Career Services from Measurability

CV Format – What is a chronological CV?

CV format is an important aspect of CV writing which is often overlooked by jobseekers. There are a number of CV formats that jobseekers can consider but the most popular CV format is chronological CV. Basically Chronological means that your work experience is arranged so that the most recent work project is first. The chronological CV is currently the most popular CV format with employers in Ireland.

CV Format – Advantages of the Chronological CV

There are a number of advantages of the chronological CV. It is a familiar format, recruiters in Ireland expect this format and they are comfortable reading this CV format. It is also very easy to read and highlights the recent work experience and education.

CV Format – The Disadvantages of the Chronological CV

There are a number of disadvantages of the chronological CV. It focuses on facts and dates and has little emphasis on abilities and competencies. It limits the jobseeker particularly if your most recent work experience is not relevant to employer. It also highlights gaps in employment or frequent changes in jobs.
 
CV Format – When to use a chronological CV.

A chronological CV is fine when your recent work experience and recent qualifications are relevant to the post you are applying for. It is an appropriate choice if you have no gaps in the CV or have not regularly switched jobs

You should avoid a chronological CV is you have switched jobs often or if you have a few gaps in the career history. You might also avoid this format if you are re-entering the workforce after a long period out of work. Finally avoid this CV if your most recent jobs are not relevant to the post you are applying for.

If you are struggling to write a CV perhaps we can help. Measurability designs CV for professionals across Ireland – Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Galway, Waterford & Sligo. We are CV experts with a professional approach and vast experience in the Irish job market. Read more about our CV service.

There are many views on CV’s but my view on CV format and CV layout is simple –“keep it simple”. I have seen many CV’s over the year with bells and whistles and fancy frills but a clean well formatted CV wins hands down any day. I am sure you have heard the saying that magnolia sells houses – well simple format and layout will secure interviews. The clean CV will offend no one and it will make it easier for the hiring manager to find the information they need. Fancy Dan CV’s can offend and paint the wrong picture. The only time I advice jobseekers to throw caution to the wind is when their content is light and they need something to catch the employer’s eye.

I have outlined some basic points on CV format & CV layout below.

Font & Font Size – It is essential to use uniformed font and font size. CV’s with different font and font sizes look untidy and rushed. If you use Times New Roman then use it throughout. If you use font size 14 headers and font size 11 for main text then maintain this throughout the CV.

Clear Headers – Clear bold headers will make navigation easy. This will help the reader and improve your chances of securing interview.

Bullet points – Bullet points are powerful on a CV. Again they assist the reader and are pleasing on the eye

White space – Trying to get too much information on the page will not work. I often see jobseekers cramp information in a bid to reduce the length of the CV. I would prefer a longer CV which has ample white space than a cramped one page CV.

Measurability offers a nationwide CV writing service for all levels of jobseeker Graduate to Executive. We work with jobseekers from all industry sectors in Dublin, Cork, Waterford, Galway & Limerick. If you would like more information about out CV service or career coaching and interview coaching visit our website or contact us.

I regularly post articles on a few recruitment and job sites including www.eirjobs.com. This is a great site for those who want to keep up to date with the Irish job market. This is one of the previous articles I posted.

The internet is saturated with websites full of advice on CV design and content and everyone seems to be an expert in this area including family and friends. In principle much of this information and advice may be relevant to help create a killer CV and sell yourself effectively but the key issue that seems to be overlooked time and time again is that your CV is not actually about you. Think I’m mad – read on.

Is a CV really about you?

Yes your CV will contain information about you under the headings of personal details, value statements, education & training, work history and hobbies but exactly what information should be determined by the job specification and the employer requirements and not by what you want to write. When you understand and embrace this point your CV to interview ratio will increase dramatically.

CV Writing – See yourself as a product or service.

Another way to consider this is to imagine you are a product or service that you are trying to sell to a potential customer. Any good salesperson will tell you that the initial focus in any sale is to identify the needs of the customer. The client has posted a job specification telling you their needs so this has already made your job easier. Most jobseekers choose to ignore this valuable information and instead write everything they can about themselves thus offering information that is irrelevant to the potential employer. These CV’s lack focus or more importantly client focus. If this is what you are doing your sales pitch is providing information on features of your product or service that doesn’t interest the client.

Many jobseekers have one CV which they submit to every interesting job. If a salesperson offered the same sales pitch to every client they would not be very successful. Your CV should be altered for every position you apply for because in reality every client has different needs. This can range from a few tweaks to your CV to a major overhaul if for example you are applying for totally different skill-sets or roles.

CV Writing – 30 seconds to make an impact.

Most jobseekers have heard that many employers will make a decision within the first few minutes of an interview. Well most employers will make a decision to call you for interview within the first 30 seconds of reading your CV. It is important to tell a client early in your CV that you can solve their problems. Make an immediate impact and secure the chance to secure an interview to hammer home why you are the right person for the job.

Need CV help or advice – contact us.