using two lines if necessary. Include your landline, mobile and email
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________
OBJECTIVE
Briefly state exactly what it is you want – what job are you applying for. Don’t waffle.
PROFESSIONAL PROFILE
List or write in prose the key skills you have to offer the employer. These tend to be transferable skills which relate directly to the post you are applying for and for which you can provide evidence.
Headings
Write skills headings which relate directly to those skills looked for in the job description. You then write the skills you have acquired under those headings. Below are some possible headings examples. You will see more detail in the Skills CV example.
Communication
Finance and Administration
Organisation and Management
Marketing
EMPLOYMENT HISTORY
EDUCATION
QUALIFICATIONS
OTHER RELEVANT INFORMATION
REFERENCES
Using this format, you only need to add dates in a few sections especially Education and Employment History. In these two sections, Education and Employment, dates could be written on the right-hand side of the page.
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