There are at least a dozen differing formats for writing a CV. There is no single ‘best format’ for CV writing; it is a case of selecting the format that you feel best presents your skills, ability and experience in relation to the job you have applied for. All formats are a variation of one of three different types of Curriculum Vitae (CV), and can be broadly divided into three categories.
CV details your career history showing your current employment first, and then working backwards. A chronological CV gives a complete record of your career history, education and qualifications, and quickly shows your relevant skills to a potential employer.
A CV which details your skills and experience is termed a ‘functional’ CV. The functional CV format focuses not on your career history but on the skills, abilities and expertise you possess that support your application, without showing your work history.
As the title suggests, a combination CV format combines the features of a chronological and the functional CVs in one document. Use of this format allows you to focus on your skills and qualifications, before presenting your employment history.