Curriculum Vitae Samples and Templates: A Guide

A well-crafted Curriculum Vitae (CV) is crucial for showcasing your skills and experience to potential employers. Choosing the right template can significantly impact how your information is perceived. Here are examples of CV templates and styles suitable for various situations:

Chronological CV

This is the most traditional and commonly used format. It emphasizes your work history, listing positions in reverse chronological order (most recent first). It’s ideal if you have a consistent work history with clear career progression.

Example Structure:

• Contact Information: Name, phone number, email address, LinkedIn profile (optional).
• Summary/Objective: A brief overview of your skills and career goals (optional, but recommended for experienced professionals).
• Work Experience:
  • Job Title, Company, Dates of Employment
  • Responsibilities and Achievements (use action verbs)

  (Repeat for each position)

• Education: Degree, Institution, Graduation Date (reverse chronological order). Include relevant coursework or honors.
• Skills: List both hard skills (e.g., programming languages, software proficiency) and soft skills (e.g., communication, teamwork).
• Awards and Recognition: (Optional) List any relevant achievements.
• Publications/Presentations: (Optional) List any academic publications or conference presentations.
• References: “Available upon request” is sufficient.

Functional CV

This format focuses on your skills and abilities rather than your work history. It’s useful if you have gaps in your employment, are changing careers, or want to emphasize specific skills relevant to the job.

Example Structure:

• Contact Information: Name, phone number, email address, LinkedIn profile (optional).
• Summary/Objective: Highlight your skills and career goals.
• Skills Summary: Group your skills into relevant categories (e.g., Project Management, Customer Service, Technical Skills). Provide concise examples of how you’ve used these skills.
• Work Experience: List positions, companies, and dates of employment, but focus less on detailed responsibilities and more on how each position allowed you to use the skills highlighted above.
• Education: Degree, Institution, Graduation Date.
• Awards and Recognition: (Optional) List any relevant achievements.
• References: “Available upon request” is sufficient.

Combination CV

This format blends elements of both chronological and functional CVs. It allows you to highlight your skills while still providing a clear overview of your work history. It’s a good choice for candidates with a strong skill set and a relatively consistent work history.

Example Structure:

• Contact Information: Name, phone number, email address, LinkedIn profile (optional).
• Summary/Objective: Briefly introduce yourself and your career aspirations.
• Skills: List key skills relevant to the target job.
• Work Experience: List positions in reverse chronological order, emphasizing both responsibilities and achievements that showcase your key skills.
• Education: Degree, Institution, Graduation Date.
• Awards and Recognition: (Optional) List any relevant achievements.
• References: “Available upon request” is sufficient.

Creative CV

This type of CV is often used in creative fields like design, marketing, or advertising. It utilizes visual elements, infographics, and a more unconventional layout to showcase creativity and personality. However, use caution and ensure it is appropriate for the specific role and industry.

Choosing the Right Template

Consider these factors when selecting a CV template:

• Your experience level: Entry-level candidates may focus more on skills and education, while experienced professionals emphasize work history.
• The industry: Some industries prefer traditional formats, while others are more open to creative approaches.
• The specific job: Tailor your CV to highlight the skills and experience most relevant to the job description.
• Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS): Many companies use ATS to screen CVs. Ensure your template is ATS-friendly (avoid excessive graphics or unusual formatting). Simple, clear templates are generally best.

Many online resources offer free CV templates. Microsoft Word, Google Docs, and Canva are popular options. Remember to customize your chosen template with your own information and tailor it to each job application. Proofread carefully for any errors before submitting.