What is a CV Template?

A template can be described as something that serves as a model for others to follow, or as a pre-formatted document that can be used as the basis each time a new document is created. In the case of a CV, there are certain set formats that an individual has to abide by in order to make the CV professional and acceptable to employers.

CV templates could be handwritten by professionals or simply downloaded from a website. If you are downloading from the Internet, the system will prompt you to save a copy of the template for future use. A CV template, also known as a CV blueprint, is the best guide for people who are new to CV writing.

Following a particular template is an easy process, but deciding which one to follow could give you a little bit of trouble. Let us first learn about available CV template options.

Traditional CV writing, presently called chronological CV writing, begins with one's personal information such as name, address, contact details, date of birth, and marital status. This is followed by educational qualifications, complete work experience, memberships, publications, and finally, interests and hobbies. There are a lot of people who still follow this style, but the problem with this format is that certain sections, such as memberships and publications, seem unnecessary, while important aspects, such as skills and achievements, are often neglected. Employers might not care about an applicant's interests or hobbies, so they might find it boring to read through an entire CV.

• A newer approach to CV writing, which focuses on being more expressive, is known as functional or skill-based CV writing. However, the problem with this format is that it puts too much emphasis on skills and achievements, while providing little opportunity to convey other important details.

• The best and newest approach to CV writing is a combination of the old and the new, where the applicant briefly describes all relevant factors. This includes skills, achievements, and how they could be utilized to achieve the company's goals. It also includes a summary of the applicant's education, training, knowledge, relevant work experience, and other personal details necessary for the position.

Although the combined CV format is the best one to follow, there are times when a company demands use of a particular style. Deciding which structure to follow thus depends on the specific purpose and circumstances at the time of the CV writing. Your CV is a medium that markets you to an employer, so if you feel lost at any point, asking for guidance from professionals or experienced friends will only do you good.