Totaljobs.com > Career Advice > CVs & job applications > Tips to select the right CV template
Tips to select the right CV template
Writing a CV is a bit like writing an essay: starting it is the
hardest part. But rest assured it's very simple. Basically there are
only three types of CVs. The CV that is right for you depends on your
career stage and on what you want to do next. Totaljobs has explained
the three CV types below, where you can also download CV templates and
create your own CV. Afterwards, you can upload your
CV to make applying for jobs quicker and easier on totaljobs.
Which CV?Post graduates, return to workers and specialist career
changers
If you have recently completed a course to update your skills or learn
a "new role", or if you have just graduated from university, you will
need to write a qualifications-based CV. This CV type suits post
graduates, jobseekers that want to return to work after a long period
of unemployment (12 months or more), and some career changers. A
qualifications CV is only suitable for career changers that must have
specific qualifications in order to be able to work in their new
career. Examples might include accountants, doctors, IT programmers and
social workers. For career changers, where the need is for skills or
market knowledge, a skills-based CV is more relevant. Please see below.
View and download the qualifications-based
CV template.
Career changers, return to workers and 'new' job opportunities
If you want to change careers, return to work in the same industry
after a short break (under 12 months), or work in a new industry or on
a specific project (i.e. a new product launch), then you need a
skills-based CV. This CV type showcases your skills and knowledge which
are transferable for your next job or career move. So unlike the
qualifications-based CV there is no requirement for 'specific'
qualifications to fulfil a role. An example of this is new media, about
10 years ago no one had experience in new media and typically print or
other traditional media candidates moved into this new industry
transferring their traditional skills.
View and download the skills-based
CV template.
Career ladder climbers
If you want to remain in the same industry but are looking for new
opportunities, perhaps promotion, better company perks or more pay,
then you will need a chronological CV. This CV showcases your work
history, plotting how you have continued to gain knowledge, skills and
possibly qualifications in the same industry.
View and download the chronological CV
template.
Good luck creating your CV!
For more advice please see totaljobs.com CV advice.
Run your finished CV by our quick CV checker.
To apply for jobs more quickly and easily, upload your
CV.
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