What is a Chronological CV?

The Chronological CV (or Performance CV as it is sometimes known) is one of the most common and effective CV styles that job seekers use. It is usually used when a job seeker would like to remain in the same industry but is looking for a new opportunity or a promotion.

Unlike the Functional CV and Targeted CV your career history should be near the top of the CV in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent job. This is very helpful for a prospective employer as usually they have very little time to read a CV and it gives them the chance to see your most recent accomplishments and work experience first.

When using a Chronological CV format, job titles, organisation names and dates should be strongly highlighted. Key responsibilities and achievements should then be described in detail under each job title. Similarly to the Functional CV, bullet points should be used to make it easy for a prospective employer to scan the CV.

• Personal Profile – Similar to The Targeted CV and Functional CV, start off your Chronological CV with a short personal paragraph. You should include the relevant skills and competencies that relate to the job you are applying for.
• Employment History – Start with your most recent job first. This should clearly show dates, name of employer and job description. Use bullet point to highlight the skills gained, plus responsibilities and attributes you have that most closely match the job description or vacancy you are applying for.
• Skills – This is an optional heading on a Chronological CV but can be useful to emphasis relevant educational achievements, language skills, IT skills and interpersonal skill.
• Education and Qualifications - Educational history and professional qualifications should follow under this title with the most recent first. Keep this brief and do not add too much detail but include all relevant educational qualifications and training courses you have attended.
• Interests - include relevant interests, giving sufficient detail to provide evidence of relevant skills for the job.
• References – Write “references available on request” (you should have the names of two relevant contacts that can be used as referees, usually one work and one personal). At an interview you may be asked to gives names and contact details so make sure you have them handy!

The above headings are guidelines only and every time you apply for a job you should slightly amend your CV to make it more specific. Ideally, a Chronological CV should be no longer than two A4 pages.

Advantages of Using a Chronological CV Format:

1. You can highlight any promotions you have been given in previous companies.
2. It is one of the most preferred styles of CV from an employer’s point of view.
3. If you are planning to stay in the same industry you can show clear career progression.
4. It is easy to see which organizations you have worked for, over what periods of time and what your key responsibilities and achievements were.

Disadvantages of Using a Chronological CV Format:

1. If you have worked in a number of temporary roles or have had a number of employers.
2. This format could also illustrate that you have been in job too long.
3. It may draw attention to gaps in your employment history e.g. unemployment, redundancy, self-employment, poor health.
4. If you are planning to work in a completely different field/industry.
5. If you are relatively inexperienced or have just left school/college. You should consider using a Functional CV or Targeted CV.