A chronological CV and a skill-based CV are two different formats used for presenting one's professional experience and skills in a curriculum vitae (CV) or resume.
- Chronological CV:A chronological CV, also known as a reverse-chronological CV, focuses on listing your work experience in reverse chronological order, starting with the most recent position. This format emphasizes your career progression and highlights your continuity in employment. The structure typically includes the following sections:
a. Personal Information: Contact details, name, address, email, and phone number.
b. Objective/Personal Statement: A brief statement summarizing your career goals or personal aspirations.
c. Work Experience: List your work history, starting with the most recent job. Include the job title, name of the company/organization, employment dates, and a description of your responsibilities and achievements.
d. Education: Mention your educational background, including degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework.
e. Skills: Outline your skills and abilities relevant to the job, such as technical skills, language proficiency, or specific industry expertise.
f. Additional Sections: You can include additional sections like certifications, professional affiliations, publications, or volunteer experience if applicable.
g. References: Optionally, provide references or state that they are available upon request.
- Skill-Based CV:A skill-based CV, also known as a functional CV or a competency-based CV, focuses on highlighting your skills and qualifications rather than your work history. This format is useful when you have gaps in employment or want to emphasize specific skills for a particular job. The structure typically includes the following sections:
a. Personal Information: Contact details, name, address, email, and phone number.
b. Objective/Personal Statement: A brief statement summarizing your career goals or personal aspirations.
c. Skills Summary: Create a section where you list your key skills and competencies relevant to the job. Highlight specific skills in bullet points or short phrases.
d. Work Experience: Include a concise summary of your work experience, mentioning job titles, company names, and employment dates. Instead of detailing responsibilities for each role, focus on the skills and achievements gained in each position.
e. Education: Mention your educational background, including degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework.
f. Additional Sections: Include additional sections such as certifications, professional affiliations, publications, or volunteer experience if applicable.
g. References: Optionally, provide references or state that they are available upon request.
The choice between a chronological CV and a skill-based CV depends on your individual circumstances, career goals, and the requirements of the job you are applying for.
