How to choose the best CV format (with examples)

Choosing the right CV format can make a big difference in catching a hiring manager’s attention. A well-structured CV shows quickly and clearly why you’re the right candidate for the role.

In this post, we’ll cover:

• The 3 main types of CV formats
• How to structure your CV effectively
• Headlines, profiles, and summaries
• Formatting and layout tips
• Examples to help you create a CV that stands out

1. Choose the Right CV Format

There are three main CV formats. Choosing the right one depends on your career history, skills, and the role you’re applying for.

Chronological CV

• Lists your work experience in order, starting with the most recent role.
• Ideal if your career shows clear progression.

Example:

Production Manager – ABC Manufacturing (2020–Present)
Senior Technician – XYZ Ltd (2016–2020)
Junior Engineer – LMN Ltd (2012–2016)

Functional CV

• Focuses on your skills and achievements rather than dates.
• Great if you have gaps in employment or are changing industries.

Example:

Key Skills:
- Project Management: Led 10+ production projects
- Mechanical Design: Designed 15+ product prototypes
- Team Leadership: Managed a team of 12 engineers

Combination CV

• Blends chronological and functional formats.
• Highlights skills at the top, followed by a brief work history.

Example:

Key Skills:
- Technical Sales, Product Design, Manufacturing Oversight

Employment History:
Senior Engineer – DEF Ltd (2018–Present)
Junior Engineer – GHI Ltd (2014–2018)

Tip: Consider creating different versions of your CV to match multiple roles. This allows you to quickly showcase your most relevant experience and skills.

2. Keep Your CV Concise

• Aim for no more than 2 sides of A4.
• Focus on relevant experience and key skills — hiring managers often scan CVs for only a few seconds.

3. Headlines & Profiles

The top of your CV is the first thing recruiters see. Make it count with one of the following:

• Headline: Summarises why you’re the best candidate.
  Example:Experienced Mechanical Engineer | 10+ Years in Manufacturing & Design
• Headline + Profile: Short paragraph expanding your headline.
  Example:Skilled Mechanical Engineer with 10 years’ experience in design and manufacturing. Experienced in project management, team leadership, and process improvement.
• Summary Statement: Combines a paragraph with bullet points of your strongest achievements.
  Example:Summary:
  - Led 5 major product launches
  - Reduced production downtime by 20%
  - Managed teams of 10+ engineers
• Branding Statement: A short, catchy statement of 15 words or less.
  Example: Innovative engineer driving product design and manufacturing excellence across UK SME businesses
• Objective: 1–2 sentences describing who you are and what you’re looking for. Useful for entry-level candidates or career changers.

Tip: Use either a profile/summary or objective, not both. Profiles give more context for experienced candidates.

4. Formatting Your CV

• Font: Choose something readable like Calibri, Arial, or Times New Roman.
• Font Size: 10–12pt for body text, slightly larger for headings.
• Consistency: Keep bullet points, dates, and headings uniform throughout.

Example of a clean section layout:

Job Title – Company Name (Year–Year)
- Key achievement or responsibility
- Key achievement or responsibility

5. Make Your CV Your Own

• Adjust your content to fit the chosen format — templates are just a guide.
• Include unique achievements and measurable results to stand out.
• Create drafts and have someone proofread to avoid spelling or formatting errors.

Example of a strong achievement bullet:

- Designed and implemented a new workflow reducing production errors by 15%

6. Visual CV Cheat Sheet Idea

Here’s a simple way to visualise CV formats side by side:

Top CV Tips Recap

1. Tailor your CV for each role – highlight the most relevant experience and skills.
2. Keep it short and readable, 1–2 pages.
3. Use clear formatting, headings, bullet points, consistent font.
4. Highlight achievements, not just duties, quantify your impact wherever possible.
5. Proofread carefully, typos or inconsistencies can cost interviews.

Next Step: Start with one CV format and adapt it for each role you apply for. Use headlines and summaries to quickly showcase your strengths, and remember: the first few seconds of a recruiter’s scan can make all the difference.