Getting a new job is a key new year’s resolution for many people. Searching new websites for job postings, following the social media profiles for companies you want to work with so you can hear about new opportunities and perhaps even setting up some job shadowing days are all great steps you can take to improve your chances. But the most important thing that you can do to achieve this goal is to get your CV in order. One thing to be aware of is that there are different types of CVs, so it may be worth thinking about which type will better suit your needs. Today we’ll highlight two main types of CVs.

The first of the two main types of CVs that we’ll talk about is the chronological CV. This is a CV where you list all of your previous job experience in, as the name suggests, chronological order. This is a very common type of CV, and is quite likely what you already have. The chronological CV has got some definite advantages. It’s fairly easy to update with new experience, and you’ll use the same CV for various types of job. However, this type of CV does have some drawbacks as well. Depending on what kind of job you’re looking for, the chronological CV might contain details that just aren’t relevant to the position you’re applying for. However, leaving those positions out to focus on more relevant positions may leave your potential employer wondering what you did for a certain period of time.

This brings us to next of the two main types of CVs – the skills based CV. This CV doesn’t list all of your jobs in chronological order. Instead, you focus on the skills that were required of you in different job roles. You should start this type of CV with a skills profile, where you write a few sentences highlighting some basic experience and why you’re looking for a role in this area. You’ll then have to consider what broad categories of skills are particularly relevant to the jobs you’re applying for, such as education, administrative or customer service experience. You then highlight the experiences that led you to develop skills in those areas. This type of CV is great because it lets your potential employer quickly see the skills and experience that you have. This is especially important when many people are applying for the same position and prospective candidates need to be narrowed down quickly. There are some drawbacks to this CV though. Depending on whether you’re applying for different types of jobs you may need to create slightly different versions of this CV, which can be a drag. It’s also perhaps a bit more difficult to create in the first place. This is where the Internet and the careers advisor at your school or university can be really helpful. Have a quick look at how to do this type of CV online, and then have a go at creating one. Make an appointment with your careers advisor and take in a copy of what you’re written. They’ll be happy to give you some pointers on how to improve on what you’ve done.

You may also wonder whether you can mix the two main types of CVs. Well, this depends. There will probably be chronological elements to a skills based CV. For example, if you’re listing all your jobs where you developed administrative skills, you’ll do this in chronological order. And you can start off your chronological CV with a skills profile, and you’ll probably make some separations, maybe between education and work experience.

So take the new year as an opportunity to consider whether your CV is really providing you with the best opportunities, or whether one of these two main types of CV would better suit your needs and help you find the perfect job.