CV Types & Formats by Industry: Choose the Right Template for Your Career
Why CV Format Matters
Different industries have different expectations for CVs. A creative CV that works for a graphic designer might get rejected for a finance position. Understanding which format suits your industry is crucial for making the right first impression.
The Three Main CV Formats
1. Chronological CV
Best for: Traditional industries, steady career progression, most common format
Lists work experience in reverse chronological order (most recent first). Emphasizes career growth and stability.
Pros:
- ATS-friendly
- Easy for recruiters to follow
- Shows clear career progression
- Most widely accepted format
Cons:
- Highlights employment gaps
- Not ideal for career changers
- Can be repetitive if you've had similar roles
2. Functional (Skills-Based) CV
Best for: Career changers, employment gaps, freelancers, recent graduates
Focuses on skills and achievements rather than chronological work history. Groups experience by skill category.
Pros:
- Highlights transferable skills
- Downplays employment gaps
- Good for career changers
- Emphasizes what you can do
Cons:
- Some recruiters are skeptical of this format
- Can be harder for ATS to parse
- May raise questions about work history
3. Combination (Hybrid) CV
Best for: Experienced professionals, career changers with relevant skills, technical roles
Combines skills-based and chronological formats. Starts with skills summary, followed by chronological work history.
Pros:
- Highlights both skills and experience
- Flexible and comprehensive
- Good for diverse backgrounds
- Shows career progression while emphasizing skills
Cons:
- Can be longer (2 pages)
- Requires careful organization
- May be too detailed for entry-level positions
CV Formats by Industry
Technology & IT
Recommended format: Combination CV
Key elements:
- Technical skills section (programming languages, frameworks, tools)
- GitHub/portfolio links
- Project highlights with tech stack
- Certifications (AWS, Azure, etc.)
- Clean, modern design
Tips: Quantify impact (e.g., "Reduced load time by 40%"), include side projects, keep it ATS-friendly.
Creative Industries (Design, Marketing, Media)
Recommended format: Combination CV with visual elements
Key elements:
- Portfolio link prominently displayed
- Visual design that reflects your style (but still professional)
- Campaign results and metrics
- Creative projects and awards
- One accent color, clean typography
Tips: Show, don't just tell. Include links to work samples. Balance creativity with readability.
Finance & Banking
Recommended format: Chronological CV
Key elements:
- Conservative, traditional design
- Quantified financial achievements
- Certifications (CFA, CPA, etc.)
- Technical skills (Excel, financial modeling, Bloomberg)
- Education prominently featured
Tips: Use financial terminology, emphasize accuracy and attention to detail, keep design minimal.
Healthcare & Medical
Recommended format: Chronological CV (often 2+ pages)
Key elements:
- Licenses and certifications
- Clinical experience and specializations
- Publications and research
- Professional affiliations
- Continuing education
Tips: Include all relevant credentials, use medical terminology appropriately, emphasize patient outcomes.
Education & Academia
Recommended format: Academic CV (comprehensive, 2-10+ pages)
Key elements:
- Education first (with thesis/dissertation titles)
- Publications and presentations
- Research experience
- Teaching experience
- Grants and awards
- Professional service and committees
Tips: Be comprehensive, include all publications, use academic formatting conventions.
Sales & Business Development
Recommended format: Chronological CV
Key elements:
- Quantified sales achievements (quotas, revenue, growth %)
- Client acquisition and retention metrics
- Territory/market coverage
- CRM and sales tools proficiency
- Awards and recognition
Tips: Numbers are everything—show ROI, use action verbs, demonstrate consistent performance.
Engineering & Manufacturing
Recommended format: Combination CV
Key elements:
- Technical skills and certifications
- Project experience with specifications
- Safety record and compliance
- Process improvements and cost savings
- CAD software and technical tools
Tips: Include technical details, quantify improvements, emphasize problem-solving.
Legal
Recommended format: Chronological CV
Key elements:
- Bar admissions
- Practice areas and specializations
- Case experience and outcomes
- Publications and speaking engagements
- Professional associations
Tips: Conservative design, emphasize credentials, use legal terminology appropriately.
Hospitality & Service
Recommended format: Chronological or Combination CV
Key elements:
- Customer service achievements
- Certifications (food safety, etc.)
- Languages spoken
- Soft skills with examples
- Awards and recognition
Tips: Emphasize people skills, show customer satisfaction metrics, highlight flexibility.
Special Considerations
Career Changers
Use a combination format that emphasizes transferable skills. Include a strong professional summary explaining your transition.
Recent Graduates
Lead with education, include relevant coursework, internships, projects, and extracurricular activities. One page is sufficient.
Executive Level
2-page CV is acceptable. Focus on leadership achievements, strategic impact, and board experience. Include executive summary.
Freelancers & Consultants
Group projects by type or industry. Emphasize results and client diversity. Include testimonials or case studies.
Universal CV Best Practices
Regardless of industry:
- Tailor your CV to each job application
- Use keywords from the job description
- Quantify achievements whenever possible
- Keep formatting clean and consistent
- Proofread multiple times
- Save as PDF (unless .docx is requested)
- Test ATS compatibility
Choose the Right Template
Our AI-powered CV builder offers industry-specific templates optimized for ATS and designed to impress recruiters in your field. Simply select your industry, and we'll recommend the best format and design for your career goals.